Dana Gutkowski
Latest posts by Dana Gutkowski (see all)
- How can I be a good aunt? - May 19, 2021
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- End Your Silence. Support Black Lives Matter - June 29, 2020
Need to break the ice after a long time apart? Try these fun activities to bond with kids!
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An important part of any child’s upbringing is to have outside influences to help shape their little minds. Aunts fit that mold perfectly.
But bonding and playing with children doesn’t always come to so easy to people.
Maybe you live far away and don’t see the kids regularly. Or maybe children are like aliens to you. They’re “interesting” but you’re scared of them at the same time.
If you find yourself in either one of the scenarios on a regular basis, you can form a strong bond with kids, but it might take a little time. Every kid is different and it could take anywhere from a few minutes, to hours, or even days for them to warm up to you. The most important thing for you to do is to stay consistent and keep trying different things.
Here are some activities to try when trying to form that initial bond with children.
It’s always a good idea buy something for them and bring it with you when you haven’t seen them in a long time. A small gesture goes a long way with kids.
1. Complete a Puzzle.
Kids love to put puzzles together. Sit down with them in their play area is a great way Aunts can bond with kids. It’s a good way to start the introductory process because you can ask simple questions like “Where you do think this piece goes?” or “Do you like this picture?”
Asking simple little questions to kids lets them know that you’re interested in them and gives them a reason to speak to you. Don’t get upset if they don’t answer you right away, sometimes it takes a few questions before you find the one they’ll respond to.
For younger kids OMGOD Kids Puzzles make gender neutral wooden puzzles. I love wooden puzzles because they last longer and are more sturdy for kids. Having a variety of a few puzzles is better because it means more time spent together.
For older children, stick to a puzzle that’s around 48 pieces. It’s not too easy that they’ll be done with it in 5 minutes. It’s also not too hard so they won’t get frustrated and walk away within 5 minutes. It’s just right.
Check them out on Amazon:
2. Play a Game.
Whether it’s a board game, card game, or video game, kids are gonna want to play!
Card games like go-fish, old maid, and war are pretty easy for kids to play. If you have a standard deck of cards in the house, try breaking them out and playing with them.
If they don’t know how to play, it’s a excuse for them to get you know better – cause you an teach them! The more time you spent together, the more time you have to bond together. Playing games together is a great way for Aunts to bond with kids.
For additional card games for kids, check out this post, 6 Kid Friendly Card Games.
Here are my favorite board games to play with kids:
Check them out on Amazon:
3. Make a Craft
Crafting is just another excuse for kids to make a mess. Therefore, they love it!
There’s always time in the day to make a project together. I suggest doing your own and allowing them to explore their creativity by doing theirs.
When you sit and work on a project side by side a bond forms because you’re on the same playing field. The kids will get interested in what their Aunts are creating, and you can compliment their works of art. Crafting a is great way for Aunts to bond with kids.
Here are some craft projects I’ve done with my nieces and nephews:
Check them out on Amazon:
4. Bake Together
Kids love to “bake.” If you have a favorite recipe, make it with them! It’s really up to the adult to take the reins on measuring, but kids love to dump ingredients into a bowl. They make great helpers that way.
It doesn’t mater if you’re not a real baker at heart. Anyone can grab a box of Rice Krispies and follow the instructions on the back to make Rice Krispie treats. Or even grab instant pudding or jello and plop that into a bowl. The kids can do the mixing part.
The idea is that you have something to do together and nearly all kids love their sweets. It’s a win win situation. Food brings people together, so it’s a great way Aunts can bond with kids.
5. Play a sport
Sports in nearly all forms is a great way for Aunts to bond with kids. Whether you’re throwing a ball around, or shooting hoops together, you’ll be working on the same goal together. The fact that you’re participating in a physical activity together will bring you closer.
In our family, we were always doing something active, so it’s second nature for my nieces and nephews to play a sport with me. It gives me a chance to teach them about form and encourage them to try new things.
I taught sports to children for many years. Here are some of activities that I found worked the best for engaging with kids and keeping their attention.
Check them out on Amazon:
6. Read To Them
Reading never gets old. It doesn’t matter how old your niece or nephew is, they need to hear someone speaking to them. Hearing others talk is how they’ll learn to talk and improve their vocabulary. Reading together is a great way for Aunts and kids to bond.
Children’s books don’t take up much space. And you might not always have time to head to the library. Buying a few will not only encourage them to eventually read on their own, but there are also a number of other bonding benefits.
Here’s a list of books that have always been a big hit with younger children.
Check them out on Amazon:
Here Comes the Big Mean Dust Bunny
Don’t The Pigeon Drive the Bus!
7. Play Make Believe Together.
Children’s minds are limitless, open, and creative. Think about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny – completely believable and fascinating to a child.
They also learn the best through play and when their imaginations are activated. If you think about any children’s book or shows, life lessons, morals, and good behavior tactics are always presented through a story because that’s what holds their attention.
I’ve noticed that a lot of kids need help to start imagination play, so adults might need to play director and/or storyteller in the beginning.
Most kids have a treasure chest of costumes and accessories, but you might want to add a few items to their collection:
Check them out on Amazon:
8.) Color Together
10.) Make up A Game
Grab 20 Free Would You Rather Questions to get started!
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My niece and nephew are adult 35’s over and I’m 43 I’m aunt I’m deaf and every time I text messanger fb and ingore me all time , they not say happy birthday to me , not invited me party and cookout, make fun of me, still emotional long time !
Hi Shanna,
I’m very sorry to hear your niece and nephew don’t treat you with respect. Ultimately, you cannot control another person. Sometimes trying too hard to repair a relationship will only cause more harm than good. IF they are adults, but are acting like children…it might be time to cut your losses.