We were created for connection. From the moment we are born, our brains and hearts are wired to seek closeness, safety, and belonging with others. For children, connection with a parent is more than just a “nice extra”—it’s the foundation for healthy emotional development, confidence, and resilience. When kids feel securely connected, they are more able to manage stress, try new things, and navigate challenges. For parents, connection builds trust and joy in the relationship, reminding us that the little moments of presence often matter more than the big gestures.

For many parents, this feels overwhelming. Maybe when you were growing up you didn’t have the benefit of having safe, connecting experiences which taught you how to engage in this manner. Maybe you feel silly trying to incorporate connection rituals with your own children. Maybe you feel like you don’t know how. Here is a super short list of some low effort, high connection rituals that you can incorporate into your routine. 

1. Weather Report: 
   This exercise incorporates safe, connecting touch and helps teach using one’s voice. Parent and child sit comfortably. Parent asks, “What kind of weather do you like?” (rainy, windy, thunder, sunny, etc) child answers and the parent “acts out” that weather on the child’s back. Windy might be light fingers running side to side, rainy could be a gentle tapping, thunder might be a little firmer, like a “drum roll” on the back, etc. Be creative. Check in again with the child, “now what weather do you want?” After a time, switch places. Let the child do the weather that the parent requests on the parent’s back. 
2. Pictionary or sentence writing for older children:
   Similar to number 1, the parent draws a picture (like a heart, star, or house) or writes a sentence  (like “I love you”) on the child’s back and the child guesses what it is. Then reverse. 
3. Special handshake:
   This one is self explanatory, create a special handshake to do with your child before school drop off or after pickup, before bed, etc. Any time of separation or transition, or really just because! If you need help coming up with a special handshake, look up some ideas online, here’s a link to get you started. 
4. Dance party:
   Have a little dance party. Throw on a favorite upbeat song and get to dancing. The sillier you feel, the better!
   Try being one of those wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube guys you see outside car dealerships that blow in the wind. 
   In the car? Try a stop light dance party! Crank up the tunes and get a little car seat dance on! Simple, low effort, giggles abound! 
5. High, Low, Buffalo:
   Share with each other your high of the day, low of the day, and something that surprised you or was unexpected.
   Parents, don’t just ask your child these questions, let them ask you too! Share your world with them. They need to know that even grown ups have challenging moments they bounce back from. 
6. I am thankful for:
   Create a gratitude ritual. Each day, have everyone in the family share three things they are grateful for. Gratitude promotes positive moods too, so that’s an added benefit! 

There are so many more ideas, but this is a solid starting point for some things to start using in your family. Connecting rituals don’t have to be big—they just need to be consistent. Kids learn to expect these moments, and over time, they become anchors of love and security. As parents, these little traditions also help us slow down and savor the fleeting moments of childhood. Remember: it’s not about doing all the rituals—it’s about finding one or two that fit your family and making them yours.