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Quick 'quality time' activity ideas

5 replies

Idontknowwhatto · 22/09/2022 18:47

I've got a baby and two older kids aged 5 (girl) and 7 (boy). With a baby it's not always easy to block off a good chunk of time to spend with the older two individually but i would like to think of ways to inject a bit of 'special' into any moments of downtime we get with them. Something that's quick and can be done spontaneously, as and when the opportunity arises. An example could be quickly painting my 5 year oldest nails and having a chat while the baby has her (mico)nap, or going through my son's Pokemon collection with a juice and a biscuit. Something they both love is to take turns sleeping in the living room with me or their dad (on a sofa each). These things are quick, no hassle and easy to make time for and means a lot to the kids. Does anyone have any other ideas? I just want to make the most of any one to one time. We already have lots of hugs and chats, but any other nice suggestions for these times would be appreciated. Thanks!

OP posts:
Pugsley87 · 22/09/2022 19:06

Picnic lunch! Doesn't matter what the food is. Blanket on the floor, couple of sheets and chairs to make a tent. Put food out like a picnic, you can have yoghurt before sandwich etc. kids love it here :)

Riverlee · 22/09/2022 19:11

Why don’t you get some props (hats, sunglasses etc) and have a funny photo moment - like the photo booths you get at weddings etc.

Leeds2 · 22/09/2022 19:17

Reading them stories.
Baking.
Writing a letter/postcard to grandma/auntie etc. Preferably someone who will send one back!
Picking fruit/vegetables in the garden together, if you have them.
Cup of hot chocolate with squirty cream and marshmallows.
Playing a quick game of snap. Or Connect 4/Guess Who.
Karaoke, if it won't wake the baby!
Watching a film.
Writing their letter to Father Christmas (in a few weeks!)
Making paper chains (again, in a few weeks!)
Listen to an audio book together
Having a disco in the living room
Buy a tube of bubbles and let them run around bursting them. Maybe introduce some balloons!
Making a homemade card for a fried/relative's upcoming birthday
A family jigsaw. Maybe only do a few pieces every now and then.
Ice pre made cookies with those icing tubes that are ready to go.

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MuggleMe · 22/09/2022 19:17

Rough housing is a good one, be a really clumsy bear that is chasing then decide you're scared and let them chase you for e.g.

My 8yo has loved chapter books being read to her for a couple of years, faraway tree, lion witch and wardrobe, Harry potter etc.

Helping with cooking or doing some baking?

Looking at baby pictures together or working on a photo scrapbook?

Idontknowwhatto · 22/09/2022 19:38

Lovely ideas here!!! Thank you!

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