8 At-Home Activities that Promote
Positive Child Development
Now more than ever, it's important for parents to have a wide range of stay-at-home activities on standby. Children are becoming restless, and many are missing out on opportunities for personal development due to social distancing guidelines. However, there are still various activities you can do with your child at home that promote positive development and habits over time. Here are eight of them.
1. Do Some Cooking
Learning to cook has a surprising amount of benefits for children of all ages. Cooking with a parent can strengthen their fine motor skills, reading skills, math skills, and their ability to grasp scientific concepts (concerning the elements, how ingredients react to each other, etc.). Cooking is both a fun bonding activity and an important life skill, so why not take on some recipes with your child while you're both at home?
2. Play Board Games
Kids love board games! Everyone knows board games are fun. But, did you know that board games boost language skills, increase focus, promote teamwork, and ease anxiety? They're a healthy form of escapism that relaxes kids while also teaching them how to be a good loser/winner. Board games offer lots of learning opportunities, so pick out your favorite and have a family game night!
3. Play with Pets
Have a dog, cat, or any other pet with you at home? Teaching your child to be more active in caring for the pet, whether it be feeding, cleaning, playing, or walking them, encourages positive development and behaviors. This increased participation in caring for the family pet will promote everything from impulse control to self-esteem.
4. Learn an Instrument
Stuck inside much more than usual? What better time to learn an instrument? Whether it's piano, guitar, ukulele, recorder, or any other instrument, learning to play an instrument teaches kids patience, encourages creativity, improves coordination, and promotes good self-esteem. If you yourself know how to play an instrument, why not pass that skill down to your children? It's a great way to bond during these uncertain times.
5. Start a Puzzle
Kids and adults of all ages tend to enjoy the challenge of a puzzle. The reason? They promote problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, shape recognition, and teamwork. Unsure if your child will be interested in puzzles? Try ordering one online that features an image they'll enjoy, such as their favorite animal, place, or television show.
6. Teach Them to Garden
Being able to grow your own food is a valuable skill, which has become more clear now than it was before. Taking your child into the yard to learn gardening skills eases stress while improving their mood, memory, and focus. They'll also experience that same confidence boost and sense of satisfaction that we as adults feel when we eat food from our own gardens. These stress-relieving activities shouldn't be undervalued as knowing how to ease anxiety and offer emotional support is incredibly important in our society today.
7. Use Sidewalk Chalk
Sidewalk chalk is an easy way to teach children about writing and fine motor control, all while promoting creativity and self-expression. This accessible and affordable activity is ideal for most seasons, so why not join them in coloring on the pavement? It's a fun way to brighten up your property for you, your family, and your neighbors!
8. Build a Fort
Building a fort in the living room with pillows, blankets, and furniture can be incredibly satisfying for a child. It's also much more fun when a parent joins in. On the surface, fort building may not seem to promote critical developmental needs. But, this activity actually encourages independence, confidence, and imagination.
About the author:
Oli is a working mum who has a passion for teaching and all things educational. With a background in marketing, Oli manages the digital channels and content at Courses.com.au.
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