idea for things to do with the kids with out leaving the house?

nzmegs

I am in a similar position. But I work from home so the kids have to entertain themselves at home. I have agreed to one movie from Box office, each of them is allowed 2 hours a day on alternate days for the xbox. they are also allowed to use the computer for a set amount of time. Obviously this is quite a bit of screen time and i would rather they do something a little more constructive.

At the moment they are using a camera to make a lego animation which they will edit on the computer later. Listening to music is a good thing and I also will get them to do things around the house. Help make lunch and dinner and tidy up for me while i work. They enjoy doing these things and I give them money which they can spend when I have some time off next week.

balletshoes

Can you sit outside comfortably? Me and DD were out almost all of yesterday afternoon in the garden playing top trumps together, she had her arty stuff out there too and was drawing/colouring.

Spendless

re-people worrying about too much time on pc. My 8yo has spent her time using windows movie maker to set to music pictures of her heroine (Connie Talbot). My husband has suggested she now does the same thing of pictures of her and her brother to music as a present for grandparents.

Caroline_a

I have to say that when my kids were 7 and 8 they played out in the garden or in next door's garden... No amusement necessary if you give them some chairs to make a den and some old blankets/sheets to cover it with. If it rains, let them do it indoors!

Ruth.77

If you can cope with the chaos, let them make a den inside or out (a couple of old sheet, some pillows) and then suggest a imaginary location for the den - my 9 year old still like pretending he's on a hut on a desert island and with his sister can spend a few hours hunting pretend animals or treasure. If you allow then some space and accept the chaos their imagination will usually kick in.

Best thing is it completely free.

pigpen

re the planters.. hubby could fill them with compst and you can sit and watch.. and they get to sweep up!

Kimberley82

we have been making dens inside and out.

They have now just gone to the shop on their own for the first time, OMG I am scared.

Counting_Pennies_2

I would suggest arranging play dates for them. That way they get to be amused, and they will be invited back to their friends on another day

Kimberley82

Counting_Pennies wrote: »

I would suggest arranging play dates for them. That way they get to be amused, and they will be invited back to their friends on another day

I dont think I could cope with any more children here, plus most of their friends will be at child minders etc as their parents work

picnmix

Keep mine amused by getting a roll of old wallpaper, get them to draw a street with houses, shops etc give them the Argos catologue and get them to cut out everything they want to fill their shops houses, gardens parks etc and then stick on along the long street, you can get them to make it as long as you have space for, and when glue drys it is easily rolled up to carry on another day. Its cheap and depending on how much they get into it, can keep them amused on and off over several days.