Here are some healthy tips that would help you to connect with your child:
I saw this online. I think it makes a whole lot of sense though it's written with single parents in mind.

Enjoy.

1. Spend a lot of time together
• Build a strong Family Routine and stick to it. Allocate time for chores and time to spend as a family. Research has shown that children whose families follow a daily routine may be healthier, better behaved and could even perform better at school.
• Mealtimes should be together. This can be changed to “US TIME”.
• Plan structured time to help your child with their homework. This is another way of spending quality time with your child.
• Switch off the TV and get into a routine of family games in the evenings and stories before bed for younger kids.
• Spend alone time together. One to one bonding with each child can help older and younger kids feel secure in their environment. Build it into the family routine and stick to it.
• Spend Sunday together since most Saturdays are spent making your hair, attending weddings, birthdays Etc. When was the last time your family spent an entire day together?
According to Columbia University’s National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, children of families that eat together are less likely to exhibit behavioural problems, including experimentation with drugs and alcohol. The same children are also less likely exhibit symptoms of depression, and more likely to excel academically. Time spent together is where behaviours are shaped and reinforced.

2. Set ground rules
Setting ground rules in your home is very important. This keeps your child/ children disciplined. Keep them co-operating by making expectations clear when it comes to behaviour. Jennifer Wolf, a Parent Coaching Institute certified parent coach, suggests the following for single parents:
• Establish ground rules: Communicate a set of three to five rules before children misbehave.
• Use praise: Misbehaviour is often a search for approval in disguise. Find opportunities every day to praise good behaviour. Reward Charts are simple and effective ways to encourage good behaviour.
• Develop a firm and serious tone of voice. Lowering your voice can be a good tool for effective parent-child communication.
• Set boundaries: Children need to understand when their behaviour is crossing a line. The House Rules will help them remember what behaviour has been agreed as unacceptable.
• Redirect/separate: A child who displays persistent bad behaviour can be redirected. If the problem is fighting over toys, take them away; if it is about television, turn it off.
• Ignore it: When misbehaviour is tied to a desire to draw attention, do not allow it to succeed.
• Time out: take them to a certain place in your home where children are challenged to think about bad behaviour. During this time explain what she’s done wrong, tell her that her behaviour is unacceptable, and warn her that if she behaves in the same way again she will be spanked. Remember spare the rod and spoil the child. Make sure your voice remains calm, not angry, and use a low, authoritative tone.
• Loss of privileges: Children need to learn the cost of bad behaviour.
• Natural consequences: Sometimes a child’s behaviour can induce its own negative consequences and lessons. A child who talks back at school, for example, may receive some kind of punishment.

3. Speak and listen
• Talk to your children, and let them talk to you aswell. Understand their needs, wants and personal goals.
• Practise active listening: Your child will open up when you try to understand their world.
• Validate your children’s feelings: In a child’s world, big things may be small, and small things big. By understanding his or her feelings, a parent can guide a child toward an understanding of complex situations.
• Ask questions: Family decisions can be better understood and better received if a child feels his or her point of view is considered.

4. Find a support system
• Build a community of friends, co-workers, support groups and other single parents in church or the mosque.
• Ask for help, and don’t shy away from help when it is offered.
• Share the childcare with others.
• Don't take your anger out on your children.
• Be honest with your children about the changes in your life.
• Recognize that you can't be both parents.
• Share the job of parenting with the other parent, please do not leave them out.

5. To reduce stress in your single parent family:
• Find quality child care. If you need regular child care, look for a qualified nanny from a reliable agent who can provide stimulation in a safe environment. Don't rely on an older child as your only baby sitter. Be careful about asking a new friend or partner to watch your child. However please do not leave all your parental duties to your nanny, friends and parents. It is important to play your role.
• Set limits. Explain certain expectations you expect from your child; such as speaking respectfully.
• Don't feel guilty. Don't blame yourself or spoil your child to try to make up for being a single parent.
• Take care of yourself. Include physical activity in your daily routine, eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep. Arrange time to do activities you enjoy alone or with close friends.
• Stay positive. It's OK to be honest with your child if you're having a difficult time, but remind him or her that things will get better. Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect parent. Try to keep your sense of humor when dealing with everyday challenges.

Source:http://gidimoms.com/index.php/the-home/item/259-raising-a-child-as-a-single-parent-in-nigeria-helpful-tips

Thanks so much

You are welcome