Children crave connection with their parents, and when they don’t get enough parent interaction, chaos often ensues. You can strengthen your connection with your children by different forms of play activities, especially pretend play and physical activities.
Be playful throughout the Day
Children need things not to be ultra serious and when things get too serious, a power struggle often occurs. Instead of battling with your child, try to make it a game, whether you want her brush her teeth, put on her jacket, or set the table. Make up a silly song together about where the forks, spoons, and plates all belong and she’ll be smiling instead of whining in no time.
Incorporate Pretend Play into Your Day
Let your child choose the theme of pretend play, allowing it to be unscripted and flow naturally. Have fun with it and enter their realm of imagination. Use stuffed animals or dolls to assist in acting out the scenarios which aids in problem-solving skills. Ask your child questions on what she wants the doll to do, without taking over.
Rough-housing Relieves Stress
If your kid is acting up or being cranky after a tough day at school, avoid another lecture. Instead try rough-housing with them, such as a game of tag or hide and seek, or even a quick round of hugs and tickles. This will depend on your child and their personality but these type of activities allow children to blow off steam and turn frowns into giggles.
Start a Family Game Night
Make Fridays family game night. Choose a game that the entire family will enjoy, from the young kids to your tweens. Basic card games like UNO, Go Fish, and Gin Rummy are a great place to start.
Be Spontaneous and Share Nature with Your Children
Children see the beauty of nature in a different way than we do so share that with them. Sit on a blanket in the backyard and watch a meteor shower. Take your kids to a nearby campground and tell ghost stories and make S’mores with some of their friends. Wake your children up at the first snowfall and watch the flakes come down while drinking hot chocolate. These will be the memories they cherish.
While spontaneous play throughout the day is best, even an extra 20 minutes a day with playing with your child will strengthen your bond. If you need more ideas of how to connect with your child through play, please contact us at (510) 949-8668.
