The following is a guest post from momAgendaCOMM member Toni Patton.
I am all about planning ahead whether it’s for school happenings, sports practice, or whatever life throws my way. Even when it comes to entertaining, I like to try and pencil it in. That being said, this is real life we are talking about. Sometimes you don’t have time to plan but instead, you have to fly by the seat of your pants. Today I want to share with you three tips on how to entertain kids when you have little or no notice.
Prepare a Movie Night Kit: If you are like us you have a lot of movies on hand, Netflix streaming or a Redbox right around the corner, so you can watch a movie in a moment’s notice. While the movie watching is fun, what makes it even better is if you have all the fixings of a night at the movies right in your own home. Get a container, bag and bucket (no grocery sacks, there’s no fun in those). Fill it with movie night staples…popcorn, candy, soda’s (that can be poured over ice later) and then as you all sit down to watch a movie, surprise the kiddos with the “bucket o’ goodies” and watch their faces light up!
Go on a Scavenger Hunt: When the kids are getting bored with day to day activities a scavenger hunt is perfect! You can even use the momAgenda Sticky Notes for this one. Leave the sticky notes all over the house in places that are hidden but not too hard. Give the kiddos the first clue in hand and it leads them to the second. It could be something like, “Start in the kitchen, look to the hall, now walk straight, until you reach the next wall” which is where they would find the 2nd sticky note and clue. The next clue leads them to another and so on. You can use as few or as many as you like even taking it to the yard for the final clue where the “treasure” is. Their favorite snack, a coupon book of “date nights with mom & dad” and anything else you think they will be excited to find.
Create a Family Game Night Cupboard: Stock your cabinets with some games. This really works for us. We have a desk rather than cabinet full of puzzles, board games, cards, dice, family style video games and everything else you need for family fun at a moment’s notice. This is probably the easiest of all and my kids have the best time. We pull out Taboo, Cranium, Monopoly and the fun is on. If you want a more “tech game night,” add some games like Monopoly, Family Game Night, Disney Sing-Star, etc. for the PS3 or whatever game system you have. Game night made in an instant and smiles all around.
Entertaining kids doesn’t have to be a long planned out thing. Some of the most fun times and best memories come from those “planned in an instant” situations. Don’t forget to make sure among your busy life you take time to have a little fun! What are some ideas that work for you when it comes to entertaining the kids on short notice?
Toni is a member of the Council of Media Moms. Sharing stories about parenting, life and everything in between you can find her on A Daily Dose of Toni. You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook.