I have been prompted to write this blog by our own family struggles with screens, so please don’t think this is aiming to be at all judgmental towards you if you are currently heavily reliant on technology to aid you in your daily parenting.
We have three children aged from 1 to 8, and it can be a real challenge to get all of them on the same page when it comes to anything that doesn’t involve staring at a screen, especially in those few hours after school when I am parenting solo, and everyone is beyond tired at the end of the day.
Therefore, I am pulling together some of the things I have called upon to keep us busy after school and without the television, that have worked well for us and help me to feel like I have enriched them a little.
I have to of course start with the old saying ' take them outside or put them in water' as it is still a phrase I live by. When I am exhausted, when they start fighting, I can always rely on a little jaunt outside or running a bath (we have a toddler bath in the shower tray as no bath in our house but it just about works for us!). Even better a hose pipe in the back garden or even a sink full of water for a toy spa if you want something small scale.
So this is as much a list for me as it is for you, something I can return to when I am feeling lacklustre and uninspired, and hopefully give me some ideas, too.
1. Get baking with a recipe kit
We have had a great time with the older children by using a recipe kit to bake cakes after school. The reason I particularly love the recipe kits you can get online (we like Riverford for this) is because all the ingredients are already measured out – so you know you have everything you will need! It is worth checking beforehand as sometimes you might have to supply something from the store cupboard like oil or butter. My eight year old has found a real sense of accomplishment from following a recipe card herself and doing everything to make her own creations, and it keeps them entertained and busy for about 30 minutes to an hour depending on the recipe. Bonus that you get cake at the end, too!
2. Tattoo Parlour
...OK not a real one!
Opening a tattoo parlour is a great one for us, as all the children can get involved (maybe the youngest is not so willing participant!) but they can line up and get their (transfer!) tattoos on, choosing their artwork and taking in turns to be the ones to put the tattoos on.
Find our tattoos here.
3. Nail bar
We love a nail bar! Our eldest struggles with clipping nails from a sensory perspective, but she is OK with nail painting! This is a favourite of the five year old by far though and it can really help with getting those hands and nails clean if that is something you also struggle with.
Find our best selling nail polishes here.
4.
Collage with old magazines
We love nothing more in this house than getting out the scissors and glue sticks and creating a collage! I quite like this activity over painting because the clean-up is slightly easier, and I feel like I can get involved alongside without getting frustrated at my own lack of ability! The baby obviously can’t use scissors! But watching us cutting and sticking and even just placing pictures out in front of him provides a little entertainment.
5. Make a band
One of our favourite things to do is make up songs and make a band. Baby on the drums and eldest on the mic, this one is noisy and a little exhausting but a lot of fun! George Ezra is a favourite in our house and we have had many a kitchen disco to his tunes. Whats great about this is there is something for everyone, whether thhats backing dancer, song writer or merch - all personalities are catered for. :)
6. Small world play
Small world play really appeals across the ages I have found, and can be done with most any objects you can find around the house – although we do love using our Grapat for this, and pair it up with Brio train tracks for a really immersive experience.
Small world / open ended play can seem confusing or daunting to adults, but children really don't need a lot of encouragement - just give them the tools whether it is beautiful Grapat toys or just some items from nature you have brought inside - and let them be the masters of their own play.
It is not easy staying away from screens and particularly in those times when everyone is super tired, but I hope this little list helps provide a little inspiration for when you are trying to avoid them and need some ideas! We do find that everyone is a little more happy and harmonious when we can reduce our screen time – I would love to hear your tips and tricks for things that have worked for you!
