1. Let it be a ritual
First and foremost, make this time with your children non-negotiable and let it be a ritual in your home. Whether you are a stay at home mum or a working mother or a dad who travels, we don’t always get to have that exclusive time with them during the day. There are things that need to be taken care of – could be the laundry that needs folding, project reports that need to be sent out or younger child’s demands. So make this time, as your exclusive time to have a one-on-one chat with your child no matter what.2. Talk about their day
We all have good and bad days. Children are extremely perceptive and notice a whole lot of things that we sometimes as adults may miss out. So asking them about their day is a good way to find out if they have been happy about something in school, if they learnt something new, maybe discussed a movie they watched with friends or it could be about the little pebble they picked up. You will definitely get an insight in to their day, and if there was something that bothered them and made them unhappy, you can reassure them. Either tell them you will help them or tell them how they can make it better.3. Ask them about tomorrow
I feel talking to them about what they would like to do the next day builds a sense of curiosity and hope. Sure, we don’t want to be making grand plans like taking off on a vacation the very next day but if they tell you that’s what they want to do, so be it. Some of them may talk about the project that they have been looking forward to starting at school or a play date they want you to set up or even those cookies they want to bake along with you. Do take care to take into account what they have shared and while some of it may not be practically feasible to do the very next day, there will definitely be a few things that they can do the next day.4. Talk about things they like
If you are just getting into this, pick a subject they like. Maybe their favorite Disney character or a character they like on TV or from a book. Steer clear of things that are unpleasant or scary. You want these conversations to be happy and pleasant and not leave the child frightened or anxious.5. Say I love you
Always end your conversation saying I love you. Going to bed feeling protected and reassured is definitely going to relax your children and they are less likely to have nightmares or wake up feeling scared. It is also going to go a long way in making them feel confident about sharing things with you.So go ahead and use this time before they sleep to create that life long emotional bond and both of you are going to cherish it long after the kids have left home.