Developing a solid emotional bond with your child will make you feel good and encourage your child's emotional intelligence and development and a strong sense of security.

Making your child feel safe and cared for are crucial as they grow up and start interacting with friends and classmates. Understanding their emotions and how to express their feelings to you effectively will serve your child throughout their young lives and well into adulthood.

You can do several things to increase your connection to your child.

Listening to Your Child

Regardless of our age, we all want to be listened to. Your child is no different, even though it may be hard to understand what they are attempting to communicate to you. Giving your child your attention as they speak will encourage them to express themselves with their words more than through crying or throwing tantrums. Ask them questions to help them further express themselves.

As your child's language skills develop, introduce words that help describe their feelings at any time. For example, words like sad, frustrated, and confused can be constructive as your child grows and develops their sense of emotional intelligence in themselves and others.

Physical Touch

All of us need regular physical contact in order to be well-balanced and healthy and your toddler is no different. Human contact and physical touch help to reduce anxiety and depression. Make sure you hug and show affection to your child regularly. Physical connection has also been shown to support your child’s immune and nervous systems. So, the more hugs the better!

Cooking Together

Enlisting your child to help you prepare meals for the family is a great way to increase your bond. Give them age-appropriate responsibilities like opening the refrigerator or pouring liquid into a glass. Your child will feel empowered with the responsibility and understand the importance of their participation in the entire family's wellbeing.

As they get older, assign them different responsibilities. You can even let them select the menu for dinner!

Playing Games Together

Toys designed for toddlers may not hold your attention for long, but you must engage with your child as they are at play. Collaborative play will lead to greater social skills for your child.

Learning to share and take turns at games will be crucial as your child starts interacting with children outside the home or school.

Allow your child to invite you into their activities and playtime. As your child does this more regularly, they actively take control of their environment and expand their communication skills.