With kids across the United States going back to school and being able to enjoy seeing their friends and teachers again, parents are finally being allowed a breather. A chance to work in peace, tidy up their homes, or just care for their younger children without the added pressure of homeschooling and caring for their older offspring.
That being said, there is still the issue of what to do with your little bundles of joy after school. Of course, there is always the park, but there are only so many of the swings and slides that a parent can take. Plus, your kids are likely to be worn out after a long day of learning!
Fortunately, for those that want to avoid too much screen time, there are ways in which you can keep your kids occupied after school, within the confines of your own home and without spending a fortune.
1. Get crafty
Most kids love to make things. Whether that be using playdoh, paints, pipe cleaners, or even just old cardboard boxes, you will be surprised just how creative and imaginative your kids can be when given the chance.
Try collecting bits and pieces such as cereal boxes, toilet rolls, and washing up liquid bottles and keep them in a big box ready for days when your kids are feeling crafty. Alternatively, stock up your craft cupboard for less using a Hobby Lobby Coupon; you can find great deals on paint, scrapbooking supplies, and so much more.
2. Plan a scavenger hunt
If you are thinking, “uh oh, this sounds like a lot of work,” you will be pleased to hear that a scavenger hunt can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. For those that don’t have a lot of time, why not simply ask your kids to find one item in the home or in the garden that starts with each letter of the alphabet or start small and ask them to find you something that begins with “b.”
If the weather is pleasant and dry, you could even plan an insect scavenger hunt in your backyard! A great way for your kids to get some fresh air and learn about bugs that are native to your area.
3. Suggest a science experiment
If you don’t mind a bit of mess, science experiments can be both educational and great fun. Depending on the age of your kids, this could be as simple as giving them a bowl of water, various sizes jugs, and some dye. Alternatively, for older kids, you can get a bit more creative and try experiments such as “grow your own crystals” or “create your own volcano.” There are literally hundreds of science experiment ideas online for you to choose from.
4. Make an “I’m bored” list
A great idea for parents whose kids constantly complain about being bored if they do not have immediate access to their preferred video game or TV program, an “I’m bored” list is exactly what it sounds like.
Find a moment when your kids are calm, not too tired, and, of course, willing to do something and ask them to write down a list of activities that they love to do, focusing on ones that can be carried out either in your home or backyard. Once everyone has written down say five ideas, cut them up and add to a jar. Then, the next time someone says, “I’m bored,” you have a whole host of fun ideas that came directly from your kids that they can enjoy.
5. Allow set screen time
Of course, there will be times when your kids are exhausted, you and your partner are exhausted, even the dog’s exhausted, and for these days, it can sometimes be better to simply embrace technology.
That being said, rather than letting a screen dominate the whole evening, why not choose a film to watch all together, which you know will end after a set amount of time, or simply set a time limit for video game playing.
