Best Age-Based Activities Co-Parents Should Consider for Their Children

Divorce or separation can be a challenging time for families, especially when it comes to co-parenting. Additionally, it also poses a host of challenges for kids who might end up not getting the required amount of support and attention from parents, leading to issues at school or general development. Hence, engaging in age-appropriate activities with your children can help foster strong relationships and create lasting memories. In this article by Leslie Hope Coaching, we’ll explore a range of activities divorced/co-parents can plan for kids of all ages, from young schoolgoers to college students.

Activities for School-aged Kids

When it comes to co-parenting young kids, it’s best to keep things simple and find activities that help them stay physically active and aid in their development, such as:

• Taking a Nature Walk: Take a leisurely walk through nature reserves, local parks, or natural areas in your neighborhood. When choosing these locations, give preference to those with high walk scores, as these will be easily accessible and kid-friendly. While on walks, encourage your kids to observe nature to foster a sense of curiosity and connection with nature.

• Gamifying Chores: Regardless of age, no child likes to do chores. However, you can change their disinterest into enjoyment by gamifying these tasks. Instead of letting them do chores alone, turn it into a competition with a reward for completion, such as a trip to the ice cream store, added pocket money, etc. Additionally, consider setting a time limit on chores such as cleaning their room within 30 minutes or taking the dog for a walk for the same.

Activities for Teenagers

According to research by John Hopkins Medicine, adolescence is a key period in a child’s life where they start developing physically, mentally, and emotionally. Additionally, during this period, kids develop the ability to think abstractly and also begin to shape their personalities based on the individuals around them.

Hence, in addition to the abovementioned activities, here are a few more catered towards those trying to co-parent teenagers in their household:

• Play Board Games: Playing board games or video games with your teenagers can be an enjoyable way to connect and bond. Engage in strategic board games that challenge their critical thinking or join them in playing their favorite video games to share their interests and have fun together. These activities also help develop critical and abstract thinking, according to Scholastic.

• Conduct Science Experiments: This is a great way to introduce adolescents to new concepts and encourage their curiosity towards thinking out of the box and investing time in creative activities. As a start, look for simple experiments that can be done at home, such as creating volcanoes, building leakproof bags, or exploring chemical reactions.

Activities for Young Adults

During college years, co-parents need to be the guiding force that empowers children to embrace their independence and thrive as emerging adults. Here are a few activities to consider:

• Attend festivals: When your college-aged children are home for breaks, make it a tradition to attend festivals or fairs together. Explore cultural events, food festivals, or music gatherings in your area. These outings can create lasting memories and strengthen your relationship.

• Start a business: Encourage your collegegoers to explore their entrepreneurial side. Help them brainstorm ideas and support them in starting an easy small business such as freelance writing, dropshipping, etc. This can provide valuable learning experiences, develop soft skills, and foster independence.

When it comes to co-parenting kids, it’s important to put their needs first and find the best age-appropriate activities that aid their growth and development. Nature walks, board games, gamification of chores, attending festivals, and encouraging entrepreneurial endeavors are some of the many great activities to consider. These activities will not only contribute to their development but also strengthen the parent-child bond and ensure a positive and fulfilling co-parenting experience.

This article was written by our guest author Jason Kenner. You can find more from him at Onparparent.com.