Keeping Children Entertained at Home
It can be challenging to find fun ways to keep kids entertained and busy, without additional screen time, while being productive yourself. So today Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX panhandle, are sharing some old-school fun and educational things you can do with your children from the comfort of your home.
Build a fort. Give your child a blanket and a few pillows and ask them to turn the couch into a fort. Children love the chance to make a secret place to hide and they'll be much more likely to play independently when they’re in there.
Create a sculpture. Give your children some kid-friendly materials you may already have like modeling clay, and ask them to create a sculpture.
Listen to an audiobook. If your child isn’t reading yet, pick up audiobooks of their favorites. They can sit down and turn the pages while listening to a friendly voice. If you can't find a certain recording, use your smartphone to make one yourself.
Play verbal games. Each one can take a turn naming an animal for each letter of the alphabet or play 20 Questions. You can use the time to take care of things you need to while quizzing your child.
Put together a scavenger hunt. You don't need to put together an entire list—just ask them to find something that begins with a certain letter and let them run around the house looking for it. To keep them motivated, reward them by letting them choose the dinner menu or dessert after they’ve located 10 things.
Let them do a science experiment. Let them discover the world by showing them something to explore. This could include offering them a magnet and suggesting that they see what sticks, or giving them a bowl of water and encouraging them to see what will float and what won’t.
Give them chores. While this will likely not be the most popular option, it can be good for them. For example, if you're going to clean the kitchen, have your kids clean their rooms. This way you’ll have time to complete your work, while your children learn that they have a role in keeping the house clean, too.
Keeping little ones occupied can be challenging but trying new activities will get them used to playing independently. Stay home, stay safe, and call the office of Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX panhandle if you need them!