By Babalwa Madikazi, Head of Children and Young People therapy, and a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and EMDR Practitioner at Onebright
Children’s development is often embedded within a complex system of relationships. Among the many relationships that influence children’s growth and development, the one between a parent and a child is the most influential.
Early parent-child relationship is formative for a child’s socio-emotional, cognitive, and neurobiological development and overall health outcomes.
As a parent, you want to do the right thing by your child to make sure they have the best start in life, but it can be hard to know where and when to start.
I’ve outlined some strategies and practical tips here to help parents.
The Importance of Parent-Child Bonding
Social connections form the cornerstones of health and well-being, and for adolescents, connections with family, peers, and community are even more influential in their development. Research indicates that a supportive social network of parents, peers, and teachers improves adolescent mental and behavioural health and yields lifelong benefits. Therefore, it is vital to nurture these relationships during these formative years.
How can you do this?
Open and Effective Communication
Communication forms the basis of any healthy relationship. Communicate with your child using age-appropriate verbal and non-verbal language they can easily understand. Additionally, actively listening to your child demonstrates interest and care for what they have to say. Ensure your child feels heard, and validate their experiences, thoughts, and feelings.
Engaging in Activities and Learning Together
Make time with your child to either play or learn together to build positive attachment. Playing is key to children’s learning, development, confidence, and well-being as it forms their first interactions with the world.
Research has proven that engaging in play improves a child’s self-control, the way they handle their feelings, and how they feel about themselves. Remember, it’s not just about what you do, but the connection you forge through activities. Playing games, dancing, walking, and singing together are excellent ways to relieve stress for both you and your child. Having fun together also releases endorphins that promote a sense of well-being and connectedness. These moments also create lasting memories and strengthen the bond between parent and child.
Maintaining a Daily Routine
Children thrive with routine as it provides a sense of security and control. A routine creates a stable environment where children know what to expect, which reassures them and instils confidence to carry out tasks independently. Make sure to establish family routines such as regular mealtimes, bedtime, game nights, or weekend walks to foster a sense of togetherness and strengthen the parent-child bond.
Encouraging Independence
Parents can support their child’s autonomy by allowing them to make age-appropriate decisions. Additionally, assigning small responsibilities that gradually increase with age helps children learn from their experiences and gain trust in their decisions. Balancing nurturing with promoting independence supports children in developing confidence and resilience.
Building stronger parent-child relationships is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and dedication.
By focusing on open communication, engaging in shared activities, maintaining routines, and encouraging independence, parents can create a nurturing environment that supports their child’s overall well-being and development.