Perhaps one of the biggest parenting challenges in today’s on-the-go society is carving out time to bond with each child. Jam-packed schedules make it difficult for families to spend quality time together on a regular basis.
As a parent who sometimes struggles to prioritize relationship over work, I get it. I understand it’s hard to make one-on-one time with your children a reality.
But I also know it’s possible. So, I’ve created a list of my 25 favorite parent and child bonding activities.
In our fast paced world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of focused time with those closest to us. But that doesn’t make it any less necessary.
The benefits of prioritizing time with your kids will be seen for years to come. Children tend to thrive when they know their parents value spending time with them and make every effort to make that time actually happen.
Those kids are confident, have great self-esteem, and feel secure in their place within the family. And they may even stay more connected with their parents through the turbulent teen years!
Zig Ziglar said, “To a child, love is spelled T-I-M-E.”
While there are many different ways to show love to your kids, spending time with them is a surefire way to strengthen your relationship. Maybe a new family tradition or amazing memory is waiting in the list of parent and child bonding activities below!
Simple parent and child bonding activities you can do at home…
Pull out a puzzle.
Putting together a puzzle is a great bonding activity because it can be adapted for any age level.
A simple puzzle that can be completed in one sitting is perfect for young children. A more complex puzzle that can be left out and revisited works well for older kids.
A friend of mine often keeps a puzzle on a fold-out table in her home office. Her entire family of six (including a few teenagers) take turns working on it together.
Read a book.
This timeless classic never gets old. The opportunity to snuggle in a cozy chair while reading together is a feel-good moment for everyone.
You’re making precious memories for both of you and building great reading skills at the same time. For older kids, try reading the same book and initiating a discussion about the storyline.
Enter their world.
Does your child love to play make-believe? What about racing cars or princess tea parties?
Is your pre-teen into video games? Does your teenager love a certain kind of music?
Take genuine interest in the things that capture their hearts. And then spend time with them focusing on those things.
Your actions will speak volumes.
Color, draw, or do an art project.
This one only applies if you have a creative or crafty child that enjoys being artistic. But if you do, take advantage of this easy way to spend time with him or her. Even five minutes of coloring together will make your child feel special.
Let them assist with household chores.
Little ones love to help. So let them! Put them to work with a dust cloth while you clean windows. Or have them dry plastic dishes while you wash and put away the more breakable items.
Have them unload the dishwasher or help put away the groceries. The possibilities are endless!
While this probably only works for younger kids, it’s a great way to train for the future.
Play a game.
Here’s another idea that can be adapted for any age. Let your child choose a game from a pre-approved list. (Suggestion: keep all the choices short and simple.)
Or consider a family game night. While it’s not one-on-one bonding time, this has become a valued weekly tradition in our home.
Have them read aloud or tell you a story while you complete your to-do list.
Most children have reading requirements for homework. Use the assigned reading time as an opportunity to spend time together. And if they don’t have to read for school, a little extra reading never hurts!
Have them read aloud while you make dinner or fold laundry. Just make sure you’re tuned in and occasionally ask questions to show your interest.
Build something together.
It might be a Lego tower. Maybe a fort in the basement. Or perhaps a wall of rocks in the backyard.
Kids are naturally creative and many are great little engineers. Find something they enjoy doing with their hands and construct it together.
Take a picture when you’re done and it just might make their day.
Ask them to help make dinner.
I’ll be honest–this is a hard one for me. Cooking is not my favorite activity. When I’m in the kitchen, I’d rather just get dinner made and on the table.
But my kids do enjoy cooking. And they love to help. So, whenever possible, I try to include them in meal preparations.
Keep in mind, that doesn’t mean they need to assist with the entire meal. But a few stirs of the spoon one night or a couple added ingredients on another can be a simple parent and child bonding activity.
Initiate a tickle or pillow fight.
Call me a stick-in-the-mud, but I’ve never been fond of being tickled. And I don’t love pillow fights. But my husband often encourages both with our daughters. And they love it.
So, I try to loosen up every once in a while and join the fun. It never fails to make them smile.
Read “Time Well Spent“ for the story behind my journey of making one-on-one time with my kids a reality.
Hold an impromptu song or dance party.
Not one person in our immediate family can carry a tune. We wouldn’t win any dance contests either.
But that never stops us from belting out a few lines of our favorite song or breaking out a new move. It’s those spontaneous, light-hearted moments that your children will remember for years to come.
Lay in the grass and look at the clouds or stars.
The busy pace of life can often distract us from simple wonders. Children find delight in a bright blue sky with huge, puffy clouds that seem close enough to touch.
They are awed be a never-ending night sky with tiny stars to numerous to count. Share a few moments together just enjoying God’s creation.
Have a picnic.
A picnic can be a grand adventure, but it can also be a quick backyard lunch. Plop your food on a paper plate and step outside to eat together.
Throw an old blanket down or sit on your deck. Keep it simple, but enjoy the fresh air and change of scenery.
Put up a tent in the backyard and camp together.
The beauty of backyard camping is that the comforts of home are only steps away.
A midnight bathroom run? No problem. Bugs too thick or an unexpected rain shower? Your beds are waiting.
Pitching a tent in the backyard can be a simple and fun way to give your kids a camping memory they’ll never forget. Add in some microwaveable s’mores or a game of flashlight tag and it will definitely be a night to remember!
Let them snuggle in bed with you one night.
We have a pretty strict policy about not allowing our children in our bed. We make two exceptions–thunderstorms and bad dreams.
Even then, we allow them to snuggle until the storm passes or the dream has subsided and then it’s back to their own beds. Yet, a suggestion from a close friend got my attention.
She lets her kids take turns sleeping in her room when her husband is out of town on business. I was inspired by the idea for individual, quality time.
I decided to try it the next time my husband went on a hunting trip. My girls absolutely loved it and it’s quickly become a must-do for when he’s away from home.
Make a special surprise for another family member.
There are few better ways to bond with your child than to do something nice for someone else. Brainstorm ideas together.
Maybe you’ll make dad’s favorite cookies. Perhaps it will be a homemade card to mail to grandma.
Keep it simple and quick. Your child will love the time spent with you and the feel-good effects of their generosity.
Read “Small Moments That Make Big Memories“ for another inspiring story on making the most of time with your children.
Simple parent and child bonding activities that get you out of the house…
Take a walk.
Something about getting outside in the fresh air (even in the middle of the city) often recharges your body and refocuses your brain. Invite your child on a walk.
Whether they’re a toddler or a teenager, a quick stroll through your neighborhood can be a great opportunity to connect and talk.
Ask them to come along when you run errands.
I know, I know. As a mom, shopping by yourself can be a little slice of heaven. I totally get it!
But it can also be a great parent and child bonding activity. And someone doesn’t have to come with you every time you step out the door.
Asking your child to come along on the occasional Wal-Mart run sends the message that you value spending time with just them. And who knows what important conversations may emerge in the check-out line?
Learn something new together.
The options are endless. Pick something age appropriate and fun for you both. There are many community programs or local libraries that provide free classes on a variety of topics.
Go to the park.
A quick drive or walk to the park is a great way for your little one to burn off energy and for you to get out of the house. Make sure to engage with your child.
Push him on the swing for a few minutes. Climb with her to the top of the jungle gym. Spend time exploring together.
Pick them up a few minutes early from school.
Choose a different child each month and pick him or her up a few minutes early. Make a quick stop at the gas station for your favorite drinks before you pick up the rest of the kids or head home to meet the bus.
This simple act will probably make a bigger impact on your child than you might have imagined!
Surprise your child with an unexpected treat.
Nothing makes a child smile bigger than alone time with mom and a dessert to go along with it! Find a new specialty shop or visit an old favorite. Sit together and chat while you both enjoy a sweet snack.
Visit the local library.
The library is an amazing resource. Where else can you find a peaceful, kid-friendly environment full of books and free programs!
It’s a great place to visit as a family, but consider taking just one child to check out books or participate in one of their activities.
Some of our best memories have been made at one of our local library branches.
Serve or volunteer together.
Few things feel better than giving back. And it’s never too early to instill this value in your children.
Find a way to serve your community or local church with your child. They will love the opportunity to help alongside of you.
Another great perk–this parent and child bonding activity is perfect for any age!
Find a new place to visit. Make it an adventure.
We live in a world full of opportunity. Most likely you can find unexplored terrain right outside your own neighborhood.
Pick a place and invite your child along to check it out. It could be as simple as a new store or a park you’ve never visited.
Memories are waiting…
While it’s true that life is busy, making time to strengthen the relationship with your child should be one of the most important items on your schedule.
Use the ideas from this list of 25 parent and child bonding activities as inspiration. Or start a list of your own.
Whether you have a toddler or a teenager, memories are waiting to be made!
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