On Fridays, I will try to share a quick tip on how to incorporate an easy trick to to be more intentionally fun and playful as a parent, if you are in need of a little encouragement and help. Being playful with your kids on just a normal day keeps you both in the moment and is what really boosts all those core childhood bliss moments.
The activity: Copycat Dance Off
Who: kids ages 2 – 12yrs and at least 1 parent/adult
Length of activity: about 3 minutes (or more if you choose)
How many participants: at least one kid and one parent/adult…But infinity amount of people can join in!
Equipment needed: something to play music
Skills required: Literally none, you don’t even need rhythm!
How to play:
- Turn on any music that has a fairly quick beat. (see suggestions below if you need them)
- Tell your kid that they are the leader of the dance moves
- Explain that you are going to do your best to copy their moves in real time
- As your child dances, try your best to mimic them (like following along with a workout video)
- You are forewarned: as the dancing goes on, it generally gets more and more silly
- You can switch up leaders between the kids. Parents can be the leaders, but that is generally less funny
Variations
- Make the youngest kid be the “leader” and the adult and the big kids need to copycat
- The least coordinated person in the house is the leader (in our house – that’s Daddy, so that can be particularly hilarious)
- Name some of the sillier dance moves and those can now be your ‘family’ dance moves. We have a dance move in our house called “The Scorpion” (created by a 3yr old)
Pros of activity
- count this as exercise for the day!
- belly laughing from you and your kid(s)
- seeing your child be joyful and carefree
- impressing yourself that you may still have some moves after-all
- usually creates some inside-jokes or memories that you will continue to laugh about later
Cons of activity
- sweat
- minor embarrassment
- realization of your physical stamina (LOL)
- possible gas release (but isn’t this also kind of a pro?)
Need a song suggestion?
Some of our favorites include
Tasha says
LOVE this series idea!!