It is very important that parents learn to bond with their kids on a daily basis so that they feel loved, respected, connected, and special.
PHYSICAL BONDING
Children need plenty of hugs and kisses from their parents in order to bond. As infants, human touch is vitally important, but even as children grow up, they are still in need of physical attention and affection. Parents in today's modern society are often very busy with long work hours and stressful careers and financial obligations, and sometimes these obligations leave children undernourished when it comes to physical touch. Parents are so busy providing food, shelter, and material possessions that sometimes they lose sight of what is really important, and that is bonding with their kids. If your parents were not very affectionate with you, then you may not be inclined to be very affectionate with your children. However, you have to make a conscious effort to show your child physical love several times every single day. Hugs and kisses aren't just for when your kid is sad or has a scraped knee; they are for all the time, and for no particular reason at all outside of building a strong emotional bond with your child.
START A TRADITION
Starting a tradition with your child can be a very bonding experience. It doesn't have to be something monumental; it should just be something that you and your child do together that is special to both of you. For example, you could start a "Family Night." Once a week, your whole family gets together to just have fun - play games, go out to dinner (kids' choice of restaurant), rent a movie, go to a sporting event, et cetera. Your child will look forward to the special time of the week when he or she can relax and have fun with the family, and you will look forward to it to. These traditions will become lasting and powerfully bonding memories between you and your child and family. If you have more than one kid, make sure to also start traditions of "along time," so that each kid has the opportunity to spend some time - sibling-free - with just his or her parents.
PRAISE
Children have an innate desire to please their parents. When you show your child that you are proud of him or her, your child will feel more bonded to you, and also more confident in him or herself. Never overlook the accomplishments that your child makes, no matter how small they may seem compared to big issues like debt and household expenses. Always praise your child for his or her successes - learning to ride a bike, getting good grades, scoring a goal at a soccer game. Also, praise your child for his or her effort, even if the effort doesn't lead to success. For example, if your child doesn't score a soccer goal, but clearly worked and tried very hard, he or she deserves just as much praise as if a goal had been scored. If your child knows that you love him and are proud of him whenever he puts his best foot forward, he will feel very bonded and close to you.
BEDTIME
Routine is very important to kids - especially children under the age of twelve. Bedtime can be a daily bonding opportunity for you and your child. Get in the habit of reading one or two bedtime stories every night, or reading a few chapters in a longer book. Talk to your child about what he or she has going on the next day. Give your child a hug and kiss before tucking him or her in each night, and always say "I love you." Too many parents nowadays send their kids off to bed without tucking them in, and doing so is missing out on a great time to bond with your child every night. Cherish these early years in your child's life - they go too fast - but the bond that you form with your child will last a lifetime.
