3 Fun and Engaging Activities to Calm Tired and Cranky Kids
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Need help parenting today? Save your screen time as a tool for later and set up one of these super simple activities to keep your children occupied while you take back time for yourself.
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 a mood busting secret weapon. 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 today! 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. If you start to forget, 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, and letting your child lead the way is a huge mood lifter. If your little one has been stuck inside all day, they’ve been subject to your moods, sitting still, not running, etc. 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. Bring a little basket or bag. Let them pick up nature items along the way. When you get home, dump the basket on a little tray with playdough and small animals. Before you know it they will be settled and playing and you’ll have some moments to yourself.
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
