London, Europe Brief News – Sick day? Snow day? Rainy day? No matter the reason, a day inside and away from your normal routine can be a little stressful — especially if school or day care is closed, and you’re trying to work from home while caring for your kids. Here are some tips to keep your kids busy at home.
Cook something
Most toddlers love playing in the kitchen. When you’re home all day, you’ll definitely have meals to prepare. Instead of trying to keep your toddler busy while you cook, invite them into the kitchen and enjoy collaborating with them on your next meal or snack.
With plastic or silicone bowls and utensils, they can help do things like:
wash fruits and vegetables
mix dry and wet ingredients together
scoop or stir ingredients
mash soft ingredients, like bananas
Find healthy snack ideas and recipes here. Or, check out these gluten-free options.
Break out the bubbles
There’s nothing more fun for a little one than blowing and popping bubbles. Head to the backyard (if you can) or the balcony and enjoy some bubbly fun with your tot.
Make your own bubbles with:
1/2 cup corn syrup
3 cups water
1 cup dish soap (lots of parents swear by Dawn or Joy for bubble making)
Tip: Stir the corn syrup into the water first. Then gently mix in dish soap, trying not to form any bubbles in the process!
Use bubble wands, or see what you can find around the house — toilet paper rolls, kitchen tools, and straws are all good options.
For a less messy approach, you could also try a bubble machine.
Paint
While elaborate arts and crafts are likely out of your tot’s league, most young children enjoy creating and experimenting with paint. Extend the activity by providing a variety of objects they can paint with. They can try leaves, cotton swabs, forks, or even their own fingers!
Set up an obstacle course
Kids in this age range often love climbing, crawling, jumping, and rolling. Help them engage their physical side by setting up an indoor obstacle course.
Use Playzone-fit Stepping Stones to start. Then, add in household objects to create opportunities for your little one to go over, under, around, and through obstacles.
