4 Ideas for Making Memories With Your Child (ages 4 to 8)

It’s every parent’s goal to find fun, educational projects for creating lifelong, lasting memories with their children. Remember that there’s tremendous growth in numerous areas including physical, emotional, mental and social development, so activities for 4-year-old children will be much different than those of a child at 8 years of age. Your own child’s development may vary, and you should select appropriate projects based on their growth. Below are some tips for parents to create fun and memorable occasions for their 4–8-year-old kids, providing a solid base for the future and developing long-term traditions that may be passed on to their families as adults.

“Together Times” for Parents and Kids:

Below are some fun ideas for moms and dads to spend quality time with their 4–8-year-old children.

1.   Children tend to look forward to family celebrations and remember these events year to year. Whether it is celebrating their birthday, other family members’ birthdays or celebrating holidays, let them get involved decorating and making cakes. This supports their hand-eye coordination and lets them show their artistic inclinations.

2.   Make a scrapbook together. Commemorate special events, school programs, etc. by getting corresponding photos and putting them together in a scrap book. This encourages decision making — what photos to use that coordinate with the event or activity.

3.   Take a “child-centric” family vacation. Take your kids to Disneyland or Disneyworld, where they can truly enjoy being a kid by riding on all the age-appropriate rides. Kids can learn how to swim at hotel pools as well as take photos of special events. This is also a great reason to start that scrapbook!

4.   Tell your children stories about your own childhood, or show them pictures of yourself as a child at their age and photos of other family members who may have passed on, ensuring that those family memories live on. Encourage them to write stories and begin journals of their childhood.

Spending time with your kids is a great way to keep the line of communication open as they grow into young adults, and it will make great memories for your kids — and you.