We all know that spending quality time with our kids is important, no matter how old they are. Unfortunately, in this day and age, it’s all too easy to rely on screens as a way to keep our little ones entertained – and this often means we miss out on that crucial bonding time. Whether they’re watching a film, playing games, or browsing the internet, sometimes it’s hard to even get them to put their smartphone or tablet down! The good news is that there are lots of ways to bond with your children that don’t involve screens. Here are five of the best.
1. Play board games
Board games are a wonderful activity that the whole family can get involved in, with a huge variety of options to suit different age groups. Pick a classic such as Scrabble to build children’s word skills, or go for a cooperative board game such as Pandemic to help older kids improve their teamwork. These days there’s everything from escape rooms in a box that involve deep logical thinking to fast-paced card games perfect for short attention spans, so you’re sure to find something everyone will enjoy.
2. Go for a walk in the woods
Spending time out and about in nature is great for kids in so many ways. The sunlight, fresh air, and exercise are great for both their mental and physical health, and you don’t even have to spend any money! To make the experience more interactive, you could see how many different species of wildlife and trees you can spot, do bark rubbings, collect pinecones, or climb trees (safely!). Don’t forget to bring the dog along! If you’re fostering kids with thefca.co.uk, you’ll find there are lots of official outdoor activities you can join in with too.
3. Bake sweet treats
Most kids love cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats, so why not try baking some of your favourite recipes together? Not only is this a great way to bond, but you can also teach your little ones some valuable cooking skills along the way. From how to properly crack an egg to accurately measuring out ingredients, there’s always a lot to learn. Plus, you get some (hopefully!) delicious snacks to enjoy afterward.
4. Read
Reading is one of the most important activities for a child’s cognitive development, and enjoying books together is a fantastic way for you to bond over stories that you love. Reading aloud with your kids can help to build their vocabulary, spark their imaginations, increase their general knowledge, and broaden their cultural understanding – so there’s no reason not to try it. Head to your local library together to pick out a selection of books they like the look of.
5. Get artistic
Arts and crafts are an engaging way to keep kids entertained, build their fine motor skills, and bond as a family. You can find all sorts of tutorials online for projects of varying lengths and difficulty levels, so there’s sure to be something appropriate for your children’s ages and interests. From making friendship bracelets and dreamcatchers out of paper plates to painting by numbers books and papier mâché, the only limit is your imagination!
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