In my article, Parenting: Tying Heartstrings, I explained the concept of tying heartstrings, what it's all about, and why it is important. In this blog post, I thought I would give you some ideas and activities for tying heartstrings to use as a springboard to get you started.
Honestly, tying heartstrings is extremely simple and easy to do, and very inexpensive. Remember: it's the little things that count most with a child, and your time is way more important than money.
Ten Easy and Inexpensive Ideas for Tying Heartstrings with Your Child
1. Cuddle on the couch, on the bed, or in a chair and read a book, watch a movie, or tell each other stories.
2. Color, draw or paint pictures together or other art/craft activity.
3. Play Hide-And-Seek or other kids game with your child.
4. Play an age appropriate board game or card game together. Or make up a game together. Make your own rules. Change the game up somehow. Ask your child how he would play the game, and what his rules would be if he was the one who designed the game.
5. Build a fort out of blankets and pillows under your dining room table and have a picnic inside.
6. Get on the floor with your child and play together with whatever they are playing with at the time. Let your child lead the interaction and play time.
7. Take a walk or a bike ride with your child. Let him choose the route. Play I Spy as you walk along or tell jokes.
8. Play 20 Questions. Take turns with your child, asking each other questions. Keep it fun and keep it light, but use it as an opportunity to get to know your child better.
Ideas for questions: What's your favorite color? What's your favorite sport? Who is your best friend? Who is your favorite Bible character? Who do you think is the nicest person you've ever met? If you could go anywhere, where would it be? What do you like about (insert your child's favorite character's name here--Big Bird, Elmo, Batman, Hello Kitty, ect)? If you could redecorate your room, how would you decorate it? What is your very first memory that you can remember? What's your favorite food? What do you like best about our family? What do like best about yourself? What do you like best about your brother/sister/father/mother?
These question ideas are just a starting point, the sky is the limit!
9. As much as you are able, make attending your child's sports practices/ games, school concerts, musical recitals, ect., a priority. Yes, the squeaky recorders from your child's 4th grade music class may hurt your ears, and his little league team may lose every single game, but your presence shows him that he is important to you. Whether they win or lose the game, doesn't matter. It's that you're AT the game that counts! (My own little twist on the old saying *smile*)
10. In my opinion, one of the most important and significant ways we tie heartstrings with our children is through family devotions and prayer. In our family, we gather together at the end of the day, as part of our bedtime ritual, and read a short passage of Scripture and pray. We also use this time to reflect on our blessings of the day. It lasts maybe 15-20 minutes and is relaxed and informal. This is a very special time of coming together as a family at the close of the day, even our dogs enjoy sitting with us during this time.
These are just ideas to get you started. There are as many ways to bond with your child as there are children. My best advice, get into your child's world and find out what makes him tick. Tying heartstrings with your child is easy, inexpensive and fun!
Honestly, tying heartstrings is extremely simple and easy to do, and very inexpensive. Remember: it's the little things that count most with a child, and your time is way more important than money.
Ten Easy and Inexpensive Ideas for Tying Heartstrings with Your Child
1. Cuddle on the couch, on the bed, or in a chair and read a book, watch a movie, or tell each other stories.
2. Color, draw or paint pictures together or other art/craft activity.
3. Play Hide-And-Seek or other kids game with your child.
4. Play an age appropriate board game or card game together. Or make up a game together. Make your own rules. Change the game up somehow. Ask your child how he would play the game, and what his rules would be if he was the one who designed the game.
5. Build a fort out of blankets and pillows under your dining room table and have a picnic inside.
6. Get on the floor with your child and play together with whatever they are playing with at the time. Let your child lead the interaction and play time.
7. Take a walk or a bike ride with your child. Let him choose the route. Play I Spy as you walk along or tell jokes.
8. Play 20 Questions. Take turns with your child, asking each other questions. Keep it fun and keep it light, but use it as an opportunity to get to know your child better.
Ideas for questions: What's your favorite color? What's your favorite sport? Who is your best friend? Who is your favorite Bible character? Who do you think is the nicest person you've ever met? If you could go anywhere, where would it be? What do you like about (insert your child's favorite character's name here--Big Bird, Elmo, Batman, Hello Kitty, ect)? If you could redecorate your room, how would you decorate it? What is your very first memory that you can remember? What's your favorite food? What do you like best about our family? What do like best about yourself? What do you like best about your brother/sister/father/mother?
These question ideas are just a starting point, the sky is the limit!
9. As much as you are able, make attending your child's sports practices/ games, school concerts, musical recitals, ect., a priority. Yes, the squeaky recorders from your child's 4th grade music class may hurt your ears, and his little league team may lose every single game, but your presence shows him that he is important to you. Whether they win or lose the game, doesn't matter. It's that you're AT the game that counts! (My own little twist on the old saying *smile*)
10. In my opinion, one of the most important and significant ways we tie heartstrings with our children is through family devotions and prayer. In our family, we gather together at the end of the day, as part of our bedtime ritual, and read a short passage of Scripture and pray. We also use this time to reflect on our blessings of the day. It lasts maybe 15-20 minutes and is relaxed and informal. This is a very special time of coming together as a family at the close of the day, even our dogs enjoy sitting with us during this time.
These are just ideas to get you started. There are as many ways to bond with your child as there are children. My best advice, get into your child's world and find out what makes him tick. Tying heartstrings with your child is easy, inexpensive and fun!