School Break Survival Guide: More for the Indoor
School breaks can be a lot of extra work in the parenting department. Chaos can ensue in only a matter of minutes when all three of my boys are home all day. I've learned if I have a basic plan for the day, then I succeed a little bit better. Here are 5 fun, cheap and simple things you can do with multiple age groups indoors that will keep your kiddos engaged for at least a little while.SLIME!Seriously making slime is super simple, easy, cheap and so fun for the kids to play with! Most times it can be re-used as long as it stays off the floor, doesn't get licked (this is a problem in my home) and you have your kiddos wash their hands before they play. Here's a recipe that is edible and Borax free and looks like you can dye it any color kool-aid you want!
- 1 tbsp of Metamucil with Psyllium (generic fiver supplement will also work as long as it contains psyllium)
- 1 cup of water
- Optional: Kool-aid packets for scent/color or food dye for richer color
Car Wash (barbie wash) Station:This Activity in pictures can be found on Jennifer Fischer's Blog! You'll need the following items:
- Need a few cars or Barbies (small toys)
- Metal tray or pan with sides
- Tooth brush (new or old, not to be used again...)
- Little bowl or cup with a small dot of dish soap and water
- Small wash cloth to dry
- Towel under it all for just in case!
- Line up the cars (toys) for a wash!
Boredom Busters:Oh my WORD the Dating Divas nailed it on this one! These ideas are so super fun and I think you would either have a very cheap, short Michael's run for some paint etc. Or no cost at all! These activities are mostly for preschool age and up. So if you have a baby, depending on the age, they could do modified activities based on their skills. Maybe on Friday you could devote some fun time to pick out some of these 60 activities to do as an end of week celebration! Maybe make it a family affair?Some other random fun ideas for indoor fun: 1. Create a "book nook" for quiet time. Take a large card board box, have your kids help decorate it, cut an entrance hole in the front. Set a pillow inside, give child a flashlight, snack and some good books to look through or read. (I wish I could make an adult sided version of this!) 2. Set up a "photo booth". Have your kids use props around the house (costumes, silly hats, dads tie etc..) Our you can make it a trolls booth then watch Trolls or play the music in the background (it is the most fun soundtrack!) Use your cell phone to take the pictures unless you are awesome and have a real camera! 3. Indoor Hop Scotch is a fun movement activity for inside. Use masking tape or painters tape to create the squares. You can make it an educational activity by putting words, letters, shapes, numbers or math problems in the squares. 4. Write letters. This is a lost art that many people appreciate. We live far from our family here on Ferrell Farms, so often we do not see grandparents and family for a long time. Sending them cards, notes and drawings from the kids is always fun. Put stickers, different writing utensils, stencils, stamps and fun paper out on the table and let them create! 5. Balloons entertain kids for hours. Blow up a few balloons, set them up with a safe space and see how long they can work together to keep the balloon from touching the ground. My brothers and I used to do this for hours! You can also use painters tape to draw a line for them to hit the balloon over. Want to get crafty? Take large Popsicle sticks and paper plates to make paddles to hit the balloons with!Find more activities here on my Activities For the Kids Board on Pinterest!All this to say, try to plan something to do every few hours to keep their attention and ward off whining. Throw some chores in there and make sure they are helping clean up to keep it as stress free as possible. Take a deep breath, give your grace and enjoy some extra time doing the most important job you have, working with God to raise your children to know him and see him in their lives. It's not easy, but it's the greatest calling on our lives as parents.GO, HAVE FUN!Much Love,ChrystanLike what you're reading? Follow my blog for more inspiration each week! Also, I'd love to see pictures of you doing these activities, send them to chrystan.ferrell@gmail.com!