Simple ways to bond with your children

Family bonding for all ages

Family Bonding Day is the perfect reminder that deep connection doesn’t need big gestures or hours of free time - which we all know can be a struggle as a busy parent! Whether you’ve got five minutes or a full day, building a strong relationship with your children is all about being present in the little moments.

Here are some simple, meaningful ways to bond with your kids at every stage - from squishy newborns to your too-cool teenagers.

Bonding with newborns

Whilst some parents feel that instant bond with their newborn babies, it’s actually very normal for your bond to gently grow and deepen over time. The good news is that this doesn’t take a lot - just being close and giving cuddles is enough.

Skin-to-skin cuddles are powerful for calming your little one when they’re upset, as well as supporting their development and attachment. It's also a great excuse for you to sit still and rest as a tired new parent!
Sing to them - even if you don’t know the words! Your baby loves to hear your voice and will even find humming comforting and familiar.

Bonding with toddlers

Toddlers might be busy exploring anything and everything they can get their hands on, but no matter how much their independence is growing, they still crave a deep connection with their parents. At this stage, it can be difficult to find the time - especially if you’re back at work and your toddler is at nursery or pre-school. But just five minutes of 1-1 connection at the end of a busy day can be enough to boost your bond.

Join in their play - even when it makes zero sense! Sit on the floor with them, put on the funny hat they ask you to wear, and pretend to be the big bad dragon in their imaginary game. Joining in with them lets them know that they matter.
Let them help you - Whether it’s washing veggies for tea or tidying up their toys at the end of the day, these tiny tasks make them feel important and bring you both together in everyday moments.

Bonding with big kids

This age is a real sweet spot - they’re still little, but starting to ask big questions. They’re growing up fast and are more aware of the world around them, as well as starting to understand and question relationships at home and at school. Giving them space to open up and making time for shared interests and activities is key to connecting at this stage.

Start a weekly ritual - like Friday movie night, boardgames before bedtime or morning walk-and-talks. These rituals build trust and give you space to chat and connect without pressure.
Follow their interests - even if they’re not yours! Whether it's gaming, bugs or baking, showing curiosity in their world makes kids this age feel seen and valued.

Bonding with teens

Teenagers are renowned for being tricky - but the need for connection doesn’t go away just because they’re heading towards adulthood. It just changes shape.

Do something side-by-side - Catch up on what’s happened during their day whilst driving, cooking or walking the dog together. These ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ moments can feel safer than face-to-face chats.
Open up a little yourself - Share how your day went or something that made you laugh, or even struggle. When you show up as a human and not just a parent, it gives them a safe space to do the same.

Bonding with the whole family

Got kids at different ages and stages? It can be hard to tick everybody’s boxes, and it can be really easy to just pop the TV on or sit on screens. Getting some scheduled screen-free time can really help the whole family bond - both as parents and siblings.

Screen-free outdoor adventures - Go on a nature walk, head out for a picnic on a sunny day or get up early to watch a sunrise together.
Screen-free indoor fun - Do a jigsaw puzzle, play a board-game together, or have a screen-free picnic in the living room if it’s rainy outside. You could even let each child take turns choosing the activity - it gives them ownership and makes everyone feel included, no matter how old they are.

Happy Family Bonding Day!

Family bonding doesn’t always look like big expensive days out, or deep and meaningful heart-to-hearts.

Sometimes, it’s a five-minute cuddle, a shared giggle or just being there and fully present in the moment with your children. Wherever you and your child are at right now, there’s always a small way to connect - and trust us, all of those little moments will add up to something big.