‘Warmth is the secret sauce of parenting.’ Be a warm parent by doing these 3 things

A warm parent is connected to their children.

“When we have high expectations and a warm, connected relationship with our children, that’s when kids do the best,” said Psychologist Dr. Todd Corelli.

He made this claim back in January, and we wanted to take it deeper. What does it mean to be a warm parent with warm relationships?

The Magic of Warmth

Todd emphasized that the term ‘warm’ is not just a casual term of endearment, but a clinical term used in research.

He explained, “The warmth of your relationship, and I always think of it as the connectedness, the connection that you have with your child – that’s where all the power is.”

The power of warmth lies in its ability to foster a strong bond between parent and child. This bond, or connection, is the foundation which all other aspects of the parent-child relationship are built.

“It’s the secret sauce of parenting that’s sitting right in front of our noses and we don’t even know it,” Todd explained.

What Does a Warm Parent Look Like?

A warm parent is one who is connected with their child.

Todd described it as a heart-to-heart connection, “Like a tether from my heart to my child’s heart. That invisible string that draws them to me.” This connection is not about being overly permissive or having no boundaries. It’s about creating a bond, an attachment, a connection that is so strong, it influences the child’s behavior and decisions.

How to Be a Warm Parent

Being a warm parent involves more than just expressing love and affection. It requires presence, understanding, and empathy. Here are some strategies shared by Todd:

1. Simply Show Up: The easiest thing we can do is to be present. Being there for your child, attending their activities, and showing interest in their lives can significantly strengthen your bond.
2. Learn Your Child’s Love Language: Understanding how your child receives affection and love can help you connect with them on a deeper level.
3. Say Less, Listen More: Empathy is the great connector. When we listen to our kids and empathize with them, we spend more time understanding their feelings rather than telling them what to do. This approach fosters a stronger connection.

For more insights from Dr. Todd Corelli, you can follow him on his social media platforms @drtoddtalks, and listen to his podcast, “Dr. Todd Talks.”