Your kids aren't going to remember all of the times you said no to a new toy or the days you worked late or weren't with them. They aren't going to remember that you fed them the same lunch for a week straight or kept them in their pajamas all day because you were sick. What they will remember is the time you spent together, and the fun you had!
We don't always have the extra money to spend on activities so here are some fun ways we spend time with our kids at home.
- Have your own dance party! Turn the music on and dance with your toddler. Let loose, sing at the top of your lungs, and make up your own moves. Act silly! Kids love music, pick them up and spin them around. Have fun with it! If you have any instruments bring them out. Let the kids play the drums, or whatever else you may have. March around your house singing and dancing. Having your very own dance party can be great exercise and a fun way to connect with your toddler.
- Reading time. I cannot stress how important reading is. Kids show an interest in books at a very early age. Grab a pile of books and announce that it is reading time. Find a comfy place to plop down and make it exciting. Create your own voices for every character and point out all the different pictures. You can add or omit certain words or sentences for learning purposes. Ask questions about the pictures. Show your child that learning is FUN!
- Cuddle time. Cuddling is another activity that I feel strongly about. Studies show that there are lifelong benefits of cuddling from infancy. "They found a clear link between love and attention in the early years and healthy emotional responses in later life." (Luna Lullaby's Blog) Cuddling shows toddlers that they are safe and loved. I cuddle my toddlers everyday. Usually in the morning when we all are waking up, we lay in bed cuddling and talking about what the day will be like. My kids and I make blanket tents and cuddle underneath. We make growling noises and snuggle deeper into the covers hiding from pretend bears and big foots.
- Talking. Talking to a child helps them improve their speech. It also lets them know that they are loved and valued. Talk to your child, ask them questions about everyday objects. "What is that sound? Can you hear it with your ears? Is that the garbage truck coming down the street?" You can talk anywhere, during any activity. It is amazing how much my son has learned from just asking questions and pointing day to day things out.
- Clean the house. Yes, I said clean the house! We make a big deal out of vacuuming, laundry and picking up toys around here. The kids get so excited to help out. Sometimes we make it a race to clean up all of the toys before the vacuum gets to them. Laundry may take longer with help from the kids but it teaches them to help. They really enjoy putting clothes in the wash and then in the dryer. We also hand them rags so they can "wash" the fridge, stove, dishwasher ect. while we do other hardcore cleaning. Cleaning the house with the kids isn't an everyday thing, we just don't have the time for that. Every once in a while I break out into the "clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere" song and they know I'm serious!
- Make your home into a museum! Now with Pintrist you can find a craft for just about every occasion. Sure they may not turn out like the pictures, but your kids aren't going to know the difference! Make crafts with your kids. Let the creative juices flow. We have a craft cabinet in our kitchen. It is full of construction paper, glue, markers, crayons, paint and random supplies. At least once a week I sit the kids down and attempt a craft. My son thinks it is great! Immediately after finishing whatever project my son wants to hang it on the wall. The result is our own little art museum on our dining room wall. :)
- Movie night!! At least once a month (usually on a weekend) we have a family movie night. We pick out a family/kid friendly movie and make snacks. Then we lay out blankets and pillows on the floor in front of the television. Trevor's uncle calls it carpet camping. We all love it and I look forward to staying up late cuddling with my family.
- Take silly pictures! Kids LOVE seeing themselves on the screen. Use your digital camera, smart phone or laptop webcam to capture silly pictures. Have fun with it, let loose and laugh. It's always fun to go back months/years later and look at all the pictures.
All of the things I talked about are free. I guess the point I am trying to make is that spending quality time with your children is important. It doesn't matter what you're doing, as long as you're doing it together.
If you would like more information on any of the topics above, the websites below are great resources. Or feel free to use google! :)
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