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| Fraboom Expert Leslie |
Now, we’re not condoning allowing your kids to paint all over your new living room furniture. Nor are we in any way anti-rules. But, if too many rules are placed on creative activities, like writing, dancing, singing, cartooning, painting, or craft-making, a kid is likely to end up discouraged. What do you think would have happened if Picasso’s parents told little Pablo that both eyes HAD to go on opposite sides of a person’s nose? Give your kids a chance to express themselves without any rules or expectations, and you may find they have a genuine gift!
If you need a good starting place in your quest for out-of-the-box fun, check out the Cartooning Exhibit and How to Draw classes in Fraboom.
2. Realize how funny your kids are.
A big part of being a fun parent comes with listening. We’re sure you value every word that comes from your kid’s mouth, but it never hurts to reinforce that with a belly-laugh. I know you think you’re the funniest person in the world, but the shortie sitting across your breakfast table each morning could very likely have you beat. Take time to understand your kid’s unique sense of humor and encourage them to discover it! Just make sure your little comedian understands that every joke has an appropriate time and a place.
3. Bring those A Games to family night.
There’s nothing wrong with some healthy competition. We know you like to win, and it’s likely your kids also like to win. But, did you ever think while doing all that winning (or losing), you could also be teaching your kid something along the way?
There are many games out there that knit the family together, while driving home important educational topics. Future fun parents of the world, try bringing your “A Games” to Fraboom.com for a fun competitive evening of learning enjoyment.
4. Let your kids cook dinner.
Every now and then, it’s fun to let kids take the wheel. Since allowing an elementary or middle student to drive your SUV is highly dangerous and illegal, we suggest giving them full reign of the kitchen!
Cooking is another great opportunity for kids to express themselves. With this activity, we know you can’t completely embrace the “no rules” rule, but give them a few kitchen guidelines and see what kind of fun you can cook up. Start by making a meal menu and follow that up with a family outing to the grocery store. The grocery store is one place where you can implement the “no rules” rule. Who says what’s normal to put on homemade pizza? The stranger the ingredients the more fun you may have when you get home. Go home and prepare what may be the most meaningful meal your family has ever eaten.
Parents should join in on the fun and connect with your kids over the mixing bowl!
NOTE: We cannot guarantee that this meal will taste even remotely good, but it could change your relationship with your child forever..
5. A little spontaneity never hurt anyone.
Look back on your own childhood for this one. Often great memories come from family vacations planned months and months in advance. But, what about those special moments where something fun just happened? Those moments where out of nowhere, your dad woke you up at 6am saying you were driving out of your way to your favorite donut shop before school. Or, when your mom decided on the spur of the moment that you’d be spending the day at the local zoo instead of in your backyard. While school is very important, a surprise mid-day visit from mom or day to sneak away and catch the latest Hollywood blockbuster may provide a lifetime of memories. Who knows that adventure may even teach your child more than that day’s math lesson.
To all those over-planned, calendar-booked ‘til June of 2015 parents out there, we think it’s awesome that you plan fun for your kids! Don’t stop doing what you’re good at, but every now and then, try and spring something new, creative, and unexpected on them.
6. While hunting for children games, pull out their favorite instead of yours.
We know you’re dying to play four hours of scrabble, but is your 10 year old? During the next game night, make time for everyone’s favorite game. And, don’t be too quick to write off all the games available online. For children games that are fun, educational, and not a 100-year old board game, check out Fraboom.com. Maybe start with Quit Shovin’ or Beeline.
7. Encourage, Encourage, Encourage!
You’ve probably noticed tips 1-6 already covered this. But, in case the importance of encouragement hasn’t quite stuck, we’d like to drive our point home.
The greatest gift you can give your child comes with encouraging their strengths, talents, and discovery. Want to be on the cutting edge of fun, but not quite sure where to start? How about telling your kids they’re good at something? If they are great at soccer, take them to a professional game. If they excel at music, make sure they see the local symphony or Broadway show, and if art is their thing, get them to the local art museum. Show them what is waiting for them as they get older. Support them and help them create goals that will inspire them for a lifetime. If you struggle finding that one “thing” that gets your child’s blood pumping then bring them to Fraboom.com, where every activity is designed to help children discover their passions!
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