Attachment is the emotional bond that helps children feel safe, secure, and confident in their relationships with caring adults. It develops when children experience consistent, responsive care and know they can rely on the adults in their lives.
Strong connections aren’t built only through big moments, they’re formed through small, consistent interactions. Just 10 intentional minutes a day can help children feel seen, valued, and supported. While these practices can be especially meaningful for children who have experienced foster care or previous trauma, they are helpful for all children as they build trust and emotional security.
Moments of Connection
Meaningful Moments
Connection often happens in everyday interactions. A shared laugh, calm response, or moment of encouragement during routines reminds children they are noticed and supported.
Daily Check-In
Take a few minutes to ask open-ended questions and truly listen. Whether it’s in the car or before bed, this time isn’t about fixing problems, it’s about showing interest and validating feelings.
Short Shared Activity
Let the child choose a simple activity and follow their lead. Reading, drawing, playing a game, or taking a short walk shows that their interests matter. This isn’t the time for correction or multitasking.
Safe, Respectful Physical Touch
When welcomed by the child, appropriate physical touch can be grounding and reassuring. This might look like a high-five, sitting side by side, or a hug. Always follow the child’s cues and respect boundaries, which builds trust and a sense of control.
Entering Their World
Children carry a lot in their day: school expectations, chores, activities, friendships, and responsibilities. While learning independence is important, connection grows when adults walk alongside them. Helping children prepare, remember details, and gather what they need shows that you care about their world and what matters to them.
Wind-Down Time
Ending the day with calm, predictable connection such as reading together, quiet conversation, or reflection helps children feel settled and secure.
Being Intentional
These practices are not about doing everything perfectly or adding more to already full days. They are about being intentional with the time you already have. Even small moments of connection, when repeated consistently, help children feel safe enough to explore, learn, and grow.
Children who feel securely connected are often better able to manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and ask for help when they need it. For children who have experienced disruption or loss, these daily interactions can help rebuild trust and reinforce the message that caring adults can be steady and dependable.
Ten minutes may feel small, but over time it becomes a powerful rhythm of connection and one that reminds children every day that they are valued, supported, and secure.
