How to strengthen your bond with your child

Piece by: KEZIAH GITAU
Entertainment

• Technology has a major contribution in spoiling parental bonds with their children.

Vera Sidika with Asia Brown
Image: Courtesy

Parenthood is never an easy task especially when it comes to creating a special bond with your child.

Building a positive parent-child bond is the ultimate goal for every parent because it helps you understand your child better.

There is no manual to getting the relationship right but here are a few tips that will help in strengthening your bond.

  • Create parent-child ritual

The secret to bonding with your child is spending quality time with them free from distractions and doing it often. Some parents schedule special dates with their kids by taking them out for a hangout or dinner night every once in a while. You can also choose to go for a hike, watch a movie or take them on a vacation every once in a while. This will tremendously bring you closer to your child.

  • Listen and empathize

The easiest way to connect with your child is by listening to them. Being attentive when they speak makes them feel comfortable around you and reassures them that you are there to help whenever they need it. Try to see things from the child's perspective in order to understand them better.

  • Show your love

It is very vital that your child receives gentle and loving touch from their parents every now and then, especially when they are you. Human touch such as hugs and kisses is needed at every stage of our lives for healthy emotional and psychological development. It is good to always greet them with warm expressions, give eye contact, smile, and encourage honest interaction.

  • Set boundaries, rules, and consequences

Kids require guidance and a structure as they grow in order to learn how the world operates. It is good to set boundaries, rules, and consequences in order for them to know what is required of them. Ensure that you do not bend the rules therefore consistency matters.

  • Say "I love you" often

Most parents rarely tell their kids that they love them they just assume that their kids know. A simple I love you can have a massive impact on your long-term relationship with your child. When your child is undergoing a difficult situation, it is important to remind them of your love which will ease the situation a little bit.

  • Play together

Play is so important to a child’s development. It is the tool through which children develop language skills, express emotions, foster creativity, and learn about social skills. Additionally, it is a fun way for you to strengthen your relationship with your child. It does not matter what you play. The key is to just enjoy each other and commit to giving your child your undivided attention.

  • Be available and distraction-free

There is nothing small kids love more than being around their parents, especially their mothers. They tend to be child-like all the time so that they can be pampered by their moms which make them feel very special. Setting aside a few minutes to be with your kids without any distractions can make a huge difference in establishing good communication skills with them.

  • Eating meals together

Sharing a meal together with your kids as a family creates a good environment for you to share with your kids and can lead to great conversations. It is a good time to catch up with your kid's progress and brings some level of togetherness as a family.

  • Play together

Indoor or outdoor games play an integral role in a child's development. It helps in a child in expressing their emotions, develops language skills fosters creativity, and learns social skills. Moreover, it is a fun way of strengthening your relationship with your child. The key thing is to have fun with your kid as you giving them your undivided attention.

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