Creating a Strong Bond With Children

The responsibility of caring for a child can be overwhelming! Caregivers have are so many things to consider in their role. As a therapist I love seeing a strong, healthy attachment between an adult and a child. In a short interaction or observation, one can tell a lot about how healthy a relationship between a parent/guardian and child is. A strong bond can foster many positive qualities for a young one: improved self-esteem, increased independence, healthy boundaries, positive communication, respect, compassion and empathy are some.

Here are a few signs that a loved one is providing what a child needs for healthy growth and development.

• Smiling and laughing with each other.
  
• Talking in way that is positive, encouraging and kind.
• Undivided time and attention. So often adults are preoccupied with their phones, work or other distractions. Making sure you factor in time to send the message that nothing is more important than your child, even if it is only a small amount of time each day.
  
• Being consistent and following through. Routine and structure are a necessity for children. They depend on you to set boundaries and expectations, which helps them understand the world around them.
  
• Allowing kids to learn and grow according to their level. If you are teaching a 5 year old about the rules of shopping you would not give them a printed list of rules and expect them to understand. You may instead, allow them to use the miniature shopping cart and model to them how people behave in a store.
• Rewarding for positive behavior. Notice when a child is doing something right and praise them often. When this is done, the likelihood that they display negative behaviors for your attention will decrease. For example, when the child clears their plate after dinner thank them, give them a hug and explain how helpful it is when they clear their plate.
• Allow creativity for growth. Children learn via many different methods. Give them as many options as possible to help them make sense of their environment. You can understand so much about what a child is thinking by sitting down on the carpet with them as they pretend to be the “teacher.”
• Make it clear to your little one that you will be there to support, love and care for them always. For parents/guardians, regularly communicating this unconditional support for your child will foster many positive things such as trust, confidence, self-esteem and respect.