Who hasn’t heard those two dreaded words… “I’m bored!?” For some of us, it’s like fingernails being dragged down a chalkboard.
Most of us aren’t stay at home parents. For the first time in a while, luxury of the Coronavirus, we have more time to spend at home with the family. In fact, prior to this, the average American worked more than 40 hours per week outside the home, equating to a lot of time away.
Really, the light at the end of the tunnel in this whole tragic fiasco is that we have the opportunity to spend more quality time with those that matter most to us. The truth is, the moments you spend with your children today will be the cherished memories of tomorrow.
Now, when you hear those two dreaded words- “I’m bored”- you might be tempted to fall back on screen time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, let me tell you that’s perfectly okay! However, you could also consider using this opportunity to spend some one-on-one quality time bonding with your tiny humans. We promise, you won’t regret it!
So, without further ado, here are a few ideas of ways you can spend some quality time with the kids.
What’s Cookin’?
Hey, we’re all for supporting restaurants during this difficult time. But, truth be told, in the world we are living in at the moment, it’s pretty convenient to cook at home. And, this isn’t a bad thing at all! Meals made at home are often more nutritious. Plus, eating a homemade meal at the dinner table is a great way to spend quality time with the fam.
Added bonus- most kids love to cook! This is your chance to teach them to do everything from frying an egg, to baking bread and more! They will adore you for it and take their new-found skill set into adulthood. So, what are you waiting for? Get cookin’!
Crafts Anyone?
Okay, who doesn’t love crafts? There are so many options out there. You could try beading, painting, collage, scrapbooking…the possibilities are endless!
What do you have lying around that would make a fun craft for you and your mini edition to do together? Get creative and remember, it doesn’t have to be a giant disaster that has you pulling out your hair! A word of advice, skip the glitter…
Get into a Good Book
Do you remember reading with your parents when you were a child? Truth be told, children love to read! If you’re a tough critic of opening a good book with your little one, know that there is a mountain of evidence that shows that reading to children is correlated with higher intelligence.
Don’t have many books at home? No sweat- it’s cake to download any book you can think of on to your Kindle, tablet, or smart phone!
Rent a Movie
The theaters are closed, but that doesn’t need to stop you from enjoying a good movie with your little one! Visit your local Redbox or download a good film through your streaming device. We guarantee that your child will value the quality time you spend together.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out the popcorn, throw in a good film, and snuggle under a warm blanket with your kiddo. We promise, you won’t regret it!
Bust Out a Board Game!
When was the last time you played a rousing game of Monopoly or Triominos? The truth is, smart phones and screen time have pulled us away from the more classic forms of entertainment. So, let this time at home be a stellar opportunity for some old fashion fun for you and your child!
There are tons of fun board games out there that will flex your brain and help teach your child all sorts of critical thinking skills. Some great ones include Monopoly, Clue, Chess, and Chutes and Ladders. So, venture out of your box and try a new game! Both you and your child will be glad you did!
Get Outside and Go for a Walk
Are you and your tiny human going stir crazy? Or, maybe your little one is running circles around the house. Just because you can’t go to the park, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great outdoors! Burn off some of that excess energy and get your daily dose of Vitamin D by getting outside and going for a rousing walk!
Regular exercise and sunshine helps to fight depression, increases quality of sleep, and can even give the both of you a renewed sense of energy. So, what are you waiting for? Strap on some shoes and get movin’ with your Mini-Me.
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