Hobbies And Interests
Chore Games
There are a couple of fun games to get your children to help keep the house tidy. Ask children to gather in the same room. Each of them picks up an object that is out of place and puts it away. If it belongs in another room, they have to pick up something from that room and return it to where it belongs. Give points or pennies for every object they put away. Another game is to give them a list of easy chores to bring back to you when they have checked off all the items. You can give them a penny or stickers for each chore completed.
Hopscotch
Hopscotch is a simple game that children love to play. It works off energy and kids can see themselves getting better at navigating the course. There are eight numbered squares that can be drawn with chalk on a sidewalk outside, or with masking tape on a floor.
Game House
Kids love enclosed, child-size spaces to use as a playhouse, clubhouse or game house. Drape sheets or blankets over a few tables and chairs, or call your local large appliance store to see if they have a spare refrigerator or washing machine box. Cut doors and windows in the side of the box with a serrated bread knife. Put a selection of games inside the game house, their favorite sports-top beverage and a bowl of healthy snacks.
Croquet
Croquet is an absorbing and enjoyable yard game for all ages. The rules can be simplified for children, and child-sized croquet sets are available to make it easier to swing the mallets at the wooden balls. Set up a table in the shade with lemonade and snacks to replenish their energy.
Toss Games
For young children, use three beanbags, a few half-gallon milk cartons with the tops cut off, and a strip of masking tape to mark where the kids should stand. Put the cartons a few feet away and let each child toss three bags, receiving a point each time they succeed. For older kids, place three to six containers at different distances away from the players. Use a bold marker on a scrap of paper to assign point values to each box; the further away, the higher the value. The first player to arrive at a given score wins.
Computer Games
There are now many safe sites for young children that offer engaging and instructive games. Time at the computer can be a reward for good behavior or for completing chores, and should be limited to keep it a special, focused time. While children play games on the computer, they learn skills such as using a mouse. They also learn to respect the safety of the computer by keeping the area around it clear of food and drink. Bookmark a list of five child-safe sites that you have checked out first.