You Can Improve Your Relationship with Your Child

Tonight, something unexpected and truly heartwarming happened.

I went in to kiss my little champ goodnight. My husband was reading to him, and just as I leaned in, my son turned to me and said:
“I want Mummy to read me a story. I love her the best.”

Now, while we don’t really encourage “favourites” in our home, this was a moment that will stay with me forever.

You see, my little guy adores his daddy. With limited time together during the week, the moments they share are precious and deeply valued. For him to ask for me instead of daddy... was a real shift.

And it made me realise how far I’ve come as a mum.

Let me take you back a few years.

We had just immigrated back to Australia and were settling into our home when, ten days later, we were burgled. My mother-in-law was home at the time, caring for our two-year-old, and she was brutally attacked.
Miraculously, she recovered—almost fully. But the trauma left deep imprints on all of us.

The house was in disarray—blood, forensic dust, broken trust. We moved out quickly and ended up moving five times in just 18 months. My mother-in-law was with us for two of those moves.

To say it was a turbulent time would be an understatement.

I was constantly packing and unpacking boxes, dealing with removalists, updating addresses, managing food and logistics—and all the while trying to be present for our two young boys. But most of the time, I was just trying to keep us afloat.

Eventually, the stress caught up with me. After our final move, I had what I can only describe as an emotional breakdown. With support and counselling, I slowly rebuilt. But one thing lingered: the guilt.

I felt I’d failed as a mum. That I’d missed the babyhood of my youngest. That I hadn’t given him enough love or attention during those chaotic months.

It wasn’t until a year later, during a coaching session, that I had a realisation that hit me like a tidal wave. My coach asked a few simple but profound questions… and I realised I had barely looked my child in the eyes during that time. I had been so consumed with survival, I wasn’t seeing him.

I vowed that day to change.

I set goals with my coach—to be more present, to pause, to really listen, to get down on his level and make consistent eye contact. It felt small at first, but within weeks, everything shifted.

He started coming to me when he was hurt.
He asked me for help.
He invited me to play.

And now, tonight, he chose me to read him his bedtime story—for the first time ever.

As I tucked him in, I said, “Goodnight sweetheart, I love you.”
He looked up at me and said:
“I love you Mummy… you are one dynamite gal!”

My heart melted.

This moment didn’t happen by chance. It was the result of years of mindful choices, conscious parenting, and a commitment to change my behaviour.

I’ve been intentional with my words, my tone, my presence. And I’ve watched our relationship blossom into something rich and deeply connected.

And here’s the truth:
If I can transform my relationship with my child, so can you.

I’m not perfect. But I’ve walked the path. I know what it takes. And I believe—truly—that the relationship you long for with your child is possible.

Has guilt ever made you pull away from your child—emotionally or physically?
What would it feel like to reconnect, just one eye-gaze, one moment at a time?
You can change the story. It starts with one choice, one pause, one promise to be present.

What’s one shift you’re ready to make today? If you need some support, connect with me here.