As you have probably come to realize, children grow up quickly — sometimes too quickly. Make sure you savor each precious moment by giving them the gift of shared experiences. These should be meaningful but do not need to be elaborate.
Here are seven things we suggest doing with your child before they reach age 7.
- Read Together Every Night
Reading with your child before bedtime – or any time – is a great way to bond over a fun story. A reading habit will also help your child learn and improve their reading skills, not to mention ignite their imagination.
- Make Art Together
Art projects are always a fun family activity. Do a finger painting, draw your outlines on a long piece of butcher block paper and create life-size likenesses. Your child’s art masterpieces will be a lasting memory of the time you shared together.
- Watch the Clouds
When the weather turns nice, enjoy a lazy afternoon outside looking up at the sky. What does your child see in the clouds? Encourage their imagination.
- Teach Your Child About Honesty
Childhood provides an important time for instilling good habits and a sense of morality in our children. One of the most important lessons you can teach your child is to always be honest.
- Experience Snow
Do you live in a cold climate where it snows in the winter? Embrace the snow and go sledding or build a snowman. If you live where it is warm, make sure your child experiences the magic of a fresh winter snow at least once before they grow up.
- Create Family Traditions
Create fun traditions that will transcend time. Your child might be too young to recall a single event, but a yearly occurrence is sure to provide a fun memory when your child grows up. Celebrate half-birthdays or start new traditions with a surprise on Valentine’s Day or St. Patrick’s Day. Think small, take photos and create a homemade scrapbook.
- Bring Your Child in for an Orthodontic Evaluation
It is important for your child to have an orthodontic evaluation by the time they reach 7. By this age, most children will begin to grow their incisors and molars. The jaw is also still at an age where it can be formed and shaped.
As a parent, you can provide your child with a smile that will last through the years. Treasure each moment you share together, and the smiles that go with them.
If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment, or would like to schedule your next visit to our office, please contact us.
