Three Tips to Strengthen Your Relationship With Your Child

Building a strong bond with your child doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly or planning big activities. Most bonding happens in everyday moments – when kids feel listened to, cared for, and safe with their parents. Research shows that strong parent-child relationships help kids feel more confident, manage emotions better, and build healthy relationships as they grow.

The good news is that bonding doesn’t have to be complicated. Below are three research-based tips you can use in daily life to feel more connected to your child and build a stronger relationship over time.

1. Read, talk, sing, and play together: Shared activities create “time in” that strengthen family bonds. Talking with your child while reading together and playing in a responsive way are proven strategies that help build language skills and create positive parent-child connections. These activities support both cognitive development and relational health.

2. Catch your child being good! Offer specific, positive praise for appropriate behaviors rather than focusing primarily on corrections. This approach reinforces desired behaviors and helps children develop positive self-concepts. Starting with small, achievable goals allows children to experience success quickly.

3. Establish supportive routines and relationships: Encourage good health habits and supportive relationships both within and outside the family. Establishing family routines, supportive peer relationships and maintaining consistent sleep and activity patterns are essential for preventing childhood anxiety and depression.