Let’s face it, as mamas (or papas), there are times we just really don’t feel like leaving the house. Whether someone is sick, the weather is way too hot (or cold, or rainy), or you’ve gotten no sleep and you seriously cannot even fathom getting everyone together enough to get out of the house. . . There are times we just need to stay in. With that often comes this overwhelming feeling of “TOO much energyitis”, especially if you have a toddler! What then!? Take it from me, I’ve been there. Even when they’re sick, they have a run of ca-razy energy and then they crash…hard!
Fortunately, I have a few great tips to help you through a day at home, without breaking the bank!!
- Simple crafts. I try to always have a few different things on hand. The dollar bins at Target seem to have great craft or painting kits regularly. My little girl LOVES being able to pick something out at the store too. And if it’s only a dollar, total win! As for crafts, it can be as simple as a playdough game. Create a house for your little plastic horse! Or what animals can you create!? Let’s make pretend cookies! My daughter loves using scissors now! So, I give her a piece of construction paper and just let her have at it! Then, I give her another larger piece of paper and a glue stick and she has a great time creating her own little mosaic. Or, one of our newest favs is the Coloring Tablecloth! We have the Dino one and Skye LOVES it. You can get a pack of 3 on Amazon. Find it on my storefront HERE or under Kiddo Fun & Favs under my storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/lauradougherty525.
- Dance Party. Put on some favorite tunes and just let loose with the kids. It’s not only great to get the wiggles out, but if you join in, it’s also instant cardio for mama and a great mood boost for all!! Encouraging them to have fun with music can have such a positive impact on our children’s minds. Up the level of fun with a game of Freeze Dance! Or yell out animals for them to move like. (Dance like a bird. Dance like a monkey. Move like a snake!)
- Obstacle Course! This is definitely one of our favorites, however, THINK this one through a little bit before diving in. You don’t want anyone to get hurt, you included! In the same breath, don’t overthink it either. Here’s an example of what I will do. . . Ok, ready!? Jump up and try to touch the sky. Quick, touch the floor. Jump up! Stand like a flamingo. Ready, jumping jacks! (Walk them through it, jump out and be as wide as you can…. Now squeeze and jump in!) Touch the sky, touch the floor, turn in a circle. . . . Now, GO! And from there she runs in a huge circle that I take her around in our home beforehand. I will often use pillows to create a bridge or “stones” to jump onto to stay off the “hot lava”. We love getting out our tunnel for an extra course addition too. We will seriously do this 5-6 times and afterwards, she’s wiped and happy!
- Bean Bag Fun. I found a bag of bean bags at the party store for a few bucks and have a few inexpensive plastic bins that we use for a simple bean bag toss. It’s perfect for working on eye-hand coordination as well as being so much fun for everyone. The ones I have are bright colors. I will often do color games with them as well for an extra educational twist.
These are just a few of our favorite and inexpensive indoor adventures. What do you have up your sleeve? I would love for you to share! Remember, there is no reason to beat yourself up. Sometimes, we just need to stay in. And it’s important for our kids to know that it’s ok to stay home and still have fun! And you truly do NOT have to break the bank to have fun!
Lots of love, Classy Mama Bear
