Now that it's getting cooler outside - my super rambunctious boys are limited on how much outdoor play they do. Definitely true Southerners - as soon as it gets in the mid-60s they're complaining that it's FREEZING outside. My oldest is traumatized every year he visits his grandmother in Jersey for the holidays!
My challenge - especially on the weekends - is finding activities that will keep them entertained, me sane and nothing broken. I deserve an award for making this work out most weekends!
With my 4 year old, I can make almost anything a game and he doesn't even realize I'm tricking coercing having fun with him while cleaning up or learning. This super competitive stage can be really great at times. "Let's see who can pick up the most toys?" or "Let's see who can make their beds the fastest and neatest?"
Last night my kids entertained themselves by building an extravagant fort in my front room and the super duper cool mom I am even let them "camp" in it last night. I'm telling you all - I so deserve an award :)
Some other fun things we've done and had a blast doing together:
~ making lunches and dinners together. They love being included - measuring, stirring, sweeping up messes :)
~ indoor scavenger hunts (this comes in handy when someone has lost something and needs help looking for it...what can I say? I'm a multi-functional momma!)
~ arts and crafts
~ making their own race track or crash course for their cars (usually this encompasses the entire hallway or front entrance but it keeps them entertained and playing together for HOURS)
~ Reading to one another. This is super fun when my 4 year old "reads" to us and we let him be the "teacher" and ask questions about the stories to make sure we were paying attention.
What fun indoor activities do you kids enjoy?
My kids are older so they play video games. Blach!
ReplyDeleteTrying to keep them from getting sucked in - so hard with so many electronics these days!
DeleteYou're so right,it's simple activites they just want to be with mom/dad!
ReplyDeleteExactly! My kids look at me crazy when I tell them the fun we used to have with a cardboard box or some crates outside.
DeleteUsually we chill out on the weekends and I let them help me cook and clean. It's time for them to earn their keep lol
ReplyDeleteLOL!!! I hear that!
DeleteMy boys love building tracks for their trains, playing with blocks/legos and puzzles!
ReplyDeleteFun!
DeleteHaha! I love how you *coerced* *tricked* them! :P
ReplyDeleteDawn
www.cheapisthenewclassy.com
LOL...I gotta do what I gotta do :)
Delete"Let's see who can make their beds the fastest and neatest?"
ReplyDeleteI do this at home too, works like a charm - ready, set, Goooo!!!
*giggle*
Mom for the win!!
:)
LOL...it's amazing how much a little competition motivates them, eh?
DeleteYou know I love that picture!
ReplyDeleteYou crossed my mind when I came across it :)
DeleteI have three girls and my oldest (who's in 2nd grade) likes playing school and being the teacher for the other two. lol They also play Barbies, color/draw, have fashion shows and dance. The cleaning up part is where they struggle. ;p I've realized I actually need more bins/baskets for clean up time tho to make it quicker and easier.
ReplyDeleteThe designated baskets definitely help out lots! Each kiddo has their own for their toys and misc items - makes it easier and them accountable.
DeleteMy boys do the video game thing, but they also love board games. We set up a punching and sparring bag set in our school/play room that allows for venting frustration when it is super cold outside.
ReplyDeleteAnd, here in south central Alaska 60 degrees is considered summer!
We're so spoiled here in the South when it comes to the weather :)
DeleteMy kids love doing puzzles, playing video games and of course catching a few good movies. Great post!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is only 3 and she loves doing crafts and playing games when we have to be indoors.
ReplyDeleteFun age :)
DeleteGreat ideAS!
ReplyDeleteThanks Paula!
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