There is one aspect of parenting that sucks.  We all feel it, sometimes or all the time.  It’s called Parent Guilt.  That feeling that we are not doing enough for our kids.  Not enough time.  Not enough play.  Not enough individual connection.  The wonderful thing about our beautiful children is that they love connecting with us anytime of day, in any way.  And it doesn’t have to be all day.  It’s about being present when you do have the time, whether it’s a full day or one hour after pick up.  It also doesn’t have to be play based connection.  Sometimes playing with our kids is amazing and sometimes it’s exhausting!  With a little intentionality and forethought we can create strong connections with our kids and make long lasting memories.

Get messy in the kitchen and let your little one ‘help!’ Spend an afternoon baking cupcakes or cookies together.  Or let them ‘help’ make dinner.  Get some child friendly kitchen utensils and get them measuring and mixing for you.  Little ones loves the sense of accomplishment, you get some valuable time together and you can even sneak in some valuable life skills such as following recipes, measuring ingredients, and practicing patience.

Explore the great outdoors and embark on exciting adventures with your kids. Go on nature hikes, have a picnic in the park, or spend the day at the beach building sandcastles and collecting seashells. Outdoor activities not only promote physical health but also provide valuable opportunities for bonding and exploration. Have a bit more time and want to level up your adventure?  Give your little one the map and let them be the guide!

Gather around the game table for some friendly competition and lots of laughter. Choose a variety of board games, card games, or even video games that cater to different ages and interests. Family game nights are a fun way to bond as you work together, strategize, and engage in friendly banter.

Get your hands dirty and connect with nature by gardening together as a family. Whether you have a sprawling backyard garden or just a few pots on a balcony, gardening offers endless opportunities for learning and bonding. Let your kids help plant seeds, water plants, and harvest vegetables, and watch as their curiosity and appreciation for nature grow along with your garden.

Create a cozy movie night atmosphere complete with popcorn, blankets, and dimmed lights. Let each family member take turns choosing a movie to watch together, and enjoy snuggling up on the couch as you laugh, cry, and cheer together. Movie nights provide a relaxing and enjoyable way to bond and unwind after a busy day.

End each day on a positive note with special bedtime rituals that help you and your kids unwind and reconnect. Whether it's reading a bedtime story, sharing highlights from the day, or saying a special goodnight prayer, bedtime rituals provide a comforting and intimate way to bond before drifting off to sleep.

Unleash your inner artist with fun and simple DIY craft projects that you and your kids can enjoy together. Whether it's painting rocks for a garden art project, creating homemade greeting cards, or designing personalized t-shirts, crafting allows you to express your creativity while bonding over shared interests and activities.  Have a bit more time and want to level up the craft experience?  Get your little one creating craft or doing drawings to thank some people in their life.  Friends from school, teachers, grandparents, even siblings can benefit!

This one does take patience but is super rewarding.  Ask your child which fruit and vegetables they think you should get this week.  What food can we choose to make us grow big and strong?  Chat about what each of your favourite family dinners are.  And ask what their favourite lunchbox foods are.  It’s a great way to start conversations about family food memories and you may even be able to get some sneaky learning about nutrition in!

Creating connections with our kids doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming.  Have a think about how you incorporate connections in the everyday tasks you do.  Test some things out and see what works for you and your little one to facilitate meaningful time together.  You may be surprised what activities you find you love doing together!