Attachment-building activities for children involve interactive and engaging experiences that foster a sense of security, connection, and closeness.
These activities can range from simple games and physical touch to shared creative endeavors and routines, all aimed at strengthening the emotional bond between a child and their caregivers.
1. Parent-child story time
Storytime together is a powerful way to strengthen the emotional bond between parent and child.
When parents read with their children, it provides a shared moment of connection, offering not only a chance for learning but also for closeness and communication.
The Martinez family had a wonderful experience with the "You Are Unique" affirmation on the Storybook app!
Their daughter, who had been feeling insecure about fitting in, found comfort in the affirmation. It reminded her of her special qualities and helped boost her self-esteem. 🌟
If you want your kids to feel more confident and embrace their uniqueness, give Storybook a try! 💖
It’s a fun way to help them tackle emotional challenges with positivity and self-love. 😊
2. Trust walks
Trust walks are a simple yet powerful activity to build a child’s trust in their caregiver and strengthen their emotional bond.
In these emotional regulation activities for kids, the child is blindfolded and guided by the caregiver through a safe, controlled environment.
The caregiver’s voice and gentle guidance help the child feel secure and supported, fostering a sense of trust in their relationship.
This activity encourages reliance on the caregiver, helping the child experience the security that comes with knowing they can depend on others.
3. Physical affection
Physical affection plays a crucial role in promoting security and warmth in a child's emotional development.
Set aside time each day for simple acts of affection, such as hugs, gentle touches, or holding hands.
These moments of closeness provide comfort and help children feel safe and loved, reinforcing their emotional bond with their caregiver.
Affectionate gestures also stimulate the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which strengthens the child’s sense of trust and security.
4. Playful interaction
Playful interactions are a wonderful way to build a positive, secure attachment between children and their caregivers.
Encourage activities that require cooperation, such as board games, building together, or playing pretend.
These playful moments not only bring joy but also help children learn to communicate and work with others in a safe and supportive environment.
Laughter and shared fun create a sense of bonding, as children feel emotionally connected and understood.
5. Personal storytelling and sharing feelings
Storytelling is a powerful way to foster emotional connection and understanding between children and their caregivers.
Sharing personal stories, whether from the caregiver’s own experiences or the child’s, creates an open space for emotional expression.
This allows the child to feel heard and validated, reinforcing their sense of security.
Encourage kids to share their thoughts and feelings through stories, helping them express themselves in a safe and nurturing environment.
6. Emotion-focused play (feelings charades)
Emotion-focused play, like feelings charades, is a fun and engaging way to help kids express and understand their emotions.
In this activity, the caregiver or child acts out different emotions—such as happy, sad, angry, or excited—without using words, while the other person guesses the emotion.
This role-play encourages children to recognize and label their own feelings, helping them become more emotionally aware.
Through playful interaction, kids learn that it’s okay to express their emotions and that their feelings are valid.
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7. Mindful breathing together
Mindful breathing is a calming activity that helps kids regulate their emotions while also fostering a deeper connection with their caregivers.
By guiding children through simple breathing exercises, like deep belly breaths or "balloon breathing," caregivers can help them manage stress and build emotional resilience.
The Harris family had a breakthrough with the “The Magic of Breathing” story from the Storybook app! 🌟
Their son, who had been struggling with anxiety before school, found comfort in the breathing techniques shared in the story. After practicing the exercises together, he felt more centered and ready to face his day.
If you're looking for a way to help your child manage emotions and find calm, give Storybook a try! It's a fun and effective way to support emotional well-being. 💖
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8. Create a memory box together
Creating a memory box is a wonderful way to strengthen emotional bonds by celebrating shared experiences.
Work together with your child to collect meaningful items, such as photos, ticket stubs, drawings, or small souvenirs, that represent special moments you've experienced together.
As you place each item in the box, talk about the memories and the feelings associated with it.
This activity not only helps children reflect on happy moments but also gives them a tangible reminder of the love and connection they share with their caregiver.
9. "I love you because..." game
The "I love you because..." game is a heartwarming activity that helps reinforce love and appreciation in a fun and meaningful way.
In this game, take turns telling each other why you love them by highlighting specific positive qualities or actions, such as "I love you because you always help me with the dishes" or "I love you because you make me laugh." Empathy activities for kids allow both children and caregivers to focus on the strengths and positive traits that make each person special.
10. Visual connection
Practicing visual connection through eye contact during playful activities is a simple yet powerful way to strengthen emotional bonds.
While playing games, reading together, or doing any shared activity, encourage your child to maintain eye contact.
This creates a deeper connection and helps the child feel truly seen and understood.
Eye contact fosters trust and security, making the child feel more connected to their caregiver.
11. Joint art projects
Joint art projects are a creative and meaningful way to strengthen the bond between a child and their caregiver.
Work together to create something special, like a family mural, a handprint art piece, or a collage of meaningful images.
These projects not only encourage teamwork but also give you a shared, tangible symbol of your connection.
As you collaborate on the artwork, the process itself reinforces your emotional bond with parent child activities at home, while the finished piece serves as a lasting reminder of the love and memories you’ve built together.
12. Daily rituals (good morning/good night)
Establishing daily rituals, such as a special "good morning" or "good night" routine, provides children with comfort, predictability, and a sense of safety.
These consistent moments create a secure emotional environment, where children know they are loved and cared for at the start and end of each day.
Whether it's a favorite greeting, a shared hug, or a bedtime story, these rituals reinforce the caregiver’s presence and support.
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Establish a bedtime relaxing activity that signals to your toddler that it's time to wind down.
Try it now!
13. Dance or movement time
Dance or movement activities are a fun and energetic way to promote connection and joy between a child and their caregiver.
Put on some music and dance together, or engage in movement games like jumping, stretching, or even simple exercises.
These activities help release energy, build positive memories, and foster a playful, relaxed bond.
The physical activity also helps children feel more connected and supported, as they experience the joy of being present and active with their caregiver.
Looking for a fun way to connect with your child while building emotional bonds?
🎶 Check out the songs on the Storybook app!
They’re a great way to bring joy, laughter, and meaningful moments into your daily routine. Whether it's dancing, singing along, or just enjoying the music together, Storybook’s songs help strengthen connections and create happy memories.
14. Compliment each other
Complimenting each other is a wonderful way to nurture positive self-esteem and strengthen attachment between a child and their caregiver.
Take turns giving each other compliments, focusing on specific qualities like kindness, effort, or helpfulness.
For example, in these kindness activities for kids you can say, "I love how patient you were today," or "You’re so creative!"
This simple act of affirming each other helps children feel valued and appreciated, which fosters a secure emotional connection.
15. Sharing a favorite meal
Sharing a favorite meal is a special way to bond with your child while building routine and emotional security.
Cooking can be a fun activity where children can help with simple tasks, and mealtime becomes an opportunity for meaningful conversation and quality time.
This ritual helps children feel secure, as they associate family meals with love, care, and tradition.
The predictability of these moments fosters emotional stability, making mealtimes a cherished part of your daily routine.
Why secure attachment matters for kids
When children feel safe and loved, they are more likely to develop confidence, empathy, and healthy relationships later in life.
A secure attachment provides a strong foundation, allowing kids to explore the world with the assurance that their caregiver is a constant source of support and comfort.
Children with secure attachments tend to have better emotional regulation, resilience, and a positive self-image.
They are also more equipped to handle challenges, knowing they have a reliable emotional base to return to.
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Written By
Entrepreneur mum. I created Storybook: Bedtime Stories the #1 app in over 90 countries. I have been able to help families with the app and through my social media influence. I also created a Facebook group with over 12,000 moms where we support each other.
Medically Reviewed by:
Francisco Cornejo, a dynamic entrepreneur with a Masters in Communication from RMIT University in Australia, is the Co-Founder and CEO of Storybook. As a serial entrepreneur, he notably served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Honda Motors in Latin America, shaping the brand's regional presence. Passionate about family well-being and communication, Francisco leads Storybook in its mission to improve children's health globally, aiming to create positive impacts in both corporate and societal spheres.
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