🤝 Connecting Time – Strengthening Relationships Over the Holidays
Connecting time for kids wellbeing is all about meaningful moments with people (or pets!) and the world around them.
During school holidays, life can swing between chaotic and disconnected: siblings squabble, parents are busy, friends are away, routines fall apart. But even small moments of connection — not just big family days — can help kids feel safe, seen, and valued.
Here is our fifth article from our School Holiday Wellbeing Series exploring Dr Dan Siegel’s Healthy Mind Platter — a framework for balancing kids’ emotional and mental health over the holidays. If you want to read other parts of the series, see the overview here »
🌟 Why Connection Matters
Research has established that the more time parents spend with their children, the higher their children’s wellbeing will be (read more here).
- Builds emotional safety → Kids regulate better when they feel securely connected.
- Supports social learning → Turn-taking, empathy, communication — all start in relationships.
- Boosts resilience → Connection is a key buffer against stress and worry.
- Deepens family bonds → Shared time strengthens trust and belonging.
🛠️ Practical Ways to Build Connecting Time
✅ One-on-one moments (no big plans needed!)
- Snuggle and read together (even a comic or magazine counts!)
- Go for a short walk just the two of you, and let them set the pace
- Cook or bake side by side — let them pour, stir, or taste-test
- Play a game and let them lead the rules, even if they make it up
- Work on a small project together, like a model, scrapbook, or playlist
✅ Family rituals / Mini rituals
- Share one meal a day with no devices
- Do “rose, thorn, bud” at dinner (best, hardest, and looking-forward-to moments)
- Make a family playlist for the holidays
- Watch a favourite movie together, no multitasking
- Morning “hello” and evening “goodnight” routines with hugs or special phrases
- Gratitude jar: everyone adds one thing they’re grateful for each day
✅ Connecting beyond family
- Video call with grandparents or friends; let your child help plan it
- Write or draw a note for a teacher, coach, or friend to give after the holidays
- Invite a neighbour over for a low-key activity (sidewalk chalk, lemonade, board games)
- Attend a free local event together — library storytime, local market, music in the park
✅ With pets or nature
- Brush the dog or cuddle the cat together
- Feed the fish or birds and talk about what they’re doing
- Plant something together, even in a pot or small garden corner
- Cloud-watch or stargaze lying side by side
- Sit quietly in nature — listen for 5 different sounds or look for 5 shapes
✅ For neurodivergent or socially anxious kids
- Parallel play (side-by-side Lego or colouring, no pressure to talk)
- Share special interests — watch their favourite show or talk about their favourite topic
- Join in sensory activities (playdough, slime, sand, water)
- Give them a “connection menu” — e.g., “Would you like a hug, a high five, or just sit near me?”
💡 Parent Tips
⭐ Small, regular moments matter more than big events.
⭐ Focus on presence, not perfection — even 10 mindful minutes counts.
⭐ For neurodivergent kids, connection might look different (e.g., parallel play, shared special interests).
⭐ Connection with nature counts too — don’t underestimate the grounding power of outdoors.
💬 When to Reach Out
If your child is feeling lonely, isolated, or struggling to connect with others, we’re here to help. We offer psychology support for kids and teens across Mount Waverley, Melbourne, and via telehealth across Australia.
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