Cultivating Connection
“The parent- child connection is the most powerful mental health intervention known to mankind.” Bessel Van Der Kolk
Finding small moments each day to connect with your child can make a profound difference in maintaining strong emotional bonds. Below are some practical and heartwarming ways to help you stay connected, slow down, and keep love at the forefront of all that you do.
The school year can be busy! Balancing work responsibilities with school-related activities can be challenging for many families. Actively finding ways to connect lets our children know that they matter and that being with them makes us happy. Strong parent-child connections are crucial, not only in boosting self esteem but also in supporting a foundation for healthy development. Secure attachments in childhood can lead to healthier relationships later in life and can impact your child’s ability to manage their own emotions effectively as they go out, with confidence, into the greater world.
Morning Moments
Breakfast Together: Start the day with a shared meal. Whether it is a quick smoothie or a full breakfast, this time can set a positive tone for the day. Check in with how your child is feeling first thing in the morning, noticing their energy levels and asking open ended questions to engage them in meaningful conversation - What are you looking forward to today? What do you think will be the best part of your day?
Morning Walks: If time allows, take a short walk together outside. Encourage your child to pay close attention to their senses. What can he/she see, feel, touch, smell and see? Sensory exploration helps children to process and make sense of the world around them.
Positive Affirmations: Spend a few minutes each morning sharing positive thoughts or affirmations. Encourage your child to use language that promotes a healthy mind and body… I am kind, I am brave. I believe in myself. I can do hard things. I am a good friend. Incorporating positive affirmations into a child’s daily routine can have lasting benefits, helping them grow into confident, resilient and emotionally healthy individuals.
Connecting After School
Snack and Chat: When your child gets home, share a healthy snack and spend some time chatting about your day. Ask open ended questions such as: What made you smile today? What made you feel proud? How were you helpful today?
Homework Help: Be available to assist with homework. This not only supports their academic growth, it also shows them that you are invested in their education.
Go Outside: Sunlight boosts Vitamin D! Active play promotes physical health, develops motor skills, reduces stress, and enhances creativity. Connecting with nature also improves mental health.
Evening Rituals
Family Meals: Make it a point to have dinner together as often as possible. Use this time to discuss and reflect on each family member’s day. What was your favorite part of today? What is something you learned today? Did anything feel hard today? What are you looking forward to?
Reading Together: Spend some time reading together. This can be a bedtime story for younger children or a shared book for older children. Ask questions such as: Would you want to be friends with the main character; why? What do you think will happen next? Would you have ended the story differently? What was your favorite page?
Bedtime Routine: Establish a bedtime routine that is slow and calm. This could include a warm bath, some quiet time or a gentle conversation about the day. Ending the day with gratitude can improve sleep quality, leave you feeling peaceful and fulfilled, and tees up your focus for the next day!
Weekend Fun
Family Outings: Plan regular family outings on weekends. This could be a hike, a special meal, or even a cozy movie night at home. Everyone’s version of fun looks different; maybe each family member could choose to bring the family along for what they see as a fun adventure!
Creative Projects: Engage in creative activities like arts and crafts, cooking, or gardening. These projects can be both joyful and educational. Creativity helps us embrace mistakes, think critically and solve problems, improves cognitive function, and allows us to find meaning and purpose in our lives.
Volunteer Together: Find local volunteer opportunities that you can do as a family. This not only helps the community but also teaches valuable life lessons, boosts self esteem, and shows our greater purpose by contributing to the world.
