STRENGTHENING PARENT-CHILD BONDS: EXPERT INSIGHTS FROM AMALINA YAHYA, NALURI MENTAL HEALTH COACH

Building a strong relationship with children is essential for their emotional well-being and development. In this exclusive Q&A, Amalina Yahya, a mental health coach at Naluri, shares valuable insights on how parents can strengthen bonds with their children, navigate parenting challenges, and foster meaningful connections.

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Q: How can we have strong relationships with kids? Any tips?

Amalina: Building a strong relationship with children requires time, effort, and patience. Here are some key tips:

Show unconditional love and support. Make sure your child feels valued and accepted, regardless of circumstances. Listen actively. Give your full attention when they talk, making them feel heard and understood. Spend quality time together. Be fully present in the moment without distractions. Be consistent. Children feel secure when they know what to expect from you. Encourage open communication. Validate their emotions and make them feel their opinions matter. Be patient. Relationships take time to strengthen—don’t expect immediate results. Q: What are some excellent ways to bond with children daily? Is it essential to spend quality time with them every day?

Amalina: Yes! Spending quality time with children daily is crucial in strengthening the parent-child relationship. Here are some simple yet effective ways to bond:

Have daily conversations. Talk to your child about their day, thoughts, and feelings. Play together. Whether it’s board games, sports, or outdoor activities, playtime strengthens connections. Read together. This not only promotes learning but also creates a comforting bonding experience. Cook together. Let them assist in meal preparation, making it a fun and educational moment. Create a daily routine. Having structured quality time ensures consistent bonding opportunities. Q: I’ve heard that being both a parent and a friend to your child is not possible, especially when discipline is involved. What is your opinion on this?

Amalina: Many experts agree that parents can be both supportive and authoritative at the same time. Being a friend to your child doesn’t mean abandoning discipline—it means fostering trust while maintaining necessary boundaries.

Set clear expectations. Children should understand the difference between guidance and permissiveness. Enforce rules with empathy. Discipline doesn’t have to be harsh; it should be consistent and respectful. Use positive reinforcement. Encourage good behavior rather than focusing solely on punishment.

While friendships are based on equal footing, the parent-child dynamic includes authority and responsibility. The key is to balance warmth and discipline in a way that nurtures growth.

Q: Is it okay to have a buddy-like relationship with a baby or toddler?

Amalina: Absolutely! In fact, forming a close bond with babies and toddlers is essential for their emotional development.

Engage warmly. Use a friendly tone, smile often, and maintain eye contact. Play and interact. Singing, playing peekaboo, and reading together are great bonding activities. Respect their personality. Some children are more social, while others may take time to open up.

By fostering a secure attachment early on, parents set the foundation for a trusting relationship as the child grows.

Q: My one-year-old daughter prefers my husband over me. She cries for him to carry her, and it makes me feel sad. What can I do?

Amalina: It’s completely natural for young children to develop preferences for one parent at certain stages, but this doesn’t mean your child loves you any less. Here’s how you can strengthen your bond:

Spend dedicated time with her. Engage in activities like playing, reading, or singing together. Find shared interests. Discover what excites her and make it a special mother-daughter moment. Be patient. Preferences shift over time—she will come to appreciate both parents equally. Talk to your husband. Work together to create more bonding opportunities between you and your daughter.

Don’t be discouraged! Keep showing up, and your connection will naturally grow stronger.

Q: My toddler insists on doing everything his way and rarely listens. Is this normal? How can I improve our relationship while encouraging better behavior?

Amalina: Yes, it’s completely normal! Toddlers are at an age where they seek independence and test boundaries. Here’s how you can encourage better cooperation:

Show empathy. Acknowledge their feelings before guiding them toward better choices. Use clear, simple instructions. Instead of saying “Clean up,” try “Put your blocks in the bin.” Encourage positive behavior. Praise good actions to reinforce cooperation. Make listening fun. Use playful approaches like songs or storytelling when giving instructions. Be consistent. Children respond well to predictable expectations and consequences.

By maintaining a balance of patience and structure, you can strengthen your relationship while fostering discipline.

Q: I’m a working mom, and my mother-in-law takes care of my baby. My baby isn’t close to me and often cries for my mother-in-law instead. It’s heartbreaking. How can I strengthen my bond with my baby?

Amalina: It’s understandable to feel this way, but remember, bonding takes time and effort. Here are some ways to connect more with your baby:

Create a daily bonding routine. Spend uninterrupted time with your baby, even if it’s just 10–15 minutes a day. Engage in comforting activities. Rocking, singing lullabies, and skin-to-skin contact help create a sense of security. Play together. Babies learn through play, so engage in interactive games and sensory activities. Be patient. It takes time to build a connection—consistency is key. Communicate with your mother-in-law. Find ways to transition caregiving duties so your baby gets used to your presence.

Your bond will grow stronger with patience and persistence. Keep showing up, and your baby will soon seek comfort in you just as much.

Final Thoughts

Building strong relationships with children is an ongoing journey that requires patience, love, and consistency. Whether bonding through daily routines, balancing discipline with warmth, or navigating parental preferences, every small effort contributes to a lasting and meaningful connection.

There is no perfect formula for parenting, but with dedication and understanding, you can foster a deep and loving relationship with your child

2025-02-04T12:46:49Z