4. 7 Hidden Ways of Enhancing the Joyful Relationship between Parent and Child

Written By Raheela Shahid & Taaha Ahmad

Introduction

Most of us, when we dream of the parent-child relationship, think of that which cannot be broken–the laughter around the kitchen table, the secrets shared as the light goes out, the hand to grasp and hold to.

However, the truth is, that true family life is not necessarily so neat, after all, banging doors, frustration, and days when you just feel out of touch with the rest of the gang.

These strategies can be used by anyone who misses feeling close enough or is eager to strengthen the trust that they have with their child of any age.

Table 1: Seven Ways to Strengthen Your Parent-Child Bond

Strategy	Real-Life Example	Why It Matters
One-on-one time	“Just us” strolls after dinner	Kids feel seen, not just managed
Active listening	Put down phone, listen to stories without judgment	Builds confidence, trust
Shared rituals	Saturday pancake breakfast or bedtime reading	Creates lasting sense of belonging
Emotional validation	“That sounds tough. I get it.”	Kids know all feelings are accepted
Setting boundaries	Clear, gentle rules about screen time	Teaches safety, shows you care
Apologizing and repair	“I messed up. Can we start again?”	Models growth, earns respect
Celebrating individuality	Supporting quirky hobbies/styles	Child feels loved for who they are

1. Make Time for “Just Us”

You don’t need a fancy day out or hours every week. What matters is presence. Maybe it’s a spontaneous trip for ice cream, an evening walk, or 10 minutes playing cards before bedtime.

Story:
When my son began drifting after starting middle school, we started a “Friday breakfast club”—just the two of us, early eggs and laughs before the bus. Those little check-ins became our anchor, even when big things bubbled up.

Tip:
Put phones away, even for a short walk. One distraction-free moment can be worth an hour together with screens dividing you.

2. Practice True, Active Listening

Have you ever been out of it, when your kid is telling you about The Minecraft or about the Happening in the fifth grade in school? A breaking point to all of us. But when you tune in—matching their energy, following their story—they sense they really matter.

Story:
I learned more about my daughter’s world in one evening listening (not fixing!) her post-school vent than I did in a week of rushed questions.

Tip:
Before answering or giving advice, reflect what you heard: “Sounds like you felt left out today, huh?” It shows you’re truly with them.

3. Build Simple, Reliable Family Rituals

All family cultures are constituted on their own small rhythms: pizza night, bedtime stories, selecting music to listen to in the car. These rituals as minor as they may be, make children secure and unique.

Story:
Every Tuesday, my daughter and I have a “Yes Day”—for one hour, she picks the game, snack, or silly song. That freedom lights up her whole week.

Tip:
Choose one ritual, even tiny, to repeat. It could be as easy as a “secret handshake” before school drop-off.

4. Validate Feelings—Don’t Solve Right Away

When kids vent, it’s tempting to hurry into solutions (“Just ignore her!”). But what they need most is acknowledgment. “Sounds like you’re really frustrated,” lets them breathe.

Story:
One night, my youngest burst into tears over a lost toy. Instead of searching, I sat beside her and said, “You loved that one, didn’t you?” A few minutes later, she was ready to look together—and felt understood.

Tip:
Use short phrases: “That stinks.” “That’s exciting!” “I hear you.” That empathy goes a long way.

5. Put Beloved, Endearing Boundaries

It does not mean boundaries are about cruelty, they show you care about your kid and his or her progress as well as safety. Definitive restrictions on issues such as a screen time or curfew provide order in the madness of life.

Story:
My son once railed against his “no device at dinner” rule. We stuck with it. A few weeks in, he admitted, “It’s kind of nice not watching stuff while we talk.” The boundary quietly built our connection.

Tip:
When enforcing limits, explain the “why”: “I need you to be safe/healthy, and this helps us all be together.”

6. Model Apologies—Repair When Things Go Wrong

Nobody is perfect in all things. When you take the blame, though-“I was too hard on you, and I am sorry” you teach your child that love is honest and reconciliatory.

Story:
After a rough morning, I snapped at my teen about messy shoes, then took five minutes to send a sheepish text: “Sorry for being grumpy. I love you!” A door-slam that morning turned into a hug by evening.

Tip:
If words feel tough, write your child a sticky note or text. Sometimes “I’m sorry for earlier” opens more connection than any lecture.

7. Celebrate What Makes Them, Unique

Take some time to note and nurture the peculiarities of your child- -irrespective of whether it is his/her oversized clothing or other interests. Their sense of self-confidence begins where you approve of what they are doing.

Story:
My oldest spent months obsessed with drawing comic book characters. Instead of worrying about “real work,” I stocked up on sketch pads and asked to see every new superhero.

Tip:
Say things like “Wow, you’re really imaginative” or “I really have a lot of respect for someone who is interested in learning new things.” These little statements last longer than we realize.

Conclusion

Being a good parent is not about being perfect, it is being patient and present in every strong parent child relationship. Small rituals, honesty and attention to one another can turn even hectic days that are filled with noise and imperfection into sacred days. Just begin with small steps and continue doing it and do remember, every relationship can improve.

What will be the initial of these plans which you will endeavour? Or will you relate a family custom or fixing of some kind? Drop your thoughts below—let’s celebrate real-life connection, together.

FAQs

• My child barely talks lately—how do I start reconnecting?

Try small, no-pressure moments: a walk, a shared chore, or a quick “rose and thorn” question at dinner. Consistency builds trust; don’t rush it.

• What if we always argue about rules?

Stay calm and clear about boundaries, but also ask for your child’s input where possible. Even explaining “why” helps—kids crave understanding, not just control.

• I apologize but my child doesn’t forgive quickly. What then?

Give them time and keep showing love through small gestures (notes, gentle smiles). Repair is a process—modeling patience helps them, too.