Tips to Build & Maintain a Strong Relationship with Your Child

Think back to the first moment you held your child. Parents want to shower their newborns with love and care for their every need. Bonding is an essential part of caring for your child. A parent-child bond is an intense attachment that fosters a sense of security, which impacts social-emotional and cognitive development. Keep in mind, bonding is a complex process that takes time.

A strong bond is how parents identify their baby’s wide range of cries. It is what wakes a parent up in the middle of the night to feed a hungry baby. As your child grows, bonding is the predictable routine in your child’s day that's a result of your caregiving. Building a strong bond with your child is ongoing and it takes intentional effort. The parent-child bond is a strong predictor of a child’s success in life.

Tips to Build & Maintain a Strong Relationship & Connection with Your Child                                              

• wear a sling or front baby carrier
• sing to your baby
• read to your child
• cuddle your toddler
• plan one-on-one activities with your child – walks, riding bikes, spa night, baking
• talk face-to-face with your child
• prioritize family meals
• play together
• model respect and courtesy
• create a weekend routine (pancakes on Sundays perhaps)