Family Bonds

Family bonds are very important for children. Throughout their lives, they will learn things, and do things that make a parent’s job very trying, but the fact that you are bonded with your child makes it that much easier. When I talk about family bonds, I am addressing not only the biological bond between a parent and his or her child; but the bonds between all children (adopted and foster children, too) with their parents, siblings, close family friends, etc. Even though your best friend may not be related biologically, if they have been around since your child was small; the child will likely regard them as family in some form!Family bonds give children a sense of where they belong, how much they matter, and security. Strengthening these bonds is much easier than most people are willing to believe, and a constant thing to strive for throughout a child’s life. Speaking from the standpoint of being in my early twenties with parents in their late thirties and early forties, I can tell you the family bond between us was not that great as I was growing up; but, it continues to get better as we are closing the age gap and better identifying with each other. My point is, though I am “grown up” in the eyes of the legal system and out of the home, continuing to bond with my parents on multiple levels is still as important now as it was the day I was born.Bonding with your children can be accomplished in a number of ways:• Play with your children and let them direct the games and other activities you do together. Feeling in control and knowing that you are willing to do whatever they ask because this is their time with you, helps them see how much you are willing to do to make them happy.
• Tell them stories about your childhood, and your life. Learning what got you to this point will help them learn about your life before parenthood; which many children fail to see. It will help them realize what all you have gone through to ensure their safety, health, and happiness, and bring you closer.