Elissa, 8, with her caregiver

Activities for You and Your Child

Although Dravet syndrome may limit what you feel you can do with your child, there are still many ways to make your child smile. Get fun ideas for your child, their siblings, and the whole family—all from parents and caregivers who are managing life with Dravet syndrome. Since every child is affected differently by Dravet syndrome, use your best judgment to determine what activities your child with Dravet syndrome can participate in.

Activities for You and Your Child

Although Dravet syndrome may limit what you feel you can do with your child, there are still many ways to make your child smile. Get fun ideas for your child, their siblings, and the whole family—all from parents and caregivers who are managing life with Dravet syndrome. Since every child is affected differently by Dravet syndrome, use your best judgment to determine what activities your child with Dravet syndrome can participate in.

Activities for You and Your Child
Elissa, 8, with her caregiver

Activities You Can Do at Home

Because Dravet syndrome may often keep your family at home, it can help to get creative when it comes to finding things to do. Here are some age-appropriate ideas that promote learning but don’t require too much planning ahead. These ideas come from other parents and caregivers—people who understand what it’s like to have a child with Dravet syndrome.

Younger Children

Have a Sing-along

Have a Sing-along

Watch some online videos with your child’s favorite music and belt out the lyrics at the top of your lungs. Add percussion with your hands and feet.
Dance to the Music

Dance to the Music

Put on some of your favorite songs and dance the night away. Even if your child is unable to dance, they’ll enjoy laughing at your goofy dance moves.
Play Pretend

Play Pretend

Pick a random object in your house and pretend it has come to life. What would it say? How would it act? You can use a different object each time to create an entire story or world.
Have a “Snowball” Fight

Have a “Snowball” Fight

You don’t need snow for a snowball fight. Scrunch up old newspaper or socks and imagine you’ve reached the North Pole.
Dress Up

Dress Up

Let your child raid your closet. Your child can dress like you, and you can be silly and dress like your child.
Build a Fort

Build a Fort

Whether it’s made from couch cushions or pillows and blankets, creating a fort is a great way for your child to show off their creativity.
Play Outside

Play Outside

A simple trip to the park or playing in a sandbox can be fun activities to do outside without it being too strenuous on your child.
Color Together

Color Together

There are plenty of free downloadable pages that are available online. Try searching for their favorite cartoon or flower.
Play With Sensory Toys

Play With Sensory Toys

Squishing modeling clay, blowing bubbles, and finger painting are all great activities that help engage one of your child’s five senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste.
Snuggle Time

Snuggle Time

Grab a blanket and get cozy with your child. Showing affection and embracing them is a perfect way to express your love for one another.

Older Children

These activities can be fun for adults with Dravet syndrome, too.

Sing Karaoke

Sing Karaoke

Grab the fake microphone and belt out your favorite songs. YouTube has plenty of free karaoke videos that you can pull up on a phone, computer, or TV.
Play Ball

Play Ball

Whether you want to play catch or turn your living room into a bowling alley with soup-can pins, playing ball can be fun for a few minutes or many hours.
Play Video Games

Play Video Games

Learning a game your child plays on an iPad or a console is a great way for you to show interest in something your child enjoys.
Work on Puzzles

Work on Puzzles

Whether it is a word puzzle or a picture puzzle, these activities can help with cognitive development and ongoing learning.
Play Board Games

Play Board Games

It doesn’t matter if you follow the rules or make up your own. These games encourage your child to interact with others in a controlled environment.
Read Together

Read Together

It doesn’t matter if it’s a comic book or a story, reading something together is a great way for you both to relax and bond.

Fun Activities for the Entire Family

In families with multiple children, it can be difficult to get everyone together. We understand that it can be even more challenging for families who have a child with Dravet syndrome. Here are some easy, fun activities that the family can do together:

Yoga Exercises

Yoga Exercises

Breathing and stretching can help reduce anxiety.
Music can have a calming effect on your child with Dravet syndrome.

Listen to Music

Music can have a calming effect on your child with Dravet syndrome.
Brain Breaks

Brain Breaks

These can be times throughout the day when everyone pauses to meditate.
Decorating Snacks

Decorating Snacks

They can be holiday-themed treats or something as simple as ants on a log (celery with peanut butter and raisins).
Movie Night

Movie Night

Carving out time during the week to watch a movie can bring the family together.
Board Games

Board Games

A family game night is a great way to learn and make memories together.
Play Video Games

Video Games

Showing a genuine interest in something your kids enjoy can help you connect with them even more.
Going to the Zoo

Going to the Zoo

A trip to your local zoo is great way for everyone in the family to see their favorite animals together.
Taking a Trip

Taking a Trip

A horseback adventure (equine therapy) or even getting a hotel for a night are great ways to get out of the house.
Group Walks/Hikes

Group Walks/Hikes

Whether it’s around the neighborhood or out in the woods, this is a great way for the family to bond.
pictogram-dual-hearth

Get tips on ways to help
siblings cope with the impact of
Dravet syndrome

pictogram-dual-family

Get support and inspiration from
other parents and caregivers from
Shine Forward With Dravet

pictogram-dual-hearth

Get tips on ways to help
siblings cope with the impact of
Dravet syndrome

pictogram-dual-family

Get support and inspiration from
other parents and caregivers from
Shine Forward With Dravet

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