It is hot outside- very hot, how should we entertain the kids without going out?
Keeping children busy on a hot day is not easy, you probably want to crawl under some shade with a cold cup of coffee or juice and listen to some music or read a book. But the children need to be keep busy and occupied. Heat makes a lot of children cranky and irritable and it is not their fault!
So how should you prepare yourself for a hot day?
How to entertain children on a hot day:
- check the weather before the heat hits you! Know before hand it will be hot so you are stocked up with essentials and have no pressing errand to accomplish.
- Stock up with toys and things to do so you can keep them busy, such as:
Water Play- the most economical and easy way to keep children busy for hours. fill up a tub, pool or basins with water and place various toys inside. I like to keep handy some water squirts and buckets. When I see it will be a long day, I sometimes allow the children to wash the car. In addition, there are plenty of water playing tools such as water balloons. Water keeps the temperature down and if they stay cool they can be outdoors for a bit getting the change of scenery without staying fully indoors.
Crafts- I prefer crafts rather than baking on a hot day for I do not like to have the oven on. Crafts include play-dough, store bought crafts, perler beads, making puppets and at time making their own play dough.
Friends– it is the perfect day for play dates, and friend fun. Children find their friends toys more exciting than their own. Also, when they play with their friends their own toys seem more enticing.
Story time– perfect time to read and enact some story books with puppets and sounds. Children can take turns reading or have mom read to them. Be sure to visit the public library if you want a change of books.
Pictures/ Albums– look through old pictures and albums, laugh at the changes and show the children how much they changed and grew.
The heat should not take away the possibilities of a wonderful day. As an educator and mom it is up to you to create wonderful memories of that very hot day!