Five Fun Ways to Bond with Kids

Being able to spend time with the family is a valuable thing for kids. It helps build the relationship among siblings and between the children and the parents, and creates happy memories for everyone. It also guides and helps the little ones shape the kind of lifestyle that they will have.

As parents, not only can we take advantage of these times to bond with the kids, we can also make use of this chance to help them develop a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Go for a Bike or Walk Together

Perhaps your family time consists of going out at the beach, having a picnic at the park, visiting the museum or enjoying the rides at the theme park. But aside from this, you can incorporate physical activities into your daily or weekly routine. I remember those times when my mum and I would take the dog for a walk every afternoon – while it was just walking around the neighbourhood streets, it was all exciting just the same!

If your kids love to go biking, then why not join them? Along the way, you can share some scenic views and teach them many things about their surroundings. You can even reinforce the importance of safety when they are travelling. Of course, that's aside from allowing them to enjoy what they want while being physically active.

Don't Make the Chores Feel like Chores

Sure, we want to teach the kids to learn some household chores and to even learn to love helping us. But they are kids and there will be times when they just won't feel like doing things (you certainly understand this, don't you?). A way to deal with this is to not make chores feel like chores.

What exactly does that mean? Well, you can try various methods, depending on the situation. For instance, instead of just asking them to set the table for lunch, 'challenge' them to name the person who will be sitting on each chair. If you don't always have a specific seat for everyone, then make it a guessing game! Folding the clothes? Make it more fun by asking them who owns each garment, or by letting them name the colour of each clothing. Sing and dance while doing the chores, make up your own cheer and chant, incorporate the tasks in little games – the ways are endless, you just have to be creative.

Another activity that kids will love – well, this requires little convincing, but you never know – are gardening tasks. Being naturally curious and adventurous beings, your children will love the soil digging, weed pulling and watering activities. But just in case they are not in the mood for it, you can always turn on the sprinkler and play with them while tending the garden. You probably loved that when you were a kid, so why won't they?

Build Your Own Play Area in the Garden

Speaking of gardens, if you want the kids to spend more time at home while still being able to have fun, a play area in the garden is a great idea. And what's better? You won't have to do it by yourself! From planning to building, you can let them be part of it. Ask them what kind of play area they want and what they wish to find there. At the same time, add your own ideas and include areas where they can learn sports, such as a small soccer field in your backyard.

It doesn't end there though. Although it was created mostly for their enjoyment, you should take some time to join them whenever possible. It's a great way to make them feel that their play area was specially built so you can easily find a place to spend time with them, and not find a way to distract them away from you.

Join a Charity Sports Event

Lately, there have been plenty of charity sports events, such as marathons and walkathons. These are great activities to break away from the usual day-to-day fun that you have together, especially as there are events that encourage the entire family to join. Plus, you won't only be enjoying an outdoor event as a family; you will be doing it for a cause and be able to teach your child the value of sharing and helping.

Cheer for Your Kids during their School Game

Okay, this isn't really much of a physical activity for you – perhaps, except for the driving, cheering and jumping – but it definitely means a lot especially for your kid. Just being around will help encourage them to keep up with what they are doing, and this has a long-term benefit of helping them develop a healthier lifestyle. For them, this does not only count as a time for bonding with you; it encourages them to do what they love to do and to be involved in activities that promote a healthy wellbeing.

And this doesn't always have to be a sporting event; it can be anything that your kid is participating in at school. Believe it or not, it will actually count as 'fun family experience' for your child.