National Handshake Day

If you are running out of summer activities to do already—or if you just want something fun to do inside today while it’s so hot outside—creating a secret handshake with your child is a great activity. Not only is it fun and silly, it’s also a great bonding moment between the two of you—not just when you create the handshake but also every time you use it afterwards. Imagine seeing little Jimmy off to college and using your secret handshake before he drives away into the sunset!

Creating a secret handshake is really simple, and you can do whatever you want; just be creative. Here are some tips and ideas if you are stumped (or haven’t had any caffeine yet today):

Include a high-five, low-five, or a five-on-the-side. These are very basic, so most kids can do them. If your child is very young, you may want to just include this and one other move alone so it’s easy to remember—and then perhaps add on when he or she is older.

Use a sliding motion. This can be a lot of fun, and you can do it with the hand, wrist, knuckles—basically anything.

Add a silly rhyme, chant, phrase or noise. You could do anything from “Bloop!” to “You are soooo gorgeous!” to “Have you seen my elephant?” This is totally optional, but younger kids are sure to get a kick out of it. See what kind of funny noises or words they make up on their own; my preschooler came up with “zigazog.”

Involve other body parts besides your hands. Try spinning around, rubbing noses or elbows together, wiggling each other’s ear… The sky is the limit.

Have a different shake for each child. This may be hard to remember, but it will definitely make each child feel special with his or her own “personal” handshake.

Or, have the same handshake for the whole family. This can help create a feeling of unity, especially in tense times. You could even teach the whole family at the annual reunion!

Keep it fun! Be sure to include a funny element, like any of the ideas above, or touching each fingertip to fingertip one by one, alternating from slow-motion to lightening speed with each move—whatever. It can be as silly and wild as you like, and the sillier it is, the more your child will probably like it!

Your secret handshake will be a treasured memory for years to come. It’s something your child will always appreciate, be able to laugh about, and never forget—and perhaps even pass on to his or her own children.