Research has shown that the quality of parent-child relationship profoundly impacts children's wellbeing and behaviour. Children crave our time and connection, but in our hectic lives, trying to find the time to bond as a family is a real challenge.
This means that we have to be more intentional about making it happen. Instead of waiting for the 'perfect' time, it may be helpful to make the time instead. Sometimes we think connecting means spending all of your free time with your child. This is far from true. Even as little as 10 minutes of the day could sometimes be good enough for meaningful connection. An effective strategy might be to have a list of different predetermined activities and consider which ones you could try and make happen each month.
Download suggested activities here. You can cut out and fold the activities, putting the ones you're willing to commit to for the month in an envelope, and keeping the rest separate. At least once a week, have your child pick out an activity. Kids love the mystery of what the activity could be, and because they never forget, once they've picked something, it can hold us accountable for carving out that time to spend together. The best part is that it doesn't have to be a long or complicated activity. What's important is the time set aside to connect that may not have otherwise happened. It's a win-win for all.
Use these 27 connection building activities - from things you could do at home in as little as 10 minutes to outings that may require planning and scheduling - to create your own fun box of activities!
What are some of your favourite family bonding or connection building activities?