Playing is an important past time for all families in order to spend quality time together, especially when it comes to younger children. As gaming devices become much more common in our homes, sometimes it’s too easy for the family to spend all of their time in front of the screen and not playing together!
Family game nights
are a great way to promote play time. And they don’t have to be expensive board
games or toys. Something as simple as reading a story together is a great
family activity and routine to get into from an early stage. (Some mums-to-be
start reading aloud to their babies from as early as the first trimester of pregnancy! :) )
With a little
imagination and creativity, you can come up with family fun ideas that everyone
will enjoy.
Some family game ideas for your kids
When it comes to
playing games with your child, keep in mind age appropriateness, especially if
there are siblings with bigger age gaps between them. You want to find games
that are challenging but not impossible and make sure that your kids feel that
they can do well in the game - and of course, make sure that they have a great
time.
Here are some
great game ideas for different age groups.
·
Under 12 months: babies under 12 months
old are still discovering their world and everything will be new and exciting.
Playing with your little one will involve simple things like grasping fingers
and toes - and of course, peek a boo. Don’t forget to give lots of cuddles as
rewards.
A great game to try: the buzzing bee. Use your hands and voice to mimic a buzzing bee and have it land on different parts of your baby’s body. Have older siblings join in by being the bee.
A great game to try: the buzzing bee. Use your hands and voice to mimic a buzzing bee and have it land on different parts of your baby’s body. Have older siblings join in by being the bee.
·
One – two years of age: at this age, your child
will be much more aware of her environment and be developing basic motor
skills, like the ability to catch a soft toy or balloon. They’ll also be
familiar with common day-to-day experiences that they’re involved in, such as
going shopping or watching mum and dad make dinner.
A great game to try: The Pretend Grocery
Store – pretend is a great
way to get your kids’ imaginations going. Save empty boxes and containers and
run a pretend grocery store with each family member taking turns at being the
cashier and the customer. Get older kids involved by having them draw or make
some of the more complex elements such as the cash register or money.
·
3-4 years of age: kids will have very active
imaginations and will be more aware of structure and rules around game play. At
this age, you can try some simple games together as a family such as “Simon Says” or “Musical Statues”. If you have older kids
playing as well, consider modifying rules to be age appropriate – for example
younger children can have more “tries” before they’re out etc.
A great game to try: Build a blanket fort. Let your kids lead the activity and help them build a tent or blanket fort. Afterwards, grab some torches, popcorn and maybe a favourite book and spend cosy time together in your special little nook.
·
5+ years: as children get older,
they’ll likely come up with their own games and ideas for playtime with you!
Let them take the lead, be encouraging and participate actively in their game
play and activities. It’s an important time that you will all look back on
fondly.
A great game to try: Putting on a show. Putting on a family show is a great way to get younger and older kids involved in a bigger family project. Mum and Dad can help with tasks like costumes and sets or just be part of the audience and heap on the applause.
A great game to try: Putting on a show. Putting on a family show is a great way to get younger and older kids involved in a bigger family project. Mum and Dad can help with tasks like costumes and sets or just be part of the audience and heap on the applause.
Happy playing!
What great games would you recommend for your
children?
Author Bio: Sarah
Paige is a freelance writer based in Sydney. She writes lifestyle articles and
has a wealth of tips and knowledge to share from her experiences with kids.
Linking up with Jess over @ Diary of a SAHM for some IBOT!
