5 Simple Activities With Kids That Make A Big Change

Illustration of a simple activity with children that has a positive effect (Unsplash/Liana Mikah)

YOGYAKARTA – Being a parent is not an easy task. Limited sleep time, need to divide time between work and children, to deal with children's moods that sometimes go up and down. The task can be very tiring, it may even occur to fail to be a perfect parent. Relax, big changes can be made through simple activities with children. Here are activities that can have a positive impact on your relationship with your little one.

1. Role play

According to research in Japan reported by Parents, role playing or acting can help emotional and social learning in children. So, take some equipment such as clothes that are transformed into unique and imaginative costumes. Then role-play with your child to spend quality time between you and them. Take turns so that children learn to be responsible and solve problems creatively.

Illustration of a simple activity with children that has a positive effect (Unsplash/ Peige Cody)

2. Hugs to give and receive support

Some studies show that holding a child too much can spoil them. But other studies have shown that children who get extra love and physical support from their parents tend to be happy, loving, and less anxious adults. So, giving and receiving support to each other with physical touch, hugging for example, can become a routine.

3. Vacationing with children

It's not about a luxury vacation, but you and the kids need to try a home away from home. According to the director of the Family Holiday Association, John McDonald, memorable childhood memories anchor children's happiness when going through difficult times as adults. Research proves this, that participants recall memories to be more resilient in going through difficult times.

4. Give your child the attention they need

Meghan Walls Psy.D., a child psychologist suggest giving the child the attention he needs. This could be as simple as having a bedtime chat, or involving the kids in the morning activity of preparing breakfast. Even though the activity is only 10 minutes a day, it can strengthen good behavior and build healthy relationships between children and parents.

5. Take selfies for a positive cause

Taking a selfie with your baby will certainly be fun. You can take a selfie stick and laugh or put on a cute pout. Invite children to take pictures with you, have a positive goal. That increases happiness and positive self-perception, according to a small study in Psychology of Well-Being.