This isn't so much an activity as general advice. Several experts I talked to suggested establishing a routine as much as possible.
There's a lot of things around the house and out in nature and the environment that parents can use to help build strong skills in their kids.
We asked experts to share ideas for activities for kids up to 5 years old, so younger children might need some extra help with a few of these.
"Above all, try to think about your time together as relationship-building instead of time-filling," said Eden Haywood-Bird, an assistant professor of early childhood studies at Cal Poly Pomona. "If your child isn't interested in an activity, don't force it."
PUTTING AWAY TOYS? TIRED. CLEANING TOYS? WIRED.
Supplies:
A bucket
Soapy water
Brushes and sponges
"Anything that involves a bucket of soapy water and a scrub brush or sponges is often quite engaging," said Elizabeth Criswell, early childhood curriculum coordinator at the University of Minnesota
