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Get Down (on the Floor!) and Play with Your Children
by Heidi Hoff
When was the last time you and your kids rolled around on the floor
together laughing yourselves silly? If you're like me, it may have been
a while!
Sometimes I get caught up in household chores, give errands a priority
or answer the phone when I know I should let it ring, instead of making
time for my two daughters. It's not that I don't play with them; just
the opposite is true. It simply seems as if I'm trying to fit them into
my daily schedule when in fact I should be scheduling my day around
them.
I used to be a planner. I would try to organize activities that I
thought my girls would learn something from. I'm now much more free and
spontaneous with them and I've discovered that, at their respective ages
of four and 20 months, this is the type of play they prefer.
Here are some suggestions on how you can be more spontaneous with your
children:
1. Play "Chase Around The House"
Kids love to be chased, especially if you're making a roaring or
growling noise while you're doing it. You'd be surprised how fast their
little legs can carry them. This exercise is sure to get your heart rate
up and tone your glutes as well!
2. Have a Pillow Fight
Make sure the pillows are small and not too heavy. Throw cushions work
best for this activity. Lay a few ground rules, such as not hitting in
the face or on the head, and when somebody yells "stop", then stop.
3. How Many Times Can Each of You Hop on One Foot?
Again, a great cardiovascular activity for you and the kids. Alternate
feet and vary the directions you're hopping in. This is good for your
children's coordination and learning left and right, forwards and
backwards.
4. Pretend You're Animals
Play a guessing game of what animal your child is by the sounds she
makes and the way she moves. Children love to imitate animals and can do
so from a young age.
5. Tickle Each Other
When you've run out of ideas, a good old-fashioned tickle fight is the
answer. Again, don't tickle too hard and when someone (possibly you!)
yells stop, the tickler must stop. At our house, this game always ends
with a kiss!
These activities take little time and benefit you and your children
greatly. They are highly interactive, involve a lot of laughter and take
no preparation. They also let your children know that you enjoy being
with them and that they make great playmates.
About the Author:
Author Heidi Hoff is editor of
Preschool Planet. Subscribe and get "100 Things to Make From a
Cardboard Box" free!
http://www.preschoolplanet.com
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