Include children in games with adults
After a busy day of sending kids toSaturday sports games, to enrichment classes, driving around shopping, workinghard for cooking, and after the family feasting, a group of adults finally satdown in a circle. They were preparing for a card game. The excitement and seriousness were showing on their faces.
In the living room, there was a teenager lying on the sofa. He seemed a little bored. I asked him: Would you like to play a card game? The teenager jumped up with excitement: "Sure! But I don’t know how. If someone can teach me..." He quickly walked to the game table. A few minutes later, the teenager came back to the living room. He was mumbling, “No one wanted to teach me." I did not ask him what exactly happened. I just felt sorry that his motivation of joining adults for a game was not encouraged.
I understand that the parents who have done all the weekend duties need some time to take a break and to have some fun themselves. I also realized that motivating children to go to our parties sometimes can be a challenge. It becomes harder when the children are getting older. To have a table full of delicious Chinese food is not enough to encourage children’s participation. The older children may be happier to stay home eating pizza and playing computer games. Wouldn’t it be better if there are some fun activities in which children can be included? For example: Open a table for all the children who have the interest in the card game. Someone can give them a little instruction. The parents can stand behind their kids as coaches. Let them play a few rounds.Then the children who have the confidence and interest can join the game with the adults, or they can hold a table for themselves. If the weather allows, having some games on the lawn also can be fun, e.g. water balloon fight,3-legged race…
We should use more opportunities at home, in the family parties, in community events, to create the interaction between children and parents. Have more fun together, and make stronger tie.
