1. Who cleans their bedroom the fastest contest, winner gets to choose the next movie?
Making mundane chores fun is a way to motivate anyone including your family. Have you ever had to do a chore or something that you did not want to do but you were able to complete it by distracting yourself and soon enough you were done. Well that is the idea behind this activity. Make this activity fun especially if you all do it at the beginning of your day, this will make everyone feel accomplished (even in a small way) and have a better outlook for whatever the day has in store for you.
2. Challenge your children on their favorite videogames to foster your relationship.
If you have a gamer at home and is a struggle to get her off the videogames, then maybe spending some time to learn what all the buzz is about will not hurt during this time. You may enjoy this activity and may become your son’s next challenger. Embracing your children’s world will foment a stronger relationship between you too at the end.
3. Play board games that are only used during holidays.
Do you ever wonder why board games are usually dusted off during holidays? Well maybe because we tend to emerge ourselves into electronics or demanding schedules. Well if you know you can connect and make memories with your loved ones through board games, try it! This may become your family activity in the future.
4. Read a book with them and take turns reading chapters.
We usually either read a book to them or hear them practice their reading skills when they are young. To keep everyone engaged, it is a clever idea to take turns in reading books out loud and have some type of discussion afterward. Activities can spark interesting ideas and reflections among family members.
5. Go over family pictures, especially of family members that you do not see often.
The best thing about looking over old family pictures are the memories that those pictures represent. Reliving those memories will create dialogues that may bridge complex situations you may be facing with your children or parents. After all, the best thing about pictures are the created memories that live forever.
6. Go on a walk with them or have a workout session with them. If you were hoping to have your dream body or meet your weight goals this summer, now is the perfect time to do so. You and your children can be each other’s best support to meet your goals together. Engage in healthy competition between each other and you will see in no time you all will be seeing results.
7. Play parent vs. children nerf gun. If you have active children that is difficult to get them to concentrate in schoolwork or boring task as they may described them. Break from the routine and use fun to your advantage. Have a fun activity planned before or after the “boring” activities, this will motivate your children more than any type of consequence tactics you may be using right now. Give it a try!
8. Bake or cook your favorite family recipes.
Remembering grandmother’s recipes are priceless, start sharing these unforgettable tastes and smells with your children so they are able to learn more about their family, customs, family traditions, and foster them in their own families one day. If you are unable to find all the right ingredients, do not worry, you can improvise and later make the authentic recipe.
9. Have a lip singing contest!
If you have a talented family then go ahead and have a karaoke contest, but if you are like most of us, then a lip singing contest is the way to go. Using props are highly encouraged!
10. Educate them about the COVID-19 and reassured their safety. If you are having a tough time to explain your children about quarantine and COVID-19, reassured them that this too shall pass. Finding reputable information to share with your children is key. If your children worry is more than usual speak to their school counselor who should have other resources available for you and your family.
Composed by Ann A. Stalcup, MS, Predoctoral Intern and U.S. Army Veteran.
