Have Fun With Kids (1) : Act It Out!
In our previous post, I mentioned about joining our boys for PLAY has helped in boosting our family bond.
In an earlier post in 2010, I blogged about “Have Fun As A Family - Immersing In The Kids’ World”. Read about it here.
I am a strong believer of having fun AS A FAMILY and doing activities TOGETHER, even when the parents could seem crazy and kiddish in those moments.
I believe the key to establishing a strong family bond is not only about being physically there to encourage our kids, to mentor or play the guardian or audience roles.
It is also about….
“Building that rapport - Join in the kids’ fun”
“Bridging that generation gap - immerse in the kids’ world“.
- Parent Times -
It is important to start early to shape it into a family culture and continuing process. Our children grow up faster than we could imagine and once the opportunity to strengthen that bond slips past, it might become an impossible mission no matter how hard we try after that.
[So, here I am starting a series of posts on "Have Fun With Our Kids" and hopefully we could share with other parents some family activities, especially those that we could stay active with our younger ones."
We welcome other parents, who have more tips on healthy family activities, to share your ideas too. Let's boost our family bond from here!]
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An activity that we have always enjoyed tremendously with our boys is “ACT IT OUT”.
It started during one of our birthday… years ago when we decided to make each of our birthdays a “Family Fun Day“!
What it Involves
- For each family member’s birthday, the organisers will think of a theme.
- The older boy and mom will prepare the story plot and the script (note: will be tough for younger kids).
- The younger boy will usually take charge of preparing the props, together with mom and papa.
- Every single family member plays the role of an organiser (except for the birthday star) and actor/actress.
- Then there will be rehearsals to perfect the acting and script.
- Of course, we take turn to also manage the sound and lighting effect.
Most importantly, the “Birthday Star” will usually act out a character that he adores.
How It Helps?
- Build team spirits
- Exercise kids’ creative skills especially when it comes to scripting and making the props. Allow our kids to be as imaginative as possible.
- Boost kids’ confidence
- Create a space for kids to make mistakes and constantly seek improvement [after a few years of practice, our script and acting have become more professional:)]
- Bridge the gap between parents and children
- Prepare kids to be responsible for their roles in the team
- Create hilarious picture and video moments that will serve as precious memories in years to come
- Train them to be sporting [eg. our kids can dress us up in their self-created pirate attires (even if it is out of the norm of typical pirate attire) and we must be sporting enough to put it on:)
Most importantly, having that much laughter together - IT IS PRICELESS.
Look at the smiles on their faces and one could imagine how much fun they have
We have played the royal family, warriors, the pirate family, TITANIC lovers and others …and next will be the SUPERHEROES.
If you are also keen to “ACT IT OUT” with your kids, it will take some preparation time. So, get ready early.
Our boy’s birthday is in August and one good way of spending his school holiday is he is already preparing his props once the Family Board has unanimously agreed on a common theme.
Really looking forward. Can’t wait:)
Oh yes! Stay tune to read about our other series of posts on “Have Fun With Our Kids”.