How many times have I had downtime with the kids and they are bored, they’re slumping around the house with gaze fixed on me, as if to say, “Dad, what can we dooooooOO?” It’s not easy having fresh ideas to pull out of my hat, some of you dads might know what I’m talking about. Here are five free activities that will entertain the kids for hours.
I often try to see this as an opportunity to bond with the kids and to teach them the finer point of playing well with others and communication which usually means picking up on social cues, keep in mind I am talking about toddlers and preschool kids.
Over the next few months I will throw out a few more ideas and maybe eventually I will compile a master list. Moms and Dads, please pipe in.
1. Shadow Tag: all it takes is a sunny day – go to an open area, chase each other around using shadows. Whoever is “it” steps on somebody else’s shadow thus making that person “it.” Of course you don’t have to play with them, but explain the rules and set them up for a friendly round or two of tag, so they can get some exercise, have some fun and maybe blow some steam off.
2. Play Fort: I just did this with the boys yesterday. It was cold and rainy outside. They had an absolute blast. Span blankets across the backs of two chairs or simply throw a sheet or tablecloth over the dining room table, viola – a “fort.” They filled the fort with pillows, stuffed animals, snacks and flashlights. Once the novelty started wearing off, “Daddy Monster” came in to attack them when they were inside the fort, squeals of joy – that’s all I’ll say.
3. Monster Mask: regardless of your artistic abilities, I think everyone can have a good time with this. Take a brown paper shopping bag and have the kids draw a scary face with crayons, pencils, markers, whatever… Cut the eyes out, unless they old enough to do it themselves. Have them take the time to paste More »
Tags:
2-4 years,
dad hack,
DIY
