25 Ways to Have More Fun at Home

Transcription

And I’ve never felt that more than when I started staying
home with my kids. They soak up my energy and my emotions
like little sponges.
Hi, my name is Anna, and I
had three kids in three years.
Then I quit my job, bought a
minivan and started wearing
mom jeans.
When I’m at my worst, they are, too. And I need to try even
harder than usual to be happier, peppier, more excited and
more energetic.
It’s not always easy. Sometimes I have to try REALLY, REALLY
hard. Sometimes I have to fake it. And that’s okay.
I blog about it all at
My Life and Kids.
That’s where this handy little book comes in.
Start Having More Fun!
I Love Staying Home – Most of the Time
And even though I love staying home with my kids – I also find
it to be exhausting, stressful and downright not fun
sometimes.
Have you ever heard the saying,
This eBook contains my Top 75 Ways to Have More Fun at
Home. And we’re not talking about activities that require you
to get everyone dressed, out the door and behaving in public.
These are activities that can be done at home. Because - let’s
be honest - some days, it’s a lot easier to just stay home.
I don’t do these activities all day every day. Some days I don’t
do any of them.
If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy?
Well, I don’t know if I fully agree with that or not. But there is
something that I know to be true.
If Mama Is Happy – EVERYONE is Happy!
Have you ever found that if you are fun and excited and happy
– then your kids are, too? That everything seems to work in
harmony when YOU’RE in harmony?
But on the days that I do even ONE of these fun things – it’s
nearly guaranteed to make it a good day.
Thanks for reading! I hope you’ll have even more fun at home
with your kids.
Me too.
© Copyright by My Life and Kids 2012. All material, images
and text are copyrighted property and should not be sold,
posted or published elsewhere.
mylifeandkids.com
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Just Say Yes
1
Go Camping
8
Masking Tape Village
14
Kids Choice
20
Have a Surprise Party
1
Dance Party
9
Old-School Dress Up
15
Dress for Dinner
20
Make Farting Noises
2
Sensory Trays
9
Write Letters
15
DIY Puzzles
20
Mini Photographers
2
Take a Walk
10
Breakfast Surprise
15
Muffin Tin Sorting
21
Play in the Sink
2
Shaving Cream
11
Go to the Mall
16
Movie Night
21
Dress Up
3
I Hate Board Games
11
Wash the Toys
16
Little Waiters
21
Celebrate the Holidays 3
Pajama Bike Rides
11
Obstacle Course
17
Build Your Bedroom
22
Have a Day
4
Mud Pies
11
Drop-Ceiling Building
17
Flashlight Games
22
Create a Craft Bag
5
GAK
11
Rotate Toys
17
Home Movies
22
Give them the Hose
5
The Dr. Is In
12
Have a Parade
18
If You're Happy...
23
Put Your Kids to Work
6
Rearrange Car Seats
12
Do Good
18
Just Play
23
Bake, Bake, Bake
7
Mid-Day Baths
12
Decorate Cookies
18
Have a Picnic
7
Scavenger Hunts
13
Night-Time Car Ride
19
About the Author
24
Have Fun with Hubby
7
Toy Swap
13
Build a Ball Pit
19
Find More Activities
25
Rearrange Furniture
8
Bike Wash
14
Surprise Dinner
19
Garage Sales
8
Safety Scissors
14
Have a Sleepover
19
{# 1}
YES
{# 2}
This is one of the greatest mothering tips that I’ve ever
received – and something that I need to constantly remind
myself.
With little kids, it doesn’t take much to have a party. Some
streamers, a few signs, and some type of special treat, and
you have a celebration.
I can say no to my kids' requests over and over again. Until I
stop myself and think – WHY is the answer no? Is it because
it’s dangerous or inappropriate?
Bonus if you have candles.
Or is it because I don’t feel like getting something out or
making a mess or actually playing with my kids?
Yes it is.
It’s not your birthday? It’s not anyone’s birthday?
It’s dolly’s birthday. Or the dog’s birthday. Or stuffed McBear’s
birthday.
Just Say Yes!
Yes – we can stay in our pajamas until noon or drive the car
(without keys), or help me unload the groceries…
Last month, it was our minivan’s birthday.
You don’t need a good reason to celebrate – you just need to
celebrate. And nothing gets my kids more excited than
assembling all of their “stuffed” guests, helping me decorate,
surprising the birthday “thing”, blowing out candles and
singing Happy Birthday.
Every now and then we wrap up a present of some sort.
On days when I’m really not feeling festive, I tell them it’s my
birthday.
I always get into the celebrating mood when we’re singing to
ME and giving ME presents.
I’ve turned 25 at least a dozen times just in the past year.
Just a few Yes’s can make a huge difference in our day.
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{# 3}
{# 4}
This is my all-time favorite party trick.
And my kids love it, too.
My kids LOVE to play with my camera, and I always say “no” or
“just one picture” or “not today.”
Stick a drinking straw in your armpit and start blowing.
But from time to time, I say yes.
It takes a few tries to get the hang of it (and it works best if
you’re a little sweaty), but the results are so worth it.
Give your kids some supervised time with your camera. Teach
them how to hold the camera, give them a special
“photographer” hat to wear (completely optional), and let
them loose.
Click here for a full video tutorial.
After everyone has had a turn, watch the pictures as a
slideshow on your computer.
The only thing my kids love more than taking pictures is seeing
the pictures they took – and hearing how great they are.
If you can’t trust them with your camera, pick up a couple
disposable cameras and then actually develop the film.
It could be a fun activity and a history lesson all at the same
time.
{# 5}
It doesn’t have to be a hot summer day to play in the water. I
keep old bottles, funnels and eye droppers in the kitchen so
that we can play in the sink at any time.
This is a great activity to keep one child occupied while you do
something special with the other kids (or do laundry, chat on
the phone, blog, whatever…)
mylifeandkids.com
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The next hour was spent playing with dress-up clothes and
taking pictures of ourselves. They didn’t care that I hadn’t
brushed my hair yet or put on makeup.
{# 6}
Not them.
They loved Princess Anna - and it changed our day before it
even got started.
You.
One Saturday morning, I had the rare opportunity to sleep in.
As I woke up, I could hear the yelling, fighting and shrieking
coming from downstairs.
I did not want to go downstairs and face any of that. It was not
how I wanted to start my day.
So I got out of bed, tossed on an old prom dress, waltzed
down the stairs and introduced myself as Princess Anna.
I held a magic wand and worked my magic on them for better
behavior.
It worked.
{# 7}
Sometimes I think holidays were created just for stay-at-home
moms to keep their kids occupied.
Holidays provide tons of opportunities for holiday-related
crafts, decorations, baking and fun.





Create a 10-day countdown for every holiday with
activities to do on each day.
Make paper rings to tear off as you count down to St.
Patrick’s Day.
Put together flower bouquets for the neighbors on
May Day.
Serve heart-shaped pancakes.
Turn your milk green.
You get the idea… celebrate!
Be sure to visit the My Life and Kids
Facebook page starting November 1st to
download your free copy of Fun Holiday
Traditions to Start with your Family!
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{# 13}
It doesn’t matter what kind of day you have – just declare it a
DAY – and it’s automatically special. A few of my favorites:
{# 8}
Do-Over Day
Everyone gets a chance to do something over if they make a
mistake – Moms included!
{# 9}
Movie Day
Make cozy beds on the floor, pop some popcorn, ignore
everything you’re ever read about limiting screen time and
watch movie after movie after movie. This ties in well with
“Mommy is Tired Day.”
{# 10}
Shut Up Day
All credit for this day goes to my friend Beth, but I love it.
When she was growing up, they’d have SHUT UP day, where
they were allowed to say Shut Up all day long – as many times
as they wanted. Whatever your forbidden word is, let your
kids have a day to use it. Expect lots of giggles at this one!
{# 11}
Beach Day
When it's freezing cold, and you just can't wait for spring have a beach day.
Crank up the heat (or light a fire in the fireplace, or plug in
your space heater) and put on your bathing suits.
Spread beach towels on the floor, blow up your wading pool
and play tropical music. Serve snacks and drinks with little
umbrellas - and don't forget your sunglasses!
{# 14}
Snow Day
On a hot summer day, when you just can't wait for winter,
have a snow day.
Crank the A/C, put on your hats, scarves and mittens and
serve hot chocolate and cookies. Use marshmallows to build
snowmen on the table - and don't forget to listen to your
favorite holiday music to get you in the spirit!
Backwards Day
Wake up in the morning and put on your pajamas, serve
dinner for breakfast – do everything in backwards order all
day long.
{# 12}
Snack Day
Nothing but snacks – all day long. Also goes well with
“Mommy Doesn’t Want to Cook Day.”
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{# 15}
{# 16}
I use my craft bag more than any other activity. I keep it
stocked with the usual craft items – colorful paper, scissors,
glue sticks, markers and stickers.
This ties in well with the “just say Yes” motto.
Give a toddler a hose, and you’ve never seen anyone quite so
happy.
I also added in Bingo Dotters* – perfect for painting when you
don’t feel like getting messy, old magazines and a few of my
husband’s button down shirts to use as smocks.
(And yes, I accidentally used his favorites.)
We keep our craft bag tucked away so the kids can’t get into it
themselves, so it’s always exciting when we bring it out and
get creative.
And yes – I have totally taught them the joy of drinking out of
the garden hose!
*Contains an affiliate link.
mylifeandkids.com
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{# 20}
Little kids LOVE to help you around the house. All you have to
do is ask - and be super patient while they're helping.
Things tend to take longer when you have little helpers. And I
certainly don't ask for help every time I'm doing something
around the house, but I always feel like a good mom when I
take the time to let my children help me.
Here are a few ways my kids love to help around the house:
{# 17}
My four year old has loved to vacuum ever since he was a
toddler. Once he was strong enough to hold the vacuum
himself, I've let him go for it. He will pick up the toys in any
room if there's the promise of vacuuming it.
{# 18}
Dust
My 18-month-old could spend an hour happily dusting the
coffee table. Sometimes it's as simple as giving him a baby
wipe. Other times I give him a microfiber cloth.
{# 19}
Wash the Windows
We have a large sliding-glass door in our family room. My 3
and 4 year old are window washing champs. They have their
own squeegees, dish towels and a spray bottle filled with
water and dish soap. (This especially works well if you keep
your expectations very low. I usually have to go back and wash
the windows when they're finished.)
Kids can do all sorts of things to help with the laundry. They
can sort by color or by owner. They can move the clothes from
the washer to the dryer or the dryer into a basket. They can
find matching socks. With your help, they can put the
detergent into the washer and press the buttons on the
washer or the dryer. And my baby LOVES to put our dirty
clothes (and everything else he can find) down the laundry
chute.
{# 21}
Vacuum
Little Laundry Helpers
Take Out the Trash
Depending on where your trash can is, this might be a great
first chore for your child. My 4-year-old is admittedly obsessed
with trash, but it's a chore that he looks forward to every day.
He goes to each trash can and collects the trash, and then
takes it to the outside trash can.
{# 22}
Put Away Groceries
I keep some of my dry goods on the lowest shelf in the pantry
so my younger kids can help me put them away after we go
grocery shopping.
{# 23}
Make Coffee
The kids take turns adding scoops of coffee grounds, helping
me pour the water and pressing all the right buttons.
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{# 24}
{# 25}
My kids LOVE to help me in the kitchen.
A picnic doesn’t have to be a perfect tablecloth outside with
the perfect lunch basket packed with lovely food.
Whether we’re making a box mix of brownies or whipping
something up from scratch, it’s a very popular activity at our
house!
If you have more than one child, it’s easy to split the recipe so
everyone has their own bowl to stir.
A picnic can be a vinyl tablecloth on the family room floor. Or
a meal served UNDER the table.
And when I’m annoyed with my husband, we have picnics on
his side of the bed. (You can read more about that here.)
Picnics are fun – especially when your kids get to decide
where the picnic happens.
{# 26}
Don’t save all the fun for your kids – have some fun with your
husband, too.
You can leave a fun note in his lunch or have a surprise party
in his honor (for no reason) one day after work.
When my kids are heading for meltdowns, I know I can make
things better with just a little time in the kitchen.
This is my favorite recipe to make with my kids.
My brother and sister-in-law used to hide a plastic pink
flamingo around their house to surprise each other. They’d
never know when it would pop out of the dryer or show up in
the shower.
Lame? Maybe.
A little fun and different? Definitely!
mylifeandkids.com
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{# 27}
My mom used to rearrange our furniture every month. I can
remember coming home from school, anticipating where our
couch would end up next. It was like we lived in a whole new
house.
Now that I'm in charge of the house, I really like my couch
where it is. But I bring the same sense of excitement to the
kids rooms.
They LOVE to have their furniture rearranged.
Sometimes I surprise them when they're at grandma's house.
There's just something special about deciding where you want
your bed (even if it makes absolutely no sense in the adult
world.)
The kids love their "new" rooms, and I get to do a little deep
cleaning while we're rearranging.
{# 28}
My kids enjoy a good garage sale. They break open their piggy
banks, wear their backpacks, and away we go.
They learn how to spend their money, and their new toys
usually fill an afternoon with peaceful(ish) playing.
{# 29}
I'm not ready to take three kids this young on a real camping
trip, but in the meantime, there’s a lot to be said for pretend
camping.
When we’re inside, we roll out the sleeping bags, bring our
flashlights, turn on a sound machine for nature music and
bring our Twilight Turtle* with us to provide the stars.
Other times, I let them help me.
This summer, we set up our tent outside for a few days of fake
camping in the yard (although I did NOT spend the night out
there.) *Contains an affiliate link.
mylifeandkids.com
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{# 30}
{# 31}
You may think it’s a motherhood cliché, but it works wonders.
An oldie but a goodie.
The right song can put every single one of us in a better frame
of mind – and a little dancing can set the day on the right
track.
Everyone’s using them because they really do work. Fill a
container with whatever you want. You can make your
sensory tray messy (think cold pasta noodles or shaving
cream) or a little easier to manage – mine are full of rice, small
pasta shells and popcorn.
This is especially great when you don’t have the energy to do a
single thing with your kids. Choose the right song, and you’ll
have that energy you’re looking for.
Here's an impromptu dance party with me and my daughter.
(Will open YouTube video player)
Each child has their own sensory tray – and you can get
creative with your container. Mine are in old cake pans,
shoeboxes would work – whatever you have on hand.
Give your kids cars, foam shapes and other things to find in
the sensory trays and let them go to work.
You can read more about mine here.
mylifeandkids.com
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{# 34}
I used to LOVE the days when all of my kids were either in a
stroller or little enough to wear in a sling. My husband and I
would push the stroller, he would hold the leash for the dog,
and we could walk at our own pace and talk and talk and talk.
Rain Walk
This is one of my least favorite activities – until we actually get
outside.
And then it’s so worth it.
Now there are bikes and scooters and various levels of speed
and skill. Our walks are no longer as peaceful as they once
were. In fact, sometimes I dread them.
But once your kids are resisting the stroller, there are ways to
change up your walks and make them enjoyable once again:
{# 32}
Nature Walk
You don't have to be in the woods to take a nature walk. Give
each of your kids a bucket and encourage them to collect the
fun and exciting things they find on their walk - like sticks,
leaves and acorns.
{# 33}
Accessory Walk
Sometimes the secret to a fun walk is bringing the right
accessories. My kids also love to push child-size strollers, pull
wagons and push grocery carts. We usually play with these
things in the house or in the driveway - but they become extra
special when we take them for a walk around the block. It's
always fun for me to see my daughter (and sometimes my
We take our umbrellas, put on our rain boots, splash in the
puddles, sing Row Row Row Your Boat and just have fun.
There’s something very special about being outside in the rain
– once you actually get out there.
son) stop the stroller to check on their babies. Or pretend to
put more yogurt in their grocery cart at the stop sign.
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{# 35}
{# 37}
I keep a can of shaving cream in the kitchen for meltdown
emergencies.
Sometimes all it takes is a different "uniform" to make
something like riding bikes fun and exciting again.
Spread some on the table, add a few cars, and you’ve saved
the day. It can get messy – but it’s usually worth it!
How silly to be outside, riding your bike, in your PAJAMAS!
My kids think it's super special - and it's actually easier on me
when I don't have to get everyone dressed before we leave
the house.
{# 38}
My mom used to have special dishes for me to make my mud
pies in. I had mixing bowls, wooden spoons, pie tins – and
even an old cardboard box that served as my oven and stove.
Nothing was more satisfying than mixing together the perfect
mud pie.
Teach your kids the art of baking with mud!
{# 39}
{# 36}
My kids love them. And on rainy days, they're a great way to
kill an hour (or more.) Sometimes you just have to suck it up
and play a board game - even if you would rather brush your
teeth while eating Oreos.
Some people call it slime, my kids call it gak. But it doesn't
matter what you call it - it's become a favorite around here.
It's so easy to make, and it's super fun to play with.
Click here for my go-to recipe.
mylifeandkids.com
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{# 40}
{# 41}
Did you know that toilet paper and a spray bottle with water
make awesome fake casts? Oh yes, they do.
If you have a large enough car, (minivan anyone?) it can be
pretty exciting to switch around the car seats.
I like to be Dr. Mom and give my kids the bad news that their
arm is broken and must be put in a cast.
A little toilet paper and water, and they are pretty excited
about their fake cast. Especially when I make them sit in the
"clinic" for a little while and eat a snack before they start
playing again.
The kids LOVE to have their seats in different places.
Sometimes all three kids are in the rear seat, sometimes
they're all in the middle, sometimes two are in the front, one
in the back (you get the picture).
There's a whole new view when your seat in the car changes.
{# 42}
When you're home with little kids, it can feel like some days
are never ever going to end.
Have you ever done 8 million things, messed up the house 10
times over and looked at the clock to see that it's only 9 am?
Me too.
When you use this casting method on a doll, let it sit for a day
or two, and the cast will become hard enough to sign. (I'm
sure it would on a real child, too, but we've never been able to
leave them on for more than an hour or so.)
On days like that, we take a mid-day bath. It calms everyone
down. We all have a reason to just sit in the same room and
play/splash/maybe read a magazine (if I'm lucky).
Sometimes a break in the routine is just what we need to save
the day.
mylifeandkids.com
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{# 45}
When we were little, my dad shaved off half of his moustache
before he went to bed. When my brother and I woke him up
in the morning, we were shocked that he had lost half his
moustache during the night.
We spent most of the day searching for the missing
moustache.
Sticker Scavenger Hunt
Oh my gosh - this is a fun one. I hide stickers all around the
living room and send my 3 and 4 year old in to find them.
While I'm at it, I try my best to teach them the concept of "hot
and cold." (They're getting better.) This was the perfect game
to play when I was extremely pregnant with my 3rd and
needed to find activities that involved me sitting as much as
possible.
I did the same thing when I peeled some wallpaper while my
kids were napping. (You can read more about that here).
Whether you trick your kids into spending hours searching for
something that they’ll never find – or you actually hide
stickers or treasures around the house – a scavenger hunt is
always fun.
{# 46}
Need some new toys? Need them to be free? Click here to
read how to host a toy swap.
Be as simple or as elaborate as you want, but definitely
remember this activity for rainy days. Here are just a few
scavenger hunt variations:
{# 43}
Magazine Scavenger Hunt
Give your kids their safety scissors and some of your old
magazines or catalogs. Tell them to find a baby, something
green, a mom, a car... and cut it out.
{# 44}
Grocery Store Scavenger Hunt
Let's be honest - it's not always easy or fun to drag your kids
with you to the grocery store. But if you have to bring them,
you might as well make it fun. Tell them the things to look for a lady wearing pink pants, green bananas, something blue...
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{# 47}
{# 49}
Give your kids spray bottles full of water and dish soap, arm
them with scrub brushes and dish towels, call the neighbors,
and you have a free bike wash right in your driveway.
Masking tape (or painter's tape) makes great roads on
hardwood floors. And it's a great activity to get the whole
family involved.
If you are feeling super ambitious, add the hose and invite cars
to drive on up to be washed.
{# 48}
My kids love to cut. And I love to let them cut.
I draw shapes on construction paper for them to try to cut
out.
I give them old magazines to cut up and glue onto cardboard.
One time I even gave them their safety scissors and sent them
out into the backyard to cut the grass. (This didn't end well for
my plants or my grill cover - but they had a blast.)
Don't be afraid to let your kids use those safety scissors.
My oldest planned out the city, letting me know where the
grocery store, school and bakery should go.
My middle child decorated the roads with stickers. And the
baby tore down buildings.
It was a full morning of fun to build the village, and weeks of
fun for my son to play with the village after it was finished.
And the tape came up very easily when we were ready to tear
it down. Click here to read more.
mylifeandkids.com
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{# 50}
{# 51}
Remember back in the good old days, when dress up meant
wearing our parents' clothes? Kids still love doing that.
My kids love to write letters.
My kids have all sorts of dress up clothes - most of them from
discounted costumes picked up after Halloween.
But on occasion, we play dress up in my closet.
The only thing better than dressing up like Spiderman or
Cinderella - is dressing up like mom and dad!
Well - they draw pictures and then tell me what to write for
them.
We mail letters to their friends, their grandparents, their
great-grandparents - and even their neighbors.
When meltdowns start happening, I can usually bring
everyone back on track by suggesting we write a letter to their
friends.
{# 52}
I love to surprise my kids with something special. Every now
and then, we leave the house first thing in the morning and go
to our favorite park for a picnic breakfast.
I pack pancakes, yogurt and fruit, and we spend our morning
eating breakfast outside, followed by some playground time
before heading home.
It's a great way to start our day - and helps us break out of our
routine a little bit.
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{# 53}
{# 54}
I know - this is supposed to be about things you can do to
have more fun AT HOME. But I still had to share my top-secret
winter getaway with you.
Whether you bought them at a garage sale or just need a fun
activity, kids LOVE to wash toys.
Did you know that the mall is open long before the stores
open?
It is.
When I first started staying home with my kids, they were
getting up at 6 am every single morning. It was winter, and our
days were long and cold, and we were inside way too much.
I quickly discovered that the mall near our house opened at 7
am. We were there several mornings a week.
We still go there quite a bit. Sometimes my kids agree to stay
in the stroller, so I can get some exercise. Other times, I get
myself some Starbucks (which opens early), and the kids run
around.
And - since the stores aren't open when we're there - I can let
my toddlers run in the mall without worrying about them
going into a store or running into anyone else - since hardly
anyone is at the mall at 7 am.
In the summer months, we grab the hose, our scrub brushes
and some soap.
In the winter, we use the kitchen sink (and sometimes even
the bathtub.) The kids are entertained for hours, and our toys
are clean, too. It's a win-win.
This is a great (free) way to let out that winter energy!
mylifeandkids.com
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{# 55}
{# 57}
I used to love obstacle courses in gym class growing up.
Remember how fun they used to be?
I'm a huge fan of rotating toys.
A toy that hasn't been touched in months can become a
favorite when it's in a different room or taken outside.
They still are!
In the summer, you can set up simple obstacle courses using
trees, cones, chairs - whatever you have available.
On rainy or colder days, you can set up obstacle courses in
your house or in your basement. (Touch the couch, run
around the chair four times, hop on one foot to the television
and then crawl like a crab back to me...) You get the idea.
I try to rotate toys every month - taking toys from the
basement to the family room, from the family room to the
kids' bedrooms, from the bedrooms to the basement.
I like to tuck a few away in the closet, too. They become that
much more special when they're taken out on rainy days.
And occasionally - we wash off the bikes and let the kids ride
them inside (in their underwear.) Please don't judge us.
{# 56}
Here’s one time when you’ll really love that drop ceiling in the
basement.
Hang old sheets from the panels (lifting the panels, and
tucking the sheet corners in there) in the shape of a square –
basically creating a house.
You can use this same idea for a puppet theater, or concession
stand, or anything else you can imagine.
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{# 58}
{# 60}
Round up the neighborhood kids (or don't) and decorate your
bikes and wagons to have a bike parade.
It doesn't have to be Christmas or a special occasion to
decorate cookies. Whip up a batch or pick some up from the
grocery store and provide your kids with the frosting and
sprinkles.
Some streamers and balloons can do a lot to add excitement
to any bike ride!
{# 59}
Have your kids brainstorm ideas that you could do to make a
difference to someone else.
There might be a lot of sugar consumed, but I like to do this
when I'm heading out for the evening.
They could color pictures for the neighbors, wash someone's
car, rake leaves...
I get the kids started and leave right before the sugar can kick
in.
It's fun to see what my kids come up with. (Surprise, surprise my trash-obsessed son always suggests taking out the
neighbor's trash.)
My husband loves it when I do this to him.
mylifeandkids.com
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{# 61}
{# 63}
My kids aren't in the car all that often after dark. (Apparently
we're super lame and don't go anywhere after dark.)
It's always fun to surprise dad!
So when they do get to go on a night-time car ride, it's super
special!
We bring glow sticks, and they have a blast.
Every once in awhile, we have a "special" dinner ready for dad
when he gets home from work.
We use our nicest dishes and dine IN the dining room.
Sometimes we even light candles.
Our entire evening seems special and fun - with very little
effort!
{# 62}
You don't need a fancy ball pit to have a ball pit. Click here to
read more about building your own ball pit.
{# 64}
A mid-morning pretend sleepover in the family room can be a
lot of fun.
We grab our sleeping bags and our favorite stuffed animals,
put our pajamas on (if we bothered to get dressed already),
and pretend we're sleeping over in the family room.
From time to time, we even drag the crib mattresses down to
the family room to make cozier beds.
mylifeandkids.com
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{# 65}
{# 66}
My kids LOVE to decide what we're going to do for the day.
Ever feel like you're in a rut? Like you're doing the same things
day after day after day?
Sometimes I give them three or four options - other times I
give them free reign.
My oldest is obsessed with trash - and anytime I let him
choose, we spend our mornings following the garbage truck. (I
like this activity almost as much as I like playing board games.)
What would your kids choose to do if you let them plan your
morning activities? They might surprise you!
Sometimes just the smallest change can make a big difference.
Like dressing up for dinner.
Even if you're eating pizza for dinner - it always seems special
when everyone is wearing fancy jewelry, their finest clothes
(or dress-up clothes) and speaking in accents (that'd be me.)
{# 67}
If you have kids that love to cut and glue, then they'll love to
do this.
Have them choose a picture in a magazine or draw a picture
themselves. Glue the picture onto a file folder or cardboard
from a cereal box.
Then they can cut their picture into several different pieces the more pieces, the harder the puzzle.
Mix up the pieces they created, and try to put the picture back
together - just like a puzzle.
mylifeandkids.com
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{# 68}
{# 70}
Depending on your child, this could be an activity that keeps
them engaged for hours.
Things can get a little tense in our house when we're waiting
for daddy to come home from work, and I'm trying to get
dinner ready. Tell me your house is the same way!
I give my daughter a muffin tin and some buttons or small
squares of scrapbook paper, and she's happy to sort them,
count them and rearrange them in the muffin tin.
Seriously - all it takes are some buttons and a muffin tin - and
she's in heaven.
My son, on the other hand, doesn't last more than 10 minutes
with this, so it definitely depends on the child.
One lifesaver for us has been putting my 3 and 4 year old to
work.
They wear aprons, carry small tablets of paper and a crayon
and take dinner orders. They take my order, the baby's order,
each other's orders, the dog's order and daddy's order as soon
as he walks in the door.
This keeps them busy for a few minutes while I finish up
dinner.
{# 69}
We don't watch a lot of movies in our house, but when we do,
we make it a really big deal.
The kids make posters advertising the movie to hang around
the house.
I pop popcorn, and the kids are given play money to buy their
bags of popcorn, and their movie tickets (which I print out on
the computer.)
When they enter the "theater" (our basement), they have to
choose their seat before the lights go down, and the movie
begins.
mylifeandkids.com
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{# 71}
{# 72}
Last summer, we used boxes and dollhouse furniture to create
replicas of the kids' bedrooms - and every room in our house.
My kids love flashlights – and who knew? – I do, too.
It was (surprisingly) fun - and I loved seeing where the kids
thought the furniture should go.
When we really need to wind down, we head upstairs, close
the room-darkening blinds, cuddle on the bed and play
flashlight games.
Sometimes we chase each other’s flashlights around the
room, sometimes we make fun shapes, sometimes we light up
our faces.
It’s a great way to wind down and have fun – at the same
time!
{# 73}
We love to put together home movies. The kids perform or
sing or just talk to me, and then we hook our camera up to the
TV so they can see themselves on the big screen.
Lately, I’ve been hooking my entire computer up to the TV so
we can watch our older home videos that are on YouTube.
Click here to read more.
They LOVE to see themselves now and as babies –
and I do, too.
mylifeandkids.com
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{# 74}
{# 75}
Your kids want your attention. Your undivided attention.
Put down the basket of laundry. Stop cleaning the kitchen.
Walk away from the blog – and stop pinning great activities on
Pinterest that you can do with your children.
Put down this book.
And just play with them.
Cuddle them. Snuggle with them. Kiss them. Listen to them.
Talk to them.
Do these fun activities. Or just play whatever they want to
play.
My daughter and I were looking at pictures last week, and she
said, "Look, Mom. You're smiling!"
If you’re really present with your kids – it won’t matter a
single bit what you’re doing. They’ll be happy as can be.
Her excitement to see me smiling made me realize that even
though I might be having a great time with my kids - even
when I'm really playing with them - I might not always be
showing that joy.
If you're happy and you know it - SHOW IT. Smile when you're
happy. LAUGH when something is funny.
Just do it.
It makes a huge difference in the flow of our days when I'm
smiling and laughing - even if it's just a little bit forced at first.
mylifeandkids.com
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Visit MyLifeandKids.com for more fun activities to do with
your kids, parenting tips and tricks - and a whole lot of
humorous stories that all moms can relate to.
Blog: http://mylifeandkids.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/mylifeandkids
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/mylifeandkids
mylifeandkids.com
Page 24

25 Ways to Have More Fun at Home

Transcription

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