Being a parent is no easy task, and there are a million different things that need to be done at any given time, but only so many hours in a day. With that being said, bonding time is important and should be a priority for all parents.
For busy parents who juggle many tasks and many ‘hats,’ it may seem daunting to fulfill all of their needs and still find time to bond. However, there are quick ways you can bond with your child that take less than thirty minutes. Right now, possibly more than ever before, kids need reassurance and to feel a deep bond within their family.
John Gottman is a love expert of sorts, specializing in relationships and family ties. His association is known as “The Gottman Institute,” and according to him, “successful long-term relationships are created through small words, small gestures, and small acts.”
To put it simply, even the simplest of moments make a big impact on our overall connection to our loved ones. If you are wondering how to put that into practice, here are 10 quick ways to bond with your child.
1. Greet your child with a hug and a kiss when they wake up.
While this is a simple gesture, it means a lot. When your child wakes up, greet them first thing with a smile, a hug, and a kiss.
2. Express gratitude, and practice it with your child.
Teach gratitude by sharing what you are grateful for with your child. You could say, “Gratitude means that I am grateful for the many blessings in my life. I am grateful for you, for our home, and for all the love we share.” Then, ask them what they are grateful for. Not only is this a bonding activity, but it also helps them to shift their perspective towards a positive mindset.
3. Take them for a walk outside.
Nature is so beneficial to our health and well-being, and it’s nice to get out on a pretty day and take a walk, even if it’s a short one. Take your child for a walk around a local park, or even a track that is nearby.
4. Ask them about their feelings.
From time to time, check-in with your child about how they feel. Ask specific questions like, “How did you feel about that incident at school last week?” or “How did our recent move make you feel?” When they respond, genuinely listen and respond to them in a validating and reassuring way.
5. Play with them.
When they ask you to sit with them on the floor and play with their new Legos, do it. Don’t brush them off, or make a million excuses for what you need to do. Instead, sit down, pick up some Legos and get to playing!
6. Share a story or article you read that made you feel good.
If you read a good news article or a positive story in the news or online, share it with them. Explain the story in-depth and include how it made you feel. Then, encourage them to react as well.
7. Frame a picture of the two of you together and give it to them.
Print out a picture of the two of you during a moment in which you were having a happy time. Then, purchase or make a frame for it, and give it to them. Make a copy for yourself, so you can both look at it.
8. Let them help you fix dinner.
When you are cooking dinner, allow them to help. If they are small, get them a chair or a stool, and then ask them to perform simple tasks and explain what you are doing. When it’s time to eat, explain to the rest of the family how helpful they were and how wonderful the meal is they helped you fix.
9. Play a board game with them.
Play Uno, Go Fish, or whatever board game you have on hand with your child. Explain the rules, and show them how to play as you go. When they get a good hand or make progress, show enthusiasm for them. And above all, just enjoy the game!
10. Ask them about their day before bed.
Before bed each night, make it a ritual to ask them about their day. As they respond, truly pay attention to what they have to say. Actively listen by responding with cues that show you are paying attention. And give helpful and encouraging insights.