Keeping up with kids is not easy to do.
Play by play offers an idea a day to help you keep them on their toes too.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Monday
While your stacking the clean laundry piles high, why not have a (clean) sock snowball fight? Older kids might be able to handle balled up pairs, but I recommend letting the singles fly free to prevent injury. This activity will wear the kids out in a cool way without having to brave the summer heat.

Tuesday
Go on a "B" hunt. Be the safari guide through your house as you hunt for and sneak up on all things that start with a B.

Wednesday
Grab that stack of library books from the table and spread them way out on the floor. Tell your little one that you are going to ask questions about the stories. Explain that when they know the right answer, they should stand next to the book that the story is in.

This may sound complicated, but you can even ask questions such as, "which story is in a book with a duck on the cover?" You can think up questions all day when you find that this entertains your child. If you want, come up with a point system or rewards for right answers. A pretzel sticks for right answers makes this a nice snacktime-friendly activity.

Thursday

Theater Thursday. Get out one of those favorite books again. This time, make sure to choose a very active story with distinct characters. Be the narrator and let your child act out the parts - or you join in the acting too. Friends and stuffed animals are also very welcome helpers!

Friday
Get a jump-start on Saturday cleaning by becoming Garbage Men. Let your child ride on your back and direct you to the nearest garbage can. Teach your child to empty the can into a bigger bag, get a chore done, and work out all at the same time!