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20 Things Parents Can Do with Children who are Bored that Don't Cost Money

Relying on others to entertain your children is expensive isn't it? So for the family who has a limited budget it is always a good idea to watch spending and come up with other ways to enjoy time with your family. These ideas kept boredom away on most days. Here are 20 tips that might help. Most of these I have done with my four sons during long school breaks.

1. Engage in imaginative play: Encourage your children to use their creativity and imagination by engaging in pretend play. This could involve building forts, playing dress-up, or creating a make-believe world.

2. Go on a nature walk: Take your children on a walk in a nearby park or nature reserve. Explore the outdoors, point out different plants and animals, and encourage them to observe and ask questions about their surroundings.

3. Cook or bake together: Involve your children in the kitchen by allowing them to help with age-appropriate tasks such as measuring ingredients, stirring, or decorating. Cooking and baking can be a fun and educational activity that also yields delicious results.

4. Have a family game night: Gather the family and have a game night with board games, card games, or even video games. This not only helps pass the time but also promotes bonding and friendly competition.

5. Create art and crafts: Provide your children with art supplies such as paints, crayons, paper, and glue. Encourage them to create artwork or engage in simple craft projects. This can be a great way for them to express themselves and develop their artistic skills.

6. Read books together: Choose a book that suits your child's age and reading level and read it aloud together. You can take turns reading, discuss the story, and even act out scenes from the book.

7. Set up a scavenger hunt: Create a scavenger hunt around your home or in the backyard. Give your children a list of items or clues to find and let them explore and search for the hidden treasures.

8. Plan a family movie night: Let your children take turns choosing a movie and set up a cozy movie night at home. Prepare popcorn or snacks, dim the lights, and enjoy the movie together as a family.

9. Visit a local museum or exhibition: Check if there are any child-friendly museums or exhibitions in your area and take your children on a learning adventure. Many museums offer interactive exhibits and hands-on activities specifically designed for kids.

10. Teach them a new skill or hobby: Use the opportunity to teach your children a new skill or introduce them to a hobby. It could be anything from learning to play a musical instrument, knitting, gardening, or even basic coding. By engaging in activities like these, you can help them discover new interests and develop their talents.

11. Have a family dance party: Clear some space in your living room, put on some music, and have a dance party with your children. It's a fun and energetic way to get moving and enjoy some quality time together.

12. Build a blanket fort: Use blankets, pillows, and furniture to create a cozy fort in your living room or bedroom. Let your children's imaginations run wild as they design and decorate their own secret hideaway.

13. Host a family talent show: Encourage your children to showcase their talents, whether it's singing, dancing, telling jokes, or performing magic tricks. Everyone can participate, and it's a great opportunity to cheer each other on and have a good laugh.

14. Plan a backyard picnic: Pack some snacks or sandwiches, grab a blanket, and have a picnic in your backyard. Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while having a relaxed meal together.

15. Organize a treasure hunt: Create a treasure hunt by hiding small objects or clues around your home or backyard. Provide your children with a list or series of riddles to solve, leading them to the hidden treasures.

16. Teach them card games: Teach your children simple card games like Go Fish, Crazy Eights, or War. Card games are easy to learn and can provide hours of entertainment for the whole family.

17. Have a storytelling session: Sit in a circle and take turns telling stories. You can start with a sentence or a theme and let each person add to the story. It's a fun and imaginative activity that sparks creativity and storytelling skills. I took this a step further as my third son and fourth son got older. Here is an example: 

18. Do a DIY science experiment: Look up simple science experiments online using household items. Engage your children in hands-on learning by conducting experiments like making a volcano erupt with baking soda and vinegar or creating a homemade lava lamp.

19. Play charades: Write down different activities, movies, or objects on small pieces of paper and put them in a hat. Take turns picking a paper and acting out the word or phrase while others try to guess. It's a lively and interactive game that requires no additional props.

20. Create a family scrapbook: Gather old magazines, newspapers, scissors, and glue. Sit together and cut out pictures, words, or phrases that represent special memories or interests. Help your children arrange and glue them onto a large piece of paper or a scrapbook, creating a personalized family keepsake.

Remember, the most important aspect is spending quality time together and nurturing the bond with your children, regardless of the cost of the activity. Now that two of the four sons are adults, I have checked in with the guys to get their feedback about those many school breaks and all the fun stuff we have done. What was most important to them was being with me and sharing quality time with the rest of the family no matter what we did. They mention they enjoyed playing games and going outside to play the most before they started spending more time playing video games. 

Make great memories Moms and Dads!

Have a fun summer!

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What to Say to a Teen Who is Having a Tough Time with Family Members

When talking to a teenager who is having problems at home with parents and siblings, it's important to start by asking questions about the situation. Ask them how long this has been an issue in their household, and what steps have already been taken to try and resolve things? It can be difficult for teenagers to express how they're feeling, so make sure you provide an open and supportive environment where they feel comfortable enough to talk about their experiences.  

Try to get some insight into why the behavior of family members may be causing issues. This could help identify any underlying emotions that need to be addressed, such as unresolved anger or hurt feelings. If possible, encourage the teen to take part in activities outside of the house - getting fresh air, physical exercise, and socializing can all help to improve their mood.  

It's also important to emphasize the importance of communication within the family, and point out that while it may be uncomfortable at first, talking through problems together can help foster understanding between family members. Encourage them to speak up in a respectful way when they feel something is wrong, but also make sure they understand that their parents' decisions should still be respected.  

Remind them that no matter what happens in their home life, you are there for them as a source of support and stability. Reassure them that these types of issues are very normal, and with time and effort things will eventually get better. With your guidance and patience, you can help them to build healthier relationships with their family.  

Finally, seeking professional advice is also recommended if the situation does not appear to be improving. A therapist or counselor can provide further guidance and support for a teenager struggling with familial issues, so encourage them to seek out such sources of assistance if needed. Talking about these matters can be hard, but it’s important that they know they have someone in their corner who will listen and assist when things get tough. Together, you can work towards helping the teen find ways to cope with the difficulties they face at home, and ultimately strive towards creating a more harmonious environment within their family.  By providing understanding, guidance and support, you can help the teen to move towards a more positive home life.  

The teenage years are often tough enough as they are - but when it comes to family issues, having someone there to offer an empathetic ear and sound advice can be invaluable in helping them through this difficult time. With a little patience and understanding, you can do your part in helping the teen navigate this challenging situation. Keep the faith! 

How To Teach Responsibility To A Child

Things Parents Do that Create Distance Between Themselves and Their Children

Parents have a powerful influence on their children, and the decisions they make can have a lasting impact. Although there are many positive ways parents can create strong relationships with their children, there are also some practices that can create distance between parents and kids.  

One of the most common ways parents create distance is by being over-controlling. Parents may feel the need to manage their children's lives, from what they wear and eat to who they are around and where they go. This can make kids feel smothered, like their parents don't trust them to make decisions on their own.  

Another common way parents create distance is by having unrealistic expectations for their children. 

Parents may have a certain idea of how their child should act or perform in school or sports, and when these expectations aren't met, it can lead to feelings of disappointment and frustration. This can cause kids to shut down emotionally and become more distant.  

Finally, some parents create distance by not taking the time to talk with their children or listen to what they have to say. When communication isn't open, it's difficult for parents and children to understand each other, which can lead to feelings of hurt and confusion.  

These are just a few examples of how parents can unknowingly create distance between their kids. If you want to build strong relationships with your children and avoid creating distance, focus on listening to them and setting clear boundaries while allowing them some independence. Taking the time to truly connect with your child will help foster trust and understanding that will last a lifetime.