It’s funny how everything in your life can change dramatically over the years, yet so much stays the same. Today, as an adult with a career, I often long for Friday afternoons – but that longing for the weekend isn’t something new. From as early as I can remember, I always expectantly waited for it. As a boy in grade school, the weekend meant unlimited possibilities for fun and adventure.
Today, as a parent, I can see the same anticipation and excitement in the eyes of my boys. But unfortunately, today’s culture seems to tell kids that weekends are for playing video games and watching TV. I want more for my kids, though. I want their weekends to be filled with excitement, learning, and productivity – which is why I make it a point to keep my boys busy.
5 Ways to Keep Your Kids Busy on the Weekend
Few things are more dangerous than having bored kids in your house. Boredom breeds mischief – which is not something you want. The solution is to keep them busy. Here are some of the tips and activities I use with my boys:
1.Play Yard Games
Weekends (particularly in the fall and spring) are great for getting outside. However, packing the kids up in the car to take them to the park can be time-consuming. If you need to get things done around the house, but still want your kids outside, try setting up some yard games in the backyard.
Cornhole boards, croquet, soccer nets, and other similar games can keep your kids busy for hours. At the end of the day, just pack them up, put them in the garage, and then you can easily bring them out the next weekend.
2.Do Some Science Experiments
Weekends don’t have to be a time where kids sleep in until noon, play three or for hours of video games, take a nap, watch Netflix, and go to bed. While it’s totally fine to have the occasional lazy day, there should be plenty of days that are educational and constructive.
One idea is to try some science experiments from home. You can find online videos like these that walk you through how to build an electric motor, create a lava lamp, make invisible ink, or do any number of other things. Projects like these can be fun for the whole family.
3.Establish a Chore Chart
Weekends are a great time to teach your kids what responsibility looks like. Assign different age-appropriate chores and create a “chore chart” where you track each child’s progress. When they don’t complete a chore, there should be negative consequences (such as taking away screen time). When they do complete a chore, there should be rewards (such as a few dollars or extra screen time).
4.Try DIY Crafts
For those rainy days where kids can’t be outside, a craft room is an awesome idea. (Your kitchen table will suffice if you don’t have a dedicated room.) Print off some craft ideas from a site like Pinterest, run to the store and grab some basic items, and then let your kids use their creativity to design different things.
5.Include Them in What You’re Doing
As a dad, the weekend is a great time to include your kids in the different activities you’re doing around the house. Instead of throwing your kids in the backyard while you change the oil on your truck, teach them how to change the oil. Instead of going into your office and closing the door to pay bills, explain to them the principles of budgeting and how they can be smart with their money.
Are You Not Entertained?
Kids will be kids, and it’s impossible to totally eradicate boredom or keep them away from screen time, but the more you attempt to occupy your children’s time with constructive and fun activities, the less likely that you’ll find yourself dealing with issues and problems that could have been avoided.
Photo: Pixabay