6 Creative Ways to Play with Your Kids

When kids aren’t quite sure what to do with themselves, things can get sticky. So, if you don’t want to end up in the middle of meltdown, you need to think of something, fast. Sometimes creative parenting and interesting activities don’t quickly come to mind, and so it is a great idea to work on having projects and ideas on hand at all times, waiting and ready for that necessary moment! Why not take a notebook and use it to write down ideas, and slip in some coloring sheets, word games, and pictures to cut up for collage. Of course the right toys can also provide huge relief for kids and parents, but invest wisely to make the most of your toy budget and provide kids with items that can be used again and again for creative play, the best kind!

Where to start? Don’t worry – we’ve got your back. We’ve consulted the experts from www.onehundredtoys.com – a blog about choosing kid’s toys – and found a few solutions for starters. So take a look at the list below and learn six creative ways to play with your kids. And maybe write them down in that notebook? Okay, lets get started on a path of creative play for the whole family, parents can use a little play time too!

Many Kids Love Cooking

While a play kitchen can be a great toy for young children, for others actual cooking is one of the most exciting activities – probably because they see it as an adult task. If you ask your children to help bake something – of course, taking all the necessary precautions – they will love it. Not only will it be fun, but it is an exciting learning opportunity. After all, cooking is excellent for your kids’ physical and social-emotional development: it improves motor coordination, and problem-solving skills.

If you don’t know what to cook with your kids, start simple: banana chips, honey popcorn, or chicken nuggets. Or check out this chocolate cherry cordial recipe – although it won’t be effortless, it will produce delicious results. When cooking with kids, remember about the safety measures: teach them to be careful with knives, to wash your their hands before touching anything, and don’t forget to tie back long hair and roll up sleeves!

Crafting Is Always Exciting

Crafting is a very beneficial activity for your kids. Whether you encourage them to make a origami paper animal or create a house out of a cardboard box, it’s always exciting – and great for building skills and creative confidence. Painting, drawing, cutting, or putting macaroni on a string, just for starters, improves fine motor skills, helps them learn about cause and effect, and introduces them to the wonderful world of color!

You also don’t have to limit the kids with so-called children’s activities. Crocheting may not be an obvious idea for playing, but in fact, it can teach your kids a lot (for around 8 years and up) – and who knows, maybe they will get passionate about it, just like Jonah Larsson?

Workbooks Can Be Fun

Workbooks often seem like a chore, not a game. Nevertheless, if you choose them correctly, your kids may look forward them, or seeing which new one you’ve added to the collection. Look for coloring books, maze books, or search-and-find picture books. All of them are great for strengthening hand muscles, developing fine motor skills, and teaching your kids to read early. 

Board Games Are a Classic

Board games can be a great way for some organized play time with kids. Look for something educational, like Spot It, Tell Me a Story, or Hiss. Some games can improve your kids’ fine motor skills, some can help them learn colors, some are great for building creativity, but ultimately, all of them are fun. (And they will allow you to relax for a brief moment). Ah yes, and of course board games are a great way to teach kids about not being a sore looser, and how to be happy for the other person who just won the game.

Blocks Are Excellent for Learning

Blocks are probably the best toys to improve your kids’ motor and problem-solving skills, learn cooperation and build muscles. Whether you decide to purchase wooden blocks or legos, your children can participate in the so-called open-ended play – an activity that allows them to experiment, challenge their imagination, and play independently. Children that love to build can spend hours doing it, so think about encouraging this by making sure they always have plenty to build with!

To add a challenging component to the game of blocks, and for older kids especially, ask them to build towers with different color patterns, or create a monochromatic figure

Pretend Play Is Amazing for Your Kids’ Socialization

When your children play “house,” “school,” or “restaurant,” they participate in an activity that can teach them many essential skills. By pretending to be something or someone, your kids learn about communication, relationships, taking on roles, and expressing emotions. This may help your children socialize easier and builds self-esteem. Encourage your kids to “pretend play” more, and don’t hesitate to take part in their games. Have a box on hand of some silly items including clothing for dress up, to make the play even more creative.

A Final Note

If your kids love creative play – and hopefully they do – it is truly a blessing. Kids that run around the house, repeating monotonously, “I’m bored,” and asking you to play with them, are missing out on one of the most wonderful stages in life, namely learning through play. When your children come up with a game themselves, or are able to spend several hours delving into a new project, don’t forget to be very very encouraging (even if mess was made) and supportive! And who knows, maybe your children will inspire you to delve into more creative activities to enhance your everyday?

Ah yes, and take photos of their creations, it is so fun to look back on this special time!