Adventures With Your Children--Give 3 Things and Ask of 3 Things.

Children can easily fall victim to routine; they get home from school and expect to do their homework, get to watch a favorite show, play with their toys, get ready for bed, and fall asleep.  So, when they ask for something that usually happens several times a week, it probably doesn’t inspire them.  This week, let’s work on that inspiration and motivation by first giving three things and then doing three things.

Giving can be easy, simple, cheap, or elaborate and expensive.  If your child absolutely loves The Bubble guppies, then you can give your child your presence and attention.  Sit on the floor with them and interact while the show is on.  They will probably explain to you each character and what they find fascinating about the show.  By the end of the show, I promise your child will be more interested in The Bubble Guppies, then if you were in the kitchen washing dishes and they were alone.

Now, your child sees that you gave them something, and it’s your turn to ask for something—out of the ordinary.  Get the real bubbles out and go into the back yard.  Ask your child to join you and start the adventure.  Who can blow the biggest bubble?  Where are the bubbles going when they soar off to the neighbor’s yard?  What happens to the bubble when it pops?

After your initial request, you child might begin to imagine doing different things—out of their usual routine—and it’s now your chance to shine.  Be ready to grant their next request because it could include going to the park to blow bubbles this time.

By giving something simple and asking for something simple, you will show your child that you are genuinely interested in their perspective, their imagination, their world.  When you step into that world, you become larger than life…and the real adventure begins.