Your child craves your company, and spending time with him or her is the best thing you could do to help boost confidence and self-esteem. However, many parents don’t know what they could or should be doing with their kids. While there are a million and one activities you could share, here are a few ideas that may work for your family.
- Prepare a meal. Cooking is a great way to bond with your child, and it’s therapeutic for both of you.
- Although I’m not a big fan of watching a lot of television, sharing one of your favorite movies with your child can create a lifelong bonding experience.
- Make a date to explore a museum you’ve never been to.
- Go to the zoo and make it a point to read and discuss all the signs and the animals.
- Cuddle on the couch and read a good book together. Have some hot cocoa and snuggle under warm blankets. This will help calm the reptilian brain.
- If you live in a warm climate, go out and get dirty! Roughhouse on the lawn or dig in the dirt.
- Try a new restaurant and thoroughly read the menu before ordering.
- Get out the Legos® and build something together.
- Help your child with his or her homework as a character instead of as a parent.
- Exercise. Take a long walk with the dog, go indoor rock climbing, or go hiking.
- Take your child shopping with you, no matter what you’re buying.
- Look through the local paper and find something new to try together, such as pottery classes, a new swimming pool, or a park across town.
- Take a ride and just talk. Let your child talk as long as he or she needs to, as often children will explore their feelings as time goes on, and this will keep them talking.
- Your child has strengths and aptitudes that the school may not help him or her develop. That’s where you come in. Whether those strengths are sporty, artistic, or something completely different, spend time together every week and let your child grow.
- Teach your child to survive in the outdoors. Most children love being outside and would love to learn tricks that their peers don’t know.
If you do nothing else, carve out special time for you and your child on a consistent basis. What do you and your child do together?
At our center, kids have crafts, play time, drawing and writing time while they’re getting therapies. Most of all, they appreciate one-on-one time with people who see them, believe in them and have fun with them.
If you think your kids might benefit from biofeedback, neurological repatterning, allergy and nutrition help, please call us at 512 331-0668 and visit our website: https://DrPhyllisBooks.com
