12 everyday ways you can bond with your son

The bond between mother and son is an important one. It has been found that boys who develop a strong relationship with their mums have less behavioural problems, and show a better disposition overall. This bond is also said to give boys a better chance of succeeding later in life.

It doesn't take much for you to build an amazing relationship with your son. Even small things can strengthen your bond.

Check out these 12 bonding activities for mum and son that you can do each day with your little man.

1. Start each day with a hug

Mornings can be a hectic time for mums. Between preparing breakfast and making sure that everyone is ready for the day ahead, find time to slow down and greet your son with a hug and a kiss.

If you co-sleep, take a few minutes to cuddle in bed before getting up and starting your day. Hugs have been found to stimulate hormones associated with social bonding.

Bonus - Studies have shown that babies who receive lots of hugs are less stressed as adults. So start your day on a high note with a simple hug!

2. Eat meals together

Dining together gives you the opportunity to share food and meaningful conversation with your kids.

By making an effort to have a meal with your son without distractions like TV or mobile phones, you get the chance to ask about his day, get to know him, and share stories about yourself, too.

3. Go grocery shopping

Trips to the supermarket can be a nice bonding activity for you and your son. Ask him to help you push the cart and read items off your shopping list so that he is involved in the task.

You can also make it more fun for him by giving him a budget that he can spend on snacks, so that he can also add some of his favourites into your cart.

4. Teach him how to do housework

When you teach children how to do house chores, you are giving them valuable skills that they can use in life. Find out what tasks your child will enjoy, like washing the car and helping with home improvements.

Doing these things with your son can motivate him to get to work, and also get you both focused on finishing the activity together. Don't forget to reward him with hugs and thank yous for a job well done.

5. Hang out at the arcade (or do something that he really loves to do)

If you are thinking of a nice way to treat your son for being helpful around the house or showing good behaviour, hit two birds with one stone by doing something that he loves with him.

Take him to the arcade and learn how to play his favourite video game. You may be surprised at how much fun you have trying to win prizes and beating each others' scores.

Alternately, you can pull out a box of his favourite toys, and just sit and play with him for a couple of hours. This shows your son that you are interested in what he likes, too.

6. Bond with books

There are many benefits to exposing your kids to books early in life. When you read to your younger children, for instance, it stimulates their imagination and gets them acquainted and interested in words and the use of language.

As your son grows older and learns to read, you can start to take turns reading from the same book. This way, you get to observe as he practices reading, and help him understand bigger words that he may still be unfamiliar with.

7. Get active

Looking for an extra push to get active? Start on a regular exercise activity with your son! This will do both of you good, strengthening your immune systems and making you physically fitter and stronger.

Take up a sport that you both are interested in, such as basketball or football, or just go for a jog a few times a week.

You can even turn to video games for your fitness regimen. Consoles like the Wii and Xbox have sports- and dance-themed games that require you to move to play.

8. See a movie

Movie dates should not be just for husbands and wives. This is a fun activity that you can do with your son, too.

You can head to the theatre to check out a new movie that he has been wanting to watch. Or, for some homey cosy fun, get a video and make microwave popcorn at home for the two of you to share.

9. Take a drive

It doesn't matter whether the destination is near or far, driving around with your son gives you the chance to talk and bond. Assign him as your official navigator, and let him be in charge of reading your destination map or monitoring the GPS.

When he gets old enough to drive, switch roles and have your son practice his skills on the road as you navigate. Yes, this fun bonding activity is something that you can do together starting when your son is small until he grows up.

10. Learn something new together

Find something that you both want to become good at, like cooking, baking or arts and crafts, and sign up for a class together with your son.

It will be interesting for him to see you start at the same level that he is in. It will be equally fun going though the class, learning and accomplishing new things together.

11. Explore your neighbourhood

Go for a walk with your son and get him acquainted with things and places to see in your neighbourhood. Not only do you get to bond together as you do this, but you also get him outside of the house and away from gadgets for a while.

12. Give thanks at the end of the day

Before tucking him in, quickly chat with your son and ask what the highlights of his day were. Ask him what he is thankful for, and share your list, too.

As you talk, you will learn more about him, what makes him happy and what his interests are. Making a regular routine out of this can help you stay in tune with your son as he grows.

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