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How did it get to be January 2015 already?!  That’s a question that’s fresh on the minds of many people these days.  Despite time passing quickly, the arrival of the New Year brings a renewed hope for what is to come over the next year. Many people will set resolutions to pick up a new hobby or kick a bad habit.  One of the best resolutions we can make this year is to connect with our children in ways that build trust and confidence.  DrugFreeAZKids.org offers 15 steps to help build a better relationship with your child and create a stronger, more resilient teen.

15 things you can do in 2015 to build a better relationship with your child.

1. Teach your children to trust you by seeing you as a role model.
2. Develop a family plan to establish expected family behavior and consequences.
3. Apologize when you make a mistake or do something you regret.
4. Ask teens what they need from you. Do whatever you can to meet those needs.
5. Listen to your teens without judgment. Avoid interrupting.
6. Teach your children about ethics, values and principles they can apply in choices and decision making.
7. Help them discover the feeling of gratitude—more than just saying “thank you.”
8. Keep the promises you make. If you do not keep your word, acknowledge that. Help your teen understand the circumstances or choices that precipitated the change in your plans.
9. Answer your teen’s questions and be consistent. When you notice behavioral changes in them, make yourself available and encourage them to talk about what is going on in their life.
10. Be understanding when they have a difficult time and let them know you will love them no matter what.
11. Be diligent. Have ongoing conversations with your kids about the risks of drugs and alcohol.
12. Help your teens learn effective problem-solving skills to prepare them for later on in life.
13. Role-play scenes with your child where people offer her drugs. Kids who don't know what to say or how to get away are more likely to give in to peer pressure. Let her know that she can use you as an excuse and say: "No, my mom or dad would kill me if I smoked a cigarette."
14. Have fun with your child! Take them to one of their favorite restaurants or to a movie. They’ll enjoy having that one on one time with mom or dad and it will make them feel special.
15. Carve out time each day to check in with your child during the drive home from school, while washing dishes, or whenever you have some one on one time.  Make your time together count!