15 ways to keep your kids busy without TV

15 ways to keep your kids busy - without TV!

It may surprise your kids to learn there was life before television.  At one time, parents kept their kids independently busy without the aid of television, it can be hard to think in current time.  There are options, though. Sure, they take a bit more energy than just plopping a child in front of a screen, but encouraging your child to do something constructive is always worth the extra effort. To be a parent means to be always prepared, quick-witted and innovative, of course. If you can keep your little ones busy without spending a lot of money, you are truly a super-parent. Here are some great ideas for keeping your kids entertained and most importantly, they’re TV-free.

1. Painting

If mess doesn’t bother you, then let your little one have fun with paint ! Give them poster board and paints and let them create their masterpieces! 

And, if the mess does bother you, kids also enjoy using water paint !

2. Let them make their own cartoons.

Instead of watching cartoons, have your children make their own. Give them a piece of paper and some crayons, and ask them to draw you a hero and a bad guy. When they're done, let them come back and tell you their hero's story.

3. Build a fort

Give your child a few pillows and a blanket, and ask them to make a decent fort. No child will turn down the chance to make a secret hiding spot—and they'll be much more likely to play independently once they're inside.

4. Playdough

Ahh, playdough! Kids LOVES playdough. For younger kids – around 3 years old – play playdough with them since they needed help using these tools. You should avoid using sets and just use cookie cutters and plastic knives for play. But, if your child is four and older, playdough sets can keep your little one entertained for a while!

5. Dance Party

When the weather is cold, it’s tempting to sit all day and stay in the house, but that’s not healthy.  If you have little ones under 2 years old, use some activity DVDs and have a dance party. It can give your some distraction-free time while your little one has fun running around.

6. Create a game box.

Fill a box full of things your child can play alone, items like coloring books, playing cards, or easy puzzles. When you need to keep your kids busy, give them the box. They might resist at first, but the more you do it, the more they'll accept “game box time" as part of their routine.

7. Playing with Sand

Children love playing with sand. They can spend hours ‘writing’ letters and ’drawing’ pictures on the beach. If you want to take this fun activity back to your place, use a box filled with sugar and a pencil. You can print out some letters and ask your little ones to write them down on the ’sand’.

8. Make a sculpture.

Give your child a few pipe cleaners and a piece of Styrofoam or really any child-friendly item you have on hand and ask them to make a sculpture. Anything will do, but favorite heroes are a winning suggestion.

9. Puzzles

Use puzzles as an independent activity, but playing with them if they need help with the more advanced puzzles. But, for little ones, this might be a great activity to keep their hands busy.

10. Encourage outdoor play.

Don't forget how your parents kept you busy. Just give your child a ball and a stick, and let them run wild. If you're worried about their safety, just keep them in sight. They'll be fine.

11. Sponge Towers

Use sharp scissors to cut dry kitchen sponges into thin rectangles (aim for 1⁄4-inch slices), then let her stack them up (Jenga-style!) to make towers or buildings. They can also serve as floating boats for the bath.

12. Design a treasure hunt.

Hide something like a coin or a sticker somewhere in the house. Give your kids a clue, and let them run wild trying to find it. If you make it a bit tricky to find, you'll build up their resilience and their ability to find things without begging for your help.

13. Play hopscotch.

Instead of multi-colored chalk, you can also use tape to make a game of hopscotch indoors. To play hopscotch, you should first lay out the court on the ground. If you’re playing indoors, then use your colored tape. It will definitely keep your child busy.

14. Let them help you.

If you're cooking or cleaning, let them assist you. Give them a job they can handle. For young kids, that might be stringing beans or setting the table. For older kids, that might be slicing vegetables, sweeping the house or taking out the recycling.

15. Busy Box.

Toss a bunch of small objects (that aren’t choking hazards) into a box for the baby to examine, dump, and gather up again. Two ways to prolong the activity: Pick novel objects (measuring spoons, shiny bangles, balls, and rattles—random is good), and use a box with a lid. Even better, use an empty diaper-wipes case with a rubber (that is, gentle) hand-trapping opening.

These activities can also be for smaller children, but you have to be near them at all times.