Bug got you? Not the flu bug-the cabin fever bug? You know the symptoms; feeling isolated, restless, easily agitated, complaining of boredom. You feel like screaming--maybe do--and crave a scenery change. It’s an unpleasant "bug" everyone tries to avoid. We see it in kids, too. To beat the infestation in your home try a few of these great activities for preschoolers, toddlers, and even older kids.

  • Make sure toddler games and books are down where youngsters can reach them. Then they play without constantly coming to you for assistance. This builds their independence and self-esteem. 
  • Read, read, read. Winter months are especially good for nestling under a blanket with your kids and books. In a chair or by the fireplace, children of all ages love to be read to. Reading builds language and concentration skills. And the undivided time with a parent adds cozy comfort, which nurtures the love of books. 
  • Play games. Activities for preschoolers can include board games such as Candyland or Chutes and Ladders. Games teach valuable social skills like turn taking, patience, and how to lose or win gracefully. Elements like colors, counting and shapes are a bonus. Card games--try Old Maid--strengthen small hand and finger muscles. Older kids enjoy Yatzee, Chess, Checkers or Trouble. 
  • Pretend. Young children love "dressing up" or "pretending." Offer a basket with old hats, shoes, jewelry, etc. This may be the gentle nudge they need for an afternoon of self-entertaining. 
  • Create artwork. Use crayons, markers, paper, chalk and chalkboard to get those creative juices flowing. For youngsters under three years, avoid coloring books and demands to color in the lines. Instead, encourage creative drawings. Phrases like "tell me about your picture" and "you are using red" are more helpful than the standard, "I like your picture." Afterward, display that fantastic Picasso on your refrigerator at children's eye-level. 
  • Catalog cut-up. Use old catalogs or magazines to cut out pictures of people, pets, trees. To encourage cognitive (thinking) skills, suggest children hunt for pictures of certain colors or shapes, or similar seasons. 
  • Plan play groups. Model hospitality by inviting playmates to your home. Call friends to plan visits at nearby parks or libraries. To avoid play disputes, remember toddlers need multiples of the same toy and tons of supervision. Older children can play together with a little less supervision, but stay close by if you’re needed as a peacemaker. 
  • Obstacle course. Kids and empty boxes go together. Place large empty boxes on the floor for your child to crawl in, on, and through. More "obstacles" like a chair, step stool, soft pillow, large laundry basket, is great for using stored energy, motor skills, and imagination. 
  • Music band. Kids make noise...so channel it. Create instruments for a marching band. Empty oatmeal boxes, coffee cans, or a pot and wooden spoon make perfect drums. Clanging cymbals can be pot or pan lids. Cover one side of a block with coarse sandpaper; rub two papered blocks together for Sandblocks. Rhythm Sticks are two empty paper towel rolls or rolled up newspaper secured with masking tape. Making music is one way to stimulate brain development and future math skills. 
  • Paper blocks. Re-use stuff that you'd otherwise send to landfill. Stuff large grocery bags with crumpled gift-wrap. Fold down the open end and tape bag shut. Make several--the more the better! Enlist older children to help younger ones. These are great for jumping or sitting on, tossing and rolling. 
  • Ocean play. Fill your bathtub with blue water (a few drops of blue food coloring); throw in floating toys and watch kids' imagination float away. Kids love water, and this is also a sneaky way to get ‘em clean. And no, food coloring does not turn little munchkins blue or stain your tub.

Practice the adage, "If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it" in parenting. When children are playing quietly--or at least contentedly--leave them be. But when the bug makes them miserable, be prepared.


 

Brenda Nixon helps parents understand their child and to enjoy a smoother parenting experience. She is a speaker, contributing author to seven books, and the author of "Parenting Power in the Early Years," available at Brenda's website.