Life these days can seem much too serious. Our kids absorb the worry, the stress, and the heaviness that the adults around them are carrying. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to lighten things up, brighten their day, and put a smile on their faces.
Put a Simple Spin on Play
Rearrange their toys in an unexpected way.“What’s the pink bunny doing on the ceiling fan?“ ”Did your teddy bear build that block castle while you were at school?“ ”Is that Mr. Potato Head in the fridge!?”
Make Them Laugh
Tell a hilarious joke, like: “Why was 6 afraid of 7? Because 7 8 9.”Not funny enough for you? Oh, how about: “What did 0 say to 8? ‘Nice belt.’” This one is sure to thrill: “Why did the bicycle fall over? Because it was two-tired.”
Invite Creativity
Set out an invitation to create something in a common area of your home. Prepare some shiny new stickers. Lay out colorful paper. Cue up a YouTube instructional video. With some very minor preparation, you can have a simple and fun craft project ready to go when your little ones come home from school, when they wake up in the morning, or as the focal point of a weekend at home.Amp Up a Meal
Another bowl of cereal, another sandwich, another chicken dinner—if your meals have become predictable or monotonous, tweak them just a little to the delight of your family. Add colorful fruit slices as a topping for cereal, have lunch outside for an instant picnic, or serve dinner in the dining room on your fancy china.Lead an Adventure
Get outside and explore. Grab a notebook or a clipboard, some pencils and paper, perhaps binoculars, and head out the door. Let the wonders of your neighborhood be the subject of your exploration and jot down what you find out there.Ask questions, like: “What shapes are the clouds?” “What sounds do we hear?” “What does the temperature feel like?” “What animals do we see?” “What smells do we smell?”
Hide Fun Notes
Leave surprising notes around the house. Next to their toothbrushes, on their pillows, taped to a mirror, on top of a toy box; a little note from Mom or Dad can be a fun and unexpected surprise. Use simple messages like, “I love you,” or “Return this note to Daddy for a hug,” or, for budding readers, “If you can read this note, say ‘I did it!’”Sing Silly Songs
Make up silly songs, like: “Mommy’s cooking dinner now, EIEIO” (instead of Old MacDonald had a farm.) You see where this is going: “My kids are playing so nicely, doo dah, doo dah, It makes Mommy so happy, all the doo dah day.” Sure, they may think you’ve lost it, but that’s part of the charm.Allow Occasional Indulgence
Don’t endorse a sugar-filled diet, but indulge in a special treat every once in a while. Freshly baked cookies, a trip to the ice cream shop, or a sweet coffee shop treat can make for enjoyable moments together that are totally worth it.Conspire Together to Delight Others
Activities that encourage children to think of others are winners on all fronts. Have them mail some of their artwork to Grandma, help make a special dinner for Daddy, or bring homemade food to a neighbor.Helping them brighten someone else’s day may be the best way to brighten your children’s day.
