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QUALITY FAMILY TIME & PLAYTIME TIPS
Between work schedules, school activities and other commitments, it is no wonder families find it difficult to spend quality time together. In fact, most of today’s families struggle to even eat one meal together daily.
However, no matter how busy life gets, it is important for families to connect regularly. Studies show that spending quality time together as a family boosts children’s self esteem and promotes healthy social development. This quality family time is particularly important during a child’s first five years – the time when his or her brain develops most.
First 5 Monterey County offers the following ideas for how you and your family can share quality time.
Activities at Home
Parents are children’s first and most important teachers. Spending time together is a great way for parents to encourage a love of learning.
Prepare a family meal together. Because dinner preparations can take time away from your children, fixing meals can be a stressful time of day. Asking your children to help can often ease tension. With assistance, young children can mix and pour ingredients for recipes. Or, give your children their own mixing bowls and wooden spoons. They can use their imagination to cook their favorite meal.
Share information about your day at dinner. This is a great time to turn off the television and spend some time asking your children about their day. Family mealtimes at home help teach young children valuable social skills. It can also be an opportunity for other types of learning. Ask your children to describe the color, taste and textures of food they are eating.
Spend time outdoors. Young children enjoy playing outside and it is important for their physical health and development. Encourage your children to spend time outside playing. Ask them to help in the garden, wash the car, or rake leaves. When they are young, they actually enjoy participating in chores.
Activities Around Town
Activities outside the home do not have to be expensive for the whole family to have fun.
Set a play date. Show your children the importance of play and exercise by taking them to a local playground or park. The slides, swings and playground equipment are great for exercise and children’s imagination.
Take a field trip. Visit one of the many museums around Monterey County. The Monterey Bay Aquarium, MY Museum and the National Steinbeck Center have areas or exhibits for younger children. Call these organizations to see which days they offer free or discounted tickets.
Make every moment count. Use your time together to learn from and listen to your children, even when running errands. For example, while grocery shopping ask your children questions about their favorite foods. Also, have your children help bag fruits and vegetables while describing each food’s shape and color.
Activities for Older Brothers and Sisters
Younger children look up to their older brothers and sisters. Encourage older siblings to spend time with them by sharing their interests and experiences.
Share school stories. Have older siblings discuss what kindergarten or preschool was like for them. Encourage younger children to ask questions to help them get used to asking questions in the classroom.
Play teacher. Ask older siblings if they would like to teach younger ones how to do one of their favorite hobbies, such as dancing or drawing.
Read by example. Go to the library as a family and have children pick out their favorite books. Older siblings can help read stories selected by their younger brothers and sisters.
The links below offer some additional tips to building quality family time by playing with your child. Play helps build imagination which is essential to learning.
Remember, childhood doesn’t last forever but the experience lasts a lifetime.
Read, talk and play with your child every day.
Monthly activities for fun times with your baby or toddler.
Website supports the PBS television series A Place of Our Own/Los Niños en Su Casa. This talk-show format provides parents, caregivers, child care providers, and grandparents with useful, easy to understand information about young children. Click the “Activities” section of the site for fun and creative ideas for things to do with your child at home.
Play is the way children learn about their world. This helpful booklet provides parents and caregivers with useful information and tips at different ages and stages for children ages 0-3.
Playtime is important to children and you are their favorite toy. These tips provide gentle guidance to parents and caregivers to help make the most of play.
Offers information on how music positively impacts your child’s development.
National Public Radio Series on the Importance of Play
National Public Radio (NPR) aired two segments focused on the importance of play in the development of young children. Click on one of the topics below to be directed to the NPR website where you can listen to and read about the segments.
Creative Play Makes for Kids in Control
Old Fashioned Play Builds Serious Skills