At the store? Ask your child to find one orange, two apples, and three bananas (or any items on your list). As they bring them to the cart, have them count out each item one by one. Take one of the items out and ask them how many are now left.
Category: 6 Loving Habits
Silly voice counting
At dinner, have some fun with your child by counting each bite they take. After the first bite, announce “one!” in a silly voice. If they know numbers, make a mistake (“one, three”) and see if they can spot your mistake!
Waiting Games
Anytime you’re waiting in line, ask your child to guess how long until it’s your turn. How many numbers can you count? Or how many times will you sing a favorite song? Take turns inventing new “Waiting Games.”
Fit keys
Is your child interested in your keys? While you watch, offer them a turn to try and open doors with them. Can they fit the key in the door? Talk with them about what they’re doing like: “You’re turning the key but the door won’t open. What else should we try?”
Bath time lead
As your child gets older, encourage them to take the lead at bathtime. Ask them: “What will you need for your bath? A towel? Clean clothes?” When they’re in the bath, you can ask, “What will you do first?” Invite them to choose which body part to wash and do it together.
Relax at bedtime
At bedtime, invite your child to close their eyes. Then imagine relaxing just one toe, then one whole foot, then one leg. Keep going through their entire body. Afterward, talk about how they feel. Give them a turn to lead you through relaxing.
Compare stamps
Take your child with you to get the mail. Check out the different stamps and help them compare. Ask them, “Are these two stamps exactly the same? How are they different?”
Get dressed in a new way
Try getting dressed for bed in a new way. Ask your child, “What if we closed our eyes while we put on our pajamas for bed tonight?” Stay close by them to make sure it’s safe. Afterward, share what it feels like to get dressed “in the dark!”
Love connections
Take turns talking to your child about love connections. “I love you as much as a bee loves flowers.” “I love you as much as ants love sugar.” “I love you as much as a car loves gas.” Ask them to come up with one. Keep going back and forth.
Create a toy museum
Invite your child to find some special things and put them out like in a museum or store. Have them lead you through their collection. Ask them to share with you why the items are meaningful. Take turns choosing favorite things to share with each other.
