Even though we are spending so much time together in the same space, many of us have had our roles change in ways that have added stress to our relationships with our kids. I encourage you to spend some time re-kindling or strengthening these relationships through purposeful time together and silliness and play.
Ideas to stay connected to your kiddo:
- Let your child pick out a couple of new board games and have a game night.
- Ride bikes together. (And if you’re not chicken, try to skateboard.)
- Try doing an art project or craft together.
- Make dinner together.
- Have a good old fashion pillow fight! https://theparentcue.org/staying-connected-to-your-kids/
- If you could be invisible for one day only, what would you do?
- Would you rather be as small as an ant or as tall as a giant?
- If you could visit one planet in the universe, which one would it be?
- Do unicorns fart rainbows? https://momlovesbest.com/questions-for-kids
Benefits of Pretend Play
When children pretend, they use imagination and emotion. Pretend play is linked to skills in creativity, emotional control and awareness, and even academic achievement.
Tips to Bond with Your Child through Play
Because kids are naturally drawn to play, it can be a great tool for parents to connect with our kids and to help them develop new skills. Here are some ways for creating a great bonding and growing experience with your child:
- Be intentional about setting aside time to play together, one-on-one. Plan for about 20 minutes if you can, with minimal distractions.
- Choose toys that allow for good pretend play.
- If you and your child need help getting started, you can use a story stem like: “A story about a boy who lives in a castle.”
- If you remember nothing else, FOLLOW YOUR CHILD’S LEAD. They are the experts, after all. As a rule of thumb, try not to say anything that changes the course of the story or adds a plot point.
- Praise, praise, praise! Kids absolutely soak up every bit of praise they receive. Find as many moments as possible to tell your child what great ideas they have and how funny and creative they are. “That was cool how you used ___ to be something else.”
- Avoid asking lots of questions. Questions can show you are engaged, but they can also shut down natural creativity. We also tend to shift into teaching mode as parents (e.g., “What sound does a tiger make?” or, “What color is this?”), which is much less fun than what our kids have in mind for playtime.
Ideas for fun and safe things to do with kids like apple picking, drive-in movie options and hiking
https://www.charlotteparent.com/things-to-do/ and
https://www.charlotteparent.com/labor-day-weekend-events-in-charlotte-2020/
Interactive ‘How To’ videos like drawing different animals https://bit.ly/34UUCqT
Virtual fishing tournament https://bit.ly/3hOzR47
Disc Golf https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=9005&mode=ci
Stallings kits for kids - https://bit.ly/3jwzpI7
And a very cool ‘I.T. Adventures in a Box’ https://bit.ly/3lByckt
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