Suggerimenti per attività

Adults

Numerous studies show that children who spend time with caring adults are more likely to become productive, well-adjusted members of society.  You already have what it takes to be a caring adult.  You don't need special skills or talents, years of education or a degree in child psychology.  All you need is the commitment to spend quality time with a child.

Think about your childhood.  What did you like to do best?  Use those ideas or some of the following suggestions to make a world of difference in the life of a child. 

• Make a weekly lunch or library date
• Coach a team
• Plant and tend a garden
• Go to the gym and take a martial arts class
• Paint pictures
• Tour museums
• Bird watch 
• Read together
• Write a song

Remember also that children of different age groups will likely be interested in different activities.

Ages 4 and 5

• Take a field trip to the petting zoo
• Expand creative thinking with cutting, pasting, or coloring
• Increase muscle development with running, jumping and climbing

Ages 6 and 7

• Develop problem-solving skills with cards, board games or arts and crafts
• Visit the library or start a book club
• Jump rope, sculpt a statue, or go hiking

Ages 8 to 10

• Engage in reading and writing activities-write songs, read together or help children write letters to long-distance relatives
• Help children make their own decisions by letting them choose where to eat lunch or what activity to do

Ages 11 to 14

Build self-confidence through volunteerism- participate in a neighborhood clean-up or grafitti paint-out.

Ages 15 and 16

• Consider involving older teens in activities with you and your friends
• Ask them to teach you a special skill they may have

Most importantly, remember that when you're spending time with a child, it's not so much what you do as long as you're doing it together.