The kids summer vacation from school is right around the corner (or already here!), but the weather hasn’t really screamed summer this year. With plenty of rain and gloomy days, it can be challenging as a parent to keep them occupied. If you don’t want to hear the kids complaining that they bored every five minutes then it’s worth spending some time planning things you can do when you’re stuck inside. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Tv and Games
You might not be thrilled with the idea of your kids spending lots of time in front of the TV, but sometimes we have to survive! When it’s pouring with rain and you’re busy with housework and other things, the tv provides some fun entertainment to keep them occupied. Sign up to Netflix if you haven’t already and let them watch some shows, you could even install it onto your laptop or Mac instead, instructions on how to do that are https://setapp.com/how-to/watch-netflix-offline-legally-on-mac. You could have a movie day together and watch some family favorites, or you could treat them and let them have some time on their video games. While TV time shouldn’t be put in place of other activities, when you’re short on options it’s a bit of a lifesaver.
Arts and Crafts
Sites like Pinterest are full of ideas for crafts, and there are all kinds of crafting projects you could do for all age ranges. Jot down some ideas and then pick up some supplies from a craft shop or eBay. Big packs of sequins, feathers, pipe cleaners and other accessories aren’t expensive to buy and can provide hours of fun. Even some paper and colored pens make for quiet, rainy day activity.
Board Games
Board games were once a family staple during the colder months, but these days it’s all about technology. Take it back to basics, there’s plenty to be learned from board games for kids. They have to learn the rules and then apply them, which is a skill that’s transferrable to other areas of a child’s life. Board games also teach patience and waiting your turn. There are options for all preferences and age ranges, so if you fancy ditching the technology for a night this is a fun one to try. It could be anything from Buckaroo to Scrabble to Monopoly. You could have prizes for winners or forfeits for losers to up the stakes and make it even more interesting. Loser does a weeks worth of washing up?!
Play Dates
If you have friends or family who have children of a similar age, or you’re close to any of the parents at school, arranging a playdate at home could be an option. For little ones you could get out a selection of toys for them to play with, if they’re a bit older you could lay out some games, puzzles, magazines and snacks. This is a fantastic way for your child to socialise outside of school, and stops them from being bored on their own. If you’re feeling really brave, you could even organise a sleepover- or see if any of the other parents would be up for hosting it!
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