Have you found yourself planning out your child's day only for things to fizzle out before the day is even over? Have you found yourself tired and upset because your child did not find the mini farm house/scented-all-natural-completely-edible play dough/sensory bin you diligently scoured the internet for and made, interesting? Or have you ever noticed how in the madness of the day we somehow miss out on the important things?
If you haven't, props to you mama! I would love to learn how you do it. And to the many of you who found yourself nodding yes to at least one of the questions, join the club!
As mothers we want to give our children every opportunity that is within our means to explore, discover and learn new things. But sometimes it is just the little things that go a long way - like reading a book together or a walk in the park. So, I decided to sit down and make a list of things we can do together with our kids that doesn't require any elaborate preparations or costs any money.
So here is my list:
1- Looking at the sky together. Every day,morning or night, go to the rooftop, balcony or window with your little one. Together look out and point out the things that you can see like the birds, stars and even a plane that may be passing by. You can also try to make out the shapes of the fluffy clouds and maybe tell a story or two about them.
2- Shadow play. This is my personal favorite! After taking a bath and putting your child in her warm pyjamas, switch off all the lights and switch on your flashlight. Then go ahead and admire the wonder in your child's face! Make shapes of animals, man and anything really with your finger. You can also make a big hand shadow and pretend that it is coming down fast to catch her only to tickle her till she dissolves into a fit of giggles. Then take turns 'catching' each other with your shadows.
3- Take your child at the park and join in the fun! Have a go at the swing, see-saw or even the jungle gym. Become your child's favorite playmate for the day.
4- Have your child help out in the kitchen. Let him see where and how the things are made. Talk about what you are cooking have him pitch in wherever he can. Involve him in little tasks like mixing something or bringing a vegetable you need.
5- Chase each other around the house! Nothing gets you all energized and heart pumping like running behind a toddler. It is every mothers story! So why not turn it into a game and have fun at the same time? Take turns chasing each other around the house and while you are at it, hide too to make the game a little more interesting!
6- Have an all out water game, splashing each other with water! I have a child who wouldn't mind playing in water however long it takes. So, bath times are quite fun! Just give her the shower pipe and take turns drenching each other with water! You can also fill mugs with water and use them in your water play.
7- What can beat cuddles and hugs? You can do this anytime, in the morning when your child wakes up, in the night or even in the middle of the day! Just lie in bed for a while, hug her, tickle her and nuzzle her face. Hugs and kisses should be a constant in your child's life. It makes her feel secure and in turn helps build her self-esteem
8- Sing songs from your childhood to your child. Be it a song from your favorite cartoon you used to see or even a nursery rhyme. Dance along to the song and take your child's hand twirl around the room enjoying the moment!
These are just a few moments I could think of. I am sure you will be able to come up with many more.
Your child might not know this now, but the time you spend with her and the things you both do are the memories you are building together, day by day, brick by brick. These are the memories she will look back on and laugh and smile about. These are also the memories that will be passed down through the generations as stories of the cool grandmom! Some days they may be the very thing that would get her going in an otherwise low and mundane day. So make them special :)
