By Amber Nunaley, MSW, LCSW – April 2, 2026 –

Raising a child is no small task, and it often requires the support of a “village.” While many people view parenting as simply providing shelter, clothing, food, and toys, it goes far beyond meeting basic needs. In the busyness of making sure those necessities are covered, it’s easy for parents to overlook the importance of spending quality time with their child.

A healthy relationship with your child begins at birth, through the simple but powerful act of responding to their needs – comforting their cries, ensuring they are fed, and keeping them clean and safe. While these actions may seem routine, they play a crucial role in building trust, teaching the child that their parent or guardian is a reliable source of care and security.

As the child grows into the toddler stage, they begin to explore their independence while staying close to their parent/guardian. This balance of curiosity and connection is a positive sign that the child feels safe, secure, and confident, knowing they are supported even as they venture out on their own.

A parent/guardian can nurture a strong, healthy relationship with their young child by intentionally spending meaningful time together. This might include getting down on the floor to play, engaging with them on a trip to the park, or reading a book together at bedtime. 

When a child begins preschool, the transition can be just as emotional for parents as it is for the child. After spending the first few years together each day, this new separation marks a significant change in routine. To continue nurturing a strong relationship, parents can take an active interest in their child’s experiences by asking about their day and making time to stay connected through shared activities and meaningful moments.

As children enter middle childhood, they spend much of their day at school and begin forming stronger connections with peers. Invitations to birthday parties, sleepovers, or playdates become more common, and parents may start to feel less central in their child’s daily life. During this stage, maintaining a healthy relationship often requires more intentional effort. Setting aside dedicated time to connect, such as sharing a meal each evening, can make a meaningful difference. Sitting down as a family to talk about the day’s highlights, plans for tomorrow, and everyday thoughts creates space for connection. Keeping distractions like phones and tablets away during this time helps ensure that both parent and child are fully present and engaged.

The final stage of childhood – adolescence – can feel especially challenging for many families. Teenagers often seek more independence, choosing to spend more time with friends and sometimes appearing more distant at home. While this shift can be difficult, it is a normal and temporary part of development. During this stage, parents need to maintain clear expectations and healthy boundaries while also keeping lines of communication open. Taking an interest in what your teenager enjoys can create natural opportunities for connection. Continuing simple routines, like regular family meals and check-ins, can provide a consistent space for support, understanding, and meaningful interaction. In the blink of an eye, your tiny baby has grown up to be a young adult.

Building and maintaining a healthy parent–child relationship is an ongoing effort that requires commitment. When additional support or tools are needed, Youth First offers a variety of helpful programs, including Family First for families and Family Foundations, which supports early bonding between parents and their baby. To learn more about these opportunities, you can visit youthfirstinc.org or connect with a Youth First Mental Health Professional at your child’s school.

Amber Nunaley, MSW, LCSW, is a Youth First Mental Health Professional at Academy for Innovative Studies in Vanderburgh County. Youth First, Inc., is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families. Youth First provides over 100 highly trained mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers), prevention programs, parent engagement coordinators, and bilingual support personnel to 130 schools across 14 Indiana counties. Over 55,000 youth and families each year are served by Youth First’s school-based social work and community programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.