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When I was younger I used to entertain myself with bottle caps and empty soda cans. I made crafts and did fun things with what I had. I played with sticks and bugs and rocks, etc.
My kids are constantly asking me to buy them toys to keep them busy. I say no most of them time. They have a pool, and bikes and friends in the neighborhood. they also have toys they could bring outside.
Why does it seem with this generation kids need things that parents 'have' to buy for them to keep them happy? Times have changed for sure..my question how to bring back the old ways of making my kids find things to do?? And for a short time until they get sick of them.
And also the neighbors kids come over and break, steal or lose the things my kids have..it's a waste of money for me.
I am outside with them and do play hide and seek and try but they end up wanting toys. It's annoying after a while ..
Yes they do read books. Their 9 and 7 years old, and are incouraged to read books by the school. I try to help them pick out books that are fast paced and fun to read. I read to them and help them with hard words.
We paint outside and they draw with chalk on the driveway!
The point is they have a playroom of toys. They are allowed to bring them outside. Of course they end up lost and broken. At the end of the day, we clean up and bring things back in the house.
Answer
I know EXACTLY what you mean!!! I'm only 23 but I still remember the golden years of imaginative play... WITHOUT the use of aids (toys). My son is still 2, so he LOVES to go outside and mess with nature and just run around. But is is so hard to get my nephew and cousins to do the same.
If you really feel that you money is being wasted, you can hold a toy sale or donate some of the unbroken toys to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. As for the play time... are there any parks, beaches, wooded areas near your city or town? Sometimes it helps to take the kids to a "different" location than they are used to in order for their creative juices to get flowing. Everytime we take my nephew to the beach or park, he forgets about toys and tv (my sister will let him watch it for 12 hours straight!!! yuck!!!) that by the end of the day, he's too tired for anything else and just goes to bed after his dinner. If these places are not near you, try to be creative yourself and bring a fun place to them.
For example, you mention they have a pool, but wouldn't it be just as fun to "water the lawn" by having a sprinkler or water hose picnic? Put some refreshments and bite size snacks ona table and let the water games begin!!! You should put on your bikini or cut-offs and join the fun, that way they don't feel like their being forced to have fun. It's more appealing if you're in there getting wet too. Also, if you (or your husband) don't mind, stake out a small area, maybe in a corner or inconspicuous spot, where y'all can bring out plain ol' pots and pans and make mud pies!!! Then you can each take turns hosing each other off before getting back in. With global warmign ans water waste issues, you can sneak in more healthy snacking and mud slinging before washing off or water play.
If you go to the beach, make it more physical by just bringing essentials: drinking water, snacks, towels, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and maybe a camera to capture the fun!!! If you bring toys, they end up doing most of the work... pretend you are back in time people and only have your hands or feet to dig and have fun!!! If you MUST bring toys, limit it to a pail and shovel per person... this way they can use them for digging and shoving, but they have to use their hands and imaginatin to mold figures or castles!!!
Another idea: fill some small backpacks with water and snacks and take a hike at a park or small wooded area. Just be aware of any pest alerts in your area (mosquito and tick spray... it varies by state). Once that gets played out, you can explore your own surroundings by taking "people in your neighborhood" walks. We LOVED those!!! It was a good way for us to admire what others do with their lawns and porches... and sometimes some of the neighbors would introduce themselves whils they tended to their gardens. On our way home we'd buy dime candies, but if again, you are trying to keep it free, bring along some home made treats and water in small backpacks. OR, you can host your own plushie parade by pulling your mascots on a wagon and showing them off to passers by (a good way to air out musty toys!!!)... or your dog can come along (if you have one, of course). Do your kids have bikes? You can also do a variation of this activity if your parks have bike routes... or even a stroll around the neighborhood. A good way to teach and learn proper biking safety!!!
Or... you can have a nature fashion show. All you need are some needles and thread. You can thread flowers, leaves, tree berries, etc. and then model your necklaces or crowns in your "driveway" runway.
Y'all can make an inexpensive bird or squirrel feeder, there are some critter friendly recipes online with seeds and honeys for ingredients. So much fun to make and design!!! And afterwards you'll be able to spot your little visitors throughout the seasons come and go. If you get cold winters, you can even freeze some berries and seeds in an aluminum pot or pan; let it thaw a tiny bit to unstick it, use an ice pick to poke a hole and use sturdy twine to attach in to a strong tree branch. As it melts, winter critters can enjoy the icy fruit, nut, or seed treats!!!
You can also have a late night dinner on weekends in your backyard. Take a large blanket or picnic sheet and place it in the middle. Use plastic plates, or serving trays so they wont' spill or break outdoors. Enjoy the outdoors, and as it gets darker, listen to the chirping crickets or look for fireflies... and watch the sunset as you enjoy some family time!!!
If you ever decide to go for take out fast food, park your family car out in the driveway (sunsets are cooler, so you can have the doors open or windows down) and pretend you are at a drive in... except instead of a movie, y'all can talk about your daily lives or family stuff, you know. It's so fun!!! We used to do this with my Mom and it always turned into, "Sheesh, this car is a mess... we should clean and wash it!!!"... and we would and it kept us outside and active!!!
Wow, your question sure brought back memories!!! I hope some of my ideas inspire your kids to do more outdoorsy or imaginative things without toys. AND many of these should be so obviously fun, that even the neighboors will join in the fun (and maybe get them to quit breaking and stealing from your kid's toy box!!!). Good Luck and have fun!!!
Does anyone have any advice about moving to Whistler?
T. T
I am a single mother of 3 young children and find myself wanting to move back out west. I currently live in Ontario and have for the last 7 years. A friend of mine suggested that I try Whistler. After a lot of research online, I find that I still can't come to a decision. Just so you can better understand, I will say that I do not ski, nor am I a mountian biker. I do however want to raise my children in a place filled with these types of activities.
If anyone could give me any kind of advice on this idea of mine I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
T.T.
Answer
If you have a career or profession where you make $100,000 plus a year, and/or other income as well, then you might be able to afford to live in Whistler, if you have a good size down payment for a home there. Housing is scarce, especially rentals. You will be best off if you can buy, but it is very very expensive.
If that level of income is not you, then I would recommend trying out Squamish, which is halfway between whistler and Vancouver, or Vancouver itself.
Consider Vancouver area ... there are three mountains within 20 minutes of downtown that offer skiing, snowboarding and such in the winter, and mountain biking and hiking in the summer. You can find semi-reasonable rentals in Burnaby, and East Vancouver (the area just west of Burnaby around the PNE). You don't want East Vancouver between Nanaimo and Main, just FYI).
IMO, your kids would actually have more opportunities in the Vancouver area, and life will be more affordable.
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