If you’re a parent – or have ever had to care for small children then you know how hungry they are for games, distractions and general entertainment. With the summer holidays coming there’s going to be a lot of extra time to fill to ensure your kids are stimulated. So that you aren’t left with no idea how to entertain them, here are a few ideas to get you started. From cheap outdoor games and scavenger hunts. To fun indoor parent and child bonding activities such as baking, playing board games.
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You don’t have to spend a fortune to be able to participate in some great parent and child bonding activities. For example, some of the best times i can remember as a child were the days we went sledging together, or swimming at our local outdoor pool. Likewise, the days we just got to spend time together having fun in each others company are the ones i remember the most.
What Is Parent & Child Bonding?
When a parent, or adult bonds with a child, and vice versa, it means there’s an intense attachment that develops between them. A bond that makes them want to care for and look after the child in all circumstances. Whether this is through providing love and affection. Or simply being there for them whenever possible.
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An example of adults bonding would be through providing, as well as caring for them. Whereas a baby bonds through touch, your voice and eye contact.
Outdoor Family Bonding Activities
Simply spending time outdoors together as a family is a great way to keep your kids happy and stimulated. Ensure you’re spending quality time together and limiting how long your children are spending staring at screens.
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There are lots of ways to spend time outdoors with your family. Some great outdoor parent and child bonding activities include –
- Take a long walk in the countryside
- Go for a picnic
- Explore a new town or village together
- Build bug hotels
- Plant some vegetables in your garden
- Plant flowers together
- Go for a nature walk
- Spend time at a play park
- Walk around a National Trust heritage site
- Have dinner outside
- Go for a dip in the paddling pool (if it’s warm enough)
- Go for a swim in the local outdoor pool
- Create your own mini sports day
- Take them fishing
- Spend the day at the beach
- Take them for ice cream
- Play tag in the garden
- Learn to skip together
- Go for a family bonding bike ride
- Organise a scavenger hunt
- Go looking for fairies
- Have a family game of football, or rounders
- Go on a family hike together
- Fly a kite
- Do a fun and messy science experiment
Any one of these options can be a classic family day out. Don’t forget younger children may have seemingly bottomless depths of energy. However, even that will be tested with a day packed full of fun activities to tire them out.
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Indoor Family Bonding Activities
However, incase you live in the UK where the rain always seems to be just around the corner. Here are 25 indoor parent and child bonding activities to keep you dry and warm, and them entertained!
- Get baking – cupcakes and cookies are great as they don’t take too long to make
- Do some colouring together
- Create a fun picnic lunch on the floor
- Do a puzzle together
- Read a book together
- Have an indoor scavenger hunt
- Play eye-spy out of the window
- Get creative and make something together
- Have your own little dance party
- Plan a bucket list together
- Draw each other
- Watch a film together
- Play pretend games with them
- Build some lego together
- Play hide & seek
- Make a fort in the lounge
- Cook dinner together
- Camp in the lounge
- Have a sleepover
- Sing their favourite songs
- Play the lava game
- Have a tickle fight
- Play dress-up
- See who can make the longest dominos run
- Take funny photos of each other
Whether it’s a way for you to keep them busy indoors on a wet weekend, or an outdoor activity to burn off all of that excess energy. There are plenty of parent and child bonding activities to do both inside and outside, no matter what your budget is, or where you live.
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Furthermore, just don’t forget to have fun with the kids. Besides, it’s your time too, so make the most of it in every way you can!
There you have it, 50 ways a parent or guardian can bond with their child. Which from this list would you love to start with?
Parent & Child Bonding FAQ’s
Why Is Bonding With Your Child Important?
Bonding with your children is important in so many different ways. In addition, research has shown that children who have a strong bond with their parents are less likely to have behavioural issues and are more likely to do well at school.
How Do You Bond With A Child?
Most of the time, the bond with a child starts from childbirth. However, if the child isn’t yours, perhaps you’re just looking after them, the bond will be very different. You can bond with a child by making them feel important, that they can trust you, and being someone who will look after them. Equally important is that you spend time with them when possible.
Collaborative Post
I loved this post! Bonding time is so important and precious. You gave a lot of good ideas to pick on. Thank you! 😍
Oh thank you so much! Yes, even the little things make such a difference when it comes to bonding. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post.
My son and I like to watch TV, cartoons mostly and every now and then the two of us go grab something to eat to get some air. He also likes to play so we play with his toys or I watch him play. He’s wonderful!
Aww that sounds amazing! Sounds like you two have a great bond.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read.
Thanks for sharing sweetie!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk