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Games are undoubtedly one of children’s favorite things, even more so if they can share the experience with other children or parents. In fact, children who have parents who actively play with them are usually happier. Through play, children experience, learn, have fun, communicate, and grow. Moreover, games are also a very effective socialization tool.
Now, be prepared: none of the tasks that are described below require you to sit comfortably on the sofa and passively watch your children play. Instead, the goal is to share the joy of playing and have fun together!
This list is thoughtfully structured so that the games requiring the least physical effort are at the end of the list. This arrangement serves two purposes: firstly, to help you continue as your energy inevitably dwindles, and secondly, to limit any potential feelings of guilt.
(If you’re already feeling tired, don’t worry – you should start with number 6!)
Furthermore, this approach ensures that you can engage with your children at various energy levels, promoting consistent interaction and bonding. Remember, the quality of time spent together is often more important than the specific activity chosen.
For me, there is truly nothing more fun than dancing with children! First, you can choose any songs you would like. However, it can be especially great to choose one that is well suited to your children’s tastes and energy levels. For instance, try choosing a classic (like the “Bird Dance”) or a song from a popular cartoon (the current favorite in our house is “I like to move it move it” from the animated film Madagascar). Alternatively, you can also just enjoy unbridled dancing to music from the past. In fact, I’ve often come home and found my husband and my two daughters enthusiastically dancing to “Let’s Twist Again”!
Now, I’ll admit that dance choreography isn’t really one of the best games to play with children, as it can be quite structured. Nevertheless, free-form dancing is undeniably a lot of fun – you have to admit it. Moreover, this activity not only provides physical exercise but also helps develop your child’s sense of rhythm, coordination, and self-expression. Additionally, it’s an excellent way to bond with your little ones through shared joy and laughter.
First of all, if you have not already done so, you should try it out at least once in your life. Indeed, I assure you it’s a hoot! Initially, I tried it after being misled by those wonderful videos of an athletic and slender mom who effortlessly trained her daughter. However, for us, it was a disaster! Nevertheless, it was perhaps one of the most enjoyable days of my life.
A timeless ally of parents: when you can’t think of another game, hide and seek always works. Indeed, I think that among the games to play with children, it is consistently the most effective. Moreover, it’s a versatile game that can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, hide and seek not only entertains but also helps develop important skills such as problem-solving and spatial awareness. Therefore, it’s no wonder that this classic game remains a go-to choice for parents and children alike.
I admit that explaining it to children is not easy. In fact, at least for us, it wasn’t! Initially, I needed the collaboration of their father. However, in the end, maybe it was more fun to play when we didn’t respect the rules! Surprisingly, our unconventional approach led to even more laughter and enjoyment.
This game has two versions. Firstly, you ask your kids to find objects that share characteristic(s). For example, you might say, “Find as many blue things as you can” or “Find something green and fluffy.” Secondly, you can hide an object in the room. To help your kids find it, tell them if they are “warmer” (closer to the hidden object) or “colder” (further away from it). Interestingly, both versions encourage observation skills and spatial awareness.
Here, at this point, I guess you’re a little tired. As Forrest Gump might say, “I think maybe it’s time for a little break.” So why don’t you sit back, relax for a moment, and take out a pen and paper?
Moving on, let me tell you about another game. My daughter loves this one! It’s essentially a kids’ DIY version of Pictionary. First, you’ll need some drawing materials. You can use a small whiteboard, but sheets of paper are equally fine. Then, the game begins: you need to draw something (don’t worry, it doesn’t matter if the drawings are not perfect) and your child has to guess what it is. After that, it’s their turn! This back-and-forth continues, creating a fun and engaging activity for both parent and child.
All you need for this activity is playdough, salt dough or, better yet, pastry (which can then be used to make cookies or biscuits). First, just smoosh the dough. Next, cut it into shapes. Then, let your child touch and explore the texture. Finally, don’t be afraid to make a mess (or a “smess,” as my little one says!). Indeed, the messy play is often the most enjoyable part for children.
I assume by now that you are mildly tired, but not too much. Given this, you might choose a set of books of stories or rhymes and interpret them as if you were the characters in the story. For instance, if I were reading Little Red Riding Hood, I could imagine myself as the wolf, the gran, or Little Red Riding Hood and tell the story from a different perspective.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a version that requires even less energy, try replacing the names of the characters with those of your friends or family. I assure you that you will have fun! Moreover, this approach can add a personal touch to familiar stories, making them fresh and exciting for both you and your children.
When you just can’t take it anymore, this is the only game I can suggest to you! It was taught to my husband by his mother and had been handed down from generation to generation before that. Now, I’m sharing it with you… I’m pretty sure that in this game, you will always win!
Whatever gaming activities you choose, don’t forget the rewards! Whether they followed the rules of the game or not, or whether they won or not, kids always need bonuses. Therefore, be sure to congratulate them warmly!
As for the rest, there are no rules. Or rather, there is only one: have fun! This implies not being too strict in running the game. It doesn’t matter if the final result is a complete disaster; the only important thing is that it is a pleasant way to spend time together.
If your choice is for activity number 9, apps for kids, they should be stimulating and fun. Read the funny stories from Smart Tales with your child. Choose a story about an ocean or a forest and help with interactive logic and counting activities.
