Keeping the children entertained is sure to be a challenge, especially when you’ve exhausted the fun options and it’s time to get a few jobs ticked off the chores list.
Thankfully, we’ve come up with a few ideas to help you make those chores seem like playtime, whether it’s keeping their toys clean, making sure everyone is fed and watered or getting stuck in to a bit of learning, check out our ideas below and while away a few hours.
Idea one: Set up a toy car wash
It’s not uncommon for kids toys to get put through their paces, from getting dragged through mud to “helping” out at dinner time, they’re sure to benefit from a little spruce.
Set up your very own car wash for toys and make cleaning feel like more of a game (or perhaps a spa day for character toys!). All you need is a little soapy water and a sponge, as well as a tablecloth or cover to protect the surfaces. Make the toys form an orderly queue and get the little ones in charge of a good scrub and polish.
Idea two: Create an at-home restaurant
Missing eating out? Bring the restaurant indoors and create your own! Whether the kids are old enough to cook for you, or an adult in your house takes on the chef and serving duties, you could create your very own three course special meal based on what’s in your fridge. Take time over the presentation, come up with impressive sounding names for your dishes and even dress the part - we’re talking chef’s hats, aprons and even a notepad and pen to take your orders with.
You could even present the table with the bill at the end, but instead of paying with money, you could exchange the meal for chores such as washing up, dusting the house or even control of the TV remote!
Idea three: Learn something new
Productive pastimes don’t necessarily need to be based around housework tasks. To encourage a little learning at home, you could dedicate a certain amount of time each week to developing a new skill.
Even if it’s just an hour a week, you could spend that time as a family getting stuck into a new topic. This might be in the form of an online language course, your very own book club where you each read each other’s favourite book before discussing it, or even picking up a musical instrument you’ve had lying around for ages.
You could even have a go at structuring this time as a skills swap, whereby each family member takes it in turns to teach another one of their own hobbies - you never know, you may just find a new favourite hobby or a secret talent you never knew you had!
As well as getting stuck into new skills, take a look at our Cooking At Home Hub. Here you’ll find loads of delicious recipe ideas including sweet treats, flour-free bakes and delicious fakeaways you can enjoy cooking at home.
