Sometimes just spending time with your little one at home doing a simple activity together will create special memories…coloring, drawing, games, etc. Try one of the crafts/activities listed below.
Dinner Doodles
Doddle: What is a doodle? According to Wikipedia a doodle is an unfocused drawing made while a person’s attention is otherwise occupied. Doodles are simple drawings that can have concrete representational meaning or may just be abstract shapes.
I was out for dinner the other night with my kids and family and it got my wheels spinning. You see the restaurant we were at, had the paper covered table clothes — the ones you can draw on. My sister asked the hostess for some crayons for the table and before you know it, we were all doodling, giggling and talking. It was a perfect ice breaker to get the conversation going. It then lead me to the thought of — why are we doing this just when we go out to eat? — why not bring this to our dinner table at home? On dinner nights you could cover the table with construction paper and crayons and markers — You could even add a twist on it and put a subject for the evening. Just think of the things your kids will share with you through their drawings. This might be just what they need to help them to open up, express themselves and talk with you. Think of the fun times that you are going to have at dinner and the lessons your kids with learn. It might even be a family memory they carry on throughout life
Unleash your inner doodler — if there is such a word.
Start a Book Club
Encourage your kids that reading in both fun and rewarding. Why not have your child start their very own book club? Not only will it be a great way for them to discover new subject but they will be able to share thoughts and ideas in at comfortable location (ie your home). They won’t feel pressure to expression their opinions because there in NO wrong answers. Not only will this benefit your child, but it will also benefit you — it’s a great way for you to meet and get to know your childs friends and parents. Follow these simple steps to help your child with their book club:
1. Have them selected 3-4 friend to join (you can always add more down the road)
2. Come up with a schedule and meeting times. — usually once a month and for a 2 hour period will work
3. Make sure you provide snack –you can have themed snacks that relate to the book they are reading – - make sure your child helps you make the snacks ( it will be good for their kitchen skills too )
4. During the meetings, teach the kids to share what they liked best about the book — encourage them to come up with their own discussions.
5. At the end of the meeting, have the group vote on the next book to read.
Plant a Garden
Teach your kids about gardening even if you only have limited space. Utilize planter boxes or pots. Start plants from seeds and tans-plant them to your containers. A great family activity and good way to teach kids about nutrition and encourages them to eat veggies.
Bucket List
Think of this as a bucket list for kids (however feel free to join in on the fun with your own list)- I did this with my kids last summer and it worked awesome. You end up gaining so much more than you bargained for and learning a lot about your kids and their goals and dreams. The things that I thought would be on their list or that I thought were important didn’t even appear on their list.
Have your kids make a list of 50+ things that they want to do while they are home for the summer. There are no wrong answers. It can be as simple as sleeping till noon to eating popcorn for lunch or it can be something big like community service or learning to cook.
Your job is to help them accomplish as many items on the list as possible. Have them cross out the item when it has been accomplished or put a date next to it when it was completed; that way they can see their progress. It’s ok to have more than 50 items on the list, encourage them to continue to add things throughout the summer. Never discourage them with items on there list, nothing is trivial — have them dream big and let them know anything is possible it you want it badly enough and you will help them any way possible to achieve their goals.
Fun Crafts
Want to know how to make a tie fleece blanket — great for snuggling up with your kids
How to make a Tie Fleece Blanket
Templates
Halloween Decoupage
Christmas Decoupage
Preserve your memories with your kids — why not make a time capsule?
Make a stress ball as party favors for a birthday party — or if you are looking for an activity to do when your kids have friends over. It’s quick, easy and fun. (might I say a stress reliever)
How to make a Memory Board
This is a great way to display your kids artwork, photos or special moments. Keep this in your kitchen, office or get one each of your kids rooms. They make for great gifts for family and friends too.