Bored children are a handful for hassled parents. With the recent coronavirus outbreak that has stalled school and other activities, parents need a constant source of fun things to do with kids at home.
So, what are some fun things that you can do with your kids when circumstances force you to stay at home? You will like our suggestions for kid-friendly entertainment.
12 Fun Things to Do with Kids at Home to Keep Them Occupied
1. Have a spa day
Females aren’t the only ones who adore massages and spa treatments. And you don’t have to go too far away either – have one in your own home. This study proves its benefits.
If you’re stuck at home, check out your web-friendly online retailers. Also, kids have fun making masks themselves. Why not do so with natural ingredients?
2. Fix Things
Putting broken toys together is one of the best things you can do indoors with your kids.
Try to fix toys and other objects when they break instead of throwing them away. It will save you the money needed to get new ones, and will also give your young ones a sense of achievement.
Fix toys when they break and take them apart when they don’t work. Keep any spare parts for future use. Young kids may need a bit of help, but that’s alright. Keep them involved in the process.
3. Drawing Murals
Children love to doodle, so why not repurpose the activity? Mural drawing can be useful for budding art enthusiasts.
There is a wealth of evidence that backs the effectiveness of art therapy. This study showed baseline improvements in people with mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
If you have a spare wall that you don’t mind them unleashing their creativity on, let them design a mural on it. If the idea of wall-painting is irksome, purchase a few large canvases and let them doodle on that. Feature their work. Their reaction is priceless.
4. Making Meals together
What better way to bond than over food? Cooking is a fun family activity, and it is the best thing you can do at home with your kids.
Making meals with your kids also instills independence. You won’t have to worry too much about them when you’re late home, because they can put sandwiches together.
Try snack art as an extended activity. Kids will find it fun to do; it’s a great way to occupy them at home. Make food sculptures with marshmallows and toothpicks – then eat them together. Have a pretend tea party and let them invite all their stuffed animal friends too.
5. Clean the house
Do your kids hate cleaning their rooms? It’s no surprise if they do. But they may have a different response if you turn it into a fun activity. Compile a list of items, hide them in messy areas and challenge your children to find them.
They will have to clean the messes up to get the objects. You will have a tidy home and get your young ones motivated.
6. Jigsaws
This activity is enjoyable for puzzle-loving kids. It also develops cognition, according to this study. Best of all, they are fun things that you can do with your kids indoors.
Challenge your children to put jigsaws together within a set time, then frame the completed work. Jigsaws will keep your children occupied and increase their brain activity.
7. Rock collecting and painting
Rock painting ranks among the most fun things for kids to do at home and will delight your budding artists. Have your kids collect rocks from the beach and paint them. Use them to decorate your potted plants and other parts of the house.
You will find your children responding to your instructions much quicker because they feel a sense of achievement.
8. Yoga
Bonding time is rare, so use it wisely. If you’re stuck at home with your kids, yoga can be one of the most fun things to do. It benefits their mental health, according to research.
Scour Youtube for Yoga videos for kids. You’ll get them fit and prevent “I’m bored,” refrains.
9. Arrange a Dance Off
What can we do when the reigning Dance King or Queen at home gets bored? Host a Dance-Off, of course.
Dance-Offs or Sing-Offs appeal to a child’s competitive nature. Again, they will feel a sense of satisfaction when they emerge winners of the event. Make it relevant, with community feedback and Judges’ response.
10. Indoor Obstacle Course
Who needs to go outside to build an obstacle course? Create one indoors. Tie rope across the legs of two chairs, and use stools as hurdles. Challenge your kids to complete them as fast as possible. You will engage them both mentally and physically.
11. Play Board Games
Far from what you may think, board games are not passe. Monopoly teaches children how to budget and use money wisely. Why don’t you use real money, and let them keep their winnings? It will give them a sense of pride.
Other tips to keep your kids busy at home
- Don’t question or snap at your children for being bored. They will just become resentful and won’t try to find ways to occupy themselves.
- Ask open-ended questions like “Is there anything that you can do while waiting for mom to finish cooking?”
- Boredom isn’t permanent. Most of the time, it’s a way to get attention.
- Get your children to realize that boredom could be a sign of frustration with the challenges in their lives.
There are many fun things to do with kids at home when circumstances trap you indoors with them. Try these, and who knows? Your kids may develop new interests.
