Bored and restless kids can result in a chaotic household. But as the seasons change and the weather gets colder, this can be hard to avoid. Here at KinderMomma, we understand this challenge all too well, so we’ve come up with a game plan to keep your kids entertained at home—and keep your stress levels low while you’re at it.

Consider the following:

Sneak in essential learning.

Ideally, you want your kids to be productive and keep learning while they’re stuck at home. However, this is easier said than done.

The secret is in making learning so fun that they don’t even realize that they’re getting an education in the process. “Parents” explains that it’s therefore important to choose activities that fit these criteria.

Arts and crafts is always a hit, especially among younger kids. This can be a wonderful opportunity to get messy—but not too messy for you to handle. The best part is, you can often use items you already have at home, so there’s usually no need to spend a fortune on materials.

STEM activities are also great for the same reasons, but with the added bonus of adding to your kids’ academic knowledge.

These are just a few examples of the many engaging yet educational activities that your kids will enjoy at home. If you need more ideas, check out our free worksheets and other printables. 

Squeeze in physical activities.

Even when stuck at home, there is a need for kids to stay active. Not only does this help expend their pent-up energy, but it’s also the best way to boost their immune system and physical development.

In fact, Startwell advises that experts recommend at least 180 minutes of physical activity daily for preschoolers and a minimum of 60 minutes for older kids and teens. 

When it’s too cold for kids to play outside, you do need to get creative. However, it’s still possible to clock in some quality movement indoors, even with limited space. Consider firing up YouTube for kid-friendly exercises or for a fun dance party.

Obstacle courses, pillow fights, and jumping on the bed work just fine, too. You can even loosen up and join in on the fun—your kids will simply love it.

Some tech use is okay.

These days, tech is probably your best bet in keeping home-bound kids entertained. However, too much screen time is known to have negative effects.

Because of this, you need to set limits on your child’s gadget use and media consumption. Your supervision is equally important to ensure the quality of the content they’re consuming, as well as keep them safe from predators and other online threats.

Stay sane.

Don’t forget to take action in maintaining your sanity, as well. Dealing with bored and restless kids can be very challenging, so you need to give yourself a little extra TLC to avoid stress. Make time for self-care in order to decompress and relax, so practice yoga, meditate, or do something you enjoy.

It can also be as simple as keeping yourself cozy throughout your days. Case in point, comfortable clothing is a must when you have your hands full with the kids, so invest in soft and breathable garments like a wireless sports bra or tank top that lets you move with ease and comfort.

Ultimately, there’s no need for your home to descend into chaos because of the cold weather. Instead, you can make it a cozy and enjoyable time spent with your kids. With the right activities and tools, this is more than possible. As a bonus, you can even keep your family productive in the process. That’s definitely a win.

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