Having young children at home means that your house is often filled with laughter, plenty of toys and lots of noise! All of which is wonderful, and you can’t expect your little ones to sit quietly all the time! However, there are times during the day when everyone – parents included – could do with a little quiet time.
Quiet time gives everyone the chance to calm down, it can also help to calm an anxious child or a little one who is upset. It also helps mum to relax and catch her breath! A good quiet time activity involves a little concentration, some peace and quiet and can either be played alone or with siblings. Looking for a little inspiration? Read on for 6 quiet time ideas that your kids will love.
Colouring
When the running around has stopped and the noisy toys have been put away, why not get out the colouring pens and the colouring books? Colouring requires concentration and focus which makes it extremely relaxing for kids and parents alike. If your colouring books are already filled in, then print off some colouring pages online – check out Epson printer ink at printerinks.com if you’re running low on ink supplies.
Jigsaw puzzles
You may think that your little one might struggle with a puzzle. But you’ll be amazed at how well they manage with a little help from you. Again, puzzles are great for concentration and for developing their motor skills. The more they do them, the more they enjoy them!
Threading beads
This activity requires a lot of focus and concentration! Which means everyone will be nice and quiet whilst they concentrate! All you need are some wooden beads and some furry pipe cleaners. Again, this is great for fine-tuning those motor skills and coordination. If your older children prefer a challenge then swap the pipe cleaners for wool or string! Remember not to leave little ones unattended with beads as they could be a choking hazard.
Playdough
Another classic quiet time activity. Playdough has been keeping little ones entertained for generations and it’s easy to see why. It’s a simple activity that helps develop creativity and their imaginations and again they get to use their coordination skills to work with small tools and practice cutting and rolling. It can get a little messy, but it’s always good fun.
Construct
Introduce the importance of reusing things and get the kids creating all kinds of shapes, vehicles and little inventions with the contents of your recycling. Cardboard boxes, old string, bottle tops, cartons and straws are the kind of thing you need. Your little ones can construct anything they wish, just add a bit of glue, stickers and some glitter.
A teddy bears picnic
Lunch isn’t always a quiet activity. But, get the teddies involved and you’ll find it’s a much more peaceful affair. Roll out a picnic blanket and serve up a picnic lunch in bowls and on plastic plates. Cucumber, slices of pepper, crisps, sandwiches, fruit, cereal bars and whatever else they love. Include a plate and a cup for all their cuddly friends and you can all enjoy a quiet lunch break.
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