Creating a solid bond with your kids with an overflowing schedule and a never-ending lineup of responsibilities can sometimes seem close to impossible. As we’re celebrating Mother’s Day, we’d like to remind you that some simple activities can go a long way in helping you connect with your kids and be present without any distractions. Here are some fun engaging activities you can do to strengthen your mother-child bond.
1- Bake together
Kids love baking as they get to spend some fun quality time with their parents and get involved in creating a delicious treat from scratch. Grab your whisk and start off with some simple baking recipes like pancakes, cinnamon rolls, or chocolate cake. Don’t mind the mess in your kitchen, for mess is part of the fun. Find all of the baking ingredients you need at Breadfast.
2- Read stories
Reading stories with your children encourages them to ask questions, expands their reader’s understanding, and improves their listening skills. The closeness and intimacy that happens while reading will improve kids’ emotional wellbeing. Audiobooks are another great option that stimulates kids’ creativity, expands their imagination, and helps them absorb a language above their reading level. Audiobooks also have a meditative effect that reduces stress and allows both children and adults to unwind before going to bed.
3- Learn something new together
Instilling a love of learning in your children at a young age allows them to develop a natural curiosity and an openness to seek new experiences. You can help them learn a new language using fun games and exercises or create a dedicated writing center at home where they can use their imagination and freely express themselves on paper. Kids also love to make things with their hands. Try putting together a play based on their favorite fairy tale, assimilating a puzzle, creating shapes and patterns using clay dough, or try some outdoor activities like gardening and planting. By turning learning into a fun and exciting game, your kids will have an enthusiastic love of learning and a passion for knowledge.
4- Work out with them
Children are physically active by nature! But finding time to work out while juggling long work hours, daily errands, and house chores can be challenging. Take advantage of your kids’ spontaneity by dancing together, squeezing 15-20 minutes a day to work out to their favorite TV shows, playing catch and throw, or even jumping up and down. This will encourage your little ones to get up and move to the beat and create an environment of playfulness and teamwork.
5- Let them help with chores
Letting your kids help out with chores can teach them responsibility, self-reliance and send them an important message; your help is needed around the house. Encourage your kids to become your team players by helping out with some house chores, like washing the dishes, doing laundry, or tidying their room and putting away their toys. Rule of thumb is to always choose the chores that best suit their age range.
Finding time and energy to spend some quality time with your kids in your everyday hectic schedule can be very challenging – especially for working moms. By trying out any of the recommended activities, the ones that best respond to you and your child, you’ll feel more present, connected, and you’ll undoubtedly deepen your bond together.
