Autumn Children and Parents

As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, autumn can bring a new set of challenges for parents. Kids may have pent-up energy as outdoor activities slow down, and the busy school year is well underway. But autumn also offers a golden opportunity to bond with your children, build routines, and embrace cosy moments together. Here are some tips and fun activities to help you manage stress and keep your kids entertained during this time.

1. Create a Calm Routine (Yes, I know obvious)

Autumn is a great time to establish routines that bring balance to both your life and your child's. Transition from the hustle of summer to a calmer daily rhythm. Ensure everyone gets enough sleep, plan out meals ahead of time, and designate some quiet time for yourself to recharge. A stressed out parent makes for a stressed out child..

What can we do: Mindful breathing techniques can be your go-to tool when stress hits. Try a simple 5-5-5 breath: inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 5 seconds, and exhale for 5 seconds. This can also be a great practice to teach your kids when they feel overwhelmed and helps their nervous system relax. Why not make this an everyday routine that becomes a positive tool for your child and not just for when they are stressed out.

2. Nature Walks and Treasure Hunts

Autumn is beautiful! So take advantage of this by heading outdoors with your children. Go for walks in the park or nearby trails, encouraging them to collect leaves, acorns, or stones. You can turn this into a fun scavenger hunt by creating a list of autumn items for them to find. Send me an email and I will send you over a free treasure hunt pdf.

Go for a walk: Use nature walks as an opportunity for mindfulness. Encourage your children to observe the sounds, smells, and colours around them, fostering calm and a sense of connection. Take a moment, sit down, listen to nature, and say one at a time what you hear including the smell and what it makes you feel.

3. Indoor Crafting

With cooler days, it's the perfect time for creative indoor activities. Set up a crafting corner where your kids can make autumn-themed art leaf rubbings, pinecone animals, or pumpkin paintings. This helps them focus on creativity and gives you a chance to relax or participate.

Why get involved: Engaging in creative activities alongside your children can be a form of active meditation, keeping your mind calm and focused.

4. Autumn Story Time and Cosy Nooks

As the days get shorter, establish a cosy evening routine with storytelling or reading books together under a warm blanket. You can create a little reading nook with soft pillows and fairy lights, making it a calming space for everyone to unwind.

Create the atmosphere: Storytime can be as relaxing for you as it is for your child. Take this time to disconnect from the day’s stress and be present in the moment with them.

5. Family Board Games and Puzzles

Autumn evenings are perfect for family game nights. Choose board games that everyone enjoys, or work on a large puzzle together. Not only will this help your children build problem-solving skills, but it also creates a fun, low-stress environment for bonding which your child will remember forever.

Making memories: Laughter is a powerful stress reliever! Game nights can be a great way to release tension and have fun with your kids creating long-lasting memories.

6. Baking Together

Nothing says autumn like the smell of freshly baked treats! Get your kids involved in baking cookies, muffins, or even a family recipe. Let them help with measuring and mixing, it’s both educational and fun.

Mindful exercises: Baking can be a mindful activity for you as well. The process of following a recipe step by step can help bring a sense of order and calm to your day and also shows your children to follow instructions whilst enjoying themselves.

Autumn is a time for slowing down and finding new ways to connect with our children and by creating routines, engaging in fun activities, and practicing mindfulness, you can keep stress at bay and make the most of this cosy, colourful season.

Enjoy making memories during this time!