Small Steps for Building Stronger Bonds with your Children
Because parenting isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection (and a lot of deep breaths)
Parenting isn't about being perfect, it's about showing up with empathy, connection, and a dash of creativity (usually with one child wrapped around your leg and another asking for a snack). At Handmade Hippo, I'm a firm believer that parenting doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. It’s the small, intentional moments that build the strongest bonds.
Here are a few parenting hacks that don’t require a child psychology degree or a Pinterest-worthy playroom - just a willingness occasionally to slow down, connect, and maybe embrace a bit of messy chaos now and then.
1. Foster Independence (Even If It Gets a Bit Messy)
One of the most empowering things we can do for our kids is let them try things on their own… yes, even if that means flour on the ceiling.
Whether they're helping in the kitchen, getting stuck into a painting session, or proudly doing their own “important jobs,” an apron makes it feel official and limits the outfit changes needed. They’re not just helping, they’re participating! Handmade Hippo Kids' Aprons are perfect for this. These aprons encourage autonomy, confidence, and pride in being part of family life.
Bonus points if you match with a twinning adult apron. Because nothing says “we’re a team” quite like coordinating pockets and matching smears of chocolate brownie batter.
2. Prioritise Play and Connection
Play, whatever it looks like for your child, is how children can express themselves. Children thrive on connection, and one of the easiest ways to connect is to sit beside them, play, listen and maybe even create something together.
My Decorate Your Own Kits (banners and crowns) aren’t just cute craft activities. They’re invitations to talk, laugh, imagine, and share. Whether you’re scribbling alongside them or quietly sipping tea while they create, you’re giving them your focused attention, and that’s what matters most.
These kits also make great rainy-day distractions, screen-free activities, or party favours that don’t end up as landfill. Win-win.
3. Create Meaningful Routines
Bedtime battles, anyone? (Raises hand)
Routines help children feel safe, but they don’t have to be rigid or stressful. A small tool like the Bedtime Routine Cushion can gently guide your child through the evening steps and be a non verbal signal rather than constant reminders (let’s face it no one wants to be nagged) about finding their pjs. Pop their favourite book or snuggly toy in the pocket, and suddenly bedtime feels like a game they’re in charge of, not a battle to be won.
It’s about creating rhythm, not rules. Parenting is as much about working with your child’s needs as it is about structure.
4. Validate Their Emotions (Even the Big Ones)
Sometimes kids just need a space to process. Whether they’re sad, excited, tired, or going through a growth spurt or developmental leap that makes everything feel off (even though they may not be able to express that)… my keepsake envelopes can be used as ‘worry envelopes’ where your child can draw or write down their worries, pop them in before bedtime and then let the envelope work their magic overnight and take them away. Maybe your child has had the BEST day and wants to hold onto that joy, why not use a keepsake envelope to treasure all those little moments that can be used as a reminder on the harder days that there are things they enjoy or challenges they have overcome… remember the day they finally went down the big slide even though they were scared??
Parenting, the Handmade Hippo Way
You don’t need a perfectly calm house or an overflowing Montessori shelf to be a parent (thankfully). You just need curiosity, connection, and a few tools that make the chaos feel a little more joyful.
Everything I create at Handmade Hippo is made with this in mind:
Encouraging independence
Supporting creativity
Embracing imperfection
Strengthening relationships
Whether you're in the thick of toddlerhood or navigating big kid emotions, I’m here for the little moments, because that’s where the magic happens, and sometimes we NEED that reminder as parents right??
Want more ideas for slow living, creative play, and mindful parenting? Browse the Handmade Hippo shop or check out the rest of the blog for more tips.