No matter where you are on your parenting journey, bonding with your child is crucial for their emotional development and overall well-being. In fact, studies show that the stronger a parent-child relationship, the better social and academic skills your child will have. 

Whether you’re new parents, other family members, or a primary caretaker trying to connect with your infant, or a seasoned parent looking for new ways to bond with your teenager, there’s something here for everyone. In this age-by-age guide, we’ll explore different strategies and activities that can help you build a stronger connection and close relationships with your children in the early years and at each stage of their development as they grow up.

Why Are Parent-Child Relationships Important?

Parent-child relationships are vital for a child’s overall development. They provide a secure base from which children can explore the world, develop healthy self-esteem, and regulate their emotions going forward in life.

Benefits of strong parent-child bonds:

• Happy and content relationships with others
• Better regulation of emotions under stress
• Promotes mental, linguistic, and emotional development
• Builds more optimistic and confident social behaviors
• Increased social and academic skills
• Healthy emotional, cognitive, and motivational development
• Fosters strong problem-solving skills

Choosing to invest time and effort into building a strong connection with your child will lay the foundation for their well-being and future success. Bonding exercises don’t have to be a chore. If you do it right, it can also be a rewarding experience for parents!

Bonding With Your Child by Age

Newborn (0 – 3 months)

During the newborn stage, your new baby is beginning to explore the new world around them. While they may not understand your words yet, they rely heavily on your presence and responsiveness for a sense of security. Essentially, bonding with your newborn consists of touch and sound at this age. These gestures are extremely important to their development and one of the few methods they use for bonding.

Bonding Activities:

• Skin-to-skin. Holding your baby close to your bare skin, touching their bare skin, has numerous benefits, including regulating their body temperature, breathing, and heart rate. The warmth and comfort they feel from skin contact when nestled against your body helps them feel safe and secure in their new environment. Skin-to-skin also stimulates the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” which helps strengthen your bond even more and build a strong relationship.

• Talk and sing to your baby. Your voice is a source of comfort and familiarity to your newborn. After all, they did listen to everything you had to say for nine months. Take every opportunity to talk, sing, or read to them, even during everyday tasks. Your baby may not understand what you are saying, but the sound of your voice can provide a soothing and reassuring presence.

• Respond to their cues. At this age, your baby communicates through crying. You build trust and security by responding promptly and sensitively to their needs. Meeting their needs shows your baby you are there for them, fostering a sense of safety and trust. This is one of the most basic approaches for bonding with your child

Infant (3 – 12 months)

As your baby transitions into infancy, their world expands, and their interaction with you becomes more active. This is a great time to establish a stronger bond in new ways. Cognitive and social skills start to take shape, and they are more aware of their surroundings. This is an exciting time filled with new discoveries, milestones, and more opportunities for bonding.

Bonding Activities:

• Playtime. Get down on your child’s level and play with them using toys, objects, or simple games like peek-a-boo. This interactive play helps stimulate their senses, encourages new motor skills, and builds a sense of joy and connection between you two for a close bond.

• Establish daily routines. Regular routines provide a sense of security and predictability for your baby. Consistent feeding, sleeping, and play schedules can help strengthen the bond between you. Your baby will learn to trust that their needs will be met, and they will feel more secure in their relationship because of it.

• Chat with them. As your baby starts babbling, it’s crucial to acknowledge their vocalizations–even if it’s gibberish. Responding to their baby talk enthusiastically encourages early language development and shows them that their communication is valued. Engage in conversations with your baby, imitate their sounds, and provide a supportive and nurturing environment for their language exploration.

Toddler (1 – 3 years)

Toddlers are bundles of energy and curiosity, to say the least, eager to explore the world around them. Every interaction is a learning opportunity for these young children. Nurturing your bond through new experiences, learning, and playtime during this stage will be the foundation for a secure relationship in the long run. Bonding with your child as a toddler involves play, affection, and setting time aside for learning. 

Bonding Activities:

• Pretend play. Join your toddler in their fun, imaginative world. Take turns pretending to be different characters or act out a movie they love. This not only strengthens your bond but also supports their creativity.

• Physical affection. Hugs, kisses, and gentle physical gestures are essential for your toddler’s emotional well-being. Regular physical affection helps them feel secure and loved. “Pay attention to your tone of voice, make plenty of eye contact, and bring in plenty of soothing touch, as these things strengthen your bond,” says Lenka de Villiers-van Zyl, a registered counselor specializing in Play Therapy, on her parent counseling blog.

• Sensory games. Set up a sensory play area where your toddler can engage with different textures, colors, and materials. Use simple objects such as bouncy balls, dried beans, kinetic sand, rice, bubbles, or water for your area (all under adult supervision, of course). This sensory play is a wonderful way to help stimulate their senses and promote cognitive development, all while having fun with you.

• Daily story time. Reading books together is a great way to enhance your toddler’s language skills and foster a love for reading. They’ll also appreciate your time with them and look forward to your intimate reading routine each day. 

Preschooler (3 – 5 years)

Preschoolers are becoming more independent and developing their own personalities each day. At this age, you will start to see their self-determination blossom. Strengthening the bond during this stage involves respecting their growing autonomy while still staying emotionally connected.

Bonding Activities:

• Have meaningful conversations. Preschoolers are curious and full of questions. Take the time to engage in conversations that promote their language skills, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Essentially, talk to them like the mini-adults they are becoming–they will appreciate it!

• Show interest in their interests. Preschoolers often have strong interests and hobbies. Show a genuine interest in what they like, and actually join them in their activities. This will validate their choices and strengthen your connection.

• Establish regular quality time. With the demands of life’s responsibilities, it’s important to carve out dedicated time for one-on-one activities with your child. This focused and full attention reinforces their importance in your life. Go out to dinner every Tuesday or make Friday nights a DIY pillow fort and movie night–the options are endless and can be super simple.

Child (5 – 10 years)

During this stage, your child is growing more rapidly than ever, both physically and emotionally. They are now developing their own identities, preferences, and hobbies like never before. Strengthening your bond now requires adaptability and support for your young adult. 

Bonding Activities:

• Create shared experiences. Engage in activities you both enjoy, such as cooking, gardening, or going on nature walks. It might be simple, but children at this age find joy in everyday tasks like chores and errands. These shared experiences create lasting memories and deepen your emotional connection.

• Openly communicate. As your child grows, their thoughts and feelings become more complex. Create a safe space for them to express themselves without judgment. Listen actively and validate any emotions. “Improved communication fosters empathy and reduces misunderstandings, leading to more harmonious interactions and strengthened connections,” notes Dr. Michael Messina, PsyD, a licensed Psychologist specializing in family connections, on his patient blog.

• Support their independence. While they still rely on your guidance, gradually give your child more freedom to make choices and solve problems independently. This builds their confidence and strengthens their trust.

Young Adolescent (10 – 13 years)

Your child undergoes significant physical and emotional changes in the young adolescent phase. Their bodies prepare for puberty and go through new, sometimes uncomfortable, shifts. Nurturing bonds with older children during this time involves providing support and understanding. Here are some things you can do to build your connection.

Bonding Activities:

• Respect their need for privacy. Young adolescents value their privacy and personal space. Give them the space they need while also letting them know you are always there to support them when needed. This can go a long way in building trust.

• Engage in active listening. Validate their experiences and emotions by actively listening without interrupting or dismissing their thoughts. This helps your child feel understood and builds connections.

• Involve them in decision-making. By now, your young adolescent probably has their own beliefs and ways of thinking. Give them opportunities to participate in family decisions and discuss their opinions. This empowers them and strengthens their sense of belonging.

Teenager (13 – 19 years)

The teenage years can be challenging for both parents and young adults. But building and maintaining a strong bond during this time is crucial for supporting their emotional well-being, and simultaneously making the days less difficult. Bonding with your child as a teenager involves respecting their autonomy, open communication, and celebrating big milestones.

Bonding Activities:

• Respect their autonomy. Teenagers are asserting their independence and exploring their identity. Give them the freedom to make decisions and be authentic while still offering guidance and support when needed. “[Respectful parenting creates] a child who feels no need to suppress parts of who she is in order to be loved and cared for by those to whom she is most strongly attached,” says Dr. Nanika Coor, a clinical psychologist and respectful parenting therapist, on her patient website. This enhances your relationship with your child, fostering an environment of love. 

• Keep communication channels open. Create an environment where your teenager feels comfortable discussing their thoughts, concerns, and aspirations. Regular conversations, whether over a shared meal or during a car ride, foster a strong bond of trust.

• Celebrate their achievements. Acknowledge and celebrate your teenager’s accomplishments, no matter how big or small. From things like good grades and school presentations to sports achievements and college acceptance letters–celebrate it all! This sends a powerful message that you are proud of them and strengthens your bond.

Nurturing a Bond for Life

Building a strong bond requires time, effort, and dedication regardless of your child’s age. But it doesn’t have to be challenging. Understanding their developmental needs and tailoring your parenting approach accordingly can create a lasting and loving connection with your child. Keep this age-by-age guide in your back pocket to reference the key activities for fostering a deep bond that will benefit you and your child throughout your lives.