Winter Play Ideas for Family for Connection
Having time specifically for time with the family can be important for fostering connection, creating memories, and deepening relationships. Especially with how hectic and busy life can get, families may feel disconnected. Here are some winter play ideas for families to foster connection.
Gingerbread or Snowman figures
While this one may get a little messy, there is a lot of meaning and love that can come out of it. Each family member creates a gingerbread man/woman or a snowman/woman cookie of another family member. This activity can be used to promote self-esteem and positivity, especially if it is introduced as adding characteristics or details to the gingerbread person of what you love most about the family member you are assigned. Each can share about what they added and then everyone gets to eat a delicious and decorated treat!
One-on-one time
The winter season can be a hectic and busy time, and kids may feel overwhelmed or stressed. Creating special one-on-one time with each child can be helpful in deepening the relationship between parents and children, help to solidify that the child is loved and important, and allow a space for special memories to form. Set aside time in your schedule for the child to choose an activity for the two of y’all to do together. This could be making treats, playing games, reading books, or whatever your child wants to do.
Calm Down Jars
A therapist or counselor may have already made something similar with your child but this can be a fun and easy activity to do with your child. “Calm down jars” are made with warm water, glitter glue, and glitter put into a clear jar for kids to shake up and watch the glitter fall to the bottom of the jar. This can be helpful when a child is feeling stressed or anxious and can help with soothing and regulating. Instead of just glitter, add some small snowflake confetti or, if you are feeling extra ambitious, create a snow globe together to help your child regulate.
Engagement between parents and children especially in fun and playful capacities can be beneficial for the relationship in many ways. It fosters a deeper connection between the child and yourself; continuing to strengthen the trust and safety in that relationship. Time spent with your child helps them to learn emotional and social skills that you model for them. If your child gets frustrated with one of the activities, you can be there as a source of regulation and support, and model how to label and calm down in a way that still allows for enjoyment and fun in the activity. These can also create significant memories or traditions for your child or your family that create a sense of belonging within the family unit.
Written by Gracen Kelly, Candidate for Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
