Talk and Rock

This is a good after school activity between parent and child.  Both of you are sitting on the floor, facing each other, with your legs like a "v".  You're holding hands.  gently, rock back and forth, front to back while the parent asks questions about the child's day.  Maintain a slow rythmn and quiet, calm tone and see what happens.  This is also a nurturing and structuring activity as well.

Marshmallow Fight

This is a great way to deal with an angry child.  Get a bag of large marshmallows and surpise your child by throwing some of them at him or her.  Usually, a child will pick them up and throw them back at you with a smiling face.  Its a great way to burn off angry feelings and have fun at the same time.

Maintaining Eye Contact

If you have a positive interaction with your child, it increases the chances for healthy attachment.  Make a game of it by having you and your child standing across the room from each other.  You count slowly to five.  If your child maintains ete contact that whole time, he or she gets to walk toward you by taking two steps. If your child has trouble maintaining eye contact, use the blinking method.  When you blink once, the child can take another step; if you blink twice, the child can take two steps foward.

The game ends when the child reaches you.  You can end it with lots of pizzaz and a hug for doing such a great job of looking you in the eye.

Mirroring Activity

Stand or sit facing your child.  The parent begins by making a face and then having the child copy it; acting as a mirror.  Do this a few times, and then let your child lead.  You can then move your torse, arms, legs, etc.

Bear Hug

If your child has a small stuffed teddy bear or other animal, getit and hug it close.  Then, hand it to your child to see if he or she hugs it.  Ask for the animal back; give it another hug, and return it.  End this simple game with a hug for your child and stuffed animal together.

In order for your child to develop better social skills, he or she will have to be able to interact, respond and reciprocate with others.  When you play with your child with activities that include adventure, variety, and something new, your child learns that surprises can be fun and new experiences with others can be pleasurable.

In these activities, you will want to make sure you have the following:

• Eye contact with each other
• Playing closely to the child
• Having fun together so your child learns there is more fun when interacting with others

The Go and Freeze Game