We had literally just started to get used to online learning again, when suddenly, midterm is upon us all over again. Don't get us wrong - we're glad for the break. But suddenly the week free is looming before us, and there's not a whole lot to do with the kids right now.
It's hard to try to balance work, the running of a household and trying to make the most of this time off with the kids. So we've popped a few ideas down to inspire you and give you ideas of ways you and your kids can have fun together this coming week. They can't see their friends or go places, but that doesn't mean you can't all have fun!
Painting
This on eis great because it works for all ages. Whether you're finger painting or a Monet-wannabe, this one will keep everyone entertained for hours. Even more fun if you're all trying to paint the same thing and get to see how everyone interprets its differently! My favourite is self portraits or portraits of whoever is opposite you.
Themed night
Go all out for an evening! Choose somewhere to 'travel to', say Greece, and make some food from that country like gyros, deck out the sitting room in the flag and any other decorations, play traditional music and have everyone pick a topic from that country - history, holidays, food - and have them give a little presentation! It's a fun, different and informative way to pass an evening.
Obstacle course
A bucket, a chair, a skipping rope - whatever you can get your hands on! Let the get creative with it. A great way to get some exercise - and maybe even a little peace and quiet in the house for you - set them up with some things and let them off. Incorporate a sports day element to it, adding a three legged race, a sprint after spinning five times, whatever they want!
Play a board game
It's always fun to learn something new, and you never know- someone might uncover a hidden talent for scrabble! It's a great way to all sit down together and bond in a way that's not over dinner. it can encourage creativity, and once they know the rules, they can try it themselves with siblings or friends.
Dance
There's loads of dance videos and kids Zumba classes online these days, so there's plenty out there to get them bopping. Or even just let them browse your Spotify to see what they like and make up their own routine! Teach it to cousins on Zoom, or teach it to Mum and Dad.
Build a clubhouse
Or a den, or a blanket fort or whatever they want to call it! As long as it's their space, they won't care. Let them stash a few snacks, steal a few sheets, maybe even help string up a few fairy lights. Yes, it's messy, but it's a little fun in a time that's difficult and often boring for our kids, who don't get to see their friends either, despite the break from school.
Put on a play
On eof my favourite childhood memories is putting on silly little plays with my cousins whenever we visited. The eldest child was always 'the director', and often they were just garbled silly versions of our favourite fairytales. Have them base it on a book or a TV show - it doesn't particularly matter; the fun is in the dressing up and learning lines and making up a story.Play is so important for children and this is a great way to spark their imagination.
Scavenger hunt
Either you make one for them or let them make one for the parents! Either way it's gas watching each other trying to figure out clues. Obviously this is something that needs to be done within the home and garden to try to think of associations with each place or thing for them. Hints like 'Where you fall asleep at night', 'Where you wash your hands' 'Where your toys go to sleep at night' etc are simple and familiar. Have them all be on the same team so that the prize can be split afterwards and there's less upset.
Jigsaw
A timeless classic, if you need a little quiet time, a jigsaw is always a good shout. Need some quiet during that Zoom meeting? Set them up at the kitchen table with a puzzle or two and tell them you want to see their progress when you get back.
Baking
Fun and yummy too! Aside from being a fun activity, it's a great way to introduce them to cooking and maybe even sparking a lifelong passion. Starting out with something simple like fairy cakes is a good shout, as you cna get creative with icing, food colouring and toppings afterwards if you feel like getting a little creative.
Nature walk
I think we're all a little sick of going for our daily walks and 'fresh air' by now. And if we're sick of the same 5k over and over, the kids must be too. Spice things up a little by turning it into a nature walk instead. Bring a checklist along with you of things to tick off or collect like; Something red, something spiky, something soft, something that flies.
Write a letter
Writing to a friend, a beloved auntie or uncle or lonely grandparents not only sneakily gets them to practice their letters and writing, but also can give a real boost to th letter's recipient. Adding stickers, drawings and notes are fun way to get creative with it.
Science experiments
Again, a little messy but great just to see the looks of wonder on their faces. A great way to pass an afternoon and learn a little, we compiled a few experiments to try out here.
