Keeping children amused through the holidays can be stressful for parents. Kids get bored easily and it is hard to keep them engaged in an activity for a long time. Due to the pandemic, it may not be possible for you to take the kids to the park or to meet their friends. This is when parents need to come up with new and creative ideas to keep their kids happy without having to spend a fortune. Let’s take a look at a few creative ways you can keep your children busy during holidays.

1. Book clubs

Children of all ages love to read and you can get them on a virtual book club. This is where little bookworms come together and take turns to read. Since it might not be possible for you to take the children to the library or to a friend’s place for a reading, you can do it virtually. Play a vocabulary-building game after the reading session or you could have a storytelling session after reading the book.

2. Cooking

A great way to keep children engaged is to ask them to help you with cooking. If you have older kids, they can help sort vegetables and also prepare short eats without fire. Ask them to create yogurt bowls with vegetables or fruits, or make smoothies. Children love to take responsibility and they will love this role. You can also ask them to serve their dishes or drinks to the family, making them feel like young adults.

3. Pursue a hobby

Holidays are a great time to learn a new art or pursue a hobby. If your kids love to paint, they can learn and practice during this time. Invest in quality art supplies for them. If they are into playing music, you can use easy piano sheet music to help them learn. Encourage them to practice and appreciate every effort they make.

4. Water fun

One way to beat the heat is by jumping into the pool. It may not be possible for you to take the kids to a swimming pool at a club but you can have a small inflatable pool at home. You must supervise them at all times. They can enjoy pool games, or water aerobics and play away for hours. You can also organize a little party by the pool if you have adequate space. Ask kids to get dressed up in their best swimwear and let them party with chilled lemonade and music.

5. Teach about the environment

Children are naturally curious and they want to know everything about the environment. You can teach them about the same using simple but creative activities. Make water troughs or simple bird feeders for the birds. You can ask your kids to maintain a journal on the different types of birds and learn more about them. Similarly, you can ask them to look after a couple of plants by watering them every day. They can also keep track of their growth cycle. Just a few simple plants in the garden or on the window sill can do. Kids love taking responsibility and they will take it upon themselves to look after the water trough and plants.

6. Make movies

All children love to use their phones and tablets. Instead of simply letting them watch movies or cartoons on the gadgets, you can ask them to make a movie on their holidays or with friends. They will love to create a story around it and will direct the movie. You can help them with images or props that can add an element of fun to the process. Do not judge them on the type of movie they make. Let them enjoy this fun activity by creating their script and engaging the family or friends in it.

7. Slumber party

Plan a fun night with the kids and screen a movie with popcorn and fresh juice. You can also use ice cream as a treat for being helpful throughout the week. Children can wear costumes as per the theme of the movie and you can choose the movie in advance. Let them watch the movie beyond the sleeping time and enjoy their night. If there are other kids in the neighborhood, you can also invite them. But if your child does not have company, you will have to participate with them and enjoy the movie. It is something that will certainly take you back to your childhood.

Do not forget that if children complain that they are bored, leave them alone. Sometimes boredom comes from creativity and they may not be in the mood for another activity. Do not push them to do something and ask them how they feel about the activities you are planning for them. If they are keen to learn and play, you too can join the fun.

Published: 2021-07-30 12:50:51