Quality time is a language of love that children understand and crave. Spending time together creates opportunities for you to strengthen your relationship with your child and build trust. Family bonding activities can also be used to boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem.
So now, you’ve set aside some time to spend with your child. How do you make it memorable, fun and meaningful? Here are some ideas:
Chores can be fun
Getting children to help with the household chores can reap benefits that you may not have expected! It’s a simple way to teach them about the responsibilities that come with independence, as well as the effort it takes to care for the people we love.
But chores don’t have to be boring. Add a little fun to an ordinary clean-up. Crank up the radio or blast an upbeat music to get them going.
Sit down with a story
Some love reading, some don’t. Get them interested by starting with simple and fun ways, such as storytelling at home or playing reading and spelling games together as a family. Start with something that they’re interested in. For example, if your child is interested in science, pick books about science-related topics, such as the digestive system.
Even if you’ve not done it before, don’t worry. Check out tips from language experts and advice from teachers and try it out for yourself. Your child will benefit as reading sets the foundation for learning.
For children who already have a habit of reading, try some post-reading activities with them. Such activities can maximise the amount and quality of learning that your child gets from reading.
Discover the world around
Not sure what else there is to do in Singapore? Check out these fun science-related activities and tours, as well heritage trails. Experiencing these from the perspective of a child can be quite eye-opening.
No time for a full day out? Check out these science resources, such as experiments, videos, games and stories which you can explore with your children. You can also try growing a plant together at home – it can be a wonderful time of bonding, and an opportunity to talk about nature and science.
Take the artistic route
For children who are inclined artistically, try cartooning! Early childhood educator Ms Kamarunisa Mohamed shared that cartooning can be used to encourage children to think and express themselves. It’s a fun and creative activity for both parents and children. Interestingly, the focus isn’t on how well you draw, but on what is drawn.
No matter how busy we are, the time we make to spend with our child matters. Some of these activities require a whole day out, but many can be done easily within 10 to 15 minutes. Every little bit counts!
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