Ways to Entertain the Kids at Home

by Rose Elder

Being a stay at home mom has its good days and its not so good days. Today I had the later. I have been so busy planning Alexander’s birthday party this Saturday that I forgot tomorrow is his actual birthday! I literary ran out the house to buy a small cake and a little present. I have been organizing the house for the grandparent’s visit on top of all the daily motherly duties you know about.

Alexander goes to preschool three times a week. Preschools in California are E-X-P-E-N-S-I-V-E, like, crazy expensive. Also, to be completely honest, I love having him at home twice a week. If I had no choice I would send him daily, but I can give him a bit more time at home before kindergarten. But I am not Super Mommy, so when I have both boys at home the hardest thing for me seems to be keeping them busy and content.

I put together for you a series of activities I do with the kids during the weekdays when they are both home. Hopefully I can give you fresh ideas!

We have a swing hanging from a tree. I cannot even start telling how great of an investment it was. Alexander can be in it for hours at a time. When he was younger I would bring a chair, sit down and push him. Once I counted two hours straight of him in the swing! Now that he is almost four he wants me to stand up to be able to push him higher. Darn!

Playing dress-up seems to be more of a girl thing, it has never been very popular with my boys. Maybe yours will love it, who knows, but Alexander did enjoy jumping around like Cat Boy!

I added a sandbox in my backyard. Another great investment. Alexander, and now Nicholas, have played in that sandbox for hours and hours. The downside is that even if you are super careful, some sand will come inside the house. But in my opinion it’s worth the hassle for the time it keeps them occupied.

Alexander is starting to love playing “selfies”.

Thank you Legos! The inside activity that keeps my 4 year old the busiest is most definitely Legos. He will make towers, ships, houses and an infinity of inventions inspired by “Rusty Rivets”!

Playing with daddy’s shaving cream, or just playing in the sink with a little bit of water. Both of my kids just love sensory activities around water. Also playing carwash in it and filling different containers is something they love to do.

My kiddos also spend a good amount of time painting and drawing. Even my one and a half year old loves it!

When things get out of hand the park is always the best outlet for all of us. I try to meet up with a friend but its not necessary, we always end up meeting people there!

And yes, I let Alexander watch cartoons. I try to convince myself that “Super Why” is teaching him how to read and “Daniel Tiger” how to be a better little boy.

A tent house is always a fun adventure for them. Get out the sheets and help them make something fun. Then ask them to furnish it and thats when they get really creative.

We play Easter egg hunt almost year round. Inside, outside, both inside and outside. It’s one of Alexander’s favorite things!

Another summer favorite is bubbles. We play bubbles at least once a week. They chase them, pop them, and the last time they were even trying to eat them! Yuck!

That IKEA black/white board has been my friend too. Alexander loves to learn the letters and their sounds, and for some reason Nicholas can scribble for a long long time.

I love when my 6 year old neighbor comes for playdates. Keeps both entertained and I can even step out for a moment!

Railroads is another creative activity Alexander loves. Lately we haven’t played as much because his little brother crawls through the tracks and makes Alexander loose it a bit.

We also love going on walks around the neighborhood collecting treasures or making a leaf project. We pick all the different leafs we see. He learns about all the different sizes, colors, textures and shapes. And this one keeps them busy for a while.

Slime is something every kid loves. There are safe ways to make it. I believe you can find the recipes in Elmer’s glue website. The first time we made it, Alexander played for 4 hours straight. I let him use every kitchen tool you can imagine and he had a blast!