The fun of joint projects with your child
Finding good reasons to spend time together shows that you are keen to build a strong relationship with your child. Finding projects that you can share together is not only educational but leads you both on a journey of discovery together. Shared projects mean you are both actively engaged to discover and learn new things. What better way than to show your child how you value learning as much as them.
In a shared project there is give and take and lots of healthy questioning along the way. It means that conversations with your child are rich and lead to happy negotiations between the two of you.
To find joint projects, look at things you do at home that can be shared. Think about what motivates you and what will motivate your child. Once you have a good sense of an activity that you both will enjoy then go for it. The project does need to be wanted and accepted by both of you. It will fail if the passion wears off quickly. Think about how your family operates and what interests them enough to join in with you on project developments.
Here are some suggestions:
Gardening, setting up veggie areas together.
Building a small cubby house.
Fixing bikes and toys together
Cooking, experimenting with new recipes.
Doing a drawing course together.
Painting the child’s room together.
Building a major Lego set.
Sewing and learning about patterns.
Build a bird feeder.
Art and craft activities with toilet rolls etc.
Be involved in exercise together.
Nature activities, setting up equipment together.
Research together where next to go on holidays.
Develop a family scrapbook together.
The list is endless and is only limited by your imagination.
Together you are teaching your child more about the world, showing them new skills and deepening your relationship with them. You are also fostering teamwork and bonding. Your child needs to see how you value learning and want to share your wisdom with them.
‘Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.’
-Albert Einstein.