Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Let's Play!

Link Up Party via Kelly's Korner

We put so much pressure on ourselves as mother's to have the house clean, perfect hair makeup and outfit on, and a  meal worthy of a 5 star chef on the table at night that we lose sight of the things that really matter. Time is the greatest gift we can give to someone, especially our kids...(I could care less about what toys I had as a kid but you bet I remember going to the zoo or reading with my mom.)
I am that person that still seeks out the "kid table" I mean that's where all the fun is at anyway am I right? I have 4 boys ages 10, 8, 2 1/2 and 1 1/2  I am always up for doing something fun and being in the moment...(my mom was the same way with me so I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree)
even as a young girl myself I always loved kids and finding ways to play with and entertain them ( I was the regular Mary Poppins of my neighborhood booked weeks in advance for babysitting!) so taking a cue from good ole Mary herself....
In every job that must be done,
And remember little effort goes a long way plan your meals/chores for the week, prep as much as you can in advance, and say NO to things that would take away precious time.

Some our favorite "playtime" activities are:

With the little two:

1) Puzzles-like this Melissa and Doug one
2) Reading Books
3) Play Doh
4) Train Board/table (we made ours! for $15)
4) cooking/baking (all four LOVE this one)
5) music-put on the radio, grab the instruments and DANCE (good exercise!)
6) Lego Duplo blocks
7) Little People play sets-our favorite
8) Playing on our play set, sandbox, bubbles,sidewalk chalk and any type of ball (weather permitting we do live in MI )
9)Wagon rides around the neighborhood


The older two are in school full time and involved in sports combined with homework that doesn't leave a ton of free time during the week so we take advantage of weekends and vacation times to do most of our "play" and it typically consists of playing catch, shooting pucks (street hockey) bike rides

Outside of the home all 4 of the boys enjoy:

1) Farmers Market (let them choose items, use their senses....teach colors, shapes)
2) Petting Zoo and Splash pad at the County Park (buy the yearly park pass!)
3) City Zoo (yes it is worth the yearly membership!)
4)Library activities (check your local library ours has great free concerts, magic shows, story/craft times etc...)
5) Book store (free play areas and of course books/activities)
6) Grocery shopping at a "specialty store"( my 2 1/2 year old LOVES Trader Joe's because he can push his own little cart the store provides them for free use)

5 comments:

  1. I love your ideas for fun with your kids! I am a boy mom, too, and am always looking for new ideas. They need so much physical play time, and it's good for me to do that with them. Thanks for linking up with us!

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    1. I love your blog! Your boy bookshelf and boy mom posts are actually two of my favorites :-)

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    2. I love your blog! Your boy bookshelf and boy mom posts are actually two of my favorites :-)

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  2. Replies
    1. Thak you! it is a super easy and fun project I encourage anyone to do it! The hubs and I completed it in 24 hours (allowing time for the paint to dry)

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