As a parent or caregiver, your relationship with your child shapes the way they see themselves and interact with the world. A strong, supportive bond helps children develop confidence, resilience, and the ability to manage their emotions in healthy ways.

One key aspect of strengthening this bond is attunement—tuning in to your child’s emotions and responding with care and understanding. When children feel seen, heard, and valued, they develop a sense of security that lasts a lifetime.

Helping Your Child Navigate Their Emotions

• Encourage emotional expression. Help your child put their feelings into words. For example, if they seem upset, you might say, “I see that you’re frowning. Are you feeling frustrated?”.
• Validate their emotions. Let them know that all feelings are okay. Instead of saying, “Don’t be upset,” try, “I understand that you’re feeling sad right now. I’m here to help.”
• Recognize behavior as communication. Young children may not have the words to explain how they feel. If they’re acting out, take a moment to consider what might be causing their frustration—are they tired, hungry, or overwhelmed?

Using the PRIDE Approach to Strengthen Your Bond

Try these simple ways to connect with your child and build trust:

• Praise: Acknowledge their efforts and positive behavior. (“You worked so hard on that puzzle. I’m so proud of you!”).
• Reflect: Repeat back what they say to show you’re listening. (If your child says, “I love drawing,” you might say, “Drawing is really fun! You’re so creative.”).
• Imitate: Join in their play to show interest. (If your child is building a tower, you could say, “I’ll build one too! Let’s see how tall we can make them.”).
• Describe: Narrate their actions to show you’re engaged. (“You’re stacking those blocks so carefully. I love seeing how focused you are!”).
• Engage Enthusiastically: Show excitement in their activities. (“I love reading this book with you! Let’s turn the page and see what happens next.”)

By using these small but powerful strategies, you’re not just building a strong bond—you’re giving your child the emotional tools they need to thrive.

On this site, you’ll find more resources and ideas to help nurture your child’s emotional well-being.