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3 Ways to Connect with the Kids in your Life

Every one of us has been a child. And as children, we all know there are two kinds of adults: There are those who get it,who know how to talk, play, imagine, and explore like a kid. And there are, well, the rest of them. The excruciatingly boring ones, the ones who terrify us into swearing, cross our hearts, that we’ll never turn into that kind of grown up.

You may be an adult now, one who does all the serious things like paying bills, reading the news paper and worrying about politics.  But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a close, meaningful and inspirational relationship with the kids in your life, whether they’re your own or simply the kids next door. Here are 3 ways to connect with the kids in your life.

ASK DIFFERENT QUESTIONS

Make conversation at the dinner table or in the car. Kids are great at one word answers to typical daily questions like “How was your day? Did you have fun and learn stuff at school today?”

And every kid gets the same two questions when they see adults who are not their parents. “How old are you?” and “How’s school?”

So mix it up! Here are some great conversation starters to ask (and answer) when you’re hanging out with kids.

  • If you were invisible for a day, what would you do?
  • If you could, what type of animal would you be?
  • If you could make up a brand new school subject, what would it be?
  • If you could make up a new holiday, what would it be?
  • If you could put sauce on any food in the world what would it be?
  • If you could trade places with anyone for one day, who would it be?

EXERCISE TOGETHER

We can use the word ‘exercise’ loosely here. The key is to move around, get the endorphins flowing, and have fun.

Turn up the music to Michael Jackson and then let them choose their favourite song too. Race up and down the driveway a few times. Kick the ball in the back yard. Even 5 minutes is enough to get the blood pumping and some giggles happening.

MASSAGE EACH OTHER

Massage does not have to be a big complex endeavor. It can be quick and easy, and you can do it just about anywhere.  Watch this video together, and practice massaging other. and incorporating stories.

Create your own stories to make it even more fun. This type of anywhere, anytime massage is especially great for kids with anxiety. Try it at bedtime, or in the morning before school, or even in the waiting room at the dentist.

There you have it! Three ways to be a fun adult and build a meaningful relationship in your favorite kid’s life!

David Clayton is the Principal Remedial Therapist at Myomasters Massage located in Hope Valley in the north east of Adelaide.  He has a passion for supporting humans to live the lives they were to born to live using massage and soft tissue therapies.  He has a particular interest in assisting people to recover from stress, anxiety and trauma using compassionate and nurturing touch.

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