Photo by SIMON LEE on Unsplash
Summer Treat: Ice Cream in a Ziplock Bag!
Children and teens can give one-word answers when adults ask about their day, week, or life in general: “Fine”, “Yeah”, “Maybe”, “So-so”.
Sometimes the best way to have a conversation is while hands and minds are busy with another prolonged activity. Taking a nature walk, playing a simple card game (Rummy, Go Fish, or War), or making an easy snack/dessert can give the opportunity to ask open-ended questions.
Try asking:
What exotic animal would you like to have as a pet if you could? Why?
Where is one place in the world you would like to visit?
If you could choose to do something, knowing you could not fail, what would that be?
Be sure to ask follow-up questions that begin with who, what, when, where, why or how.
Spending time with him/her may be that young person’s “love language”.
Here is an activity you can do with kids/teens that will give you 20-30 minutes of uninterrupted time away from devices. Gather your ingredients and your questions!
Photo by Courtney Cook on Unsplash
Ice Cream in a Ziplock Bag!
Ingredients:
- 1 c. half-and-half
- 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 3 c. ice
- 1/3 c. kosher salt
- Toppings of your choice
Directions:
- In a small resealable plastic bag, combine half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla. Push out excess air and seal.
- Into a large resealable plastic bag, combine ice and salt. Place small bag inside the bigger bag and shake vigorously, 7 to 10 minutes, until ice cream has hardened.
(Optional – put in freezer for an extra 10 minutes to harden a bit more.) - Remove from bag and enjoy with your favorite toppings.
Photo by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash
