This is a guest blog from Carrie Spencer. THANK YOU CARRIE!
Her website is thespencersadventures.net.
While fall is known for mild temperatures and beautiful foliage, there are still days when it’s a little too cold, too hot, or rainy to spend time outdoors. And as a parent, you know how essential play and exploration time is for your kids. Through Parenting Advice, I strive to provide practical guidance that parents can use each day, so I thought I would share some awesome indoor activity ideas that will entertain and educate your kids!
Technology
Technology gets a lot of flack, but it has a lot of benefits to offer, even when it comes to your kids. For example, educational TV can teach children a wide array of subjects and topics while keeping them entertained. It can present healthy role models and expose them to things outside of their little world (e.g., new cities and countries, different cultures, exotic animals, etc.). What’s more, there are many shows to choose from for all ages of kids on channels like PBS, Discovery Channel, History Channel, and more.
Certain online games can also grow your children’s knowledge and intellect. PBS and National Geographic each have a number of games based on their TV programs. Games like Minecraft and Terraria can help children foster their creativity and sharpen problem-solving skills. Even some of the fun-heavy games like Fortnite and Mario Kart Tour involve strategy and critical-thinking skills. And if you want to use technology to keep your kids physically active, Nintendo Wii games like Just Dance 2020 and Dance Dance Revolution are solid options!
To use technology to keep your kids entertained, educated, and active, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. Of course, you will need a gaming console for certain games, but one device that will provide your children with a wide variety of options is a tablet. Investing in a kid-friendly tablet will allow your kids to watch their favorite shows and movies, play their favorite games, and maybe even get some homework done! There are many options on the market, so be sure to find a durable, user-friendly tablet that has the features you want.
DIY Crafts and Arts
Crafts and arts are a great way for your kids to learn without knowing they’re learning. And finding projects to do with them can help you add some joy to your own life in these strange times. Plus, there’s a plethora of ideas out there — so many that you and your children will likely never run out of new things to try. For example, the classic paper pinwheel is easy to make, it can teach kids STEM skills, and you can use any type of paper (even some of your child’s old artwork). Or, perhaps your kids would like to make paper bracelets that they can wear proudly!
If you want to keep your kids intrigued with a strong payoff, have them make their own play dough; it only requires three ingredients and can be done in minutes. If you want to stick with the fall theme, explore the various arts-and-crafts projects you can do with leaves, such as making prints, magnets, butterflies! And of course, you can always help your kids make a milk jug watering can to water those beautiful house plants!
No one needs to tell you how tough being stuck indoors can be on your kids. They are made to play, explore, and learn, and when the weather doesn’t permit outdoor activities, it’s essential to have some things for them to do inside. Look into all of the educational TV shows, online games, and indoor arts-and-crafts projects that can keep your kids engaged and learning. And don’t be surprised if you’re suddenly the coolest parent on the block!
