It is no secret that parents are some of the busiest people on earth. The phrase “There are not enough hours in the day” doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface. So, it may seem impossible to take a few moments to connect with your children through parents-kids bonding activities.
The goal of every parent is to raise a happy, successful, healthy and well-adjusted child. Thousands of books and experts strive to give us the most up to date information on health, nutrition, child development, education or parenting. However, one simple truth is often overlooked: Children from birth to adulthood need time and attention from their parents. Sometimes parents become so anxious to raise a “successful” child that they overlook the importance of spending time interacting personally with their child. Children crave time with their parents. It makes them feel special.
The 5 Benefits of Bonding with Your Child Through Shared Experiences:
1- Your Child feels Important and Loved
2- Sharing the Value of Simple Experiences vs Things
3- Your Child has an Opportunity to Model Parent’s Behavior
4- Shared Activity Enables Socialisation
5- You Create a Stronger Bond Beneficial for the Whole Family
Your Child Feels Important and Loved
The concept of “mattering” is that an individual believes that they make a difference in the world around them. A new study, published by Brown University sociologist Gregory Elliott, explains that mattering is composed of three factors – awareness, importance and reliance.
- Do others know you exist?
- Do they invest time and resources in you?
- Do they look to you as a resource?
This study shows the importance for kids to feel they matter to their families through time and attention. Mattering is one of the most fundamental motivation and strongest driver of happiness for your child.
Sharing the Value of Simple Experiences vs Things
The hamster wheel of Hedonic Adaptation or the never satisfying “Buy Buy Buy your way to happiness” Syndrome.
Recent research from San Francisco State University found that people who spent money on experiences rather than material items were happier and felt the money was better spent. “The thrill of purchasing things fades quickly but the joy and memories of experiences, from epic adventures to minute encounters, can last a lifetime.” Ilya Pozin, Forbes.
Happiness is the difference between reality and expectations. Teaching your child to lower his/her expectations in life and value simple experiences (rather than owning things) is one of the most valuable lessons for happiness you can teach him/her.
Your Child has an Opportunity to Model Parent’s Behavior
Actions speak louder than Words.
Now is time to fight the “Couch Potato + Tech Addict ” syndrome. .. addicted to our screens (mobile phones / computers / TV), always responding to an urgent email/text during meals, never being fully in the moment.
Parents can be good role models, sharing a mindful experience, for example by going outside and playing along with kids. Encourage your child to be active, help your child’s motor coordination, learn good social skills (including sportsmanship) etc.
The importance of the father in activity bonding?
Interestingly, during their wives pregnancy, men experience a shift in their levels of cortisol (stress hormone), prolactin (linked to parenting behavior) and oxytocin (diluting the alpha male behavior for a more nurturing nature). Once the initial elation of becoming a father is over, those hormone levels return to pre-pregnancy levels. Many dads can tend to take a back seat in parenting.
“Fathers play a hugely important role in the mental health of their children much later in life”, explains Melanie Mallers, a professor in psychology at the California State University. “They have a unique style of interacting with their children and men who report having a good relationship with their father during childhood were found to be better at dealing with stress.” Men are more “rough and tumble” with their children and encourage more risk-taking behavior.
Shared Activity Enables Socialisation
The sense of being part of a wider world. It improves cognitive function too: even the development of a sense of self, the big question of “who I am”. Physical activity is an important part of being a kid, experiencing the joy of accomplishment, making new friends and bonding with their family.
Not everyone gets to go down the slide first. Being outdoor is not only about running and being active, but it is also about learning social skills, executive functions (leadership skills), team-building skills and communication skills that will help them in school, their future career and personal relationships.
You Create a Stronger Bond Beneficial for the Whole Family
Parents often admit frustration when it comes to communication. Their children are not open, untrustworthy, do not listen or lack understanding between family members.
Bonding time can help eliminate some of the frustration and reinforce mutual respect. Your child has a chance to voice their thoughts and feelings. And, you can observe and learn your child’s strengths and weaknesses in order to better guide him/her.
Activities that will promote happy and healthy children are innumerable and don’t have to be expensive or difficult to access. The key is to give your child your full attention and vice versa. Family meal time, outdoor activities, sports, creative projects, reading a book together…
KidsCamp offers a 1-hour bonding session for National Day. Totally free.
Mini parents-kids tournament. Practise your rope pulling and sack run skills. :)
Create a unique and unforgettable opportunity to bond with your kid(s)!
If interested, contact Lili on 9821 4902 or sign up on www.KidsCampSingapore.com
