Remember all those times during the summer months when your kid was extra whiny or refused to eat the dinner that they specifically asked for or repeatedly left a huge mess of their toys in the living room?
It’s kind of funny to possibly look back at those trying times in a nostalgic manner with them in school every day now. And even though parenting can be super tough at times, especially on days like that, you probably still find yourself missing those moments of connection with your child when they’re in school.
Luckily, there are still lots of ways in which you can work to connect with your kid every day after school and on weekends that will allow your relationship to flourish and just remain uniquely yours and completely special. Let’s discuss.
If you’re able to pick them up from school, create a fun little routine for the ride or walk home.
Coming back together with your child after they’ve been at school all day can be such a treat for some parents. They have hopefully had a great day of learning and social time, but they’re also likely very ready to see mom and dad again and spend some quality time. So why not use the ride or walk home to connect again?
Whether you drive your car home or walk, you could use this time to ask your child all about their day at school and what they learned and who they played with. Don’t be afraid to get really specific with them and ask follow-up questions pertaining to their activities of the day.
If you walk home, you could make a stop at your local park and have some playtime and just enjoy each other’s company having fun on the slide or the swings.
And don’t be afraid to stop and really examine things you might find on the walk home from school, either, because finding a cool leaf or spotting a new dog in the neighborhood can lead to some interesting conversations.
Try making dinner together at least once or twice a week to teach them some cooking skills and build their taste palate.
They don’t say that food brings people together for no reason. Even if you might feel as though it’s a bit of a task bringing your child into the kitchen to help cook, it can actually be a great time to teach them some things and a way to connect through food.
For example, maybe there can be one night a week where your child picks what everyone is going to have for dinner. Beforehand, this can include doing a little research on the internet and having them choose some easy Mexican or Thai cuisines. They can even print off the recipes for you and begin to build up a binder of some of your favorite meals together.
When in the kitchen for the actual cooking part, it’s always a safe idea to have your child be in charge of easy food prep, measuring, sauces, and setting the table. Be sure to bring your patience and fun-loving attitude, because the kitchen can be a great place to get silly and make a mess just for the sake of it.
Plus, it gives you the chance to connect with your kid as you use all of your senses together, learn about healthy foods and different cultures, and collaborate in a way that allows them to feel like a real part of the family.
Get creative and expressive together in whatever way feels comfortable for both of you.
There’s nothing quite like having a creative moment with your child when you both feel fully liberated to express yourself in new and exciting ways.
Another great way to connect with your kid during the school year is to not shy away from embarking on artistic and imaginative projects together. It’s really not important here to feel the need to get out your canvas and paint set and work together to make the next Mona Lisa. You really don’t even need to be doing the same creative project. The key here is to be vulnerable together in the sense that you feel comfortable enough to artistically or playfully express yourselves wholeheartedly.
This can take place in terms of having an impromptu dance party. You can put on your '90s playlist and just go to town dancing on the couch or in the kitchen. There’s always painting or drawing together and pausing to look at the other person’s work and ask questions about their process or why they chose to go that route. Or you could even get out the hot-glue gun and pine cones and do a craft together.
Remember that it doesn’t really matter how you get creative together, because it’s all about connecting, self expression, and having fun.
Use story time as a way to get in some extra cuddles and love.
Some parents spend their entire day daydreaming about making it to story time with their child, not only because it is such a cozy and relaxing ritual, but they’re quite often completely ready for bed at that point as well.
For real, though, going through a bedtime routine with your child night after night can work to create such an overwhelming sense of comfort and intimacy for both parties. At bedtime, you’re given the opportunity to just slow down and connect for the sake of tranquility and good rest.
You can use story time as a way connect in the sense that you’re both engaged in some storytelling that doesn’t necessarily have to be about learning anything new but more about reassurance and feeling content when they already know the end to their favorite fairy tale. Plus, you can also use that time to get in some major cuddling and hugs, which never feels bad at the end of a long day!
