25 Things Every Kid Should Do Before Kindergarten
Our kids grow up so fast -- too fast -- and there are so many incredible things they do besides hitting those milestones that bring so much joy not only to them but to us. And because of that, all kids should have a bucket list of things that they will enjoy more when they are young, before the magic of childhood dims a little, before their insecurities set in, and before they are embarrassed by their boring old mom.
Adult bucket lists are often filled with pricey, once-in a lifetime experiences and thrills that will leave us breathless and broke, such as jumping out of an airplane or sharing a kiss with someone special on top of the Eiffel Tower. The good thing about a kindergarten bucket list is that although reaching the age of 5 is certainly a major milestone, children still have the rest of their lives ahead of them. And they're at an age where even small things can still seem special and magical. These are things they can do with little fuss or fanfare but will still leave a lasting imprint on their memory forever.
These childhood experiences would make incredible memories not just for the kindy-bound, but for the entire family. Check out the 25 things all kids should do before they enter kindergarten.
And let us know: Which ones are definitely getting added to the ol' bucket list?
Image via Donny Ray Jones/Flickr and © BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock
Splash in Puddles
Part of being a kid is getting dirty and soaking wet and not having a care in the world about messing up shoes or socks or clothes. Let your child do this while she still has that joy. (Though be close to home or have dry socks and shoes handy because after the excitement of it is over, they will want to be dry again.)
Play in a Sandbox
Kids love sandboxes. Sometimes you just can't get them out once they are playing with that coarse sand, and sometimes it's slightly wet enabling them to build things or to just let it slide through their fingers. It doesn't bother them that sand gets all over and under their clothes -- until they get older.
Wear Costumes Anywhere They Want
My kids were in costumes playing in the house when we had to run to the store. I told them to change, but they didn't want to, and that's when I realized it didn't matter if I went to the supermarket with a superhero and a princess . In fact, it was better if I did.
Have Their Face Painted
When a child gets her face painted, something changes and she often wants to be the character or animal or insect painted on her. It becomes like a game. This is the time to embody that spirit and to be able to walk around a fair or the neighborhood with beautiful butterflies or even spooky spiderwebs and delight in the transformation.
Be Encouraged to Paint and Make a Mess
Allowing children to have a space to be creative without any fear of making a mess and ruining something in the house is vital to allow them to expand their minds and show off their creativity. It's a good lesson for them to learn to fully express themselves now, and it will benefit them through their whole life.
Drive a "Truck"
Kids are always seeing their parents drive cars and trucks -- and so when they see a car or truck at the fair (or a fun motorized one at home), it becomes one of those must-do things (along with eating cotton candy and ice cream!). In some ways, it makes them feel like they are independent and doing what Mommy and Daddy can do. (And it makes parents feel like the kids are growing up too fast).
Run in a Field
There will be a time when the kids are teenagers and they may be too cool to do anything with their parents -- and running free in a field will make that list, too. So seize the moment when they are young and let them run and roam free (even though it may require supervision).
Be a Messy Eater
Adults are often ready with a napkin to keep their kids as clean as possible as they eat. But sometimes parents have to just let them make a big mess. They are only this age once, and they deserve to enjoy their ice cream and chocolate fudge without any concern that they are making a mess.
Play in the Snow
When people get older, they don't seem to be able to tolerate or enjoy the snow as much as they did when they were kids (perhaps it has to do with all the shoveling). But little ones come alive in the snow, so parents should bundle up and get out in it while they can.
Draw a Self-Portrait
My kids drew self-portraits as part of a preschool project and they are two of the drawings I cherish most -- and ones they are so proud of making. The likeness is amazing! We will do one every year until they decide it's not cool anymore (which I hope is never). Having the years and skills and their thoughts of themselves in a drawing is priceless.