What Do Families Do Together?
Here's What To Do
Place household items on a table or floor and say, “Families do so many different things together. Let’s think about what we do and what other families might do too.” Show your child an item, like a spoon, and ask, “What does our family do with this? Who in our family likes to help with cooking or eating together?”
Now imagine other families ask, “What do you think another family might do with a spoon? Do you think they also cook together, or maybe they use it to make something fun, like pretend soup?”
Repeat this with other items, like a book or a pair of shoes (“Who wears shoes like these? Does every family go for walks or play outside?”).
Lastly, talk about similarities and differences, say “Some families might go outside every night, and others might not. What’s something we do a lot in our family that another family might do differently?”
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Find a quiet place to sit with your child. Smile warmly and give them a hug.
Engage:
- “Who likes to read stories in our family? Do you think other families like reading stories together too?”
- “If you could share with another family about something special that we do, what would it be?”
Encourage:
- “You’re thinking so deeply about families! Yes, all the things you have said are things families do!”
- “It’s okay to be curious or unsure—asking questions is how we learn more!”
Reflect:
- “What’s one thing you think every family does? Why do you think that?”
Not quite ready?
Focus on just one item and ask simple questions like, “Who uses this in our family? What do they do with it?”
Ready for more?
Expand by discussing how families might use the same items differently in different cultures or parts of the world. For example, “Some families use chopsticks instead of spoons. Isn’t that interesting?
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to discuss the things that their family does that are the same and different from other families.