THREE ACTIVITIES FOR TIRED AND CRANKY KIDS
/THREE ACTIVITIES FOR TIRED AND CRANKY KIDS
The other day I volunteered for lunch duty at my daughter’s school. I watched the first graders pour into the cafeteria, post- outdoor recess. They were AMPED. It was sensory overload. The smells, the the noise, the hum of the fluorescent lights, the expectation to stand in line to collect your lunch. I’ll call it controlled chaos but let’s just say it was A LOT to take in. And here’s the thing- this was only a twenty minute snapshot of the day for these children. I left there feeling simultaneously depleted and jumpy. When I left I didn’t know what I needed. Coffee? Food? Silence? A long walk? It made me think about the after school behaviors of our children. Mine three kids are all different. Ruby is often hungry and craving some alone time before hanging wth friends. Sloane is HANGRY, but also begging for playdates. She plays with such intensity after school. Her mind and body NEED to PLAY. Nate is pretty happy go lucky. He’s typically looking for a big snack, a bike riding partner or someone who wants to run around the neighborhood with him and just be free.
Our children are working so hard all day long at school and they need the opportunity to shut it down. Here are three simple and easy activities for tired and cranky kids.
SHAVING CREAM SENSORY PLAY
Have your child put on a swim suit and sit them in the dry bath tub or shower. Add a bowl of warm water, a GIANT pile of shaving foam and some toys animals. Sometimes I add a drop of essential oil for ambiance. Let them foam up the walls, themselves, their animals, whatever floats their boat. They’ll know what to do… Tell them the rule is that the foam must stay in the tub or shower (this saves you from a huge clean up). When they are all finished? Turn on the shower or tub and rinse everyone and everything clean.
This activity is best for preschool and up.
Worried about it getting in their eyes? Here’s how I lay it down:
Me: “Guess what, I am going to set up a relaxing activity for you after school! You are going to use shaving cream and toys in the tub.”
Child: “Wow!”
Me: Using shaving cream is definitely not for little kids, because it would be too hard for them to follow the rules. They might put it in their mouth or get it in their eyes. When you get home, I will remind you of all the rules to keep you safe while you are having fun in there.”
PAINTING IN THE SHOWER
Strip them down, or let them wear an old bathing suit and hop in the empty tub or shower.
Bring in those hardly-ever used finger paints and let your child paint themselves, the walls, and the floor of the tub or shower. Pro-tip? Add a drop of baby soap or dish soap to the paint. It will all wash down SO much easier. You can give them paint brushes, rollers, or even spray bottles. If you are worried about the tub getting slippery, put down an old towel or a drop cloth for some grip, or have your child sit on her bottom while painting. You could drop some baby dolls or dinosaurs in there and let them paint those too! Want to start small? Try paint sticks or gel crayons and some washi tape to keep the “art” on one spot.
TAKE A WALK
Seriously…It sounds so lame, but taking an aimless walk, letting your child lead the way is a huge mood lifter. Your little one has been stuck inside all day. He’s been following directions and sitting, standing , and walking in a straight line. Giving your child the opportunity to lead the way, go slow or fast, talk or be silent allows them to just relax. Your job is to be a quiet presence. Rather than badger them with questions, just listen. Follow your child’s lead.
Did you like this post? Then you’ll love these:
HOW TO KEEP YOUR KIDS ENTERTAINED AT RESTAURANTS WITHOUT SCREENS
I hope you found this post helpful. If you want to hear more from me, please be sure to subscribe to my blog and join the conversation over on Instagram.
-Lizzie
