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When your kids grow up and look back on their lives, what do you think they’ll remember fondly? What memories can you give them to last them a lifetime?
1. Stories
By making books and stories an integral part of your children’s lives, you will be providing them with numerous benefits. Being interested and immersed in stories from a young age helps to boost their curiosity and intelligence. It’s a safe way to explore the world and learn empathy. It also helps in terms of academic success, in that it increases vocabulary, and enhances their ability to read and write.
Reading to your child also reinforces the bond you share. This is a special time and something you can both look forward to. It promotes a sense of security and happiness.
2. Pets
Pets are great for kids in so many ways. From a physical perspective, they can help boost the immune system. Studies show that children who are exposed to pets from a young age are less likely to develop allergies and conditions like asthma. They also help them in terms of increasing confidence, learning about responsibility, and developing empathy for another living creature. And perhaps most importantly of all, pets like dogs are great fun. They are constant companions and will love the attention your kids give them.
3. Camping
Camping is one of the best adventures you can offer your children. And the great thing is that it isn’t expensive. Once you’ve purchased your camping equipment, it can be used over and over again. Campsites are cheap when compared with other forms of accommodation like hotels and B&Bs.
If you have a dog, they can come too and will love you for including them. All they will need is their usual food, bowls, lead, and their bed. Pillow beds are great for this as they offer maximum comfort and are easy to transport. Camping is an activity for the whole family to enjoy. Make sure you book a dog-friendly campsite.
For children, camping is an adventure. They get to sleep outside, albeit in a tent, cook over a campfire or portable stove and tell each other ghost stories.
4. Movie Nights And Family Days
As kids get older, they spend less and less time with their parents and more time with friends. This is completely natural and all part of them becoming independent. However, it’s still important to spend time together as a family. This could be during mealtimes, one evening a week, or scheduled family days. The simple act of choosing a film together, and sitting down and watching it, will help you reinforce your bond. And implementing a rule of no phones during meals will ensure everyone is fully engaged and focused on each other at least once a day.
5. Time
The best thing you can give to your kids is time. They’ll recognise when they have your attention, and this is the thing that they will take with them into adulthood. It won’t be the toys they received or expensive holidays. It will be the time you spent together as a family. This is what will make them happy and will support their development.
