Being a homeschool mom I am always in the position of being the teacher. The teacher shares and imparts knowledge to a student. A teacher tests and analyzes a student. When I am not teaching, I am a mom. A mom mothers. She kisses boo boos, makes dinner, and disciplines. Yes, she also mentors proper etiquette and manners. Both roles are to be cherished. Yet, there is another level of interaction that blesses a mother/child relationship. The relationship that develops when two people share a hobby which turns into sharing hearts.
Sharing a hobby involves spending time with a child in a low pressure environment. That type of environment will cause both involved to open up and have a great time. You will have the ability to see your child in a different light and get to show a different side of your personality. It will be be beginning of a life long tradition. Even if that particular hobby is not long lasting, you will set the precedent of sharing an activity that both will enjoy and learn from together. It will build happy memories of laughing together and create an environment that will make it easier to open up to each other.
If you do not have a current hobby to share then find one together to try. Activities can include:
Sewing
Scrapbooking
Photography
Running or jogging
Crochet
Golf
Volleyball
Swimming
Art classes
Jewelry making
Crafts
Ministries
Don’t be discouraged if your child is not interested in your hobby. It does not mean your child does not want to spend time with you. Your child will not see this as an attempt to bond but a chance to have fun. Find something together and if you must cater to your child’s interests. Then start to add in more activities until you find something you both enjoy.