Parenting School Age Children

Posts Tagged ‘children’s games’

Spring brings longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. Children, who were cooped up during winter weather, cannot wait to get outside and get moving. That being said, boredom sets in quickly and it is in such times that the three best spring games and toys for kids come in quite handy!

Facing the Challenge

Parents of elementary school-aged children know that games are a beloved pastime. Unfortunately, unless junior is quite resourceful or mom and dad are old hands at having some outdoor games ready for the youngsters, thinking up new spring entertainment for kids can be quite a challenge.

Water, Water, Everywhere…

The favorite games for kids usually involve water. Water plus warm spring weather is the kind of equation that makes sense. Buy a slip-and-slide, wading pool or rotating sprinkler head and you have the makings of hours of fun. Parents who don’t mind getting wet should look into buying some soaker guns that ensure fast, active and wet game-play.

Caveat: Even a shallow wading pool requires consistent parent supervision when in use. Do not put older children in charge of toddlers and babies; remember: at the end of the day, they are still kids themselves who need some spring fun.

Game Sets

Invest in a basketball hoop and croquet set. Especially if there is not much of a backyard to speak of, the driveway can become an instant basketball court. Croquet works best on a mowed lawn or at least some even soil. Even though croquet may seem like it has been around for a long time, it is one of the evergreen children’s games that will continue to be popular for generations to come.

Outdoor Art Supplies

Artwork – especially finger-painting – is perfect for the outdoors. Get long rolls of butcher paper, cans of finger-paint and keep the hose on stand-by. Before long the kids will take off their shoes and footprints as well as handprints may adorn a driveway, walkway and – perhaps – some of the butcher paper.

Don’t Forget…

The most important aspect of school-aged children’s games in spring is parent participation. Don’t be too busy to have some fun. Remember: games for kids are not just for the youngsters!