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 in childcare and parent–child observation days (31–40)
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.
Story Finger
Let’s make a little family in the palm of your hand! Here’s an introduction to the fingerplay “Ohanashi Yubisan.” For children, family is a place of comfort and a precious source of love.
Let’s play together in a cheerful mood and see what kind of family members appear! In this fingerplay, the father, mother, older brother, older sister, and baby make an appearance.
Each one corresponds to a finger, so kids can have fun using their hands as they play.
For example, the father is the thumb, the mother is the index finger, the older brother is the middle finger, the older sister is the ring finger, and the baby is the pinky.
You use one finger at a time to act out each role—it’s a lot of fun!
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!
Sparkle-pop
Bursting into smiles! Here are some sparkling ideas from Kirakira-pon.
Many teachers may be unsure about parent–child events for infants under one year old.
How about making “parent–child bonding” the theme this time? Swaying gently to music and rhythms, and spending time in close contact can create a sense of comfort for both caregivers and children.
Since this will be the first sports day for these zero-year-old children, set the goal to encourage cheerful participation in a bright, enjoyable atmosphere.
Butt touch
When you’re in the mood for a fun game that needs no prep, why not try “Butt Touch”? It’s a game where you hold hands, spin around and try to touch each other’s bottoms! Since moms usually have longer arms, adding a handicap could make it even more fun.
It might be a great way to pass the time when you’re bored.
Spin around—but be careful not to fall!
Parent–child interactive play. Fun activities popular at daycare and parent–child observation days (41–50)
Cherry Mambo
Here’s a recommended interactive game that parents and children—or kids with their friends—can get excited about! It’s “Sakuranbo no Mambo” by the ever-popular Rocket Crayon.
Dance like cherries to the mambo rhythm and fun song.
The moves—spinning, separating, and sticking together—are just like cherries! It’s perfect for parent-child events in childcare settings, and kids can also hold hands and spin together with friends.
You can enjoy it indoors or outdoors, so let’s all join in and have fun—adults and kids alike!
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!
