Monday night she watched our kids because it was our anniversary. Last night was our turn. The kids came in and began playing so nicely. They continued to play nicely. But we were having issues of doors being closed to keep the smaller ones away. It's hard being big and having little ones come in and mess up what you're playing. It's also hard being little and not being allowed to play with all of the other kids.
It's also hard when Jennie doesn't allow doors to be shut in her house. Was a rule growing up, now it's a room in our house. That way I know what's going on at all times and no one gets their fingers slammed in the door. It's a good rule to have, if I may say so myself.
We had big girls playing puzzles and big boys playing cars. It was a good time, until they each got tired of puzzles and cars became boring.
I do have to say that no one fought! (score one for us!) But what do you do when you have so many kids under one (very small) roof who are all such different ages? I know there's always the TV, but I think that the TV gets used as a babysitter far too often. (I'm even guilty of it when I need to take a shower or something like that).
I'd like to know what you all do to help keep your kids happy and occupied in doors (since I live in an apartment and don't have a backyard). Help a girl out!
I love the no doors closed rule, we have a "loose" rule like that too (I've never outright said "NO DOORS SHUT!" but I prefer them open). We had a similar rule too growing up, although it was more of a no slamming the door kind of a rule. And when it wasn't being followed, my dad just removed all our doors completely:) And I've never had to watch that many kids at once really, but if I do have a few blowing up balloons is always popular (cheap entertainment!). I just got the book "Incredible Edible Science" and it has lots of awesome fun educational things to do, and most activities are designed for groups of kids... maybe that's something worth checking out? Hopefully your library has it!
ReplyDeleteIt's this one, btw: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/160554017X/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0716765012&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=040RQTVKW2QTHJY6GNYM
ReplyDeleteI like playing games. Made up as you go along with whatever and whoever is going to play. Games that are just fun not competitive invites all ages to play together. Simon says, hide an object then everyone looks for it, or one person looks and everybody gives hot or cold clues, Freeze dancing, charades can be fun. The little ones just want to be where the action is they dont have to actually participate. Imagination travels, we are going somewhere to do something, etc. The more flexible and imaginative you are the more fun and the kids will get into it. You just have to be willing to lead the party. Time flies when you are having fun!
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