One essential tool you can give your kids is to teach them how to cooperate. Learning to cooperate helps them succeed in school, in their interpersonal relationships and in life in general. Being a part of a family teaches kids inportant cooperative skills such as how to work together, how to share and how to not always have to be first.
In 365 Ways to Help Your Children Grow , the authors suggests some fun ways to teach your children how to cooperate within the family unit.
In a game called stuck together, tie two children together at the elbows and ankles and give them a chore to do. They will have to plan how they are going to accomplish the task and then work together to get it done. It’s kind of a twist on the three-legged race.
Another idea is to create a family garden. The family designs the garden together, takes care of it and then sits back and watches it grow. And here’s an idea I’ve never heard of but sounds fun: have the kids write their names in the dirt with flower seeds. When the flowers bloom the creation will be in the shape of their name.
Having quiet and alone time is a great way to teach everyone how to cooperate with each other. During the designated time, generally about thirty minutes, family members spend time alone reading, writing, thinking or just relaxing. The idea is to have some alone time and for everyone to respect each others’ time. During this time, turn off the ringer on the phone, the radio and TV. The idea is total quietness during that designated period of time.
Finally, a nice way to learn to cooperate is for the family to work on a craft project together. The authors recommend a nature collage. First, get the family together and go on a walk to collect small objects like flowers, stones, seeds, etc. then when you return home take a large piece of posterboard and design a scene by allowing everyone to contribute some of their found objects.
See also:
Teaching Your Kids Resourcefulness
Building Self-esteem in Your Children
How Well Does Your Family Communicate