Missoula counselors often say that when it comes to raising children, there is no right or wrong way. However, engaging with kids is an important part of parenting that can often be overlooked. Playing with your kids is a great way to build a bond, ensure they’re developing well, and have fun! Here are some tips on how to make playing with the kids easier, and even more spectacular.
Start Your Day Right
The morning is a great time to start playing with your kid(s). It sets the tone for the day and sets a positive atmosphere in the house. Get up early and spend some time with each child before getting ready for school or work. Have breakfast together and talk about what you plan on doing today or this week. This will give you both something to look forward to and keep in mind during the day.
To make sure you start off on the right foot, create a routine for yourself and your child or children. This could include setting an alarm 5 minutes before they wake up, prepping breakfast ahead of time, and having a plan for what kind of activity your child would like to do when they wake up. This way, you will have more energy to engage with them during play time.
I like to set up the drawing station the night before, so they have something they can naturally go to in the morning.
Reading is also a spectacular way to start the day. It is super bonding and seeps into the rest of the day.
Start the Day with Fun Activities
One of the best ways to start off the day is by having some fun. This could be anything from making breakfast together to dancing around the kitchen as you sing your favorite songs.
Not only will this start your day on a positive note, but it also helps create a strong bond between you and your kids that lasts throughout the day. Plus, it gives them something to look forward to each morning!
We have one of those karaoke hand-held microphones. We Bluetooth it so that it plays their favorite songs and they can sing along. It might be best to have just one, though! Because with multiple microphones it can start to sound pretty…well, extreme.
Have Fun Projects Planned
Having projects planned will help you avoid feeling like every playtime session needs to be filled with activity. Instead of having every moment planned out, have certain projects that you do over time such as building model planes or painting a mural together. This allows your child to engage in activities that require patience, problem-solving skills, and creativity, while also providing them with an opportunity to practice their motor skills. Plus it gives them something they feel proud of when it’s finished!
A model or Legos really seems to work well, here.
Take Turns & Show Interest
One way to make playing fun for everyone is by taking turns and showing interest in what each person has to say or show off. If one child wants to show you their latest Lego creation while another wants to go outside and play tag – take turns! Let each child know that their ideas are valued and listened too – this will encourage them to come up with more creative ideas for future playtimes. Also, pay attention when they tell stories about their day at school or friends – this makes them feel seen and heard which is important for development!
Take Time Outdoors
Spending time outdoors is great for both parents and kids alike. So why not make it part of your daily routine? Go for walks in nature, play catch in the backyard, or explore different parks in your area. The possibilities are endless! Not only does this give everyone an opportunity to get some much-needed fresh air and sunshine, but it also allows for plenty of bonding time between parents and children.
Create New Experiences Together
It doesn’t matter if you’re 5 or 50—everyone loves learning something new! So why not use this as an opportunity for quality family time? Take cooking classes together is a big one! Just make sure they are nice and simple like “cookies”.
Learn about science through experiments at home, (make a volcano with blobs of baking soda and vinegar on a baking sheet with food coloring) or explore different cultures through music and art classes online. No matter what activity you decide on, just remember that creating these experiences together is what matters most!
Dress-up Play
Pretend play is an important activity for cognitive development because it encourages problem-solving skills and creative thinking. When you let your children dress up like their favorite characters, they learn how to build stories and interact with others in a safe, imaginative environment.
Board Games
Board games provide opportunities for children to practice counting, pattern recognition, and other math skills. They also teach them about following rules and taking turns, which is essential for social interaction later on in life. If you’re looking for board games suitable for younger children, try Memory Match, Candyland, or Chutes and Ladders!
Building Blocks & Puzzles
Building blocks require problem-solving skills as well as concentration and focus from children while they work on completing the puzzle or structure they have set out to make.
Puzzles are another great way to sharpen memory recall as well as hand-eye coordination when pieces must fit together correctly in order to form a larger piece of art or picture.
Music & Movement Activities
Lastly, music & movement activities are another way to have fun while learning! Singing songs helps with language development since children learn words faster when set to a melody; dancing helps with physical coordination; playing instruments like drums or xylophones develops fine motor skills; and musical games such as follow-the-leader create a sense of community when played with friends!
In Sum
Playing with kids doesn’t need to be difficult or stressful; it can actually be quite enjoyable if done correctly! So remember, start your day right by setting aside some time specifically intended for playing with your kids.
Make sure to come up with projects together that can be worked on over time, and take turns listening so everyone feels included. Doing these things consistently will help foster a strong relationship!
John Michaels is a local Missoula author who graduated from Brown University in creative writing. In between raising kids, he spends his time meandering around downtown Missoula, writing screenplays, doing cryotherapy, and playing chess.