Screens are part of life, but many parents tell us they’re craving more connection with their tamariki. More laughter, more play, more calm moments that don’t involve negotiating screen time.
That’s why we love this free Spring Advent Calendar created by RealParents.nz.
It’s a fresh, fun way to spend more time together offline through a month of simple daily activities you can start anytime. If you’re not keen on treats daily in the lead up to Christmas, this is a positive replacement idea.
Download and print the advent calendar here.
Every idea is free, quick and easy to fit into your day.
Why simple offline activities matter
Kids don’t need anything fancy to feel connected.
What they need most is time, attention, and playful moments where they can be fully present with you.
These kinds of activities:
- strengthen confidence
- reduce stress
- help kids regulate emotions
- build stronger whānau bonds
- create patterns of joy they’ll look forward to every day
It’s all the goodness we teach in the Positive Mindset Challenge, except this time, you get 30 days of ideas handed to you, one fun surprise at a time. (You’ll need to exclude one line if you’re counting down to Christmas).
A great way to lead into Christmas
December can feel busy, rushed, and a bit overwhelming.
This is a beautiful way to slow down, make memories, and enjoy the simple moments before the chaos of the holidays.
Each day gives you a simple activity you can do together.
A few favourites include:
- The floor is lava – instant fun, anywhere.
- Do a puzzle together – peaceful, focused connection.
- Build a hut – blankets + chairs = magic.
- Pick a bouquet – or collect leaves, stones or seashells.
- Play hide and seek – classic, guaranteed giggles.
- Cook something together – even toast or popcorn counts.
- Dance party in the lounge – fun and joy.
These tiny moments add up. When kids know there’s one special thing waiting each day, it becomes something they look forward to, just like opening a new door on an advent calendar.
The advent-style activities naturally support the same skills we teach in our programme:
- mindfulness (picking flowers, puzzles)
- kindness (doing something for someone in the whānau)
- confidence (trying new things)
- creative thinking (building, imagining, inventing games)
- emotional connection (laughing together, sharing moments)
When tamariki feel connected and confident offline, they navigate online spaces with more resilience too.
Ready for more positive moments with your kids?
The Positive Mindset Challenge gives you even more simple, meaningful ways to help your child build confidence, resilience and emotional awareness in just a few minutes a day.
If you’re looking for gentle tools that fit real family life, we’d love to help you get started.
For more free resources, tips, and real-life parenting support, check out Anna Mowat’s amazing work over at RealParents, her site is full of practical ideas for whānau.
#PositiveMindsetChallenge
#YourHappyPlaceNZ
#WhānauWellbeing
#ParentingNZ
#KidsActivities
#ScreenFreeKids
#ParentingIdeas
#SpringAdventCalendar
#GrowingGreatKids
#ConnectedWhānau
#ResilientKids
#FamilyFunNZ
#TamarikiWellbeing
