Being a parent is a difficult job. Babies and toddlers can be difficult to understand and you may not always be sure if you’re actually bonding with them. However, the connection you have with your child is an important one, so you should put some effort into ensuring it is a strong one. This can be challenging though and each family is different.
We’ve put together a few tips to help you strengthen your relationship with your child.
Play together
Bonding with your child doesn’t have to be complex. It’s simply a case of increasing the amount of time you spend directly interacting with them. When a baby or toddler isn’t given enough attention they can become frustrated and confused. Just sitting down with them and trying to understand what they are doing will go a long way in increasing the bond between you and your child. You could draw pictures, play dress up or build a lego structure together.
Listen to your child
You may think your child hasn’t got anything important to say, however, in their first few years they are learning to communicate, both verbally and non-verbally. This is a sensitive time period for them because it can be distressing if they are trying to communicate something and you don’t understand them. The more you pay attention to your child, the easier you’ll be able to understand when they are expressing anger, sadness, doubt or fear and do something about it. This is a key way to build trust with your child and make sure they are heard.
Set boundaries
One way you can ensure your bond with your child is strong is by setting boundaries. They need to be able to understand rules and learn what is expected of them. While it can be tempting to just give in and let your child get away with things, setting boundaries helps them learn how their behaviour affects how people treat them. They will trust you and soon understand the importance of adhering to the rules.
Attend a Saturday morning club
Check if your nursery or pre-school offers a Saturday morning club or kids club. It is usually a session that both parents and children can attend together and is designed to optimise parent-child bonding. It’s also a great way to test out a new nursery and see if you like it.
Are you looking for a day nursery in Hedge End or Eastleigh? Little Acorns Day Nursery provides a range of sessions to help children grow and learn before they reach school age. Take a look at our website to discover the services we offer.