Filling Up Long Days at Home with Kids

Photo: L. Navarrete

On my occasional weekday off, I have a long day to fill up with hopefully productive activities with my kids. I made my To-Do list last night, including 2 things I could do at home and 4-5 errands I needed to run. Looking back now, I did not run any errands. So what did I do to fill up 11 hours alone with my sweet babies? Here are some of the many activities we enjoyed together.

1. Ate "surreyal" (as my 2-year-old calls it) together.
2. Pushed my 2-year-old on the swing for at least 30 straight minutes. Meanwhile, we talked a lot. She learned the colors brown and tan. And she learned the words tree trunk.
3. Sat outside and watched my kids jump on the trampoline. It is one of the best outdoor play activities for kids, so well worth the investment for your next Christmas gift!
4. Went for a walk, AKA bike ride the older kids and stroller ride for the others.
5. Talked to the neighbor. We were both in the back yard at the same time, so we chatted through the fence, though we could barely see each other.
6. Exercised/watched TV. I exercised, and the kids watched TV in another room. It was 40 minutes of sweaty sweetness! Thanks to my husband, Megadeth makes for great workout music!
7. Ate lunch together. Soup and crackers for the kids. Chicken stir-fry for me. Pineapple for dessert.
8. Played air hockey with my son on the kitchen table.
9. Had the kids clean up...several times. I cleaned up the kitchen...several times.
10. Listened to my son's favorite songs on my phone.
11. Ate Icy Pops...several times.
12. Sat on the front porch, blogging! Sat on the back patio. The weather was nice and cool! Gave the kids space to play on their own and be creative. At one point, the girls made their own lipstick. ??!!
13. Threw the football with my son. Can you tell he and I both are hyperactive?!!
14. Read my Bible. I am in Joshua right now, which is far behind where I was supposed to be when I started to "Read the Bible Through in One Year" back in January.
15. Bathtime before dinner (thanks to my daughter's Caillou book for the idea)!
16. Put on a movie for the kids so I could fix dinner.
17. Cooked ravioli and garden salad for supper.

Moms with young kids have a big job! So I pray you can fill your days with fun and enjoyable experiences for you to bond with them. It does not take money or driving anywhere to have a great day with your kiddos!