3 Ways Dads Could Play With Their Kids - Without Using an iPad! 

Playing with dad can be more than just hanging out with the iPad. Here are three ways dads and kids can bond without the ubiquitous gadget.

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Sometimes, it might be tricky for dads to come up with exciting and engaging ways to connect with their child. Here are some tips daddies can take note of when planning that special day with the little one!

1. The Clichéd One: Take Them To A Park

It might be the most common Dad idea in the world and with kids these days preferring video games to a day in the sun, a long shot at success. Nevertheless, going to your local park with your child could end up being tons of fun.

Play a game of football with your child and you’ll finally be able to score a goal in reality. Seeing his father do things he’s only seen in his FIFA games will instantly get you to idol status for your son and a memory he’ll never forget.

Just make sure you don’t invite someone who can actually kick a ball otherwise, instead of comparing you to Ronaldo it’ll be your child’s first memory of the infamous public embarrassment by their parents.

Taking them to the playground in the park is also an excellent idea, bonding over the swings and slides is an activity that your son or daughter will be forever indebted to you for and would love to do even through their adolescence years (this writer included). Plus, you can finally let your inner child loose and slide away all your stress with a day at the playground.

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2. The Risky One: Puzzles & Board Games

Kids these days with their iPads and PlayStations haven’t really experienced the true fun of having a family board game night or even doing puzzles with their parents. Virtual reality is gradually changing our lives and there is a strong possibility your children will roll their eyes at the idea of playing a game which already exists on their Apple devices.

However, only after playing a board game, in reality, will they realize just how much fun these things can be. More importantly, it gives you a chance to spend some quality time with your son or daughter and make ‘Board Game Night’ a weekly event. Just remember the golden rule though, always give the blue properties in Monopoly to your child unless you want the board flipped over.

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Doing a puzzle with your child would not only give the both of you hours to spend together but also improve their memory and creative thinking. Yes, currently your child might squirm every time he hears the word puzzle but if persuaded, it could be a pleasant experience for both parents and children as it gives you enough time to really get to know your son or daughter.

How about planning something exciting for your little one? Read on to find out!

3. The Exciting One: Watch Star Wars

The most famous set of movies in Hollywood history is the perfect way a father can bond with his children. My dad took me for my first Star Wars movie and till this date every time I see or hear something related to the franchise, I think of that memory with my father.

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Spending a few nights watching these films with your child could really get you closer to them and have them looking forward to every night watching this intergalactic saga with you. Also, with the amount of father issues in the movies, your child will definitely regret not spending enough time with you and yearn to get closer to you. Just keep a box of tissues and their favourite chocolate ready before watching certain scenes, this writer is also still not over them. *Sniff*

Dads everywhere!

Keep these ideas in mind so that you won’t have to look at your child and see a similar sense of despair in his eyes when your better half mentions some ‘bonding time’. More importantly, it’s crucial to develop a connection with your child from an early age and through these non-iPad solutions, you could do precisely that. On a lighter note, here’s a little tidbit to keep you happy. When your grandchild arrives, you’ll be overjoyed to see your child be in an identical hapless situation and not have these ideas to bail him out then. Take delight in knowing you will end up with the last laugh!

Also READ: Why you should let your kid play in the dirt

Read more related articles here: Parenting & Play by Friso

Written by

Vir Chiniwala