My Kids Seeking Connection and Need Ideas
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Hi! I can tell my kids are all seeking attention from me. Which honestly is exhausting but I know is important.
I'm looking for ideas on how to fill their emotional buckets that are also enjoyable for me. I do not like imaginary play...eeek.
Favorite board games, outside games, crafts, date ideas? Hoping to take advantage of this during Summer months. -
So hard when it feels like there’s not enough of you to go around. I have girls, ideas below!
My younger kids love spot it, slamwich, puzzles, coloring, making bracelets with pipe cleaners and big beads, old maid, magnetites, being pushed on the swing, riding scooters, guess who.
My older kids like ticket to ride junior, catan, friendship bracelets, jump rope, dominoes, any type of science experiment kit, foil art, bead animal kit, making fortune tellers, roller skating.They all love when I get in the water to swim, when I jump on the trampoline, baking together, playing any of the above games together.
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One thing I was told by our pediatrician when we went from one to two kids is that it’s the quality of time and not the quantity. She told us to make a big deal of the one on one time by telling them how special it was to us and how much we enjoyed it. It could be as small as sitting down to read a book, do a puzzle for 15-20 min but it really did make a difference to spend that time and verbalize how special it was.
Some other fun ideas that we have enjoyed is art hub for kids drawing videos, hide and seek, legos, trampoline or even throwing the ball with my boys. For my oldest he likes to be able to go with just me places, even if it’s to Target!
For dates we will do ice cream, Starbucks, and I have even done sushi before. -
This is so hard and I too am not a fan of imaginary play! I’m planning to take my girls to our families ranch/hill country house this summer for a week and came up with a list of activities, some that can be done inside since it’s so hot where we live. Some I’m sure I’ll have to order kits and look up how to do but hopefully can’t be too hard
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Nature scavenger hunt, Make candles or soap, Tie dye (sheets, bandannas, clothing), “Camping” in beach pop up tent in living room, Baking, make Pine cone bird feeders, Paint bird houses (cheap from Michael’s), Make dog treats, Make ice cream, “paint” with water and chalk outside, make Christmas ornaments, Spa day- bubble bath followed by cucumbers on eyes, facial, mani pedi. Good luck out there! -
I can absolutely relate, sometimes between work, husband and kids I feel exhausted and like there is just no time. I have to remind myself that even 15 truly dedicated minutes with them, means SO much!!
We rotate through kids and each week its one of their week to have special "date" either either mom or dad (we switch off weeks as well). This can simply be grabbing starbucks after or before school. Honestly, I will pick one kid up an hour early from school randomly on a Thursday or Friday (depending on work) and grab starbucks on the way home, or a treat and that goes a long way!!
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I can totally relate!! Here are a few things we started incorporating that take minimal effort. **important put the phone away during special time!!!
- go on a walk and let them lead the way and choose whatever ways they want to go
- watch a show with them (cuddle and hold them, and no phones)
- color with them (this is actually very satisfying as an adult). I got an adult coloring book that I color and they use their coloring books
- Coffee shop date - I get a coffee they get a donut or special treat. We sit across from the table and chat .. again key is no phones!!!
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I definitely can relate. Here is a great article with 67 screen free things to do with your kids. https://www.afterbabel.com/p/67-screen-free-activities-for-kids
homemade playdough is one of my favorites! From 2-10, it has been a play thing that I also relaxing for me.
