6 Downtime Activities That Don’t Involve Screens

screenlessactivities1

Screenless Pastimes Kids Will Love!

There are many times that you want your kids to play quietly but don’t want them propped in front of the TV or other devices. This may be their “rest” time when they no longer nap, when you have a baby sleeping, when you need to get something done without too many interruptions, or when it’s close to bedtime when you don’t want them wound up. Sometimes it is so much easier to pacify kids by flipping on the TV, but learning to play alone and to stay focused on an activity for a period of time is a skill that kids need to learn. Here are a few great ways to keep kids entertained without electronic devices.

Have a bin of toys for down time. Create an area in your home or basket set aside specifically for when you want your child to be playing quietly. These toys can include a felt board, putting beads on a pipe cleaner (it’s easier than using string), Legos, word searches or other educational activities, or building with toothpicks and marshmallows.

screenlessactivities2Puppet show. This is a great time to practice interactive play with your kids. They can practice dialogue, using their imagination and improve their verbal skills.

Puzzles. Puzzles have been shown to enhance creativity and to increase concentration. Be sure to have several puzzles that are appropriate for the age of your child. If they get too frustrated, they won’t want to play with them.

Sensory activities– shaving cream “painting”, finger paints, sand tables, water table, and blowing bubbles are all fun activities that are good for down time. Most of these require extra parent vigilance, so choose these activities when you have time to play with your kids. Bubbles can be used indoors too! I let my kids blow bubbles into the bath tub. That way, you can contain the mess and rinse it away easily.

Books on tape. If your child is preschool age or older, listening to a book on tape and being able to turn the page when the bell chimes is a great pre-reading skill. It is also a great way for an emergent reader to learn to read new words.

Play dough. Whether you buy it or make your own, this is a great down time activity. Play dough is great for improving fine motor skills (the muscles needed for handwriting and scissors), as well as creative play.

Having these go-to activities will allow you to give your kids some choices that are technology-free.
 
 
Meet The Bella Behind the Blog: Kristen Farley is a mother of three and a domestic goddess. She is a former teacher who enjoys spending lots of time with her kids, healthy eating, volunteering at school, and mommy blogging for the masses.

Be on the lookout for more of Kristen’s expert advice and brilliant tips!

Author: Kristen Farley

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