How to Be a Fun Parent
Laughter, play and imagination come easily for children, but parents often get stuck in the serious adult responsibilities of life. When you are too serious, you'll miss out on all those opportunities to play and bond with your child. Of course your child needs structure and guidance to learn discipline and right from wrong. Being a fun parent doesn't mean giving up those responsibilities. By thinking like a child and finding opportunities to play and laugh, you can create memories you and your child will cherish.
Instructions
Set boundaries for your kids without nitpicking too much. Kids disagree with one another, insist on wearing a mismatched outfit or forget to shut the front door sometimes. With clear boundaries, you are better able to shape your child's behaviors without letting every little thing bug you. If you spend the whole day disciplining your child for every little thing she does, you won't have time left to enjoy her. Watch for opportunities to do something enjoyable. Instead of walking straight home from school, dawdle with your child as you pick up leaves and pinecones. Stay in your pajamas all day on the weekend to have a lazy day of board games, movies and reading. Join in when your child is doing something he enjoys. Say yes more often. Parents often say no automatically when a child asks to do something messy or time-consuming. Instead of always avoiding those activities, accept that sometimes making memories with your child is messy or takes time away from your own activities. Making mud pies in the garden before you plant won't hurt anyone. A craft project may take some time to set up, but you create a keepsake with your child and bond while doing it. Listen to your child's suggestions on activities to do together. If he mentions an activity, it is something that interests him. Instead of just saying you don't know the answer to all of his questions, look up the answers together. While reading about how volcanoes erupt, you might decide to make your own volcano model, for example. Give your child your undivided attention. Ultimately, kids just want to spend time with their parents. You don't need to plan a huge vacation or make a big production out of family time. Put away your phone and forget the stress of your day so you can be present with your child. Act silly and be spontaneous. Your child may be surprised to see you acting silly. Don't worry about what other people think. Enjoying your kids often means acting like a kid yourself. Invite your child to help you with the adult responsibilities you can't completely ignore, such as cooking and cleaning. Kids often enjoy helping out with the grown-up duties. Even though you're working, you're spending time together. Make the chores enjoyable. For example, have a cleaning race to see who can clean the fastest. Let your child take charge in safe ways. Give her control of the menu for the night or have her plan a family activity.
