The Playful Parent™

Games, crafts, and activities for playtime with parents and kids

WHY WE PLAY: Research has shown that the ability to play is a critical part of maintaining a happy lifestyle, of sustaining social relationships, and fostering a creative and innovative personality. Play actually shapes the neuron paths in the brain and makes us smarter and more adaptable to life circumstances. Additionally, a healthy play-life as a child is a surprisingly accurate predictor of career success as an adult. ¹

And...it's fun to play. So what are you waiting for?

Use this Playful Parent idea to share a little bit of play-life with your children today!

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ICE CREAM INVENTIONS

Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month? And the third Sunday in July is National Ice Cream Day? How can any family with kids miss a holiday this amazing? We’ll help you make the most of it!

Summary: You’ll have fun inventing new flavors with ice cream.

Best For: All ages.

Seasonal/Holiday Focus: You’ve got to do this in July—but your family will love this any day of the year!

Supplies:

• ice cream

• scoops, bowls, and spoons

• all kinds of toppings!

Before you begin…

Head to the store with at least everyone who’s going to participate. Depending on your budget, set a few guidelines before you get in the store. At the least, you’re going to need one flavor of ice cream and then each family member should choose one unique topping. But if you have a few extra dollars to spend, you might decide on two or more ice cream flavors and let everyone choose two toppings. It’s up to you.

Peruse the aisles looking for cool flavors that will go with your ice cream. Sure there’s whipped cream (the kind in the can that you spray out is tons of fun for kids—be sure you get some!) and the traditional syrups and sprinkles. But what about berries, sprinklings of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, crushed potato chips, cookie bits, frosting, dried fruit, mashed bananas, or peanut butter? Have fun walking around the store and imagining what flavors might be great together! (And remember you’ve probably got some other stuff at home already that you can use.)

When you’re ready to play!

Pull out all the supplies, and let your family also raid the cabinets at home for any last items that you’ve already got. Then let the creating begin! Help younger kids get a few scoops of ice cream, and then have fun adding toppings you’ve never tried. Finish it off with whipped cream, and then dig in! Compare flavors and see which ones you like best.

Option: You might want to provide small cups with just a little ice cream in each cup. Family members can mix just a few flavors at a time and eat that, then try something new. This is handy if people want to try something but don’t want to make a whole lot of it—just in case it tastes terrible!

Bonus!

If you have a blender, vary this by making shakes. Just add a little milk to the ice cream and toppings and whirl away. Add a straw and see how it tastes!

¹ Source: Play by Stuart Brown, M.D. (New York: Avery, a member of the Penguin Group USA, 2009.) Pp. 4-13

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