Enjoy the following guest post about affordable indoor entertainment on hot summer days.
Josh Moore created diaperdads.com to not only give credit to all the superhero dads out there, but give them some helpful tips to navigate fatherhood, diapers and all.
Josh Moore created diaperdads.com to not only give credit to all the superhero dads out there, but give them some helpful tips to navigate fatherhood, diapers and all.
As parents, we know that we’re supposed to encourage our children to get outdoors and exercise. But not every day has to be an outdoor day. Whether you’re hunkered inside for a thunderstorm or simply want to stick close to home, there are plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained right under your own roof. Here are some mom-inspired ideas for kids of all ages.
Bedroom Redo
While not exactly entertainment, spending a day redecorating a child’s bedroom is a great way to bond. You can talk through what they want and then help them learn to make smart decisions, which is particularly important if you’re on a budget. For example, if they want a Pokémon-themed room, you can avoid the expense of graphic sheets and a themed comforter by sticking with solid colors, wall stickers, and DIY art. This way, when they inevitably decide their favorite thing in the entire world is Marvel movies, you won’t have to replace their core decor, just the accessories.
Surprise Spontaneity
You are likely a predictable parent. Your children know your routine, whether you want to admit it or not. But indoor days are the perfect time to shake things up a bit and surprise the kids with something new! Spend some time researching possible activities they might enjoy. This could be something as modern as a new video game, or you could go old school with art and craft supplies. Other ideas are an indoor trampoline, plug and play gaming system, or a new movie they haven’t seen in theaters. For the latter, make sure to have popcorn and boxed candy available. Gather your supplies ahead of time, and make sure to shop Rakuten stores for the best available discounts and promotional codes.
A shared interest
Video games are a great idea for helping siblings spend time together, but these often lead to unhealthy competition, particularly among those who are close in age. Save the electronics for solo or family time, and look for activities the kids can do together. Playtivities suggest things like Twister and treasure hunts. But you can also simply hand them a bit of random materials, like Legos, sticks, and rocks, and see what they can come up with together. Older siblings might even enjoy helping little ones with papier-mâché or other crafts that involve scissors and glue. An added bonus: they may entertain each other long enough for you to sip a cup of coffee with your spouse or partner.
Turn off the tv
You do not need electricity to spark your child’s creativity, or the desire to spend time with you. Sometimes, it’s more fun to turn off the lights and build a blanket fort. This is an especially fun activity during a storm when the power is out. You can use your couch, TV, and bookcases as an anchor for your roof, and then pile pillows underneath for a snuggle-fest the kids won’t soon forget. Not only will this not cost you a dime, it’s also a great introduction into engineering. And, you never know, you may just spark a love of building and architecture that could turn into a fruitful career down the road. On a smaller scale, you can use things like gumdrops, marshmallows, toothpicks, and noodles to build bridges, houses, or other models by candlelight.
With a little creativity, you won’t have to spend a lot of money to keep the kids busy indoors. Fun activities, like building a blanket fort or opening your own at-home movie theater, are easy to do. And, chances are, you have almost everything you need already in place, all you have to do is look.
With a little creativity, you won’t have to spend a lot of money to keep the kids busy indoors. Fun activities, like building a blanket fort or opening your own at-home movie theater, are easy to do. And, chances are, you have almost everything you need already in place, all you have to do is look.
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If you haven’t already read the book, it’s a great place to start - Relationship Reboot: Break free from the bad habits in your relationship.
David B. Younger, Ph.D. is the creator of Love After Kids, for couples that have grown apart since having children. He is a clinical psychologist and couples therapist with a web-based private practice and lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, 15-year-old son, 6-year-old daughter and 8-year-old toy poodle.
If you haven’t already read the book, it’s a great place to start - Relationship Reboot: Break free from the bad habits in your relationship.
David B. Younger, Ph.D. is the creator of Love After Kids, for couples that have grown apart since having children. He is a clinical psychologist and couples therapist with a web-based private practice and lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, 15-year-old son, 6-year-old daughter and 8-year-old toy poodle.
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