Getting nervous about what you're going to do when you bring your adoptive child into their new home? Bonding can be a difficult task regardless of individual circumstances, which is why many adoptive parents start devising strategies months before the process is finalized. If you want to make this easier for yourself, take a look at some of the suggestions for bonding activities listed below.

1. Sing to your child.

This is something you can do regardless of the child’s age. It’s best done while tucking them in at night, and has many advantages to creating a strong emotional bond. While listening to your voice, the child will have time to get used to you and your presence.

2. Read your child a story.

Bedtime routines are among the best activities you can participate in to bond with the newest member of your family. Research has shown that children thrive when a routine is introduced into their everyday lives, and making yourself a part of their routine lets the child know you’re there to stay. Reading a story makes you connect, all the while helping the child develop their vocabulary and learn.

3. Making eye contact.

Although it might sound strange at first, this is actually an activity a lot of experts recommend. It’s one of the quickest ways of bonding with an adopted child. It has been shown that establishing prolonged eye contact creates a sense of shared intimacy.

4. Play games involving touching your child’s hands.

Pat-a-cake and airplane tickling games are some of the playful activities that almost become instinct as children develop into their need for play at an early age. Games like this have the added benefit of making your child feel closer to you through their sense of touch.

5. Brush your child’s hair.

There are a lot of things you can do to let your child know you care about them, and brushing their hair is one of them. This activity creates an instant feeling of intimacy and nurturing from their parent.