5 non-screen ways to entertain the grandkids at home
So many kids use television, computers or tablets as their default entertainment option.
But if you are interested in other ways to entertain your grandkids (without a screen) read on for some ideas.
1. Puzzles, cards and board games
A great way to improve a child’s vocabulary is through play. Playing board games like Operation or Trouble teaches children about taking turns, being a good sport, and the idea of healthy competition.
Many little kids love Snap or UNO – and these can easily be packed in a bag to take to the park or doctor’s waiting room.
Puzzles are a great way to work together to complete a task. You can teach them the way puzzles work – finding a corner piece, looking for similar pieces that match together, and using the straight edges to guide you.
2. Cooking
If you don’t mind a bit of mess, some simple cooking can be a great project to fill an hour with the kids.
Get them inspired by looking at cookbooks together, then allow them to help fetch ingredients from the pantry or fridge, measuring out quantities, stirring, and of course licking the bowl.
They will also learn about kitchen safety such as using knives and opening a hot oven. It also helps them learn patience as they wait for cupcakes to cook and then cool down.
Plus you can then take your creations outside for a little picnic. They will feel so satisfied knowing that they have helped to make the afternoon tea.
You could turn it into a tradition – for instance the kids will know that they will always make pikelets on a rainy day at Grandma’s house.
3. Gardening
Many kids don’t get to spend much time helping out in the garden, so they will love getting involved.
Teach them about selecting seeds or plants, and discussing what they need in order to grow. Kids can help use a small trowel to make a space for the seeds to go in, then cover with soil and give it some water.
It can become something that you do together each time they come over, as they check on the progress of their basil or look for the first strawberry harvest of the season.
You can also help them identify weeds and give them the satisfaction of helping you to weed an overgrown herb garden.
4. Craft
Give kids some cardboard, glue and glitter and they’re pretty happy. You can get craft supplies quite cheaply from discount stores, and many even sell small craft projects such as painting a money box.
Find something that interests your grandchild and decide on a project for the two of you to work on together.
You might decide to make a birthday card for someone, make a pasta necklace, or get an old cardboard box to decorate for a teddy bear to live in.
5. Exploring
Ever noticed how much longer a walk takes when you have a little person with you? Everything is interesting to them! Capitalise on this by making a little treasure hunt in the garden – they could find chocolate coins or some of their small toys that you have hidden while they count to twenty.
Another idea is to make an explorer’s map that they can take around your neighbourhood. They might have to collect a certain leaf from a tree, say hello to a neighbour’s friendly dog, or find a certain number on a letterbox.
You can also give them a list of things that they need to take a photograph of when you go to a park – kids love being able to tick things off a list.
Related links:
Boredom-busting activities for kids (and adults)
5 ways to help shy grandchildren to become more confident
9 science-backed ways to get children to love fruit and veg