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Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. ---Dalai Lama

5 proven activities my kids can enjoy on their own while I have a moment to myself

Lisa Anthony| Parent/Teacher Life

Between being a teacher and a mom there are many days I make it to the evening and wonder when I’m possibly supposed to take care of myself. I’m sure I am not the only woman in the world who takes care of everyone else throughout every day. In today’s world the term “self-care” is becoming a very popular phrase. However, if you’re anything like me you probably think that’s just something people on Instagram and TikTok actually have time for.

Some good, clean shoving cream fun!

Let Them play.

I try really hard to try and live a lifestyle where I am not constantly orchestrating play and activities for my students or children. The time we just stay out of it are the times when real discoveries tend to happen. After feeling very spent, especially throughout the holiday season, I decided to come up with a list of my go to activities I know my children can enjoy on their own.

stickers and pens on a wooden table
Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com
  1. Pipe cleaners! All children love pipe cleaners. Sometimes I’ll throw out some playdough too, but not always. This morning I had a box of Christmas colored pipe cleaners, pom pom ball, and googly eyes and my girls spent about 2 hours creating “Christmas monsters” to hang on their tree. I was able to actually do my hair this morning because of this. **NOTE – about 2 months ago I decided to start trusting them (age 7 and 10) with the hot glue gun, and I do not regret it at all.
  2. Soapy water! Literally soapy water in anything – different size cups, pot and pans, watering can, measuring cups. Give them some droppers and syringes, and maybe some little figurines (or really any toys you think may need a little cleaning). This may seem like a mess, but it’s what I call a clean mess!
  3. Create a play or make up a dance to perform later! My girls love to make up skits and dances with or without a prompt from me. Of course they have too perform later for everyone too!
  4. Board games! It’s a great idea to have a variety of age-appropriate board games in your arsenal. Some of our favorite games are: Any of the cooperative games by Peaceable Kingdom, Qwirkle, Eye Found It, and of course, classics such as Uno, Candy Land, Sorry, and Guess Who.
  5. How To Draw! They recently discovered “How to Draw” videos on YouTube where artist of all sort show and walk you through how to draw just about anything.

I hope this helps bring a little quiet to your days. Take a moment to blow dry your hair or drink another cup of coffee, and rest assured you kiddos are entertaining themselves.