Cost-effective lockdown entertainment to keep the kids busy and happy

Keeping your kids entertained can be difficult and if you find them spending too much time in front of their screens, you might want to consider dragging them away and introducing them to interactive activities that will boost their mental and physical health.

Create a scrapbook

Scrapbooking is a fun and interactive activity your kids will love. It involves cutting images from magazines, newspapers, and even old material and pasting them in a book of memories.

A scrapbook can be a fun way to teach your child about storytelling, you may also use photos and create a special photo album.

You can use patterned paper, or just normal paper, the idea is to be as creative as possible. Colour plays an important role in scrapbooking, so allow your child to draw, use glitter and feathers. With scrapbooking anything goes.

Play boardgames or some cards

Whether its puzzles, cards, or monopoly, get your family involved in some fun, competitive games that will rile everybody up and get them into the zone. If you don’t have board games don’t fret, a simple game of tic-tac-toe will do the trick, all you’ll need is some paper and pencils.

Cooking and cleaning

Whether you are cooking, baking or simply cleaning, invite your kids and let them help you. Give your kids simple tasks that they can manage, whether it’s stirring the pot or holding the dustpan. Involving your kids will not only stimulate them, but it will also teach them to be responsible.

Play ball

If you have some space in the backyard use it to your advantage and play some soccer with your kids. You can form teams or simply kick the ball to your heart’s content. If playing outside is not an option, clear up that living room and play some volleyball.

Have a picnic

Have a picnic in your backyard! Let your child help make sandwiches, pack some juice, snacks, and fruits in a basket, and don’t forget a blanket. Set up under some nice shade, put your feet up, and listen to the birds. You can play sports or hide-and-seek to tire them out. Even share some old memories and stories with your family, and ask your kids to do the same.

Build a fort

Grab some sheets, pillows, and blankets and let your kids help you to build a fort. The fun lies in watching your fortress come together, this is also a good way to teach your kids some teamwork. When you’ve finished setting it up, fill the fortress with toys it will surely become their sacred space.

Organise a dance-off

Everyone loves some good music, turn it up and challenge your kids to a dance-off. If you have two left feet, host your own lip sync battle. This way everyone gets to be a star while jamming to their favourite tunes.

Spending time with your energetic bundle(s) of joy can be a daunting task, to direct that insurmountable energy into a more productive direction, implement the above tips to keep them entertained while you strengthen your bonds as a family.

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