A new adventure. A new friend. A new experience. New can be scary, but you will never find the best things in life if you never say hello to opportunities that come your way.
Much as I tell my little ones at meal time, you cannot know if you like something or not if you never take the risk and try.
These last two years have been hard for everyone, especially our children. They lost two years of their already too short childhood. Even though things are beginning to reopen and loosen the restraints, it is harder than ever to find things to keep little ones engaged and active, much less find learning opportunities.
There are so many unfortunate businesses that closed permanently or continue to have restrictions in place to which families are unable to adhere. Not to mention venues with astronimical prices due to inevitable inflation make it expensive on an already tight budget.
It is time to get creative. Time to brainstorm on ways to keep your little ones active and learning.
Here are some inexpensive ideas to get the family out of the house and have (maybe) new experiences.
Used bookstores: We focus so much on our devices these days, that paperback books are becoming a lost treasure that stimulates the mind. Generally, you can find books at a fraction of the price, and in near new conditions. I have never met a used bookstore owner that I did not like. They are friendly and eager to help you find the perfect story. Children have a blast picking out books with which they can use their birthday money to buy and keep. It encourages them to learn how to read and provides a sense of responsibility knowing it was their money used to buy that special book. In addition, as your kids out grow their books, they can take them back to the used bookstore and trade them for new stories. This further teaches them how to barter.
Antique Stores: Someone's junk can become a child's new treasure. In addition, a lot of the stuff you find is old enough to still be made in the USA. Even if it is not, the country of origin is not getting any additional money from your purchase, as they already received their payout at the original purchase. Instead, you are feeding money back into a local business. It is also another great opportunity to teach children about commerce, as it is a fun way to spend Christmas money. The joy you will get from watching them ask what a rotary phone is cannot be measured outside of priceless.
Wilderness Scavenger Hunts: This one is a bit tricky during the colder months, but that is why there are other ideas listed. 😉 Bonus points if you find ways to do this with snow on the ground. When it gets warm enough, make a list of stuff you know can be found in your area. Go outside and start searching! You can do this in your neighborhood, on a hiking trail, or even in your backyard. You can even make it a competition by setting a prize at the end, which is particularly enticing to siblings. Another alternative is to make it a teaching lesson by specifying certain aspects of each item, such as count, color, texture, and more. Whichever way you want to do this, it will get you out of the house and moving. Even better, it is free!
No matter what you choose to do, get out of the house! It is a beautiful world, and it is time to enjoy it once again, with family.
If you have any ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments!
Well written!