A Guide to Become A More Hands-On Parent
Depending on what you’ve learned along the way, your parenting approach will differ from others who have cultivated different paths. Determining the best parenting style for you and your kids is an individual decision, but it’s common knowledge that being a hands-on parent positively shapes parent-child bonding, strengthens a child’s sense of adequacy, and provides balance for your child and their relationship with you.
With that being said, here’s a guide on establishing hands-on parenting approaches so that you and your kids benefit. Let’s get started.
Play Outside With Your Kids More Often
The next time your kids play outside, tag along and play with them. Play catch, tag, frisbee, or any other outdoor activity that allows you to interact with your kids while spending time outside.
There are many challenges of parenthood, and while you’re totally allowed to sit on the sidelines to cheer your kids on when you need a break, the more involved you can get with your kids’ outdoor activities, the better your bonding and relationship stability, which also supports your child’s social development.
Whether your kids are old enough to care for their own hygiene or you’re still using eco-friendly diapers and wipes on your little ones, the benefits of nature on human development are consistent, regardless of age. Getting out in nature is, of course, a healthy component of any child’s development, but what makes outdoor play even better is when parents play outside with their kids.
Active Participation Is Hands-On Parenting
When you think of hands-on parenting, you might picture outdoor or interactive activities involving a lot of exercise. Hands-on parenting is more elaborate than outdoor play with your kids. It’s all about active participation.
So, doing a puzzle with your kids, reading to them, playing family games, and helping them with homework are all forms of hands-on parenting. When you show up for your kids by engaging with them as they pursue some of these more involved tasks, they learn that you’re someone they can rely on, trust, and receive support from.
Teaching your kids to establish a sense of safety and trust with you will help them in social relationships. Additionally, showing them how to problem-solve with the interactive games you play together will help your kids develop healthy levels of self-esteem and self-adequacy.
Engage In Creativity With Your Kids
Foster your kids’ creative development by completing hands-on activities together, such as arts and crafts projects. From paint-by-numbers to abstract art, plenty of beginner activities are perfect for all ages. Set aside a time when you and your kids enjoy creative time and partake in arts and crafts projects together.
Help Your Kids Practice For School And Other Events
Helping your kids prepare and practice for things in their lives fosters positive development and is an example of hands-on parenting. When your kid has to practice for a sports event, a test, a speech, or another event, help them prepare by staging events.
Playing helpful roles, such as the audience to a self-led presentation, will give your kids a way to prepare, all while you showcase your helpfulness as a parent. Your child will understand that you want them to do well and will take your feedback seriously, knowing that you have their back.
The Bottom Line: Interact With Your Kids
To develop a more hands-on approach to parenting, consider the above suggestions. See what you and your kids can think of doing together within the context of hands-on parenting. Ultimately, coming up with ways to engage with your kids through outdoor activities or mindful, enriching activities that stimulate brain development gives you plenty to work with.
