10 Great Ways to Bond With Your Child

Finding a page-turner you can read aloud to them in instalments over several days or weeks creates a restful, intimate zone for the two of you to exist in.

Just make it a chance to explore the neighbourhood together, talk about your day, and maybe give the dog a little exercise.

Make it low pressure and full of laughs–even if it’s a disaster.

The reciprocal nature of the interactions involved offers many benefits to the parent-child relationship.

Touch has been proven to be a helpful intervention when done in a way that is respectful to both the child and parent. If your child happens to be struggling with her emotions or has emotional or behavioural challenges, cue the piggy back rides and living room wrestling many of us grew up with.

For older children, writing produces great benefits, including the reduction of stress and improved personal health.

Music offers lots of benefits for both parent and child, including bringing our awareness into our bodies and into the current moment. Your kids will be practising mindfulness without even knowing it!

Research has shown that involving children in meal preparation helps foster family bonding and togetherness, and even reduces behaviour problems.

Caught up in the daily current of work and responsibility, it can be challenging to truly listen to our children in a way that is beneficial.

Engaging in art or craft activities with children is an awesome way to provide not only a fun and enjoyable experience, but a therapeutic one as well. No matter their age, you’ll be hard pressed to find a child who can’t find an art medium that interests him.