Kids LOVE to be a part of your day-to-day life. They want to spend time with you, and they want to know that they are a blessing to you!

Okay, so maybe you don’t feel like your child is a blessing when you walk in the room and realize they have dumped all 10,000 of their LEGOs onto the floor or when they try to make their own breakfast and pour the whole gallon of milk onto the kitchen table.

But, as parents, we have the responsibility to create activities that encourage our child and help draw out their giftings and talents! We should always seek to find ways to encourage and genuinely compliment our children. One way to do this is by finding projects and activities that we would regularly do ourselves and include our children in them! Yes, it may take a little longer and be a little messier, but the investment you make into your child will increase their self esteem and make them feel more connected to you! Furthermore, these activities help to train our kids to do adult tasks like cooking, cleaning, and decorating! Here are three easy activities you can do with your kids as we launch into fall!

1. Apple crescents (3 and up)

Who doesn’t love to eat? Seriously! I remember feeling so important and so helpful when my grandmother let me help her make her famous Apple Pie. But, let’s face it, not every kid is super helpful in the kitchen! These simple apple crescents are simple to make, and you can let your child in on as much of the action as you want! Older kids could help peel and cut apples and measure other ingredients, while 3 and 4 year-old children can work on their motor skills by rolling the apple slices in the pastry dough!

2. Fall Decorations (7 and up)

Setting up fall decorations is one of my personal favorite ways to ring in a new season! Have your kids help you in the decorating process! Whether that means letting them arrange pumpkins outside your door or working together to create a fall-themed wreath, your kids are sure to feel important and valued! Take the time to encourage whatever gift your child has! If they are artistic, let them take the lead! If they like working with tools, help them pick out an age appropriate DIY project. Even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly, your child will love simply spending time with you! 

3. Apple Picking/Fall Festivals (All Ages)

Apple picking is a great way to involve your whole family in an activity! Older kids will love finding and picking the biggest, most perfect apple; younger kids will enjoy the sights, smells, textures, and probably riding on your shoulders to reach the best apple! 

When we spend time with our kids, we open up opportunities to learn more about what they excel at and encourage those behaviors.

For more on how to use these activities to help encourage your child, check out this article by Kids Ministry Expert, Reggie Joiner!

What’s your favorite fall activity to do with your kids? Check in with the conversation on the Ultra Kids Facebook Page!