BONDING
(Continued from Page 11)
relationship. Additionally, it gives
you something to talk about when
other topics might not be so
comfortable.
For quality bonding time, Torres
enjoys heading out to local
playgrounds with his daughter.
"When we go out to play, I like
building trust with her by first
guiding her down a children's slide
then letting her go down on her
own and catching her at the
bottom."
2. Go outside. Introducing
your child to the wonders of the
great outdoors can be a unique way
to spend time together. Collect
"treasures" as you walk through
your backyard, and then use the
items you've found to make a
nature collage.
"As we wander about on our
nature walks, the kids and I pick up
different things like leaves, rocks,
flowers and even bugs and worms,"
said Turner. "Once we get back
home, we talk about each thing and
how it relates to nature."
3. Learn something new. If
there are no hobbies where you can
find a mutual interest try an activity
that is new for you both. This can
start with taking a class together
or renting equipment to try out
a new sport.
Torres began teaching his
daughter sign language. "First,
I taught her to sign for 'more' by
putting her fingers together," said
Torres. This was the first way
Torres and his daughter were able
to directly communicate with
each other.
4. Travel Together. This
doesn't have to be fancy… it can be
as simple as going camping for
traveling around town to complete
errands. Ford believes the majority
of the bonding he and his kids do
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Hudson Valley Parent
June 2013
