What other activities do you do with your little one while you are staying home?

- An article by Mihaela Istrate, one of the mommies in the New Concept Living agency -

I know, just like you, that there is always something to do in a household. And it is possible that you, as well, are one of those people who said to themselves that in all this crisis in the world there is an advantage: the fact that now you have time to take care of those things that you postponed for „when you will have time”.

Well, if you're a parent you know that things are a little different and time seems to be contracting. There is never enough time, and painting, drawing, or playing with cars and dolls become the routine that successfully replaces both office work and household chores which you had on the list. Kids always want something new and you have to think of and invent fun games and activities.

I gathered here some new and funny ideas from my colleagues in the agency, things that we, the NEW CONCEPT LIVING parents, do in this period when #westayhome with the little ones.

1. Cook together. Children are delighted to lend a hand, to do the important „chores” in the house, as well. Let them! Help them measure, pour, cut, knead. Yes, it's true, it gets a little messy, but their smile and joy are above all.

2. A delicious picnic at home. Even if you don't go out, you can have a picnic inside the apartment where you live, as well. Put everything you think you need for a picnic in a basket or bag. Also, take a little blanket and put everything on the floor in the living room. Don't forget the SUNGLASSES! Fun will be guaranteed and the little ones will fondly remember these moments.

3. Everyone cleans! Clean up with the little ones. We all know how fascinated children are to sweep and vacuum, but especially to make themselves useful.

4. Improvise a tent. Also together, shoulder to shoulder, try to raise a tent or even two, if there is enough space. Now, everyone has their own „little house”, and such unique activities will give the little ones the opportunity to feel independent.

5. „I pick my clothes and dress myself”. Show of hands: Which parents have heard this at least once? Let them dress themselves and pick their clothes. It's the perfect time to teach them to tie a lace or to close their jacket.
Moreover, let them pick clothes for you to wear and try them on, at least for a few minutes. You will have a lot of fun!

6. Go fishing! You don't have to go to a lake to fish. Put a few grapes in a bowl of water and have a fishing contest. The first to fish 5 grapes is allowed to eat a little piece of chocolate.

7. The rebellious painter. Paint with your hands or feet on a sheet of paper or even on an old T-shirt. It will remain a beautiful and colorful memory, and the child's imagination will flourish.

8. Soap bubbles in the house. Did you buy him a bottle of water and soap bubble liquid and now he wants those soap bubbles? It is also possible in the house, in the bathtub. Collect a little water and the balloons will sit perfectly on the edge of the tub and on the water.

9. What does it taste like? Gather several food products with different taste, close your eyes and try them. This is how the little one can learn the difference between salty, sweet, sour, bitter, etc. Discuss what it tastes like and whether he liked it or not.

10. Children have a rich imagination! Gather a few stones in the house, wash them a little, let them dry and depending on their shape, imagine what they could be. Then they can be painted. „In our collection” we already have: a rocket, a sled run, a smiley, a bus, a ski ramp and a flower field.

Surely you have tried other fun activities or other „tricks” to keep the little ones busy. We invite you to share them with us. We need new ideas while #westayhome.

That being said, try to be completely happy while you are at home with them and give them all the time they need. I know for sure that I will miss spending time with them.
Photo credit: New Concept Living