Building a strong relationship with your child is an essential part of parenting. Children who feel bonded with their parents feel safe and secure. It helps them build a strong foundation for future growth and trust. The positive effects of well-attached children start from birth.
This study from the National Institutes of Health shares that human babies are born very dependent on their parents. If they are not shown positive experiences from birth, the pathways for a normal human experience can be lost. The study also highlights that the most important gift that a parent can give their child is love, time, and support. All these things help to strengthen the parent-child connection.
When parents build a strong bond with their baby at a young age, it helps them to stay close throughout their childhood. It starts from a young age, but the work continues as the child grows. Building a strong, lasting bond with your child takes time and effort. Even after the bond is made, you must continue to strengthen it over your child’s life. Trust is at the foundation, and you can work to continue to build a strong connection from there.
There are some ways to help build a strong bond with your family. By employing these strategies, you can build and keep that connection. Here are some tips for building a better bond with your child.
- Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Communication is key to creating a strong bond with your child. It’s important that they feel like they can talk to you about anything and feel safe. They need to think that they have a trusted ear and undivided attention when trying to talk about important things to them. Be present with your child and really listen to what they are saying to you.
Listen carefully and process before having a reaction. There may be times that communication with your child angers you, but it’s important to temper your responses so that your child continues to view you as a trusted resource.
- Tap into Their Interests
Part of a child finding themselves is discovering what their likes and dislikes are. A great way to bond with your child is to spend some time exploring their hobbies. If they like to cook, spend an afternoon making cookies together. If they like art, learn about their favorite artist so you can talk about them with your child. Carve out some time to learn about their favorite things to do. Support their interests as it helps them grow as an individual.
- Set Aside Special Time Together
It can be hard to find uninterrupted time with your child. Another key to forming a strong bond is to spend quality time together. Work to find time for just the two of you. It doesn’t have to be exotic- it only has to be quality. Put away your phone, find a quiet spot to connect, or take a walk together. Make it a habit to take time for one on one connection.
- Build Family Routines
Children thrive on a routine. Simple things like a quick breakfast together, helping them with their homework every day after school, or eating dinner together can help build a close bond. These times can allow you to talk to each other about your day and get closer.
- Stay Available
As children go older, they may not seem to need you as much. However, the bond between a parent and a child is more important than ever. Make yourself available for your child if they need to talk, but don’t feel the need to press for details. Children open up when they have something they need to say, but it often takes time. Parents can let their children know that they’re available if they need to talk. It can even be as simple as, “Hey, I’ll be in my office if you need me.” This lets your child know that you’re here and ready with an ear.
Give Yourself Grace and Be Patient
Building a strong bond with your child starts from the moment they are born. Showing our children love by telling them, showing them, and building the connection will positively benefit them. Children with a strong bond are often happier, more self-confident, and build strong relationships with their peers.
Be patient and give yourself time. Forming a strong bond takes effort. It may feel frustrating when you’re working to create closeness and don’t feel a strong bond taking hold. In the end, your relationship with your child will be stronger and you will both benefit.
For more ways to help forge deeper bonds within your family, download our free THE HAPPY CHILD APP here.