Talk

Flip

Join the discussion and meet other Mumsnetters on our free online chat forum.

Chat

What to do with 7 year old son?

14 replies

Originalusername01 · 21/12/2020 16:21

Obviously with everything being closed we are spending a lot of time indoors..and way to much screen time. I'm looking for activities that we can do together or any ideas? He has a switch for Xmas so we can play on that together ( I know that's still screen time but at least I can be involved ), he doesn't really enjoy reading for fun but I'm actively encouraging this. Hes not into jigsaws or puzzles. I went to spend some more quality time together but no idea where to start. Open to all suggestions ..thank you

OP posts:

Report

Disorganisedfish · 21/12/2020 16:30

My Ds is 8 so I feel your pain!

Some suggestions from me are: Lego, baking, assault courses (I time him while he jumps over cushions and runs round kitchen chairs and things) switch is good - the dance game makes me feel less screen time guilty, I put a masking tape out line on the kitchen floor as if it was a few streets and we designed our perfect village..... mostly though..... it’s hard to pull him off screens!

Oh! Scavengers hunts as well! I sometimes put ideas into envelopes and he has to pick an activity out of the envelope. It might be something mundane like 20 mins reading but because he’s picked it out of a tombola jar he’s much more excited by the prospect!

Report

goldeline · 21/12/2020 16:32

My DS is 7 and loves playing top trumps and card games (his favourite is shit face which we've re-named poop face..)

Report

Manteo · 21/12/2020 16:32

Are you isolating or can you go out? If you can: Geocaching!

Report

Originalusername01 · 21/12/2020 16:49

@Disorganisedfish

The ideas in a jar is great...stealing that. Thanks for the suggestions xx

OP posts:

Report

Originalusername01 · 21/12/2020 16:50

@manteo what's geocaching? We love being outdoors xx

OP posts:

Report

Fivemoreminutes1 · 21/12/2020 16:53

My DS did Hama beads for the first time yesterday. We’ve got a big tub of random beads and pegboards, plus this dinosaur kit www.hobbycraft.co.uk/hama-beads-dinosaurs-set/596099-1000

Today we made some stained glass biscuits for the tree and tomorrow night we’re going to make a den on the living room floor next to the tree and possibly camp overnight in it.

The weekend before last we went on an after-dark Christmas light-spotting walk.

Report

Coronawireless · 21/12/2020 17:01

Lots of outdoors. Long long walks. Any beaches nearby? Rocks to climb? Sea to swim in? Forest walks? Do you have a dog or can you borrow one or advertise yourselves as dog-walkers?
Then, as a reward for a long walk:
Read to him. Every single evening. Your own childhood favourites. Exciting books he wouldn’t manage to read on his own.
Card games eg speed, rummy, uno, old maid, patience, donkey, go-fish.
Board games eg snakes and ladders, connect 4, dobble, othello, draughts, chess, Pictionary, charades.

Report

Stepintochristmas2020 · 21/12/2020 17:35

I have a 7yo and during the week we are together alone in the evenings, and we are stuck inside as dbaby goes to bed at 6pm!

Board games - monopoly junior, cluedo junior, scrabble. He likes them but they're also interesting for me and can pass an hour.

Having a dedicated movie night.

Baking - even something easy like a chocolate biscuit cake.

Would he enjoy 'funny' books more than a normal book? My ds is more likely to go for captain underpants or horrid Henry books to read.