Coming up with activities to keep your kids busy- and learning- can be exhausting if you’re not used to it. This week try choosing one of the activities I’ve described below and each week you can try something new. Come back often for new ideas every week!
Make your own “Oobleck” – I love it when a good book inspires some fun science at home! At some point since it was written, Bartholomew and the Oobleck, written by Dr. Seuss got connected to a non-Newtonian fluid (basically a substance that acts like a liquid and a solid). Grab the book at your local library, then invite your kids to help you make your own Oobleck at home! You just need...
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Who doesn’t love an idea for a simple craft that is actually pretty cool and really fun? Oh! Plus- it can be fun for all ages and gets you outside. I love activities that combine good outside time with a project at the end because it motivates the kids that just want to run around to have a little focus and it motivates the kids that just want to sit inside to get outside and explore.
You can get creative combining any number of outdoor and indoor activities, but for today’s activity, I drew inspiration from an elementary school science class I was recently observing. The end result will be paper leaf lanterns!
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As a parent, it's so easy to be overwhelmed by the idea of entertaining your preschooler while stuck inside… whether it’s due to the weather or illness or anything else! Don't worry, though! I’m here to help. There are lots of fun and creative indoor activities that’ll keep your little ones busy and engaged. You might even end up with a few minutes to yourself to get other things done! Here are 3 ideas to get you started:
1. Arts & Crafts – I know it sounds generic, but arts and crafts can be a great way to pass the time with your preschooler. Keep an eye out for future blogs with specific crafts, but you’d be surprised how much fun young kids have with generic supplies and freedom! Try covering a LARGE space (think the whole dining table or the whole floor in their play area) with waterproof protection (I typically use taped down trash bags because I always have them on hand). Then set out craft supplies: plenty of paper, crayons, markers, watercolors (because they’re washable), glue, little craft pompoms, and anything else you have around the house. Let them create whatever they want!
2. Reading – Most people know how important reading is for preschoolers to set a foundation for lifelong learning. When you’re stuck inside, you can take some time to create a fun reading space for your little one… and then set a timer for 5-10 minutes for them to “read” on their own. As they get practice being on their own, you can slowly increase the timer. It’ll add to the time you have to get things done, PLUS it helps increase their school attention endurance.
3. Dance Party – Put on some music and have a dance party with your little one! This activity will not only provide physical exercise but it's also fun for everyone. Have them show off their moves while deepening your bond and making so many fun memories! The benefits of music are countless, so include this activity to experience them all.
Keeping your preschooler inside doesn't have to be hard when you have simple ideas like these at your disposal! Whether it's arts & crafts or reading stories together, there's something for everyone- even if you don't feel artistic yourself (you don't need any special skills - just an open mind!). So go ahead- unleash your inner creativity today and create lasting memories with your little ones!
If you’re like any other parents I know, you breathed a DEEP sigh of relief when school got out today… and shortly after, you realized that now you have to figure out how to occupy your kids for three weeks. I share lots of crafts and activities over in my free exclusive Facebook group (Nanny Hacks for Busy Moms), so jump on over there to join for ideas throughout the break, but today I want to give you some ideas for creating adventures from home using free virtual experiences.
Whether you’ve already discovered the amazing opportunities for adventure that lie within virtual experiences or you have no idea what I’m talking about, by adding a few interactive elements you can make a virtual trip to the zoo almost as memorable as the real thing! Really… I promise!
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