How to connect with your child aged 8-12

As your kids get older, you become less "cool". Here are some ideas on how to connect with your kids.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Time
• board games
• video games
• a bike
• a ball
• a book
• movies

1. 
    

   Believe it or not at this age, when your child starts to roll their eyes at you, they still want to spend time with you. One of the best ways my husband and I have found is "family movie night". We rent movies and veg out with our kids in front of the tv with popcorn. They love it!

2. 
    

   Another way is with "family game night". This one is more popular in our house then family movie night, but does at time cause conflicts about which game to play. This is a great way to get your children talking, and laughing of course!

3. 
    

   Read a book with your child or better yet, have him read one to you! Too many parents dont do this, and kids LOVE to show off their reading skills!

4. 
    

   Play outside with your kids. My kids love it when I run silly and act goofey with them. So many parents are so busy that they just think they dont have time. Even fifteen minutes makes a world of difference to your child. These are the last years before you are totally embarassing to your child, enjoy them!

[Elizabethknows]

on 5/20/2008 good tips thank you

[Momof3infl]

on 4/16/2008 Thanks for the comment, and yes family night is fun!

[joyful327]

on 4/14/2008 Good article - love the family night idea :)