Creating a Relationship with Your Kids

Bonding can be a difficult task for parents with toddlers at home. Finding activities that the whole family can enjoy, not to mention keeping a toddler's attention for any length of time, can prove very frustrating to parents who want to spend quality time with their young kids. The key to creating a relationship with your toddler is to take any moment you can and make it a special one.

Making Time for Children

As a parent you know that time is a precious commodity, but bonding with your toddler means watching out for ordinary moments that can turn into lifetime memories. Don't be scared to put down the laundry, leave a dish in the sink, or turn off the vacuum if your child is asking for your attention. Of course, things have to get done, but the real trick in balancing time, and bonding with toddlers, is to determine what things can wait until tomorrow.

• Keep lists. One of the most overwhelming aspects of being a parent is feeling like nothing gets done. By keeping track of what must be accomplished, and by marking off your progress, you may find that you can spare a few minutes to bond with your child between taking out the trash and organizing the pantry.
• Pay attention. Many parents think that bonding has to involve lots of toys, activities, or trips. While this may be fun, the truth is that your toddler is most likely not going to remember it. If bonding becomes stressful, skip the complex activities and stay at home, watch your child's favorite video and make brownies together. While they may not be the cleanest helpers, toddlers can be great little chefs.
• Unwind. If you are stressed out you won't be able to appreciate the time that you do have with your kids, meaning that bonding time will lead to nothing but more of a headache. Relax and enjoy the relationship that you are creating with your children!

Creating a Bond with your Child that Will Last

The relationship that you have with each of your kids will be different, but it will be special. Bonding happens over little moments as well as big moments, and even the most average afternoons have the potential to turn into something really special.