Guest Blog written by Jenny Wise of specialhomeeducator.com
Sometimes, kids seem to have an endless stream of built-in creativity that keeps them going, but on other days, “I’m bored!” is all you seem to hear. When the latter happens, finding productive channels for that youthful energy can be a struggle. We found some ideas to help you with those stir-crazy days without overspending.
Health and wellness writer Harriet Hodgson has authored over 40 books. View her selections here!
Toys with Purpose
One solution for kids may seem both obvious and overwhelming at the same time: educational toys. Educational toys have been around for generations, from building blocks to memory games, but because they are such a popular go-to, they come in a tremendously broad variety.
It’s easy to get lost in the selections, so Education.com recommends aiming first for toys that match your child’s current interests and abilities. Look for options that provide open-ended opportunities rather than singular functionality. Collaborative and pretend play toys are a boon, and toys that involve exploration of the real world are also a plus.
Stories and Such
Reading for pleasure is beneficial to kids in critical ways. There are relatively obvious perks, such as helping them to better grasp grammar, punctuation, and spelling. However, it not only can help them academically, as there are indications that reading for pleasure helps them throughout life. They develop empathy and have healthier relationships, and their risk of issues like dementia and depression are reduced.
If your kids aren’t already bookworms, Scholastic suggests reading aloud to them and incorporating artistic play with the story. Maybe this would be illustrating a part of the story or designing a cover for a favorite book. You can save on art supplies when you use a KiwiCo promo code or coupon.
It can also help to pick out books on a favorite subject, like a sports hero, animal, or hobby. To help fit your budget, almost any electronic device can be turned into an e-reader with a free or low-cost app, and then you can load it up with free ebooks.
Another idea is to get your own creative juices flowing and tell your youngster a story. Flintobox explains it’s a great tool to have at the ready for a wide number of circumstances, from calming tantrums to food refusals. What’s more, your storytelling offers surprising benefits to your kids, helping to boost their language and memory skills, enhancing their cognitive perception, and sparking their imaginations. You can even teach them to be storytellers! And while these exercises will cost you a little time, the memories and benefits are priceless.
Burn Excess Energy
There are times when kids seem to have boundless energy, and if they are cooped up inside, it can sometimes lead to frustration or trouble. If your youngster needs an outlet, thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to burn that energy off. You can plug your child into some age-appropriate online exercise videos or dance videos, or you can make up your own dance playlist with your child’s favorite tunes.
Another fun way to entertain your child is with a scavenger hunt. You can let riddles guide the game as your child searches for solutions throughout the house. It’s a great way to engage your kiddo’s mind and body at the same time!
Next time your child is bored, find something productive for that energy. Whether it’s a stimulating learning toy, storytime, or time for physical activity, there are plenty of good options available to moms and dads. Being cooped up can be frustrating, but with good tools at your disposal, your child can be engaged, learning, and having fun!