UNPLUGGED FUN: IGNITE YOUR CHILD’S IMAGINATION BEYOND SCREENS
In today’s world of video games and streaming for entertainment, one of the most powerful — and rewarding — steps you can take is engaging your child’s imagination without electronic devices. A MAKE-BELIEVE STORE One great way to do that is by putting your child in charge of a make-believe ice cream store. It’s easy and only takes a few common household items, starting with a few bowls. First, squirt a generous helping of shaving cream into each bowl, then add different colors of food coloring to each. After stirring with a spoon, your child will suddenly have a variety of make- believe “flavors” to offer to their customer — you.
have other small household items in other bowls (such as buttons and small craft items) that can serve as the ice cream “toppings.” BALLOON SPORTS You can also engage your child’s hand-eye coordination skills with a fun game of balloon tennis or volleyball. To start, simply blow up a few balloons of different sizes. Then find a chair or other items around your house that can double as a “net” between you and your child. The fun comes in batting the “ball” (a balloon) back and forth across the net. When your child bats the balloon to your side and you hit it back without it passing back over the net, the point goes to your child, just like in real tennis or volleyball. You can keep score if you’d like.
You can also make up your own rules, like players can hit the balloon two times before returning it to the player on the other side of the net. Or, if you want to really challenge your hand-eye coordination, you can use two balloons and try to keep both in play at the same time. At the end of the day, with fun activities like these, you can engage your child’s imagination with a true brand of homemade fun!
They’ll have fun scooping up the flavors you want from each bowl into a plastic cup. You can even
Moving Forward Together A GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL CO-PARENTING POST-DIVORCE
CREATE A SHARED CALENDAR. A shared calendar is valuable for coordinating schedules, activities, and visitation plans. This digital or physical calendar should include school events, medical appointments, and any other relevant information each parent should know about. With a shared calendar, both parents can stay organized and transparent. BE FLEXIBLE AND WILLING TO COMPROMISE. Flexibility is vital in co-parenting. Unexpected events or schedule changes often arise, and being willing to compromise ensures both parents can adapt to the needs of the children. A flexible approach also encourages a cooperative and amicable co-parenting relationship. RESPECT BOUNDARIES. Always respect each other’s boundaries and personal space to keep things civil. Avoid unnecessary confrontations and communicate with a focus on your children rather than rehashing past grudges. Setting clear boundaries helps create a respectful co-parenting dynamic.
USE NEUTRAL LANGUAGE. When communicating, choose neutral and non- confrontational language. Avoid blame and accusations, focusing instead on factual information and the children’s needs. While it might be difficult, especially if your relationship was more explosive, neutral language enables a more constructive and less emotionally charged atmosphere, which is crucial for your children. SEEK PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT. Co-parenting can be challenging, and seeking professional support, such as family mediation or counseling, can provide a neutral space for conflict resolution and communication improvement. A trained professional can offer guidance and strategies to enhance co-parenting dynamics. Effective communication is essential for successful co-parenting after a divorce. Embracing these tips fosters a cooperative and supportive environment that benefits everyone involved. If you ever have any questions about co-parenting and visitation, call our team at (901)388-5805 .
Divorce often marks the end of a relationship, but for many couples, it also signals the beginning of a new chapter in co-parenting. Successful co- parenting relies entirely on effective communication and collaborative decision-making. As you enter this new phase, follow these fundamental tips to foster healthy communication and navigate the complexities of working together after a divorce. PRIORITIZE THE CHILDREN’S WELL-BEING. Always keep the focus on what’s best for the children. While it might be difficult initially, you must set aside personal differences and emotions during discussions about the children’s needs, education, and extracurricular activities. Prioritizing the children’s well-being creates a cooperative environment that promotes positive co-parenting.
2 • DouglassRunger.com
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