As parents, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily juggle of school runs, work, meals, and homework. But the good news? Building a strong connection with your child doesn’t need grand gestures or hours of free time. Small acts of kindness, done consistently, can have a powerful impact on your child’s sense of safety, confidence and self-worth and finding simple ways to bond with your child will improve everyone’s mental wellbeing.
Here are 7 easy, heartfelt ways to connect with your child in everyday moments, no matter how busy life gets.
1. Connect before school: a moment that sets the tone
Why it matters: The way your child starts their day can influence their mood, focus and confidence at school.
Try this:
- Give them a warm cuddle and say one kind thing about the day ahead (“You’ve got this maths quiz – and I know how hard you worked!”).
- Slip a small note into their lunchbox with a message like “Proud of you!” or a doodle.
- Sit together for breakfast, even if it’s just five minutes, with no phones or distractions.
Some more great tips for a fantastic start to your child’s day can be found via Child Mind Institute – School Mornings Without the Stress.
2. Connect after school: let them unwind with you
Why it matters: Children often need time to decompress after school—and knowing you’re emotionally available helps them process the day.
Try this:
- Offer a snack and a quiet space, then ask “Tell me one good thing and one tricky thing about your day.”
- Walk or scoot home together if possible—it encourages natural conversation.
- Avoid jumping straight into homework chat—give space for feelings first.
Don’t forget that screen time to unwind after school might be good for a short while. But if you find that’s all your child wants to do, try to reduce their screen time – our article 10 proven tips for reducing children’s screen time will help you with this.
3. Connect at the weekend: choose shared joy
Why it matters: Weekends are a golden opportunity to reconnect without school-time pressure.
Try this:
- Let them plan a “yes” morning where you follow their lead (within reason!).
- Cook or bake something simple together—even making toast can be a team effort!
- Get outdoors—walk, cycle or visit a local nature reserve for some tech-free bonding.
🗨️ What’s your go-to weekend activity for quality time with your child?
4. Connect when you’re apart: leave little reminders
Why it matters: Children feel more secure when they know they’re thought of—even when you’re not together.
Try this:
- Record a short voice note or video message for them to listen to later.
- Leave a favourite toy or keepsake with them if you’re going to be away.
- Use sticky notes in their room or school bag with gentle affirmations like “You are brave.”
5. Connect when things are tough: keep the door open
Why it matters: When your child is upset or overwhelmed, your steady, calm presence can be their emotional anchor.
Try this:
- Use simple phrases like “I can see this is really hard for you. I’m here.”
- Sit close—even if they don’t want to talk, your presence matters.
- Keep routines steady so they feel safe, even if the outside world feels uncertain.
Our article How to calm exam nerves for children with ADHD might help, too.
6. Celebrate the small stuff
Why it matters: Children thrive on positive feedback—and recognising effort builds trust and connection.
Try this:
- Praise small wins: “You packed your school bag all by yourself!”
- Create a “celebration jar” where you add a note every time they do something kind or brave.
- Say thank you to them for being helpful or kind—you’ll model gratitude too.
7. Make eye contact and smile
Why it matters: One of the simplest ways to bond is through presence. Just being really there—even briefly—can mean the world.
Try this:
- Stop what you’re doing for 30 seconds, kneel to their level and look them in the eyes.
- Smile warmly when they walk into the room—they notice.
- End each day with a simple ritual: a hug, a high five, or a bedtime chat.
Why small acts matter
You don’t need to wait for a holiday or a full day off to bond with your child. By weaving in small moments of connection—before school, after school, on the weekend, when you’re apart, and during tough times—you’re showing your child they’re loved, seen and valued every single day.
These everyday acts of kindness not only deepen your relationship, but also help children feel emotionally safe, supported and ready to learn. For more resources on kindness, have a look at The Mental Health Foundation pages on kindness and mental health.
Join the conversation
💬 We’d love to hear from you! What small acts of kindness help you feel more connected to your child?
Drop your ideas in the comments to inspire other parents. Let’s build a thread full of easy, heartfelt ways to make our children feel loved every day.
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