While children do need time to play alone and with
other children without adult intervention, research
shows that playtime with parents is also important.
Children crave time with parents. It makes them feel
special. Parents are encouraged to find time to spend
playing with their kids on a regular basis. This should
include one to one with each child and group time with
all of the adults and kids in the home. If you are a
single parent or have an only child, occasionally invite
family or friends over to play.
In pretend play, let the child develop the theme. Get
into their world. Let them go with it. Ask questions.
Play along. Be silly along with them and have fun. Avoid
over-stimulation. Know when it is time to stop.
Also, when appropriate, parents can use stuffed animals
or puppets to act out real-life situations that can
teach problem solving or social skills. Let the puppet
demonstrate the wrong way to handle a situation. Then,
along with input from the child, act out a better way.
Afterward, let the child do the same.
More Possibilities:
- Play
outdoors. Throw balls. Push kids on swings. Make mud
pies. Go on a hike around the neighborhood. Take a
nature walk in your backyard.
- Play games –
card games – board games – silly and wacky kids
games. Help them learn to take turns, how to win and
how to loose. Praise them. Encourage them. Laugh
with them.
- Get involved
in a craft project together. Build a jigsaw puzzle
as a family. Bake cookies. Paint a picture.
- Listen to
music together. Sing along. Play rhythm instruments
along with music. Get out the guitar or keyboard and
make music.
- Read a book
together. Ask questions. Ask them to change the
story or make up a new one.
- Watch a
movie together. Find out what they liked – how they
felt. Discover the child’s interests. Comment on and
discuss any bothersome content either words or
actions.
- Play kid
games like: Follow the Leader – Guess What I Am? –
Hide and Seek
Help kids when they show the
need it or ask for it. Use it as a time to teach:
- patience
- problem solving
- social skills
- creativity
Playing with kids builds a bond
that will last forever. It lets the child know he or she
is loved and appreciated. It opens the door for sharing
problems and concerns when the need arises. It helps the
parent get to know and under the uniqueness of each
child. It is also great stress reducer for overworked
parents.
Family Activities are great for the whole family. They
help develop strong family bonds which can last a
lifetime. It can be said that a family who plays
together stays together. They also are more cooperative,
supportive and have open communication. These qualities
pay off in big dividends by increasing self-esteem,
social skills and a sense of connectedness that helps
kids and teens use good judgment when confronted with
difficulties and temptations.
Develop your own Family
Traditions:
Family Game Night:
Here's a great tradition that is easy to start. Pick
a night and make it family game night. Gradually add
games that can be fun for the entire family. Take turns
choosing the game to play. Make sure the games are
appropriate for the youngest player. A great time to
bond through friendly competition. Learn how to take
turns and play fair. Learn how to be a good looser and
well as a good winner. Here are some favorites by age
group:
Encourage Outdoor Activities
Now is the time to stop the "Couch Potato" syndrome.
Pediatricians find that most kids are not getting enough
exercise. Parents can be good role models by going
outside and playing along with their kids. Hey, it is
good for adults as well. Encourage your child to be
active. Help them develop motor coordination and learn
good sportsmanship.
