Taking the time to bond with your child is one of the most influential parts of being a parent. How do we do this though? Through creative activities!
From science experiments and baking to reading and playing video games, these all play an important role in bonding. These activities help develop and facilitate a lasting relationship between a parent and child. Next to school, parents are one of the most important factors in teaching and developing children. Activities help us do that.
In this article, we list our top ten ideas for making the most out of activities. Combining purpose and fun, you and your child are sure to love doing at least one of these on this list!
1. Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts are that age-old pastime that is affordable and fun. You can usually run to the nearest hobby store or even a Walmart or Target to pick up some cheap kits. These can be little wooden paint projects, like a small jewelry box or truck, or even homemade birthday and Christmas cards. Spending this one on one time with your children can be special. It can also benefit their creative development as they try new things, combine new colors, and learn from you.
2. Baking and Cooking
This one is a personal favorite. Put the worry of a dirty kitchen sink aside for a moment. Just try some new recipes. Not only try new ones y yourself, let your children try to help you out. This can be a pizza, cookies, or cupcakes. Give them some jobs too. Let them cut things (with your supervision) or mix things. This not only builds that trust and independence but shows them that you value their input.
If they are older: Don’t try something straightforward either. Maybe give making bread (pretty tough in my opinion) or a cool cake a shot.
3. Outdoor Exploration
Depending on the time of year, this one may not be feasible, but if it is I suggest giving it a try. Use an app, like AllTrails, to see hiking trails or outdoor activities in your local area. You can adjust them by difficulty and distance, so this is great for finding family-oriented areas.
While outside, take the time to show your children cool things about nature. One, this helps them grow respect and appreciation for wildlife and nature. Two, this shows them that it is something that you care about. They may enjoy it more if they know that you are.
Plus, everyone could use some fresh air with the amount of time we spend inside these days!
Another great outdoor activity is Geocaching. This is a global scavenger hunt initiative that I have had a lot of fun with in the past. If you are interested, check out this link.
4. Family Movie Night
This one is something you can go all out on if you. You can set the scene in the living room or wherever you typically watch movies. Get the popcorn and candy, their favorite drinks, and maybe some blankets to get cozy.
If you want to go above and beyond, maybe try using the arts and crafts to make cool movie tickets or a makeshift concession stand. Doing all this to watch a movie you may have already seen a thousand times, may seem pretty boring or like a waste of time. Your children may see it as the coolest thing ever! Always keep their perspective in mind.
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5. Family Game Night
This can be board games, card games, video games, or even games where you act out scenes. The options are pretty limitless nowadays. We love using the Nintendo Switch for a night of Mario Kart or a bowling tournament. Whatever your preferred thing is, do that!
You can also make this a weekly or monthly event. By scheduling it out and setting the time aside for it, your kids will grow to anticipate it and get excited when it is coming up! You can treat it just like movie night and get into it!
6. Reading and Storytelling
This one may seem like the most boring one on the list, but for my daughter and me currently I feel that it is the best one. There is something about her crawling up in my lap just to listen to me read a goofy story that makes me smile.
This one can be scheduled out too. Maybe it is something you decide to do every day or every night before bed (highly recommended).
Let them pick their favorite book or two (depending on how small they are). Make sure you rotate books frequently to keep them new and exciting. You can even take them to visit the local library if you have one. This opens up tons of book options and teaches them to appreciate what seems to be a dying art form.
7. Science and History
The engineer in me loves this one! I am so excited for Sophia to get a little older to start trying this one out.
Building volcanoes or cool robots (since that is a possibility now even on a budget) seems like a blast. This teaches STEM principles which are great for development and learning. Now, with the advancements in technology, it is also possible to utilize LEGO to teach children computer and electrical principles and coding. There are tons of possibilities here!
Science doesn’t always have to be experiments either. This can be taking your child to a children’s science center. The facilities have tons of activities for children to do which teach them hands-on science principles.
Museums are also a great place to consider. Choosing one that your child is interested in can make the experience beneficial. Check your local area for possibilities.
Related Article: Sensorimotor Development in Children
8. Sports
This one is not for everyone, but if sports are something you and your child enjoy this one is great for bonding. Going to a sporting event or playing in the backyard or park are both great options.
Playing things like soccer or baseball is not only good for the parent-child bond. It is also great for hand and eye coordination development.
9. Music and Dance Parties
If you have a Nintendo Switch with access to a dance game, you should already be doing this. Not forcing you, but seriously, it is a blast. Acting goofy, getting a workout, and bonding with your child and spouse. What else do you need?
It doesn’t have to be a dancing game. It can also just be playing music and having a good time in the house or outside.
10. DIY Projects
If you are a crafty and creative person, make sure to show your children that side of you. You do that by including them in your hobbies. If you enjoy woodworking and DIY projects, that is a perfect opportunity to let your children spend time with you.
Teaching them about tools, safety, and the basic engineering stuff that goes into building stuff can be so beneficial for them. Working on the car, building a birdhouse, or even making some custom jewelry are some possible ideas.
Our Take
No matter if you think the activity is boring or not engaging if your child is having a blast and learning new things you should count it as a success. Showing your child that you value their interest, opinions, and time means the most to them.
Whether you spend an hour or 4 hours doing one of these activities with your child, it has a lifelong effect on them. It builds a bond, solidifies trust, and teaches them things that they may not learn elsewhere.
This is our role as parents: to give our kids love, our time, our life lessons, but above all – a super fun experience!
Thank you
If you read this entire article, thank you. If you just skimmed through it a little bit, thank you. All of you are appreciated and I am truly excited to continue writing content like this for you.
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