Parent Press

a Goally Publication

Get

Goally

5 Relaxing Ways To Have Fun With Your Kids

As a caregiver or parent of neurodivergent kids, you know that finding relaxing ways to have fun with your kids can sometimes feel like a challenge. But fear not! We’ve got your back. In this listicle, we’ll share five fantastic activities that not only help you unwind but also strengthen the bond between you and your child. These calming and enjoyable pastimes are perfect for kids with thinking and learning differences, ensuring that everyone has a great time.

1. Explore the Great Outdoors

When finding relaxing ways to have fun with your kids, immersing yourself in nature is perfect. Exploring the outdoors offers a tranquil setting that can benefit you and your child. Walk to the park, enjoy a delightful picnic by the lake, or venture into a botanical garden. It creates a calming environment and presents a valuable opportunity for children, especially those with thinking and learning differences, to engage their senses and discover the world. So, why not seize the chance to bond with your little ones while embracing the beauty of nature?

  • Benefits: Fresh air, exercise, sensory exploration
  • Activities: Nature walks, picnics, gardening, birdwatching
  • Pro tip: Bring along a magnifying glass or binoculars for added fun

2. Get Creative With Art and Crafts

Parents, let’s talk about a fun, relaxing way to connect with your neurodivergent kiddos – art and crafts! Who knew molding clay or brushing paint could be so therapeutic? It’s not just about creating masterpieces; it’s about opening channels of self-expression, kindling creativity, and, most importantly, providing a calming way to release stress.

How about making this a part of your routine? This is where Goally steps in, serving as your friendly assistant. Tracking your child’s artistic journey becomes a breeze with Goally – watching their creativity flourish, keeping up with their progress, and cheering on their endeavors. So, immerse yourself in these relaxing ways to have fun with your kids, folks. Embrace the mess, celebrate the creativity, and cherish the memories!

  • Benefits: Self-expression, fine motor skills, stress relief
  • Activities: Painting, drawing, collage-making, pottery
  • Pro tip: Set up a dedicated art space at home for easy access and cleanup
Relaxing Ways. A child runs in a field.

3. Dive Into the World of Books

Reading together is not only a relaxing way to bond with your child, but it also helps develop their language and comprehension skills. Choose books that cater to your child’s interests and reading level, and make it a daily ritual to read together.

  • Benefits: Language development, bonding, relaxation
  • Activities: Reading aloud, audiobooks, visiting the library
  • Pro tip: Create a cozy reading nook at home to make the experience even more inviting
Read More: Read Aloud Books for Kids

4. Engage in Mindful Movement

Incorporating gentle movement into your routine can be a fantastic way to unwind and connect with your kids. Activities like yoga, tai chi, or even simple stretching exercises can help improve flexibility, balance, and overall well-being. Goally can assist you in finding the right resources and routines for your child.

Relaxing Ways. Two small children take a nature walk with their parents to relax.
  • Benefits: Physical fitness, relaxation, mindfulness
  • Activities: Yoga, tai chi, stretching, dance
  • Pro tip: Look for online classes or videos tailored to kids with thinking and learning differences

5. Experiment With Calming Sensory Activities

Sensory activities can be both fun and soothing for neurodivergent kids. From playing with kinetic sand to creating sensory bottles, these activities can help regulate emotions and provide a calming effect.

  • Benefits: Emotional regulation, sensory integration, relaxation
  • Activities: Kinetic sand, sensory bottles, water play, weighted blankets
  • Pro tip: Keep a variety of sensory tools on hand to cater to your child’s preferences and needs

Goally | Apps To Support Child Development

Looking for fun ways to help your child learn life skills? Try Goally! The Goally tablet comes with award-winning learning apps and video classes to help kids develop the skills they need to become independent with FUN & evidence-based practices.

An assortment of interactive video class thumbnails, including dental care and cooking, on the best tablet for kids by Goally.

Our apps teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more.

As your child develops new skills, you can increase the difficulty level of the tasks in the app to challenge and motivate them even further. This helps your child grow and progress at their own pace, while also keeping them engaged and excited about their development.

Goally kids tablet makes bedtime easy with bedtime routines completely controlled by the parent.

Embrace the Joy of Relaxation and Connection

Finding relaxing ways to have fun with your kids doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By incorporating these five activities into your family routine, you can create a nurturing and enjoyable environment for both you and your neurodivergent child. Remember, the key is to explore different activities, be patient, and focus on building a strong connection with your child. So, go ahead and make the most of these precious moments, creating lasting memories and fostering a loving bond that will stand the test of time. Happy relaxing with Goally by your side!

FAQs About Relaxing Way To Have Fun With Your Kids

What are some relaxing ways to have fun with my kids?
Engaging in activities like arts and crafts, nature walks, storytelling sessions, or practicing yoga together are great relaxing ways to have fun with your kids.
Can art and crafts help my child relax and have fun?
Absolutely! Art and crafts not only promote creativity but also serve as a therapeutic, stress-relieving activity that kids generally enjoy.
How can I use Goally to make fun activities more organized?
Goally can help track your child's progress in fun activities, establish routines, and encourage their active participation with rewards.
How can rewards make fun activities more enjoyable for my kids?
Rewards serve as positive reinforcement, motivating your child to engage more in fun activities and making the experience more enjoyable.
Are there any specific apps that can help me discover more relaxing ways to have fun with my kids?
Yes, there are various apps, like Goally, that provide features to manage fun activities, offer relaxation techniques, and suggest engaging tasks to enjoy with your kids.

This post was originally published on 04/28/2023. It was updated on 06/05/2023.

Article by
Goally Logo
Goally

We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.