6 simple activities that are good for your child

Play and fun have great benefits for the overall development of the child. As parents, we always want to raise a happy, motivated, independent child. Because of that pressure, people constantly have the feeling that we need to do as much as possible - they buy educational toys, enroll them in additional activities, teach them many things so that we don't fall behind in anything. As a single mother, I don't have money for expensive toys from stores, but I have something better: simple activities which are great for children`s development. We did it when my kid was little, we are doing it now, too.

1. Encourage your child to play with simple toys

One of the best activities is a game that the child will completely lead. Through it, he learns some skills that will be used in creating success later in life. Let the child play alone or with friends without your guidance. We all sometimes have the feeling that we need to be constantly present and entertain them regularly. Get away from looking for ideas for a while - give the child boxes, dice, and other simple requisites and let them play on their own.

2. Playing outside is very important

Going outside is a very important item in physical and mental development. Time in nature develops skills such as listening, attention, regulation of emotions, ability to cooperate. Playing in the grass, in the mud, in the rain, in the snow gives an extraordinary feeling of nature that children often miss in these times. We all need fresh air. Go for walks, let the child walk barefoot, let him pick flowers, and observe the nature around him. Touch with nature is different every time, and every time kids can learn something new.

3. Allow healthy risk-taking

A healthy level of risk helps the child to cope in such situations when they grow up. Lack of opportunity to take risks leads to fear and aggression. This, of course, does not mean engaging in life-threatening situations. Healthy risk-taking can be faster running, jumping from a higher height than before, any game that will cause a small amount of fear that the child has to deal with. So when you want to tell your child:‘watch out’, stop and consider letting him take a risk at that moment. These are great ways to boost immunity, mental, and emotional strength.

4. Give the child time and space without adults

While older children need to have time for independent play, it is important to find a separate space for them. It is important not to interrupt them or monitor them in the game. Let them separate in a room or other part of the room to focus on their own game.

5. Let them participate in housework

Practical life skills, also known as obligations, for children are anything but that. They are born to be helpers. They love to be involved in everyday affairs and it is important that you allow them to do so. In that way, you will create in them a sense of responsibility and an opportunity to feel as if they have done something nice for the house and the family.

You can start very early. A child can wipe the table with a cloth, or do some simple tasks. Allow them to put their clothes in the washing machine, push a button, or be next to you making lunch. Practical life skills develop a child mentally and psychically. Carrying bags from the store requires strength and strengthening of different muscle groups at once. Fine motor skills are developed by cleaning fruits, pouring water, spreading jam on bread.

6. Do not be afraid of boredom

When you allow boredom to be a part of a child's life, then you create in the child the ability to create his own way of having fun without anyone's help. Boredom is a way for a child to learn to cope with discomfort and to feel himself. This way you give the child a chance to just understand some things, to learn what makes him happy, to be creative, independent, and self-confident. Intentionally, do not take toys on your travels, shopping, or restaurant. Start with small things, and you will be amazed at how much creativity there is in that little creature when he is bored.

I hope I remembered you on some simple things we can do for our kids. Don`t waste your money on expensive toys. Instead of that, do some of these simple things with kids. That will be useful for them and you will enjoy it together.