A monthly plan of activities for one or both parents to carry out at home or out in the community alongside their son or daughter. They are deliberately simple and easy to do, and they put enjoyment together with whole developmental goals that grow a child’s character positively and in the round. They also make room for parent and child to engage directly — which strengthens family bonds, opens space for conversation and critical thinking, and gives practice in solving problems, making decisions and talking things through well.
A parent who stays alongside their child through an activity is building a relationship founded on understanding and respect. Along the way, parents come to know their child’s character and their strengths, and so are able to develop them; and being there with them deepens a bond of love, empathy and regard between them.
While you are doing the activity
- Let your child enjoy it, and act freely and spontaneously.
- Mind your child’s wishes, hopes and needs.
- Keep the mood playful and flexible.
- The activity is your chance to surround your child with love, warmth and safety.
- Grow them at the pace of their own abilities and capacities.
The aim is growth not attainment
What matters is the doing not the competing
- As long as the child is trying
- As long as they did what they could, for their ability and their age
- As long as they are engaged and expressing their feelings and ideas
- As long as they respond, develop and change gradually through the year
Then we have met the goals
Register your child and join us — safely and in full confidence
Fill in the registration form here, then open “The first activity” to download it and tell us what you noticed after doing it with your child.