Bonding through everyday adventure

Bonding through everyday adventure

Evening parades may bubble forth with dancing characters and loveable figures — yet the most wonderful attraction at any amusement park is the animated face of a child.

by Laura Lofgreen — 

Taking a child to an amusement park for the first time is an amazing experience. A parent and child can laugh out loud on the kiddy roller coaster and gaze in wonder at a park full of princess castles and superhero adventures. Evening parades may bubble forth with dancing characters and loveable figures — yet the most wonderful attraction at any amusement park is the animated face of a child.

Most people do not get to spend every day with their child at an adventure park, although these memories can stay fresh in one’s mind. Here are some ideas to help you shine light on your child’s face on a regular basis:

1. Experience new things. Soar to new heights with your child. You are the wind beneath your child’s wings.

2. Be active. Encourage your child to try to keep up with you.

3. Laugh out loud. Be goofy. Giggling with your child is contagious.

4. Explore. Let the whole world become an adventure park full of opportunity waiting to be discovered.

5. Let your child amaze you. Notice even the small accomplishments. Remember, children are little superheroes just waiting to grow up.

6. Use color. Princess castles are not black and white. Brighten your home with your child’s ideas and art.

7. Be honest. One particular honey-loving bear admits when he has very little brain. Let your child know when you have made a mistake.

8. Be safe. Children need guidelines and boundaries like roller coasters need safety belts.

9. Count on your partner for help. Let family and friends come to the rescue. We all need a break every once in a while.

10. Love what you do. The confidence you have in your own abilities reflects through to your child. Believe in the decisions you make and follow through with passion.

If you want to contribute to our list or have additional parenting tips or experiences to share, please submit them to www.villageconnection.com.

Laura Lofgreen is the mother of three boys and communications director of the Village Connection Nanny Agency. www.villageconnection.com or 480-969-3493.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 24, Number 2, April/May 2005.