Remember the best moments from your childhood

Think back over the positive memories from your childhood. What experiences and activities did you do with adults that were happy, fun, interesting or wonderful moments? Think about activities you can do together with your children to build special memories with them.

The ideas presented here are suggestions that cover a lot of possibilities. Use ideas that you will enjoy together, modifying them to suit your child's age.  This is a great opportunity for bonding and building relationships!  "Quality time" together shouldn't feel forced, or like it is being imposed. Start small, and build together.

INDOORS
1. Read together every day.  It can be books, comics, graphic novels, magazines, whatever your child enjoys.

2.  Build things.  Use LEGO™, popsicle sticks, uncooked spaghetti and glue, cardboard, whatever you have handy.

3. Make a "fort" with furniture and a sheet or blanket.

4. Have an indoor picnic lunch.

5. Draw pictures together.

6. Make up a story together.  I like to lead with part of a sentence, letting the child choose the key characters, events, etc. 
    Eg.  "Once upon a time there was a _______."
           "One day, ________ decided to __________."
           "At first, things went along smoothly, but then ________."
It can be a lot of fun, and some of your child's answers may surprise you!

7. Make a map - of your home, your neighbourhood, or another favourite place.

8. Look through family photos together. Children often enjoy seeing photos of themselves, and hearing stories about what they used to do when they were younger.


OUTDOORS
If you are able to spend time outside together, are there places you can enjoy nature that are away from crowds of people?  Is there a camera your child can use?  Take photos to document your adventures.

SNOW:
1. Play "Fox and Geese"

2. Snowshoe or cross-country ski

3. Make tracks in the snow

4. Build snow people or Inukshuks

5. Build a snow fort or even an igloo!

SPRING:
1. Visit a pond and explore the plants, insects and animals.

2. Explore a park, beach, hill, mountain, whatever is nearby.