A father-son relationship is really complex. Fathers and sons who lack common interests might find it hard to relate to each other. In spite of wanting to show their love for each other, their male tendencies might keep apart. The key issue is that they may find it hard to connect with each other. But certain ways can help mend the bond between father and son.
Every relationship changes over time. Just like that, a father-son relationship also sees certain changes over time.
* Influence Them PositivelyNot many people notice this but boys, when they are little, always learn about being a man primarily by watching their fathers. A son’s personal development because of his father’s influence is not always visible, but it’s real. Watching his father interact with this mother, a young man learns respect (or in some cases disrespect), how women and men interact and how men should deal with differences and conflicts. When this young man watches his dad interact with other men, he learns how to talk to men, how he should relate with his male friends and how to solve masculine issues.
* It is Okay to Have a Little Boisterous PlayMost boys, especially when they are little, would love to do anything that is rough and active. Fathers doing something like a little wrestling now and then would go a really long way. With boys, it seems that this small bit of wild behaviour is a sort of a bonding experience. Remember to keep them safe during the time. Further, this behaviour might translate into activities like skateboarding, rock climbing, or ice hockey.
* Develop Common InterestsAlmost every relationship gets stronger when both have something in common to talk and share. There are many cases where lack of common interest has become the reason both father and son do not spend enough time with each other. This further has resulted in the inability to not find out anything about each other. Songs and movies for dad and son bond is a great way of developing common interests.
* Get Involved in Father-Son ActivitiesActivities dads can do together with their sons will help to grow the bond. It could be anything like cooking together in the kitchen or boy scouting where you help each other. It is best if dads start this practice when their sons are young.
* Take on a Large ProjectA boy finds it really magical when he takes on a project that is bigger than him. Fathers could try to do things like rebuilding a few cars and putting the machines back into operation. There are many who decide to build planter boxes, a vacation cabin, landscape a backyard, or even go for a nice summer biking vacation. Whatever the project is, when done together, the bond created will last a very long time.