8 Creative and Fun Activities to Share with a Child
Finding that special bonding time with your own child or a foster child can seem challenging at times. But dedicating focused one-on-one time together is so important for supporting their development, self-esteem and feelings of security. The good news is you don’t need elaborate activities or lots of money to make memories; often, it’s the simple joys that mean the most. Here are eight creative ideas to share special moments with a child in your care.
- Get Crafty Together
One of the best ways to bond with your own child, or one from a fostering agency like Fostering People, is through making art or crafts side-by-side. Set out supplies like paper, glue, scissors, and markers and let their creativity guide the project. Offer help if needed but let them take the lead and make something uniquely their own without judgment. Displaying their masterpiece proudly afterwards means the world.
- Make a Fort
What child doesn’t love building a cosy den to play or read in? On a rainy weekend afternoon, put those old sheets and blankets to use, constructing a blanket fort together in the living room. Get silly, making up stories and characters once inside. It’s an adventure that inspires laughter and imagination.
- Plant a Garden
Head outside and get your hands dirty planting seeds in pots or a small patch of earth. Teach children about roots growing, sunlight and watering needs. Checking progress each day and ultimately tasting homegrown treats like tomatoes or lettuce makes for proud bonding moments. A child learns the wonders and rewards of nurturing life.
- Explore Music
Fill time with musical joy by introducing children to instruments like drums, tambourines or rain sticks and encourage free play and discovery. Share favourite songs from childhood and teach them the moves to classic dances like the Twist. Put on a spontaneous living room gig and take turns being the rock star.
- Host a Puppet Show
Craft sock or paper bag puppets together, then put on a show re-enacting a favourite storybook or fairytale. Ham it up with dramatic narration and voices to highlight the heroes and villains. Encourage the child to join in bringing the puppets to life. Tale as old as time, fun that never gets old!
- Get Sporty
Play catch or introduce games requiring skill and teamwork, like badminton, hopscotch or bean bag toss. The focus should be on play rather than competition. Sports provide great moments to bond while building confidence and promoting healthy activity, too.
- Break Out the Board Games
Make time for memory-making over an afternoon board gaming marathon. Take turns choosing old classics like Snakes and Ladders, Trouble or new adventures like junior versions of Monopoly. Bond while strategizing to win and gracefully losing.
- Do Some Baking
Cookies, small cakes or sweet buns taste even better when baked together! Follow child-friendly recipes as they help measure, mix and stir ingredients. Pass piping bags for decorating afterwards then enjoy the yummy rewards. Clean-up is easier when tackled playfully as a team, too.
Whether your own or one newly welcomed into your home, every child deserves to feel secure through the gift of your time, attention and affection. Try these simple but fun ideas tailored to unique ages and personalities in your care.
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