You’ve heard the line ‘opposites attract’ from the dating arena. Well, it’s kind of true because finishing each other’s sentences might look sweet in the movies, but eventually it’s going to be boringly predictable. So could this concept of matching opposites work anywhere else like for family bonding time for example? It depends where you draw the line, because if you’re doing what the mother and father like, then the kids get stuck in the middle. Likewise if you’re doing what the kids want then you as parents get stuck in the middle. Instead just play up on the age difference because that way, there will also be a cultural fissure that separates the parents and the kids. One day you do something that parents choose and the kids get introduced to something they might not have gone and experienced for themselves. The other day you as parents offer to come out of your comfort zone and do what the kids want.
Can you get kids into hiking?
As we grow older we want to see more of the world. When you’re a kid, all you care about is your close friends and doing things that give you a quick and cheap thrill. So when parents want to go hiking and introduce this pastime to their kids, they’re inevitably going to run into a brick wall. Hiking is slow and laborious and the pay off usually comes after quite some time. It’s all about preparation and trying to think about what hiking could mean to them. Make sure you have plenty of time for the activity so take out a full day of your normal schedule. Kids love to explore so pick a route that has a lot of trees for them to climb and discover. When you’re on the trail, feel free to lift up some rock and let them see some bugs they don’t see in the garden at home. Include a small river that you can walk over and allow the kids to stop and check out the flowing water. You might get lucky and spot some wild fish that can they see with their own eyes for the first time. And finally, pick a hiking path that isn’t too long, keep it within or just over one hour.
Being their squadmate
You can bet money on it that almost every child has a video game that involved shooting and tactical gameplay. It’s like a game of chess but you’re doing the fighting and moves yourself. Children love to go paintballing because the games are quick and they’re easy to understand. Also because companies like Delta Force Paintballing have protective suits and headgear, there’s no pain involved. Unlike bb shooting that can sting a little, paintballs aren’t designed for impacting with a hard thud. Being their squadmate and allowing them to guide you on tactics, will positively flip the tables. Now they’re teaching you and they have to impart wisdom to you. It’s probably not your thing to run around and get shot at, but for children, a fun, fast-paced tactical game is simply heaven.
Family bonding is almost like a dying pastime. With more children and parents sitting indoors for most of the time, getting up and active takes a lot of mental willpower. But if you’re willing to do what they like, they will be willing to do what you like.
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