Special moments with your child can make your heart melt. Your child feels this, too, and certain daily habits will help them feel better connected to you.
Making a connection with your child is essential to raising children that follow the rules and feel strong.
When your child knows that they can trust you, they will feel confident as they grow and develop. Simply knowing that you are on their side will give them the motivation they need to make good choices. Plus, they will be more motivated when they know they have someone supporting and guiding them.
When life gets busy, keeping these daily habits that mean so much to your child is even more important. You already spend so much of your time away from that that every moment together counts. Most daily habits are easy to incorporate, and they will be beneficial to both you and your child.
Daily Habits That Mean Everything to A Child
As you spend time working toward these daily habits, your child will develop emotional intelligence. They will also feel more connected to the world around them and as a family. Please do what you can to make these daily habits a part of your life because it truly means everything to your child.
1. Mealtime Conversation
Talking to your child at dinner helps strengthen the family bond. Create a ritual at the dinner table where everyone says something about their day. Use an open-ended question to get your child talking, and you’ll learn so much about them.
You can use the same question each night, or you can switch it up every time. Another idea is to have your child come up with the questions sometimes. If you have more than one kid, let them take turns choosing the question every night.
You can discuss anything, and this habit will quickly become something they look forward to. Some ideas of what to ask about include:
- things they are grateful for that day
- the best part of their day
- something they learned about
- what they hope to do that weekend
- a goal they have for the week
It doesn’t matter what you talk about. The important thing is to spend this time discussing what is on your mind and getting your child to do the same. Oftentimes, one little question can open up an entire conversation that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.
2. Physical Connections
Children need physical connections often to thrive and develop correctly. Since it is a frequent necessity, it means that you should spend time making sure you’re physically connecting with them. Make it a point to touch them anytime they are in your presence.
You can hug them, cuddle with them, rub their back, or tousle their hair. Any type of physical connection is good, so do whatever you are both comfortable with. Hugs are the best, though, and you can give them often.
3. Help Them with Responsibilities
Giving kids small jobs to do will teach them responsibility and make them feel proud. Help them do things like feeding the pets or sweeping the floors. Simple, everyday chores can be the perfect bonding opportunity that helps your child develop.
While your child might not like chores as they get older, it is still a good daily habit to implement. No matter the age, teaching responsibility in this positive way is important to their development. So, even when it would be easier to do it yourself, make it a point to involve your child.
4. Turn off Your Electronics
When you are interacting with your child, put your electronics away or turn them off. It will help your child see that they are important enough for you to get off your device. Spend time listening to your child, making eye contact, and engaging.
When you turn your electronics off, your child will remember those moments forever. It makes it more likely that your child will open up to you, too.
5. Going on Walks
When you go on walks with your child regularly, it is a routine they will never forget. This time together is a great way to strengthen your bond, and it will make your child more comfortable opening up. You will find that they talk a little more as you spend time walking together.
If you have more than one child, go for a walk with each of them one-on-one. This time together is precious, and it will mean everything to your child.
6. Play with Them
When you join your child in play will bring them so much happiness. You don’t have to make a plan to do this. Wait until you have a free moment and spontaneously join them with whatever they are doing.
When you can make your child laugh, they will be even more delighted. Laughing decreases anxiety and will make your child feel better connected to you. Plus, it will make them want to listen to you and cooperate with whatever is going on.
An easy option for playing on the go is a deck of cards. Keep cards with you anywhere you go, and you will always have the perfect way to play with your child. Kids love quick card games, and they are such a good learning opportunity, too.
7. Spend Time Alone with Them
You don’t have to plan much for one-on-one time with your child. Even 15 minutes of your undivided attention each day is enough to benefit them. Follow your child’s lead with this and do whatever they want to do with you.
When you choose an activity for this time, avoid making it too structured. Look for activities or games that will make your child laugh instead. If something else comes up that you didn’t plan for, go with the flow and enjoy the spontaneity.
8. Bedtime Routine (the most important of these daily habits)
Having a bedtime routine that your child can count on is essential. There are a few things you should incorporate into this time, including:
- reading with them
- bath time
- time to cuddle and chat
Taking time to read with your child each night is highly beneficial to your children. Plus, it is beneficial for you, too, because it is rewarding to be quiet together.
While bath time with your child may seem tedious and stressful, it is imperative to them. Bath time gives them a chance to calm down and let their stresses go. Plus, it gives you a chance to nurture and care for your child before bed.
Once your child is in bed, consider spending time cuddling with them and talking. Those moments together are a safe time to connected. Your child will feel comfortable talking about their worries, hopes, and feelings.
If you follow a routine similar to this, you will find that your child sleeps better. Not only that, but you will feel like a better parent as you go to bed, too.
9. Baking or Cooking
Letting your child help you cook or bake will make their day. Even if it takes longer and is messier with kids involved, it will mean so much to your child. When they are older, you will look back and realize how special those moments were for you, too.
Some recipes are easy enough that older kids will get the hang of it pretty quickly. When that is the case, you can sit back and watch them make the recipe as they enjoy time with you.
10. Inside Jokes and Personal Recognition
When you are your child share inside jokes, you will both find joy in those moments. Letting your child know that you remember the little things helps them feel better connected to you. Shared experiences and memories will always mean so much to your child.
Sometimes all that you will need to do is a wink at your child. They will realize that you are referring to something special between the two of you, and they will feel special.
Final Thoughts on Daily Habits That Mean Everything to A Child
Life is busy, and it is hard to find extra time in your day, but developing these daily habits is so important to your child. Make time for your little ones because before you know it, they will be grown, and the chance will be gone. Embrace each moment that you have right now, and fill it with meaningful moments.
As you implement these daily habits, you will find that your day flows much smoother. It flows more smoothly because your child will listen and cooperate better as they feel a deeper connection to you. Plus, spending time on these daily habits will make your kids want to follow your guidance throughout their life.
These daily habits will benefit everyone involved, and they will make life a little sweeter. Your relationship with your child will strengthen, too, allowing your child to trust you. Help your child and benefit yourself by implementing these daily habits into your life.
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