Family is a huge influence on a child’s life, as they are dependent from day one to be provided protection and to take care of their needs for positive development and growth. Many activities can be done to improve relationships and bonding within the household, keeping children happy and promoting improvements on mental, social, and physical skills. Check out various ways to have fun as a family below.
Family Entertainment
Mixing the beloved characters in pop culture with learning activities is an effective way to keep children interested and spark curiosity in a topic. There are a lot of helpful messages within our favorite films and television shows that can inspire lessons for families. By meeting their interests, parents will have an easier time connecting with their kids. This is a more proactive and efficient way to capture their attention and stay engaged.
Learning through entertainment is not a new concept. Sesame Street has been on the air for more than 50 years and has educated and excited millions of children. Other popular children’s shows from the past and present, such as Dora the Explorer or Little Einsteins, changed the direction of children’s programming to more thoughtful and intellectual content. There is a plethora of programming that can be enjoyed by the whole family, promoting togetherness and shared interests. Family sitcoms are consistently on air, providing a reason for gathering and a catalyst for conversations with kids of all ages.
Having Fun Outside
As much fun as it is for families to come together on the couch, it’s just as important to spend time together outdoors. People commonly internalize and store their favorite memories from their youth. And experts often connect personal wellbeing and mental health to those core memories. It’s vital that adults actively participate in activities with kids to encourage positive impressions and joy. Whether it's sports, tag, hide-and-seek or just a walk around the block, participating in outside activities is closely connected to self-esteem and confidence. Take a look at these examples of fun outdoor activities to try at home:
- Picnics
- Game Tournaments
- Magic Shows
- Stargazing
- Gardening
- Backyard Camping
- Tie-Dye
- Capture the Flag
Enriching the lives of children should include a variety of things, many mentioned above. Many parents may decide that a family pet is a beneficial addition to the household. Caring for a pet, whether it’s a fish, hamster or dog, teaches young people about responsibility, respect and loyalty. Pets can be a common interest for everyone in the home and encourage bonding. Caring for animals, particularly during childhood, results in more kind and compassionate people.
Most people agree that spending time together as a family is important. But do people know the proven benefits? You can easily deduce that togetherness provides overall happiness and joy. But it also improves academic success, self-esteem and skills in conflict resolution and parenting. Being able to discuss problems and solutions with family also reduces stress and enhances physical wellness as well. Browse through the many articles available on this page to learn more and gather ideas for fun with family. AAA State of Play is dedicated to enriching the lives of families and promoting play among children of all ages.
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