There’s no such thing as a perfect parent. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses but did you know that even the smallest things make a huge difference? Sometimes, it’s even the smallest things that count for your little ones.
In this post, I’ll share with you some of the little things you do (or SHOULD do) that make the biggest difference in your child’s life.
Make Extra Time For Cuddle Time
Some parents believe that cuddling and carrying your child most of the time can spoil them. I believe that giving your child “huggy and kissy kissy” makes them feel loved and secure. Also, a study suggests that parents who have shown affection for their little ones are more likely to raise a happy child.
Besides, you can’t snuggle them forever. Some kids in primary school won’t even let you hug them anymore so as early as now, make extra time for cuddle time.
Make Reading Time More Fun
Make-believe games are fun and it’s the same when it comes to reading (to some, even better). You can grab a puppet or even make funny voices when reading with your little one to make reading time not only fun but memorable.
Looking for the best bedtime stories you can read to your little one, here are some classic stories to try:
The Ugly Duckling
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
The Ant And The Grasshopper
Aladdin And The Magic Lamp
Three Little Pigs
Sharing My Personal Experience: The first time I read a bedtime story with my child, I thought he would not be interested at all but when I learned how to play with my voice and actions, he started to love it. It’s one of the simplest yet amazing bonding moments we have.
Go On A Vacation.. Or Staycation
Vacations are not only exciting for us adults, but it’s also good for your little one’s overall well-being. According to research, it affects brain development positively. Whenever your kids having a rough time, they may look back to these memories and feel good.
Besides, you can use it as a quick getaway from the hustle-and-bustle of city life.
Vacation is not possible for some reasons? Newborn? Financial issues? Busy schedule? Don’t worry, you don’t have to book a ticket or drive long miles. You can take advantage of hotel promotions this holiday or book an Airbnb for the entire family and do a family staycation.
More Time-Ins, Less Time-Outs
Enforcing positive attention can result in good behavior. This means giving your child a pat on the back, hugs, and praises whenever they do something good. Also, giving squeezing more time with them can reduce time-outs.
This means having more time-ins with your little one and don’t worry, this doesn’t have to be extravagant. It can be as simple as letting your kid crack eggs, letting them help you sort the laundry, or spending 10 minutes or more asking fun and exciting questions for kids.
Does this mean that there should be no time-out?
Not really. While it’s best to focus on your kid’s strengths rather than their weaknesses, time-outs can still be beneficial for your child. For most parents, this is an effective way to stop their child’s unwanted behavior without resolving to hitting or shouting.
Take Advantage Of Selfies
As much as I wanted to take technologies out when my little one and I are bonding, sometimes, taking selfies can be fun. The use of different filters and the two of you becoming a dog, a cat, or anything funny is an instant bonding moment.
You can even use picture-taking as a time to cuddle and kiss your little one. And of course, the most obvious reason why you should take selfies with your kids is that you can preserve the moment through the photos.
Pro Tip: Use selfie-sticks to take better pictures. This activity is fun and free so what else are you waiting for? Take snaps now!
Take A Long Walk
Whether it’s a morning stroll or after-dinner walk, doing this simple activity creates a powerful bond between you and your child. The best part is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. You can just walk in the park, hand-in-hand.
Take this moment to get to know your little one even more (ask them about their day, or share your childhood stories), explore the neighborhood, or play mini-games, like I Spy.
Be That Crazy, Goofy Kid You Were
Your kid only knows you as “mom” but other than that, they have no idea about who you are when you’re a child.
Tell them a funny story you had when you’re young, your favorite toy or activity, or even better, play with them like you’re a little one. It’s fun to be crazy with your kid sometimes, trust me. Dance with them. Sing with them. Jump on the bed with them. These are simple things but to them, these are one of the greatest.