5 Fun games to play with the kids

“Cool dad” and parenting blogger Terence Mentor (who most of us know as AfroDaddy) shares 5 great ways to connect with your kids through play.  

The wonderful thing about the age my two boys are currently at is the fact that pretty much anything can be turned into a game. Something as simple as a walk up the road can turn into a massive, swashbuckling adventure that will leave them happy and, more importantly, tired enough to go to bed.

Being active with your kids has many other great benefits (other than getting them tired). More and more research tells us that play, especially earlier on, teaches children to engage with the people around them in positive ways, lies a foundation for further learning and, of course, develops their motor skills.

To add to all of those positives is the one thing that I find most important when it comes to playing with my kids: bonding. Sure, there are loads of opportunities to bond with them, but this is one that just comes naturally to me, and I think my boys pick up on that ease. My real hope is that all the fun, silly moments we have together will grow into real fond memories – just like I have about playing with my dad.

So here are my 5 tips for playing with your kids:

Be ok with silliness

My boys don’t mind being ridiculous, and sometimes, I find that I have to let go of my adult sensibilities – even in public – for the sake of fun. So if you ever see me skipping and jumping in a mall, it’s because “all the black tiles are lava”.

Let them take the lead

Allow your kids to take control of whatever you’re doing – including making up the rules. This might be quite a frustrating time if you are someone who likes to get things done effectively and correctly, but letting your kids play a game the wrong way allows them to use their imagination and work on their problem-solving skills. My boys can come up with the best rules during our tickling matches, like “Dad can’t move his arms when they are under a pillow.”

Let them win (but not all the time)

If you are playing against your child, I think it’s good to not completely dominate them. I’m competitive by nature – but I had to turn that off for the sake of making our playing time fun. That being said, don’t be a complete pushover. Kids need a challenge to develop and learn. When I’m throwing a ball for my son to hit (a game he can play for hours) I’ll give him an easy throw or two, a few difficult ones, and finally, one really tough one to remind him that he has room to improve.

Know your child

My two sons are quite different when it comes to play. One likes to play slow, methodical games that he’s made up himself, while the other likes to learn how to play actual sports. I try to meet each of them where they are, and when we all play together, I try to find some middle ground.

Get in there

There’s a lot of research about the importance of just letting kids play by themselves without adult interference, but I think it’s also important for you to show your kids that everyone plays! I don’t want my boys to think that they are too old for Hide and Seek, because that’s “not what adults do”. Luckily, since dad is still the reigning champ of this house, that is never going to happen.

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this article/post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Woolworths or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, employees and/or advisers.

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