Keeping kids entertained at relatives’ homes after turkey time
Holidays are often spent with extended family, and many of us visit two or three homes during the season. The adults engage in lively conversation, watch football and prepare meals, but what about the kids? How do you keep them entertained, particularly at a home that doesn’t have toys? Bored children are likely to go exploring and get into the relatives’ things or find danger in a home that isn’t child-proofed.
Here are some ideas to keep your children entertained so you can relax and enjoy the visit.
BYOT (Bring Your Own Toys)
Playthings that are easy to transport and won’t break are must-haves when visiting relatives who don’t have toys at their house. Mary DuBray, a Grandview mom of two, cautions parents to not go overboard, though. “I try to limit the number of toys to just a couple of favorites. I do this so they don't leave anything behind.”
Create Journals
Buy the kids a disposable camera and a notebook. Encourage them to take pictures of the family and some of the highlights of the visit. They can write notes or draw pictures of their adventures, then add the photos to complete their keepsake.
Book it to the Library
Check out a few children’s holiday books and take them along on the visit. Mix classics with modern tales for a variety. Children who are too young to read on their own will love to look at the pictures or have an older sibling read to them.
Take it Outside
Send the kids outdoors to burn off energy. They can have a scavenger hunt, play tag or build a snowman if the weather allows. Safety first – make sure they are away from busy streets and stay in the host’s yard.
Decorate Desserts
Buy a ready-made gingerbread house or plain sugar cookies, and let the kids decorate their treats with frosting, sprinkles and candy. First make sure your relatives have adequate room and don’t mind a little creativity in the kitchen (or dining room). And, of course, make sure the kids clean up their mess afterwards.
Broadcast Live from Grandma’s House
Children love playing make-believe, and acting out a newscast can be great fun, especially if there are several kids at the house. Kids can take turns playing the parts of the news anchor, weatherperson and sports broadcaster. The sillier the news stories (“Roasted spiders and mashed caterpillars were on the menu at Grandma’s house today”), the more fun they will have.
Expand Their Knowledge
We all know that too much screen time contributes to obesity in kids, but a few minutes here and there never hurt anyone. Educational websites such as www.KCPTKids.org, www.Funology.com and www.Kids.Discovery.com help children learn while having fun. You might want to let the little ones play around on a laptop brought from home, though, so they don’t accidentally destroy the host’s computer.
Keep It Simple
Lisa Fox, KCMO, knows that kids don’t need fancy toys and elaborate games to have fun. The mom of two says, “We had the boys at Grandma’s house and they played with two rubber ducks in the sink with water for three hours! They had the most fun doing that.” With a little imagination, kids can take simple household objects and turn them into an adventure.
8 DVDs Young Guests Will Love
Whether traveling to relatives’ homes for the holidays or hosting at yours, below are eight movie titles that will entertain the kids and adults alike.
- Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
- The Land Before Time
- The Jungle Book
- The Incredible Journey
- Swiss Family Robinson
- Babe
- Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Put ‘Em to Work
As a guest, you probably pitch in when it comes to meal preparation and cleanup, and there’s no reason why kids cannot help too. Have them set the table, bring dirty dishes to the sink and make their beds if you’re staying overnight. Your relatives will appreciate the help, and kids will learn the importance of everybody’s pitching in.
With these ideas – and a few of your own – you will be on your way to a more peaceful visit, knowing that your children are safely entertaining themselves.
Tisha Foley lives in Belton with her husband and two children.