10 Daily Steps to Strengthen the Bond with Your Child

Jun 05, 2018 by apost team

Every parent craves those intimate moments with their children that bring them closer together. Having a close bond is important to both the parent and the child. A strong relationship makes a child WANT to cooperate. They are still children, so they will still act like it, but when they trust their parents to be understanding and on their side, they will be motivated to follow their lead. And both a parent and a child want memories that will last a lifetime.

With some daily tasks that can be developed into habits, keeping a strong bond with your child isn't so far out of reach. Here are 10 things that you can do to strengthen the connection with your child that will help you have a better, healthier relationship with your child.

apost.com

Start the day with some cuddle time and make it the last thing that you do at night. Throughout the day, you can hug your child as you're saying goodbye or hello. As you're passing, try tousling hair, patting backs, and rubbing shoulders. Be sure to make eye contact and smile. If your child is reluctant, then it's okay. You may have to ease into the connection. Try settling in by offering a drink and asking about their day.

Laughter is the best medicine. It even works for keeping you connected with your child by giving a rush of endorphins and oxytocin for the both of you. Jokes and joint laughter as a priority also gives you both a chance to laugh away any anxiety or upset that could otherwise cause a disconnection between you. Play along with their favorite hobbies and your child will reciprocate and become more cooperative.

Make your child your priority. Even turning off the music while they are talking to you will open up a powerful connection. Show your child that they are more important than your phone, television, or other techs that might distract you from them.

A child may have a hard time transitioning from one subject or activity to another. Be sure to make eye contact, use their name, and have their attention. It will make transitions easier on them.

Take some time out of your schedule for each child and give them 15 minutes. You can take turns doing what your child wants and what you want during those 15 minutes. Try anything that will allow the two of you to connect and get your child laughing.

Expressing emotions should be both allowed and welcome, otherwise, those emotions will drive your child's behavior. This is also an opportunity for you to help your child through these emotions, which will ultimately strengthen your connection with them. Be compassionate and understanding. This is a time for your child to let everything out and vent to you so that afterward they will feel more relaxed and even closer to you.

A good relationship begins with listening. Try to see things from your child's perspective. This will allow you to see the reasons for their behavior and develop win/win solutions.

Try not to rush through the day. Every interaction with your child is an opportunity to connect. Slow yourself and your child down long enough to share those moments together.

Make bedtime just a little bit earlier so that you'll have some extra moments to spend together as you're tucking your child in. Take this time to talk about your child's day, to soothe any worries, or to smooth out anything that may be going on between you. This is a time to listen and acknowledge your child. Let them know that together you can solve any problems.

Your child will grow up faster than you think. When you're with your child, be 100 percent present for them. Make it a habit to listen, show up, and be there for your child. By developing these habits, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime for both you and your child.

Share this article to give other parents a chance to strengthen their connection with their child.