It can be easy for parents to fall into the motions of life and approach every day, ordinary activities with their children as monotonous and dull or difficult – but if this is the case in your home, you’re missing out on a whole lot of fun!
OzChild’s SafeCare Educator, Belinda Guilmartin, spends her days teaching parents of at-risk children five years and under the skills and knowledge they need to properly care for their children. This program is an evidence-based early intervention model which, in its current form, was developed in Atlanta, Georgia and has been achieving great outcomes for families in Australia.
The program covers three modules: safety in the home, health and wellness; and parent child interaction – with Belinda saying parents were most surprised by learnings from the last module.
“I’ve seen parents really encouraged by the engagement and enthusiasm they receive from their child after making small adjustments to how they approach every day activities.”
It is possible to transform everyday activities with your baby or child into magical opportunities to bond and have fun together. Any activity – bath time, making dinner, getting ready for bed – are all opportunities for you to have a really fun time interacting with your child. These don’t have to be dull activities.
While the SafeCare program is aimed at supporting vulnerable families, the principles of the program can be useful learnings for all parents. Belinda shares some tips from a section of SafeCare’s Parent Child Interaction module, to help parents make ordinary activities with their little one extraordinary.
A famous quote from author, William Martin, encourages parents to teach their children about the wonder that can be found in everyday activities:
“Find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life… make the ordinary come alive for them. The extraordinary will take care of itself.” This thinking shouldn’t be lost on adults either.
Everything you do with your child can be a fun experience and an opportunity for bonding. Don’t miss the magical moments with your child every day by getting lost in the motions and viewing every day activities as monotonous. With that little bit of extra energy and attention you can create immense joy in your daily routine with your child. It won’t take you any extra time. Give it a go – and turn something ordinary into something extraordinary. You and your child will reap the rewards.
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