Every parent has a million and one responsibilities; Finding things to do with your kids when you don't have much spare time might be challenging. From playing games to learning new skills, there's always something for them to do. That said, developing fun and educational ideas can take a lot of work. Read on for some great suggestions on how to keep your kid occupied.
Activities for Kids on a Busy Day
You can do many things with your kids on a busy day, whether they are bored or need stimulation. Here are five activities to keep them engaged:
1) Playing games on your phone or tablet: Phones and tablets have many fun activities that may keep your kids occupied. Check out the App Store and Google Play store to find the perfect one for your child.
2) Drawing or coloring: One great way to keep kids occupied is by having them draw or color something. This can be done in a quiet corner of the bus, on an airplane, in the waiting room at the doctor's office, etc. Just make sure nothing gets messy!
3) Reading books: Another great way to keep kids busy is by reading books together. If you have time before traveling, try reading some of your favorite stories together as a family. Alternatively, if you are on the go, pack a few books with you and let your children choose one to read during their rides.
4) Making new friends: Kids love making new friends and finding ways to get along with each other. If someone is sitting near them whom they want to sit next to but don't know how to approach, offer to be their friend. This will help them feel comfortable and make new friends quickly!
5) Going outside: Whether it's taking a
Toddler Activities to Keep Them Occupied
Toddlers may keep themselves busy with a wide variety of activities. Below are some activities that may work for your specific toddler.
Toddlers love to explore their surroundings and learn about the world around them. If you can give them some opportunities to do this, they will be busy for hours! Here are some ideas for outdoor exploration:
1. Take your toddler on hikes or walks around the neighborhood. This is a great way to get them moving and help them learn about their surroundings.
2. Have your toddler play in the backyard with the toys they received for Christmas or their birthday. This will help them learn how to play with others and have fun.
3. Go shopping with your toddler and pick some new toys or books to take home. This will help keep them entertained while you shop!
4. Let your toddler color at home using pots, pans, and markers - this is a great way to expend energy and keep them busy!
5. Have your toddler make little houses out of plastic cups or boxes - this activity encourages creativity!
Activities to Do with Older Children
Older children enjoy activities that keep them busy and engaged. Some ideas to get them started include:
-Playing a board game together, such as Connect Four or Monopoly
-Creating DIY crafts, such as making jewelry ornaments or using polymer clay to create figurines
-Taking a trip to a new park, museum, or library
-Going for a walk in the neighborhood
-Playing video games together
Homework Help for Busy Parents
Parenting can be a full-time job in and of itself! If you're feeling overwhelmed, here are some helpful tips on how to help your child while you're busy.
Use Guided Homework: Guided homework is a great way to help children remember what they have learned. This will give them a specific task and allow them to step away from the parenting role. You can also find online resources that offer this type of assistance.
Set Bedtimes and Routines: Setting bedtimes and routines helps children learn how to sleep independently and prepare for the day. This helps them develop independence as well as better discipline skills. Establishing these rules early on will make it easier down the road.
Create Space: Make sure you have plenty of space for your child to play in your home. This will give them freedom and allow them to explore without feeling restricted. You can also set aside time for your child to do their own thing each day. This will help them learn how to balance responsibilities with fun activities.
How to Make Your Home
Busier
You can do plenty of things to make your home busier, whether you have one child or several. Here are a few ideas:
1. Get a charger for your phone and put it on the TV. This will help keep your child occupied while you're watching something else.
2. Set up a play area in another part of the house where your child can run around without being disturbed. This will help them wind down after a long day or fill up their energy before bedtime.
3. Have family games night every week where everyone gets to play together. This is a great way to get everyone laughing and spending time together.
4. Install some shelves in different parts of the house for your child's toys so they don't have to clutter up the living room all the time. This way, they have somewhere to put their toys when they're not using them, and it's less likely they'll lose them accidentally.