Finding ways to connect with your kids can be hard. Connection jars can give you a quick and easy way to add connecting activities to your everyday routine. Set a certain time each day and allow each of your kids to pick an activity from the jar. Spending just 5 minutes each day connecting with your kids can make the world of difference in your relationship.
Materials
- A quart size jar, a small pot, or anything big enough to hold large size popsicle/craft sticks.
- 10-20 craft sticks
- Sharpie marker (ultra fine tip)
- 100 ways to nurture and connect handout
- your imagination
- optional: 3 different colors of washi tape, markers, or paint
Instructions
- Find 10-20 connecting activities that you can do with your child. Try to pick a variety of activities that you and your child can both enjoy. Use the 100 ways to nurture and connect as a starting point.
- Optional: sort the activities into 3 groups based on amount of time to complete
- Write activities on the craft sticks.
- Optional: Use the washi tape, markers, or paint to differentiate between the groups (ie: green = 5-10 min, blue=15-20 min, orange=20 min +)
- Put the sticks into the jar and allow your kids to pick activities to do with you.
Kayla North is co-founder of One Big Happy Home and is considered an expert on childhood trauma. Along with her husband, she has developed training materials and programs for parents, churches, and schools educating them on trauma and its impacts. Kayla is also an affiliate trainer with Trauma Free World, an ETC Parent Trainer, TBRI practitioner, and the Executive Directory of Tapestry. She speaks at churches, schools, conferences, and retreats nationwide.
Can you please link to the 100 ways to nurture and connect handout? Thanks!
http://tapestryministry.org/100-ways-to-nurture-and-connect/
Thank you!