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Recently, my little kid shared a profound moment with me that truly resonated...

...She said, "Mom, listen to me with your eyes."

In that simple yet profound statement, she reminded me of the importance of not just hearing her words, but truly connecting with her, emotionally.

If you are wondering: How do you connect with a child?

It's easier than you think!

As Dr. Seuss said, 'Adults are just outdated children'.

So, allow yourself to be fully present, curious, and open-hearted like a child.

Here are 32 activities that I discovered along the way, each offering its own unique opportunity for bonding with our kids, whether neurodivergent or neurotypical.

Hey there! I'm Ana, an Introverted Mom with a strong passion for nurturing connections with our little ones, especially Neurodivergent children.

Want to know more, About Me?

DdL Mom

Curious how a 10-minute morning routine can transform your day? 🌟

Discover our powerful Connecting Morning Challenge and unlock the secret to a more meaningful start each day!

10-minute Connecting Morning Challenge

10-minute Connecting Morning Challenge

Star your day with Calm Connection

1. When?

Schedule 10-15 minutes a day to be fully present and aware with your child

Even in our busy lives -juggling work, caring for loved ones, or running businesses- this mindful time can be transformative in your child life!

2. Who?

Understand your child's singularity

• How does your child use their senses to explore the world?

• How does your child express emotions?

• How does your child handle social situations?

• What does your child enjoy doing?

3. How?

To connect, learn, and have fun together, engage in:

• problem-solving activities,

• hands-on projects,

• outdoor adventures,

• reading books,

• cooking and baking together,

• building with construction toys,

• science experiments,

• music and dance sessions,

• arts and crafts,

• family game nights,

• or simple laughing about silly jokes

Keep reading to uncover 32 wonderful activities designed to strengthen the bond between you and your child:

1. Breathing Buddies:

Using soft toys for breathing exercises, syncing their rise and fall with each breath. Or you can use this breathing ball.

2. Emotion Charades:

Act out feelings to help children recognize and express emotions through play.

3. Warm Drink Ritual:

Share calming drinks like tea or cocoa in the evening, using it as a time to relax and chat.

4. Cloud Watching:

Observe cloud shapes together, sharing imaginative stories.

5. Sensory Bottles:

Create calming sensory bottles for visual relaxation.

6. Gentle Massage:

Offer soothing massages to help children relax and feel secure.

7. Nature Walks:

Explore parks or trails to connect with the calming elements of nature.

8. Art Therapy:

Engage in creative activities like drawing, painting or coloring books to express emotions.

32 ACTIVITIES:

9. Reading Together:

Share quiet reading time, allowing children to choose books that resonate with their interests.

10. Mindfulness Exercises:

Practice simple mindfulness activities for relaxation and self-awareness.

11. Soft Music Sessions:

Listen to gentle, calming music together to create a peaceful atmosphere.

12. Journaling:

Encourage children to keep journals to express their thoughts and feelings.

13. Cooking Together:

Prepare simple recipes, focusing on sensory experiences like mixing and tasting.

14. Puzzle Time:

Work on puzzles together to foster cooperation and problem-solving skills.

15. Gardening:

Plant a small garden together to foster responsibility and connection to nature.

16. Storytelling:

Take turns telling stories, allowing children to use their imagination and creativity.

17. Yoga for Kids:

Practicing kid-friendly yoga poses for physical activity and relaxation.

18. Stargazing:

Spending quiet evenings observing the night sky together.

19. Cuddling with Pets:

Enjoy gentle interaction with pets for comfort and companionship.

20. Building Forts:

Construct forts for imaginative play and relaxation.

21. Sensory Bins:

Create sensory bins for tactile exploration and play.

22. Guided Imagery:

Lead guided imagery exercises for visualization and relaxation.

23. DIY Crafts:

Engage in simple craft projects using various materials.

24. Animal Watching:

Observe wildlife to learn about different species and behaviors.

25. Listening to Audio Stories:

Enjoy audio stories or podcasts as an alternative to screen time.

26. Bubble Play:

Blow bubbles together for simple, joyful fun.

27. Dance Parties:

Have spontaneous dance parties to promote movement and self-expression.

28. Rock Painting:

Decorate rocks together for personalized keepsakes.

29. Bird Feeding:

Hang bird feeders to observe and learn about birds.

30. Homemade Playdough:

Make playdough together for sensory play.

31. Gratitude Practice:

End each day by sharing things to be grateful for.

32. Family Outings:

Go together to explore new places and create lasting memories.

We'd love to hear from you!

Share your thoughts, questions or ideas in the comments below 😊

Ready for more heartwarming moments with your little one?

If you're smiling and nodding, why not explore more? Check out our other posts for a treasure trove of parenting joy and SEL adventures! Happy reading! 😊

• 5 Genius Strategies for an Enriching Home Learning Environment

• Little Hearts, Big Smiles: Joyful SEL Activities for Toddler Emotional Well-Being

Have a wonderful day, and keep being the amazing parents that you are! 🌟💕

DdL Mom

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• Items are therapeutic & can be calming or help manage anxiety

• Curated for children with autism/ sensory needs in mind, but suitable for children of all abilities

• Boxes ship out the first week of each month

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