Even though you’d like to go out and do some fun family activities, you don’t always have the option. For example, if the weather’s bad, you might be forced to stay inside. It’s easy for the family to end up sitting around separate devices, all entertaining themselves.
There’s nothing wrong with spending some time alone. But it can become an issue if your family makes a habit of living separate lives. Families need to do things together so that they can form bonds and grow together. Also, this is the best way to teach your children organically. You can teach your children skills that they won’t learn at school, but that are important for adult life. Here are some indoor activities that you’ll all enjoy together.
Cooking Together
That’s right, the kitchen no longer has to be the domain of mom and nobody else. Everyone can get involved with cooking and baking together. If your children haven’t tried cooking before, then start with some easy recipes. Ideally, make things that they’ll enjoy, like baked treats or their favorite meals.
While you’re cooking, make sure that you’re there for the more dangerous parts. This is especially important if you have younger children. Ensure that it’s as stress-free as possible, so try not to get frustrated if things go a bit wrong or take too long. This is why it’s best to start with cookies or treats, instead of the family meal.
First and foremost, cooking should be fun. But it’s also an important thing to teach your children, preferably early. If they can at least make a simple meal or two before they leave home, they’ll find independence much easier. Cooking is cheaper and healthier than ordering takeout, so it’s best to get into the habit of it. You don’t need to raise the next Gordan Ramsey, but at least help your kids know what to do with some basic ingredients.
As well as cooking together, your family should eat together as well. If you all eat at least the main meal around the table, your family will have more opportunities to chat. This is the best time to find out what’s going on with your kids. Even untalkative teenagers might open up.
Craft Projects
Kids tend to like making things. Craft projects allow you to make your own fun at home. For example, you can make a cardboard dollhouse with your children. This dollhouse isn’t just fun to make, but your children can play with it later on.
You will need:
- Flat cardboard cut into at least 5 equal squares
- Gift wrap
- Duct tape
- Glue stick
Now you can put together your “rooms”. You’ll need 5 squares of cardboard per room. Here are some simple instructions:
- Glue gift wrap to one side of each cardboard square and trim it to fit. If you’d prefer to paint your cardboard squares, you should do both sides so the cardboard doesn’t warp.
- Create an open cube with the cardboard squares. The gift-wrapped side should face inward. Secure the cardboard “walls” with little bits of duct tape.
- Duct tape all outside seams and press firmly. The open face should be towards you.
- You can create as many rooms as you like and stack them in a pattern. Decorate with doll furniture and other toys and have fun.
Craft projects are a great way to keep your children engaged. Different projects can teach them practical skills, like small motor skills, and help them to see how things are put together. You can also encourage their imagination and creativity. Some projects only take about half an hour, while others are more involved.
You’d be surprised at what you might inspire. Make sure that your kids are involved with the project as well. If they’re young, it might be an idea to do all the work with scissors yourself, but let them pick the decorations. You could also ask them what projects they’d like to do.
Play Games Together
Children learn a surprising amount through play. Simply playing imagination games with other children helps them to develop social skills and creativity. However, if you play games with them, you won’t just have fun together, but you can guide their learning.
It all depends on the games you play. Board games are great fun, and some of them can get the brain going. The type of board games you play often depends on the age of your child. For example, monopoly is fun for older children, but might be too long and difficult for a 6-year old.
You can also teach your child some simple card games, like Go Fish!, or Snap. However, it’s easy to fall into the trap of forcing your child to play board and card games that they don’t want to. Sometimes, they do end up enjoying it, but they might get bored and resent it. Try not to push them, as this is meant to be fun for you all.
If you’d prefer to play in a way that directs learning, try some fun spelling games you can do at home. You can even play hide and seek or other more physical games with your kids at home, to an extent.
Movie or Video Game Night
Sometimes, even sitting in front of a screen can be a family activity. If your kid wants to just sit and watch a movie, then make an evening of it. Make some popcorn and some drinks and sit together as a family to watch a movie. Pick the film out of a hat or let someone choose each week so that there are fewer arguments.
You can also play video games as a family. Some video games are perfect for groups, particularly those which have plenty of mini-games. Short, five minute games that let you all swap around are great if you have limited controllers. This way, you’re engaging with your child’s interests rather than the other way around. Besides, they’re fun.