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It seems as though one day our kids are tiny and helpless and before you know it they are exercising independence and getting involved in other things. Kids grow up so fast and whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or work outside of the home, most likely you feel your heartstrings being pulled at one time or another, and find yourself longing for ways to stay connected with your kids.
Here are some suggestions on activities to do with your kids, so even on the busiest days; you can make memories and bond.
#1 Put a Note In Their Lunchbox: A little note with a friendly message in your kid’s lunchbox is an easy way to let him know you’re thinking of him even when he’s at school. Writing it on a colorful piece of paper or folding it creatively into origami will be a welcome surprise for a child at any age. It might just brighten his day!
#2 Read a Book Together: Setting aside time to read together is another way to connect with your child. If your child is old enough to read, take turns reading the pages. Regardless of the amount of homework, extracurricular activities, house chores, or how late you’re getting to bed, sharing a book for fifteen minutes will strengthen your bond and create a special memory.
#3 Have a Meal Together: Research has shown that preparing meals and eating together is one of the easiest ways for families to reconnect. Enjoying family meals will spark interesting conversations and provide the opportunity to find out about one another’s day.
#4 Go On a Date: Take your child out for a special date together. Grab a quick meal and then let her pick a special activity, or dress up and go to a fancy restaurant. If you have multiple kids, hire a baby sitter and give each child this special me time alone with you. You’ll both enjoy it and it will make your child feel extra special.
The key to making special memories isn’t about extravagancies; it is about experiences and doing fun things together in a relaxed atmosphere. Perhaps there is a favorite game or hobby the two of you can enjoy together. Even the simplest activities like playing catch in the backyard, telling jokes, dancing in the kitchen or playing a game of cards will help you connect even when you have just a few minutes to spare. Both family time and one-on-one time are important for you and each of your children.
Thought Starters:
- Creative Lunchbox Notes: Think about different ways you can make lunchbox notes more exciting for your child. Consider using colorful paper, writing funny jokes, or even creating simple origami. This small gesture can be a delightful surprise for your child and a way to let them know you’re thinking about them during their school day.
- Shared Reading Time: Reflect on incorporating a routine of reading together into your daily schedule. It could be just before bed or at a specific time when you’re both available. This can be an opportunity for bonding over stories, taking turns reading aloud, and discussing the plot or characters, fostering a love for reading and quality time together.
- Prioritizing Family Meals: Contemplate how you can make family meals a more regular occurrence, even if it’s just one meal a day or a few times a week. Think about engaging everyone in meal preparation or table setting and using this time to talk about each other's day, share stories, and strengthen family bonds.
- Planning Special 'Date' Activities: Consider setting up individual 'date' times with each of your children. These could be simple activities like going for a walk, having a meal at their favorite restaurant, or engaging in a hobby they enjoy. The idea is to make each child feel special and valued through one-on-one time.
- Engaging in Fun, Everyday Activities: Reflect on the simple, everyday activities you can turn into bonding experiences, like playing catch, dancing together while doing chores, or playing a quick game. These activities don’t require much time but can significantly enhance your connection with your child.
Suggested Questions To Ask Your Child:
- What kind of note would you like to find in your lunchbox?
This question relates to the suggestion of putting notes in the child’s lunchbox. It involves the child in the process, making them feel anticipated and special, and helps the parent understand what kind of messages or drawings the child might appreciate.
- Is there a particular book you would like us to read together?
In line with the article's suggestion to read together, this question gives the child a choice in selecting the book, making the shared reading time more engaging and enjoyable for them.
- What would you like to help with for our next family meal?
This question encourages involvement in family meal preparation, as suggested in the article. It allows the child to feel a part of the process and can lead to meaningful conversations and teamwork during meal preparation.
- What would you like to do on our next special 'date' together?
Reflecting the article's idea of going on a special date, this question allows the child to express their interests and preferences, making the one-on-one time more personalized and memorable.
- What’s a fun activity you’d like to do together at home?
This question invites the child to suggest everyday fun activities, aligning with the article's emphasis on finding simple, enjoyable ways to connect. It can lead to spontaneous, joyful interactions that strengthen the parent-child bond.
