We all want to be closer to our children, but developing a close bond with a young child can be difficult at times. Being a parent is an important and difficult job. Developing a close connection with your child makes your life – and theirs – much easier. Here are 3 tips you can use to feel closer to your toddler.
Do Stuff With Them –
One of the easiest ways to be closer to your toddler is to get down on the floor and play with them. The little ones live in a different world than we adults do. Everything that’s normal-sized to us looks giant to them. Always having to come up to the level of an adult can be exhausting for a toddler.
Get closer to them by literally getting closer to them. Get down on their level and do the things they do. Play with their toys and let them run the show for a little bit. This gives your toddler a sense of power and direction. It can give you a much-needed break from the realities of being a parent, as well.
Take Them On Special Dates –
Toddlers love doing things with their parents. Anything can be special to a toddler. Simply telling them that this is a special trip to a special place will usually do the trick. As they get older, though, they wisen up and start to call you out when they know it isn’t a special place.
Places like the post office, check-cashing store, or the auto parts store can all be special places. Toddlers live in a world of wonder, and everything is new to them. To you, the auto parts store is a dirty place full of tools you know too much about. Your toddler sees it as a shiny world full of interesting bits and bobs. Explaining what you’re fixing and how you’ll do it brings your little one into the action and gives them insight into why you two are doing what you’re doing.
Involve Them In Your Activities –
Involving your toddler in your activities gives them a sense of purpose. They feel like they’re really doing their part and doing it well. They may only be holding a bowl while you cook, but they feel like they’re helping. Knowing they played an instrumental role in solving a problem is a bonus too.
Paying bills, online shopping, car repair, or DIY projects around the house are all good things for a toddler to do with you. By involving them in your daily life, you’re exposing them to new things and expanding their knowledge about the world. Helping an adult make packages appear at the door is super fun for a toddler!
Developing a close bond with your young children can seem daunting at first. Being so young, they don’t have the capacity for a deep conversation or complex relationship issues. Using these simple tips, you can integrate that development into your daily life. Doing so will boost your toddler’s brainpower and make your relationship feel more fulfilling.
A high-quality preschool program in Phoenix, Arizona
Valley Child Care and Learning Centers offer a high-quality preschool program for families in the Phoenix area. Families can trust that their children are getting the best education possible, with a research-based approach to curriculum. Teachers emphasize play-based learning, using developmentally appropriate practices to support children in their growth.
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We offer ten, safe, highly-rated childcare programs in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Carefree, Glendale, Tempe, Surprise, El Mirage, South Phoenix, and Anthem!
