This week on the blog I’m sharing 3 simple and fun activities to try with your child this weekend. During times of transition (read: back-to-school season) kids often need a little more connection with their parents and caregivers to feel safe and secure.

Developmentally, kids don’t always have the words or awareness to ask for what they need. (Side note: This is why play therapy is so effective!) You probably will not hear from your kid “I’m stressed about school and really want some quality time with you. Can you pay attention to me right now and remind me that I’m loved and good enough?” You may actually see attention-seeking behavior like lashing out, name-calling, or breaking family rules.

What your child really wants is to feel seen, cared about, and loved. As the parent or caregiver, YOU can be intentional about seeking out connection and quality time so your child gets their needs met. 

Take 20 minutes this weekend to try these simple, fun activities from play therapy. The focus is on strengthening attachment between a child and their caregiver, bringing more joy into the family system, and increasing children’s self-esteem. These activities are playful and fun. It’s okay to be over-the-top excited and cheer for your child’s successes. Since the focus is on joy and connection don’t worry too much if your child doesn’t follow the directions to a T. If they loose interest, no biggie. Try again another time or pivot to connecting with them in a way they love.

My therapy clients LOVE doing these activities with their parents, so I’m guessing your kid will like them too!

Streamer Chop 

• Purpose: To give your child an experience where they feel competent and confident by having success with a slightly challenging activity

• Supplies needed: party streamers (or thin pieces of tissue paper)

• How to: Parent starts as the leader– hold a piece of streamer (about 1-2 feet long) taut between your hands. Pick a category (colors, animals, foods, countries, etc.) and have your child pick their favorite. While holding the streamer taut, you will call out words from that category, when you get to your child’s word they will karate chop the streamer with their hand. Do this several times in a row and then switch so your child gets the chance to be the leader. 

  • Example: The category is colors. Your child’s favorite color is blue. While holding the steamer you call out: Red, Yellow, Purple, Orange, Blue. On Blue, your child chops the streamer. Celebrate!!

Back Tracing

• Purpose: To strengthen your connect with your child, to give your child your undivided attention, and to add an element of fun and surprise to your play

• How to: Parent starts as the leader– have your child sit in front of you facing away from you. Use your finger to draw a letter or shape onto your child’s back. Your child guesses what it is. Celebrate when they figure it out! Do this a handful of times before switching leaders. 

• With older kids you could even write short, simple words for them to guess.

Hand Painting

• Purpose: To remind your child that they are worthy of love and care and they will be cared for without having to ask.

• Supplies needed: washable, non-toxic paint, paint brushes, sink with soap, towel 

• How to: Parent starts as the leader– paint your child’s hand (or foot). You can use one color or use several to make a pattern. You can collaborate on the design with your child or let them decide how they want their hand painted. After the hand is painted, press it gently onto paper to make a print. Do as many painting variations and prints as you and your child want. Then gently wash and dry your child’s hand. You can switch and let your child paint your hand. 

Simple, right?! These activities can really just take about 20 minutes or less. And a little connection goes a long way. The back tracing activity can even been done while waiting in line at the store if your kid is starting to get antsy.

Wishing you and your family a very smooth back-to-school season!

Is your kid a bundle of nerves and struggling to adjust to the new school year?

I get it. I was that nervous little kid hiding behind my bestie on the first day of school. Reach out and we can chat about your child’s needs and how play therapy can help calm their worries! You can schedule a free phone consultation on my website, or email me at brightdaystherapy@gmail.com.

Bright Days Ahead: Counseling and Play Therapy is located in Clayton, MO. Rachel Zahniser, LPC specializes in anxiety and trauma therapy for kids and teens (ages 3-17) who are big feelers and sensitive souls. I work with families throughout the St. Louis area including: University City, Ladue, Town and Country, Webster Groves, Creve Couer, Kirkwood, Richmond Heights, and Brentwood.