Comments on: Family Friday: Entertaining Kids Without TV & Video Games (Pt 2)

By: The Dyball Clan - Danielle

The Dyball Clan - Danielle — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:17:22 +0000

From a very early age I taught my children to do a few chores especially well (folding laundry, wiping down counters, setting the table), adding new chores as the got older. Now at 6 & 7 my oldest two are capable of doing so much!! They are able to take care of so much without being reminded and constantly corrected.

Another thing I’ve done with my children is use small plastic bins, I put one activity in each bin. I have a set of 5 bins stacked for each child and when I need them to do something quietly or just give them a change in their activity I have them go pick the top bin. The bins I’m using now are about 11×14 by 3 inches high. They are the perfect size for puzzles and larger books. They hold quite a bit. There are so many different activities you can put in them.

This is my first time participating in Family Friday – I look forward to all the great ideas!!

By: Liz@HoosierHomemade

Liz@HoosierHomemade — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:06:57 +0000

Great tips! My boys are older now, in their teens, but we did lots of fun stuff like that when they were little.
Thanks for hosting!
~Liz

By: Home Ever After

Home Ever After — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:01:19 +0000

@Kaye: I have a big basket filled with goodies, but don’t get it out much because it’s sitting on top of a bookcase. Good reminder to use it!
Barbi

By: Home Ever After

Home Ever After — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:00:26 +0000

@Nightowl: lol As long as they think they’re helping, that’s all that matters – right?!
Barbi

By: Nightowlmama

Nightowlmama — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:39:59 +0000

Great post I do this with my children. While I cook I fill the sink w/bubbles and dirty plastic bowls, cups and spoons and let them play…I mean wash them 4 me

By: Kaye - SandwichINK

Kaye - SandwichINK — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:24:59 +0000

What great ideas! My favorite is the “creative juices” box. I used to be able to have a few boxes with different items but we moved to a small apartment. The small boxes idea isn’t working there – no room, so I tend not to do it at all. I’m going to try the big box idea and see if I use it more. I bet I do. Easier to pull it out and clean it up. Thanks for the idea.