Games
Game night is a great way for dads to bond with kids. After dinner, children can pick out board games they enjoy and gather around the table. For younger kids, Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders are great options.
For older kids, dads may want to try games like Scrabble or Checkers. Active kids might prefer games outdoors, like basketball, football, or tennis. Playing games will serve as a temporary distraction from hurt feelings stemming from the divorce and will allow kids and dads to bond through laughter and competitiveness in a non-threatening environment.
Outdoor Activities
A nice walk around the neighborhood is an activity that dads and children can both enjoy. If the kids are not up for walking, try a bicycle ride to the park. Keeping kids active and engaged will be a practical way to keep their minds off the divorce and open the door to bonding while pushing them on the swing, racing around the park, or throwing a football around.
For the adventure-seeking child, boating is a fun way to take to the open water and learn about how to steer and maneuver the watercraft. Before heading out for a boating activity, fathers should cover their bases and apply for and receive their state-specific boating license. Boating allows a variety of activities that will help soothe the tension of a divorce. Kids can water ski, fish, or tube. The open water and fresh air are an instant way for dads and children to lose themselves in the moment, helping reassure kids that they can still have a good time despite any challenges they may face at home.
Cooking Together
Cooking together is a fun distraction to ease any tension from the divorce. You can encourage children to take a hands-on approach and ask them to help peel vegetables, chop onions, or knead dough. You can make it fun by playing their favorite music in the background and keep the mood light by having conversations that your kids enjoy. When fathers sit together with their children at the dinner table, they can bond over a home-cooked meal they prepared together.
Divorce is a tough time for children and their dads. However, it doesn’t mean that dads can’t spend quality time with their children. By participating in activities that children enjoy, dads can help distract their kids and reestablish a bond.
