Count us in!

Who says Play-Doh is just for preschoolers? Construct the greatest dinosaur of your life with them. Put all your creative energy into building the coolest Lego structure you can muster. As a stay-at-home momma with a few years under my belt, I’ve learned to love the activities my kids and I do together. It’s second nature. Sign me up for a Disney+ and Play-Doh marathon any day.

Play-Doh

My son loves his sensory activities, so we’ve been incorporating those into our days since before he began school. Play-Doh has been his favorite since he was tiny, and now his sister joins in. Play-Doh is the perfect outlet for creative, imaginative play with simple tools. Oh, and it keeps Mom engaged as well.

Yoga

Roll out the yoga mat, turn on some meditation music and work on some deep-breathing and stretching exercises with your kiddos. It’s good for them and good for you, not to mention it can set a calm tone for the rest of the day. A win-win.

Nature Walks

If the kids suddenly need to stretch their legs, no big deal—Mom is up for the challenge. Take a stroll around the block or backyard, or run to the park. Get all the wiggles out as much as you can on the nicest days.

Naptime

Of course, who could argue with the perks of naptime? Resting our eyes is always a nice pastime. Or, while your tiny humans take a two-hour snooze, snuggle up next to them while you catch up on your favorite Netflix show, read a book or clear out your email inbox.

Living room dance parties

My daughter lives for living room dance parties. She will dance to the same song on repeat. Play your favorite Spotify stations from your phone or Amazon Alexa device, clear some space on the floor and you’re good to go.

Snack Time

If naptime is a win-win, snack time is, too. Everyone needs a snack break, including moms. In fact, maybe Mom needs a coffee break while the kids enjoy their snack break. Try it after your epic living room dance party.

Puzzles

There’s something so soothing about putting together even the simplest of puzzles. Alphabet puzzles, Winnie the Pooh puzzles, farm puzzles. Give me all the puzzles.

Legos

Legos are fun because no matter what you build, your kids will probably be impressed. Or they’ll knock it down. Either way, it’s fun. Legos buy you hours of potential engagement.

Coloring

Just this evening, my kids and I became enthralled with a jungle animal-themed coloring book. It captured everyone’s attention for at least 30 minutes, which is a major mom win. I got really into coloring all the leaves green. It was very soothing.

Kinetic Sand

Speaking of soothing, kinetic sand is definitely one of the most soothing, calming activities. I love it just as much as my 7-year-old does. The best part is, you can throw it in almost any container with almost any combination of other toys and supplies, and the kids won’t get bored for at least 45 minutes.

Bubbles

Bubbles are my toddler’s favorite, and it’s always fun for a mama, too. I’ve had to learn to be quick because she gets extremely sad when they all pop. Great workout for Mom. We like the cheap, nontoxic bubble wands you can find at Target.

Singing in the Car

I probably know every word to any of the Super Simple Songs, but who’s keeping track? I’ve grown to love singing the fan-favorites from this channel to calm my fussy toddler or distract my antsy 7-year-old on the way to school.

Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, son, daughter and dog.