Fun ways to bond with children during the holiday season

 Story by Anele Zikali

School holidays are one of the times that are challenging for parents, caregivers and children. So much free time for curious and busy minds. 

As hectic as being an adult can be, it should be intentional to engage in children's lives in a good mood and good spirit. 

Just 30 minutes of dedicated time to an activity will do good than keeping distance or always giving in to life pressures and always too occupied to spend quality time with your own. 

Here is a list of some activities to engage in:

1. Go to their favorite places:

When children see that you like what they like, they get to talk more and showcase what makes them happy. Making time for children should not feel like a waste or we are always too grown for most of their things. 

Going to their favorite game, or hobby or frequenting their park or studio when there is time. Such moments can go a long way in creating an element of being reliable and validation that they need from their parent.  

2. Get involved in daily playtime: 

The language they understand the most, is playtime. When we just take some time to lower our guards and just be part of the game, we get to see how happy the children are when we are part of some of their games.

This helps to get close to children in a fun way. The plays can involve everyone and come up with some games that change turns even songs pull off this trick quite well. A song like, 'The Wheels on the Bus' leads to funny gestures, taking turns on who to lead. 

3. Cooking with children: 

Simple recipes in the kitchen can make you and your little team proud. Children love to achieve something and put in the effort that yields positive results. So a simple macaroni and mince meat meal might do the trick in getting your children excited and growing up.

Nowadays apps like YouTube have plenty of options to search for such content. Remember to have fun whilst at it. This is also an opportunity to slowly introduce healthy foods, make simple salads and sandwiches. 

4. Reading story books

If you thought reading is for serious people, then children could be your motivation to change that mindset. For them, reading is so much fun. It's an adventure and intrigue, their stories are straight to the point and do not get anywhere near boring.

You get to ask them questions besides there is more time available to enjoy and relax since there is no rush for school the next day.

5. Draw, paint and speak emotions in color and art:

There is so much that children can be busy with as art is versatile. From using clay dough to cutting and pasting, painting and drawing. 

Whilst having fun, children get to learn to express themselves. Their passions, how they see society or how they feel about themselves.

Participating in these activities gives room to understand your children, and their learning styles and find ways to deal with challenges especially communicating with them in more creative ways. This can solve those difficult communication problems. 

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