When the coronavirus pandemic was announced in March last year, parents had one thing in their minds: how would they entertain their kids now that there was no school and playdates? Experts suggest that parents don’t feel obligated to entertain their kids all day long; the kids will learn better this way. For them, children’s imaginations will develop if their parents will simply let them be. They have to figure things out by themselves.
But, of course, this is easier said than done. If you see your three-year-old toddler suddenly throwing a tantrum or sitting in silence as they stare into space, you will also worry about what the pandemic is doing to their development. Whether or not you have finally decided to take them out or send them to school despite the threat of the virus, it is vital to find winnable and easy-to-execute solutions on how to give them things to do that will help you in the end, too.
Art Projects
Admit it; you love the idea of doing some art projects to decorate your home. Why not let the kids do it with you? Kids love anything that has to do with colors, sequins, glitters, and cutting. This is your chance to develop their artistic skills and, at the same time, make something that you can use as a house décor. Now that the holidays are just around the corner, why not make Christmas tree ornaments? All you need are some cardboard, glue, cutter, scissors, and paint. Let your kids paint the ornaments and put gold and silver glitter since that’s something that they’ll enjoy.
Dinner
Let your kids help you in the kitchen. If they are old enough, you can delegate mundane tasks such as breaking off the asparagus stems, mashing potatoes, peeling carrots and zucchini, and mixing the dough. Kids can easily do these things. They’ll love to do it even. You might think all they want is to play, but they are actually looking for a purpose. Letting them help you in the kitchen will give them a high.
You can also let them prepare the table and afterward, make them put the dishes in the dishwasher or pat the dishes dry after you washed them. These tasks are doable even for someone as young as four years old. You can even leave them to pat dry the utensils as you answer emails.
Office Chores
If you are working from home, then it’s harder to entertain kids. You sometimes feel like you have to divide yourself between working and being a parent. Do you know what else you can do? Make them do simple office chores. Younger kids can shred unimportant documents. Just make sure you explain to them that only the pile you will give them should be shredded. Older kids can help you organize receipts by date.
If they’re already at that age where they can type, you can ask them to do some computer chores for you as well. As long as you check the output before submitting or sending anything to the office, your kids can do that. Making them work alongside you will give them a sense of fulfillment. Plus, kids love to spend time with their parents, whether it be playing or doing simple tasks.
Life Skills
You are not going to be by your children’s side forever. They will soon have a life of their own. As soon as they go to school, they’ll start building that life with their friends. When they go to college, you won’t be there to cook them meals and fold the laundry for them. Teaching them essential life skills will go a long way toward preparing them for an independent future.
What are these life skills? Depending on your kids’ ages, you can make them do the laundry, fold the clothes, sort out their own stuff, tie their shoelaces, and clean the house. Wiping surfaces is something that every kid should learn at a young age. Cleaning after themselves is another thing. Personal hygiene is also best taught at a young age so that they will bring these lessons with them as they grow old.
Make the most out of your time with your kids. Don’t allow the stress of work and home to get into your bonding moments with them. To better manage your time, let them help you. It’s surprising how much information kids can absorb at a young age. Remember that their minds are like sponges. It just keeps absorbing new knowledge, so better make the most of these moments.
Meta title; How to Entertain Kids and Help Yourself Out, Too
meta desc: Is there anyone who can truly address the problem of toddler boredom? Almost every book in the world has the same advice, so why not do something that will help you out, too?
