Why we love Can't Do It Without You

This is a fave in the classroom with kids, so we hope it's the same at home! Take this one to the lawn - it's a trust game — but there’s no physical risk involved — and the goal cannot be accomplished without teamwork and focus... Sometimes this is just what families and siblings need as a wee, gentle reminder!

What to do

Take this outside and ask your kids to pick something up - anything. Check in – pretty simple right?

Now tell them that in this activity they'll be picking things up BUT together and using ONLY ONE INDEX FINGER each! It's likely you'll also need to join in.

Offer something to pick up it may be a pine cone, a ball or screwed up piece of paper and work together to pick it up.

Check in -

"How easy was this?"

"What’s it like relying on another person to complete such a simple task?"

Keep trying objects - remembering to end the activity on a high!

Some ideas:

  • A pen
  • A pencil sharpener
  • A ruler
  • A thick book
  • An apple
  • A cushion
  • Something breakable! A musical instrument (guitar!), a cup or vase… we double dare you! – after lots of practice! Oh, and send us some photos on facebook (Sparklers at Home) (we'd love to see too!)

What next

If your family is 4 or more, try making teams of two and passing an object to another team… and back!

For older tamariki you can discuss trust much more in-depth:

  • How do we know we can trust someone?
  • What can we do if we want to gain someone’s trust?

Ask your kids how in your family and friendship group you can build a culture of trust?