Family is the first exposure to the child after birth. It is the safe place for the child to learn, communicate and grow. Introduction to family from early years i.e. as early as the child is three years, helps to develop the sense of belonging in the child. Introduction to family can begin with introduction to parents and siblings and then later on it can extend up to grand parents, cousins and other close relatives.
First DIY Interactive Activity for Introduction to Family
The first DIY activity for introducing family is really simple and easy to prepare as well as fun for the child. You need the following materials:
- Lid of shoe box
- lid of baby wipes pack
- Photo of different family members
- Parmanent marker/ name tags of each member
- Glue
- Scissors
- Neutral-coloured wrapping sheet (optional)
Wrap the sheet on the lid of the shoe box. Ensure that the sheet is in neutral colour or simply take a neutral colour lid. Now cut the pictures of family members in proportion with the lid of baby wipes pack and stick it on the lid of shoe box with the help of glue. Now stick the lid of baby wipes pack on the photos of family members such that these photos are completely hid under the lid. Finally write the name of respective family member under each baby wipes lids or alternatively you can stick the tag of each member’s name. Let the child explore the beautiful photos as he/ she opens the lid.
Language Development
Introduction to family members is an art. As the child opens the lid, call the name of the person in the photo. Also, point towards the written name/ name tag of the person. Let the child realize that this is the written name of the person. Keep describing the family members’ physical and social characteristics like Mama has got long hair, Daddy loves to wear glasses (if the dad is wearing glasses in picture) etc. For children 0-12 months, you can make ‘peek-a-boo’ sound too as the child opens the lid.
Fine Motor Skills Development:
While having introduction to family through this activity, child learns to push (close) and pull (open) the lid of the baby wipes pack. This helps in the fine motor skills development (movement of fingers) and mind and hand coordination which are both essential developmental milestones for early years.
Musical/ Rhythmic Sense Development
As you play along with your child with this DIY material for introduction to family, remember the power of songs and poems in creating the aura of love and belongingness. Music helps to communicate feelings in a way that touches the heart. You can sing along the following poems related to ‘family’ with your child while doing this activity:
- Peek-a-boo
- Mama finger Mama finger
- I love you, you love me
- Mummy Daddy I love you
- Baby shark
Aesthetic Sense Development
There can be nothing as beautiful as a family photo frame decorated by the child. This could be the best part of ‘introduction to family’ activity. Provide different cut outs or decorative materials (beads, strings, flowers, stamps etc) to the child and let him/ her customize it with the purest love in the way they want. Make sure to include diverse materials to bring out creativity. This can be done as independent activity or parent-child activity too.
After mother’s womb, a family is a home to the child. A child who is better connected and adjusted in the family grows out to be a balanced personality and responsible individual in the society. Introduction to family from early years helps to develop sensitivity and feelings of love thus creating a strong parent-child bond.
