With summer around the corner, you have to find ways to keep your kids entertained and engaged at home.
From educational activities to keep them fresh for school to simple projects that help develop life skills, there are plenty of fun things to help pass the time with little ones. You’ll love the quality time spent with your children and they’ll pick up a life long hobby or skill that they’ll be passionate about.
Cooking and Baking
Cooking and baking are great activities to do with your children. First of all, everyone has to eat, so you might as well get them involved. From making something simple like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to something a bit more involved like making cookies, this activity helps kids gain an appreciation for how food is prepared. It’s also a great way to introduce them to new foods and new recipes, as there’s a sense of ownership in eating something that they made. You can find several kid-friendly recipes online or find ways to have them help with family favorites.
Reading and Listening
Helping your children develop a love of books and reading is always a great idea. From early books that cover fundamentals in shapes and colors to well-loved series from J.K. Rowling to Daniel Handler, there are all kinds of books to keep your children engaged. If you haven’t already, go to your local library to get cards and borrow books for the entire family. Keep things interesting by going with a mixture of books that include nonfiction. Consider purchasing audiobooks and let kids listen to stories that inspire them to use their imagination. A fun long-term activity might include reading the Lemony Snicket books by Author Daniel Handler and then comparing that to the TV adaptation on Netflix.
Gardening and Planting
Starting or working in a garden is another fun activity for parents and kids. Planting flowers, small plants and basic vegetable or fruit staples is a natural way to cultivate a child’s sense of wonder and natural curiosity. Gardening activities can also help kids develop their motor skills and gain an appreciation for the environment. This outside activity is also a good way for your children to get fresh air and soak up some vitamin D.
When your children are spending a lot of time at home, it’s important to find things for them to do. Look for a broad mixture of activities that can engage their minds as well as their bodies. It’s great for kids to engage in self-directed playtime and exercises but also look for things that you can do together as a family.
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