Hints for Spending Quality Time with Kids

The truth is, the distance between the generations isn’t really that great. Use these tips for finding great ways to relate to the young ones in your life.

No matter what children are important to you – grandkids, nieces or nephews – you love spending time with them. The challenge can be how to make the most of that time so that you and the kids have a great time. It can sometimes seem hard to relate to today’s children who have grown up on smartphones and video games. The truth is, the distance between the generations isn’t really that great. Use these tips for finding great ways to relate to the young ones in your life.

Be Yourself

You don’t have to be riveting or try too hard to entertain children. Sure, today’s children may be used to spending more time playing with electronics than talking to family members but that might just mean they will enjoy something different. The important thing is to be yourself. The kids will probably be happy to have one-on-one time with an adult.

Take advantage of the time with kids to let them learn from you rather than trying to put on a show. Talk to them about their lives and tell them about yours. Kids love to ask questions and learn so be prepared to share. If you wear a wig, it’s ok to explain that to children and what human hair wigs are. Explain why you have a different accent or other distinguishing characteristic. Children will wonder about differences and are eager to find out. Telling children about your life growing up can be a fascinating way for children to learn about the world before the digital age.

Play Games

Board games are a great way to have fun with children and keep them entertained. Games can also be an excellent chance for children to learn. From how to take turns to counting the number of squares to move around the board, children are great at developing their skills while they have fun. Jigsaw puzzles can also be a fun way to have fun together. The puzzles don’t even have to be finished in one trip. Kids can look forward to doing more each time they visit.

Get Out

Take a hike together or go play mini golf. Sit and watch the sunset and talk about places you’ve travelled. Walk through a busy street and window shop. Run errands together and show the kids off to your friends.

Make Something

When we know we are going to have visitors, often our first inclination is to do everything before they arrive. That may make sense with adults but, with children, you might be better off waiting. Rather than simply handing children your homemade cookies, why not make them together? You’ll all have fun and the children will have a chance to learn some handy cooking skills. Kids can help you weed flower beds, rake up leaves, or make sandwiches.

The important thing is to make it fun, quality time together rather than making the work seem like a chore. So play some music, tell stories, explain how things work, and listen to what they have to say. Kids generally love to help and together you can all have a fantastic time.