Since I became a mother, one of the most unexpected emotions I wasn’t ready for was…
Feeling genuinely thrilled about the things my children find thrilling. Honestly. As a child, I seldom babysat younger kids because the thought of stacking blocks or playing Peekaboo felt like a drag. But the first time I saw my daughter Ella’s eyes brighten, back when she was three weeks old and spotted the ceiling fan in my parents’ dining room, I was hooked.
Now, four years later, I still feel a little thrill run down my spine when I watch my son or daughter uncover a new favorite pastime. Here are a few things they find enchanting these days…
Belting out Do Re Mi from Sound of Music
Bubbles
Scaling and leaping off frightfully tall play structures
Gathering flowers
High fives
Mommy playing criss cross applesauce on their backs
Tinkering with Daddy’s Allen Wrench
Flashlights
Snap pictures with anyone’s phones
Singing head shoulders knees and toes REALLY FAST
Counting how many snails appear in the backyard after rainfall
Concocting “potions”
Playing as waitstaff
Chocolate chips
Emiliano’s latest favorite — declaring “cheeeeese”
Reassessing the world through your child’s perspective and discovering a new appreciation for the little things, like leaping off a swing or wearing a pearl necklace at dinner, is exhilarating. It feels as if you get a fresh opportunity to experience life, don’t you agree? It’s been incredibly enjoyable and refreshing to see things through a young child’s eyes. But I have a sense it gets even better as they mature 🙂
What about you? What amusing things are the children in your life enjoying, saying, or doing these days?
P.S. A parenting tip for older kids and the 10 favorite things of a baby.
**Activities Your Kids Adore That Are Utterly Delightful**
Kids have a natural talent for transforming the simplest pastimes into moments of sheer joy and cuteness. Their limitless energy, creativity, and innocence render even the most ordinary tasks seem magical. Here are some activities that kids cherish, sure to put a smile on your face with their adorably delightful shenanigans.
**1. Dress-Up Escapades**
Children adore playing dress-up, morphing into their beloved characters, superheroes, or even animals. Witnessing them strut around in oversized hats, mismatched shoes, and capes fashioned from towels is a delightful vision. Their imaginative play often features charming role-playing scenarios, replete with dramatic dialogues and heroic escapades.
**2. Tea Parties**
Organizing a tea party is a timeless activity that never stops being charming. Children arrange their plush toys and dolls as guests, serving imaginary tea and cookies with utmost seriousness. The image of them pouring invisible tea and engaging in polite chatter with their stuffed animals is heart-meltingly adorable.
**3. Finger Painting**
Finger painting enables kids to express their creativity in the most colorful and chaotic manner. Their tiny hands smeared in paint, crafting masterpieces on paper, is a sight to behold. The joy they derive from mixing colors and the pride they show in their completed artwork is truly endearing.
**4. Dance Parties**
Kids exude an infectious excitement for dancing. Whether they are twirling around the living room or showing off their best moves to their favorite songs, their uninhibited joy is contagious. Their laughter and free-spirited spins create a delightfully entertaining show.
**5. Building Forts**
Constructing forts from blankets, pillows, and cushions is a classic activity that kids treasure. Observing them carefully assemble their snug hideaways, complete with secret entrances and inventive tales about their fort’s purpose, is both charming and impressive.
**6. Gardening Helpers**
Little ones relish digging in the soil and assisting with gardening chores. Their fascination with planting seeds, watering plants, and observing growth is heartwarming. Their tiny, soil-streaked hands and earnest attempts to nurture the garden make them the cutest little gardeners.
**7. Baking Buddies**
Kids love to pitch in the kitchen, especially when baking is involved. Their enthusiasm in measuring ingredients, stirring batter, and decorating cookies is delightful. The concentration on their faces as they carefully sprinkle toppings on cupcakes is the epitome of pure cuteness.
**8. Storytelling Moments**
Children possess vivid imaginations and enjoy sharing stories. Whether recalling a dream or inventing a tale on the spur of the moment, their animated expressions and creative plots are endearing. Listening to their narratives, complete with unexpected twists, is a heartwarming experience.
**9. Nature Outings**
Exploring the outdoors is an adventure for children. Their curiosity about every leaf, bug, and rock they encounter is enchanting. Watching them marvel at the wonders of nature and their enthusiasm in discovering new things serves as a reminder of life’s simple joys.
**10. Interacting with Pets**
The bond between children and their pets is incredibly sweet. Whether they’re playing fetch with a dog, cuddling with a cat, or chatting with a pet hamster, their interactions are filled with affection and laughter. The mutual love shared between kids and their furry friends is a joy to behold.
These pastimes not only entertain kids but also offer parents and caregivers countless adorable moments to treasure. Participating in these activities with children not only nurtures their growth but also fosters lasting memories filled with love and joy.
