As difficult as it may sound, when you get home or your kids get back from school, turn off your phones and give them your full attention at least for the first half hour or so. The kids love this because they know you are not going to be distracted by messages as they tell you what happened at school. The Swedish government did a poll and discovered that 33 per cent of kids complained that their parents were always on their smartphones.

The best way of communicating with your kids is to look them straight in their eyes as you talk to them. Eye contact is so important in this age when everyone is glued to some computer, device or phone. The child can learn to wait until he or she has your full attention but this is worth waiting for. It is also a great lesson to teach a child that eye contact is a very important social skill as they get older.

Have a nice long walk with your kids [we are not talking about grocery shopping, here] and talk about the stuff that you see around you. It’s not only healthy, but it’s also a good way for you and your kids to get to know each other better and maybe that spot of exercise!

Even if you’re already a parent, there’s nothing wrong with showing your kid that you get excited over the same things that your kid loves – a movie or a cartoon series or a toy. It makes your kid feel like his or her interests matter to you, and also makes your child feel more at ease since they have something in common with you.

Let them play in the rain and stomp around in the mud once in a while. Playing in the rain is a whole lot of messy fun, and we know you secretly want to join in too, so don’t be shy and join your kid! Contrary to what many people say, you are not going to fall sick if you play in the rain, especially in hot sunny Singapore. Just ensure that you dry your kids and yourself once you are out of the rain.

Very old school but penning little notes to your kids would be greatly appreciated even if they don’t tell you so. You can leave sweet notes or a funny joke in their lunch boxes. They’ll adore you for it.

With younger kids, they will always treasure those moments when you read them a story as they drift happily into sleep. It is enormously reassuring and it is a unique bonding experience for parents and kids. The extra bonus is that this also helps your child’s brain development. Older kids still enjoy you tucking them in and giving them a goodnight kiss.

Countless studies show that kids thrive on warmth and affection. The child feels loved and will have a greater self-esteem. There is no need to go overboard but a kiss or a hug once a day will do you both a lot of good. It lessens the chances of your kids becoming aggressive, anti-social and having other behavioural problems. While older kids might be a little embarrassed at the physical affection, there should always be words of support and empathy to take its place.

What to wear for the party next week or where to visit when you go on holidays can be decided together with your kids. Make sure your kids are fully involved and engaged. It is also great for kids to start learning how to make decisions with their parents’ guidance

Kids love to play, just get to the playground or kick a ball or two at the park. Otherwise, there’s always the good old fashioned pillow fight! Just make sure not to hurt your child in the process.