These days all of us are home with the kids more than usual and "what do we do now?" is a question we're all facing. These ideas are simple, use things you probably already have, and don't require any prep or planning. Just pick one and go.
Draw or print simple characters on paper, cut them out, and tape them into rings that fit around little fingers. Kids can make up voices, put on a whole show, and entertain themselves (and each other) for way longer than you'd expect.
The trick here is turning it into a competition - whose flies furthest, whose stays in the air longest, who can hit a target marked on the floor with tape. Otherwise they fold one, throw it twice, and they're done. Give it some structure and this can actually go on for a while.
Give them a blank card or plain paper and have them draw a picture or write a note to a grandparent, cousin, or friend. Email it, or dedicate one child as the 'mailman' and send them to the neighbor next door.
Make a batch of sugar cookie dough, (see our favorite recipe here), divide it up, and mix a different food colouring into each portion. Let the kids get creative with shapes and color combos before baking.
This has saved me more than once. Just announcing "Dance Party!" is enough to get everyone running. Turn off the lights, grab a couple of flashlights to make shadows on the walls, and let them go wild.
Lay out a hopscotch grid on any hard floor using painter's tape. Use a small block or a balled-up pair of socks as the marker. Easy to set up, easy to pack away.
Make 5–10 lines of tape on the floor, each about a foot apart, and label the first one "Start." Then run through challenges: long jump, running jump, backwards jump, one-legged hop. Have them mark where they land each time and try to beat their own record. This one is great for different ages because everyone is just competing against themselves.
Line up rinsed empty soda cans or water bottles and knock them down with a soft ball. Make sure they're completely empty and dry first - we're trying to make the day better, not worse!
low up a few from a bag you have lying around, set one rule (don't let them touch the floor), and you've just bought yourself at least half an hour. Add more rules as you go - one hand only, keep three up at once, string a line between chairs for volleyball.
LEGOs, Duplos, Magna-tiles, or baking for the older ones. Announce a contest and let them build. Just think ahead about how you'll judge it. "One winner" can end in tears. Try categories instead so everyone wins something.
Painter's tape across the floor, over furniture, around chair legs, under tables. Map out a whole road system for matchbox cars. The more elaborate the better — they'll crawl all over it for ages.
Pull out something they haven't touched in a while and use it differently. Magna-tiles make great car ramps. Blocks become fences for animals. You don't need to pitch it - just sit down and start playing yourself. They'll come.
Fill a bin with rice, dried pasta, or beans and bury small toys inside. Let kids dig and explore. Best done on a tiled floor. Fair warning: some kids will dump the whole thing. Know that going in.
On a hard day, a longer bath buys everyone a bit of breathing room.
What you'll need:
How to make it:
Rinse off before it dries and there's no staining.
Spread a blanket on the living room floor and eat lunch there. That's the whole thing. Kids are completely delighted by it every single time — it feels special without requiring a single thing. On the days when "normal" feels far away, small moments like this are worth more than you'd expect.
Sending strength to every yiddishe mama out there doing her best right now. You've got this. 🧡
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