As the weather gets cooler and school stress increases, we have some ideas to keep you feeling connected as a family!
1. Family Game Night
This can be a weekly event, and everyone can take turns picking out the activity. Finding games that can accommodate all the ages in your family and everyone can agree on can be difficult. To make this easier, write out options on pieces of paper or popsicle sticks that everyone takes turns picking out of a jar. Games can help families connect, while also being a chance to help your child manage the emotional ups and downs that each game can elicit.
- Apples to Apples,
- Jenga,
- Uno,
- Headbandz,
- Story Cubes,
- Sorry,
- Operation, and
- Various card games that you can teach or your kids can teach you!
2. Family Movie Night
This can be a separate night or can interchange with game night. It’s a great opportunity to snuggle up together with some cozy and/or weighted blankets. Depending on the age of your child we love ….
- Daniel Tiger,
- The Inside Out Movie,
- Sesame Street (their online website has some amazing resources on everything from grief to homelessness).
To increase connection time, discuss the movie after it is complete. A lot of kid friendly movies still incorporate significant themes related to grief/loss, fear/anxiety, bullying, etc. The are many kid-oriented movies available and kid friendly movie guides on Pinterest or other online communities.
Take turns picking out movies and enjoy!
3. Family Sharing Time
Set aside some electronic free time to talk to each other about your week. Here are some creative ways to get your kids talking. Were sharing some of our favorite therapist tricks!
- Jenga. You can write questions on each block as a fun way to learn more about each other.
- Alphabet game. This can be done in a few different ways, including saying something about yourself that starts with that letter, or picking a topic that starts with that letter and everyone having to share something related to that topic.
- Two truths and a lie. Get a chance to see how creative your kids can be.
- There is a game called “Choices in a Jar,” that is similar to “Would You Rather” and can encourage problem-solving and critical thinking in an engaging and entertaining way.
- Write down conversation starters on slips of paper that are put into a jar. Your kids are growing and changing, so their answers might surprise you!
For more day-to-day connection ideas, check out our 31 family fun break ideas …