Cut an apple and ask your child to guess how many seeds they think will be inside. Or how many pieces of orange there will be after you peel it. Count the seeds or segments together and compare that number with their guess. What other foods can you use for this game?
Author: Sarah Childs
Create an Instrument
Let your child create an instrument using a plastic container with measuring spoons or keys inside. Clap a rhythm or tap your toes. Ask them to try and copy your beat with their homemade instrument. Then, have them take a turn at leading and you follow their beat.
Cook Together
Have your child help with safe and simple tasks while you are cooking. Mixing or adding an ingredient can be good places to start. As you work, ask them what they think will happen when they stir things together or add something new. Listen to their ideas, then talk together about what you see happening.
Body Part Washing Game
Get silly while getting clean! Tell your child, “Let’s wash your hands!” but start washing their feet. What do they do? Then say: “Oh! Those are your feet! Where are your hands?” As they get older, have them lead, using other parts of their body like elbows, wrists, and ankles.
Hand-washing Game
Let your child be your partner as you wash up before a meal. Say, “It’s time to wash our hands, yours and mine.” Put soap on both your hands and lather up. Be silly as you dry your hands off together. Do you shake dry? Toss the towel back and forth? Make a hand jumble?… Continue reading Hand-washing Game
Hand-washing Time
Hand-washing time? Tell your child, “This is the HOT water (point to the faucet); this is the COLD water. Together they make warm water! This is the soap. Soap and water make BUBBLES that clean our hands. Now, let’s rinse off the bubbles. Can you help me dry my hands with this towel?”
Dream Land
At bedtime, ask your child: “What do you want to dream about tonight? Do you want to dream you’re going to a far-away place? Or doing something special?” Encourage them to tell you as many details as they can imagine. Then share a Dream Story of your own.
Share a Memory
Share a favorite family moment with your child. Say something like, “Remember the first time you tried the slide at the playground?” Talk about the memory and ask them how it felt and what they were thinking. You might be surprised at what they remember!
The Waiting Game
Waiting for a parent to finish a meeting or task can be hard. Help your child come up with strategies for waiting. Say something like, “Think of as many red things as you can.” Or, “How many words can you come up with that start with the letter G?”
Belly Breathing
Help your child learn to breathe deeply when feeling upset. Have them close their eyes and put their hand on their belly to feel it go out when they breathe in. When breathing out, their belly moves in. Remind them to use Belly Breathing to help them calm down.
