Parent–child interactive play. Fun activities popular in childcare settings and at parent–child observation days.
Activities that let parents and children interact are always a hit at nursery and kindergarten observation days, as well as at community support centers where families gather.
“Interactive play” is a great way to communicate and build physical closeness with your child.
By engaging with adults, children feel secure and discover how fun it is to play together.
That said, many people may not be sure what kinds of interactive games to play with their children.
In this article, we’ll introduce parent–child interactive activities that are sure to bring smiles to kids’ faces.
No special tools or preparation are needed, and there are plenty of quick games you can enjoy in short moments—so try incorporating them into your daily routine and enjoy quality time together.
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Parent–child interactive play. Fun activities popular at daycare and parent–child observation days (41–50)
oshikura manju (a children’s pushing game)
Oshikura manju: a game where you press against each other back-to-back! Mark off a play area by putting tape on the floor, have the children step inside, and press each other to the rhythm of the song “Oshikura manju, don’t cry when you’re pushed.” Because a strong push can send someone forward and cause them to fall, it’s best to play in a safe place like on a mat.
Also, using hands can be dangerous, so tell them in advance something like, “Keep your hands clasped in front of you.” Playing oshikura manju in the cold season lets everyone huddle together and feel warm, too!
Inside-out pots!
An old traditional game, Nabe-nabe Sokonuke.
Everyone knows this song—I bet you played it when you were a child.
The lyrics say the bottom of the pot falls out, and you play by facing each other, joining both hands, and singing while swinging your arms.
Partway through, there’s a moment where you flip around and end up back-to-back; adults should gently help children turn smoothly at that point.
It’s a simple game you can keep doing—flipping over and then coming back to face each other again—so even small children can enjoy it.
Parent-child ball toss
In a regular tamaire game, you pick up balls from the ground and throw them into a basket.
But “parent-child tamaire” is a cooperative version played by parents and kids.
You start a little distance away from where the balls are.
The adult lifts the child like an airplane and carries them to the balls.
From there, the children pick up the balls, and then the adults lift them up so they can toss the balls into the basket.
It’s a surprisingly strenuous version for adults—a real workout (lol).
Try it with different variations!
spin around
If you want your child to get into sports, we recommend this activity called “Spin All the Way Around.” As the name suggests, you hold your child’s hands and help them do a full rotation by guiding them over your knee.
Once they get the hang of it, the sensation of spinning all the way around is so much fun that they’ll definitely keep asking for more! It’s a great way to build strength while having fun, so give it a try.
Zoom with parent and child!
We’d like to introduce a parent-and-child interactive exercise you can enjoy together! This routine is by Hiromichi & Tanizou, a hugely popular duo among both adults and kids.
“Oyako de Byuun” is a fun bonding activity themed around vehicles that children love.
It’s a hit at sports days too, and it will get everyone excited with its lively music and a dance full of humor, cuteness, cool moves, and lots of energy.
It’s perfect for parent–child events in childcare settings, and you can enjoy it at home or outdoors—kids and adults together! It’s also great fun for children to do with each other, so we highly recommend it.
cutout
@thi.nano154 Cutting out shapes is so fun!!!!!!!#chiina nodagashi (cheap, nostalgic Japanese snacks and candies)#vlog#StayAtHomeSquad#Japan
Classic Medley 2019 – Pianica Magician
Try your hand at a traditional pastime! Here are some ideas for katanuki (cutout art).
Katanuki is a common sight at festival stalls.
How about giving this long-loved activity a try? Use a needle, toothpick, or drawing pin to cut out various designs imprinted on a flat, board-like candy.
For children’s safety, you can also adapt the activity using construction paper or other materials.
With a bit of creativity, your customized katanuki will get kids excited and engaged.
Churippu sharippu
Hold hands with your friends and play while calling each other’s names! Let me share the idea for “Churippu Sharippu.” There’s nothing to prepare, so just hum the song together and play.
There are moments in the song where you call out names, which makes it great for learning your friends’ names.
It’s especially recommended for classes with new or transferring children! You can adapt the way you play, so it’s an idea that children from infants to preschoolers can enjoy.
Be sure to try it in your activities.
This way, that way, this way
Introducing the fun play song “Dotchi Kotchi Dotchi” sung by Sho Fukuda! In this video, you’ll find interactive activities that parents and children can enjoy together.
They are tailored to the developmental stages of babies and toddlers.
With distinctive hand movements and call-and-response cues, you can move your body to the music and enjoy communicating with your child.
Try incorporating it to create fun, shared moments with kids.
It’s easy even for beginners, so be sure to check it out!
Riding a Molcar
https://www.tiktok.com/@harukaa_402/video/7152018389798489346The guinea pig–shaped cars, Molcars, are a stop-motion animation made with needle-felted wool.
Some children might be big fans of Molcars.
Here, we put your child on a Molcar made of cardboard and pull it along to move.
A child who loves Molcars might be delighted to ride.
Partway through, set them down, then run to the finish line carrying them.
From that point on, instead of carrying, you could hold hands and run together or give them a piggyback.
The Three Little Pigs
Enjoy a familiar picture book story through a hand play activity! Here’s a hand play version of “The Three Little Pigs.” Let’s act out the story with hand motions: the piglets gather materials and build their own houses, and then the wolf arrives.
When the wolf shows up, some children might get scared and shout, “Eek!” But the story ends with a reassuring “What a relief!” so everyone can enjoy the hand play.
Give it a try!