I adore my kids, but the three of us basically spend 24/7 together right now. And let's be honest, some days we just get tired of each other. We're all a little cranky sometimes and right now, cabin fever is an issue too. But even when we're blah and a little irritable-we try to find little ways to have some fun!
Colored Pancakes-I can honestly say that we haven't eaten normal colored pancakes in years. Just add a couple drops of food coloring to your batter. Super easy way to spruce up breakfast. Or dinner. We have breakfast for dinner quite often. As soon as the kids hear we're having pancakes, they ask what color are we having this time.
BUBBLES-Who doesn't love blowing and chasing bubbles. I always used to think, we can't do that inside!! But I've decided it's no big deal. A lot worse gets spilled on my carpet everyday. Obviously vinyl or hardwood may be a little more treacherous. Slippery when wet!! It's a great way to take a little break and there's giggling galore.
Turn Up the Music-Whether you want to have your own little dance party or just blow off some steam. Great way to get some exercise or take a brain break during your homeschooling. My kids are crazy about Kids Bop. Many times we'll just find Kids Bop on YouTube, turn up the volume a little and dance like nobody is watching! If they are, they'll get their laughs for the day just watching me shake it.
Shaving Cream Bath paint-This always makes bath time more fun! For reasons I cannot understand, my kids usually object to baths. Too often we are at odds by the time its over. But this is one way to get them excited for baths. I just fill a cup with shaving cream and add a couple drops of food coloring and mix. Just make sure you don't add too much. The first time we played with it, my daughter had a purple tint to her arms the next day. I just bought a couple nylon bristle basting brushes and that's what they use as paint brushes. Easy clean up is an added bonus.
Quick Card Game-Take a little break from housework or enjoy some family fun time after dinner. War, Skip-Bo, Uno, Go Fish or countless other possibilities. Around Christmas we found a new card game that we really like. It's called Find it Fast. It was inexpensive, fun even for younger kids, there's several different versions and it doesn't take long to play one full game.
Watch a Funny Movie-Some days its just icky outside, you or the kids aren't feeling well or it's one of those blah days. Find a funny movie for the whole family or even have a movie marathon. Don't worry about getting the dishes or laundry done today. It'll still be there tomorrow. We all need a break sometimes, even the kids. Fix cocoa, popcorn or some other yummy treat. Just enjoy the movies and the time with your kiddos.
Sidewalk Chalk-One of our all time faves. Its cheap and there are endless games to play with it. Even if the weather is a little chilly or dreary outside, bundle up and grab the chalk. Our favorite game is to draw a town. Complete with roads, ponds, buildings and homes. Then you could even add in some other small toys.
Stay in Your PJ's-We actually do this once or twice a week. If you have no appointments that day and no one is coming to visit, why not?!?! Coincidentally, this is also one of our favorite reasons for homeschooling. But it just makes you feel a little more comfy, cozy and lighthearted all day.
Indoor/Outside Picnic-Toss a blanket on the living room floor or in the grass in the backyard, depending on the weather of course. Sometimes just a little break from your usual routine can shake things up. And the kids always think its fun. While I'm fixing our meal, they usually use their play food to make a meal for some of their stuffed animals. Then they join us for our picnic too!
Pictionary-You can make this as short or as long of a game as you want it to be. And if you're like me, my drawing isn't any betters than the kids'. Me drawing anything can always make my kids laugh. Sometimes we'll have categories and other times we just pick whatever we want.
I know these all seem like pretty simple ideas, but that's the point actually. Nothing that is too time consuming, costs too much or takes any pre-planning. You don't have to go to huge lengths or stress yourself out coming up with ideas to occupy yourselves. Just keep it simple and think outside the box. The simpler, the better sometimes! Just add a little fun in here and there. It can make a huge difference in your mood and the kids' moods!
Please feel free to leave a comment and let me know your simple, fun, everyday ideas. And please follow my blog, on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!!
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