Celebrating Childhood: Joy, Play, and Our Little Ones

A four year old boy in car pajamas smiles and wears a paper crown hat he made himself.

There’s nothing better than a joyful kiddo—their happy dances, huge grins, and giggles are some of Chicago Children’s Museum’s favorite parts of being open (and some of the things we miss most now that we’re temporarily closed).  

But even though our doors are still shut, we’re still committed to celebrating our littles, and seeing those happy dances, huge grins, and giggles online.  

That’s why today’s Parenting Playbook post is all about celebration and joy. So throw on some fun, upbeat, brilliant tunes from our friends at Funkadesi, and check out our joyful resources below! 

To Do: Chicago Children’s Museum At Home Activities & Resources 

Make a party hat! 

Make some music! 

Make some art! 

 

To Explore: CCM Friends & Family Content 

As you listen to the music from Chicago Children’s Museum partner organization Funkadesi, make sure to also check out their powerful mission and inspiring work. From their website: “Funkadesi proudly hails from Chicago, representing the diverse multi-ethnic communities within the city. What distinguishes Funkadesi as a group is each band member’s unique and uncompromised cultural/musical contribution merging to create one unifying sound and vision.” 

While all our Parneting Playbook and Recipes for Play activities are sure to spark joy for you and your little ones, here are some other ideas hailing from some of our favorite and most trusted places: 

10 Ways to Celebrate Small Victories with Kids  

20 Small Things You Can Do Every Day to Lead a Joyful Life  

Thankfulness Jar 

Kukuza Fest: We are super excited about Kukuza Fest! Featuring an awesome lineup of Black and Black-led Family Music artists, this virtual music fest will amplify Black voices in Family Music.  

Kukuza fest will take place virtually on September 19th and 20th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Tune in on the @WEENationRadio Facebook page.  

And if all this isn’t enough joy, here are some images that will definitely put a smile on your face—plus this: