With school holidays again seeming like they are just around the corner, you may be starting to wonder how you’re going to ensure that everyone, including yourself, is enjoying their time at home. It is essential, particularly with kids at home, to find inspiration for how to spend time in a way that’s going to be entertaining for the whole family.
But BEFORE you start going on a ‘Pinning’ spree (and collecting a billion resources to keep your kids entertained), I want to remind you of something again…
While we can’t control what is happening around us, we can control how we respond.
Sometimes scrolling the socials can make you feel like we need to DO more (have more, set up more, buy more)…but at their very core, our kiddos just want to feel connected with us ????????????
Here are a few things to consider:
1. Lean into family time
Invite your children to help with daily tasks (even if they don’t do them ‘right’). Bake with them and stock up the freezer.
Invite them to ‘help you’ sort the odd socks. (Seriously, where do the partners GO?!)
Keeping things relatively ‘normal’ helps keep the calm amongst the uncertainty.
2. Boredom is the birthplace of imagination
Despite what social media is often showing us – you don’t need to be your child’s entertainment coordinator! Of course, have a few ideas up your sleeve but don’t feel the pressure to DO, DO, DO.
3. Keep it simple!
Dance parties, balloon games (aka ‘keepy uppy’ Bluey style!), making cubbies/couch forts, playing hide and seek… Don’t undervalue those simple, timeless games!
4. Check in with YOURSELF
How are you feeling? Are you doing things that fill your own cup? Because the better you feel, the better you show up for yourself AND the people around you. (Make sure you check our list of ideas to take care of you in iso here)
So without further adieu, here are 5 tips to help you find your new favourite family activity that is sure to allow you to make the most of the holidays.
5 Ideas to keep the Family Entertained at Home
#1 Get some exercise
Just because you’re indoors doesn’t mean you can’t get your body moving! Making a fitness plan is a great way to give your day some structure and ensure that you are staying healthy. Whether you’re prepared to create an at-home gym, do some laps around the garden or get the family involved for a dance party, exercise is crucial for not only keeping your body healthy but your mind too. Fitting in some physical activity daily, even if it’s only 10 minutes, will not only help fill the day but can be a fun way for the family to keep fit and active together.
#2 Create something new in the kitchen
While routine is essential, switching up the specifics is a great way to keep each day fresh and exciting. Cooking is one of the best ways to get the family involved in making something fun and delicious. Branch out from your usual favourites and find your next favourite dish that the whole family is sure to love. Let your kids explore different flavours and recipes and discover their own personal love for food. Involving them in the cooking process is a great way to keep them entertained and inspired during the holidays.
#3 Put on a puppet show
You may be starting to miss being able to get out of the house for a show, so why not bring the show to your home? A great way to get creative at home is to create your own theatre experience. A puppet show is a super fun and straightforward way for the whole family to get involved in putting on a standing ovation worthy performance. Grab some socks and your craft kit, or see who can make the best puppet out of another household object, and start creating your own unique characters. Assign a scriptwriter or put your improv skills to the test to star in your very own interactive show.
#4 Redecorate
Redecorating the house doesn’t have to be a chore, involving the family in your spring cleaning endeavours is a fun way to spend a day and handy for ticking off some household tasks at the same time! Help the kids to create a plan for how they would like to decorate their room and then get them to help out with cleaning up and redecorating other rooms in the house. Your house makeover will have it feeling like a brand new home in no time.
#5 Build a fort
One of the most exciting ways to spend time at home, especially on a rainy day, is to grab the blankets and build your family a fort to hide away in. Gather the family, along with some essential snacks, to enjoy a cosy and relaxing day together. Your fort has the potential to host a board game competition, a movie marathon, some family reading time or simply a nap! The opportunities are endless and are sure to keep everyone entertained and having a great holiday.
