How do I keep my child happy at home.

My child is driving me crazy

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Turn the cheeky child into a busy child! Sometimes the cheekiness can be a call for ‘something to do!’

 

 

Here are some ideas!!!

  • Creative City! If you have carpet, use masking tape to create roads and car parks! Use blocks for buildings, add the matchbox cars and they will play for hours!

 

 

  • Making puppets.Choose a theme from a TV show or book, create characters using paper and disposable chop sticks (supermarket) or paddle pop sticks (craft shop). Let him/her put on a show for you!

  • Origami. If you search for simple origami instructions on you tube, you will find visual step by step instructions. Try to do the love heart and the simple fish design!

 

  • Make a fairy garden. When my boys were 4, they were very motivated by magic and make believe! So… I decided to take them to a garden shop and we made a very simple fairy garden with white pebbles, grey pebbles, a bag of various shells and some cheap ornaments. It is actually quite a feature in our back yard…still!

 

  • Buy a puppy!No just kidding! Be a puppy in a game of Charades! Our version is so different and simple compared to the actual game of Charades. They choose a theme, for example; animal, be an animal, and everyone else has to guess!

 

  • Water play. When my boys were about 3, they loved to get all their sea creature plastic toy figurines for water play. I would place 2 towels on the tiles near where I was cooking or cleaning or resting and arranged different containers with various sizes, shapes and depth all around on the towels. Add water and you have created shallow ponds! Lots of fun!

 

  • Pillow Cats.This is great for a rainy day! Children love to choose, so this activity includes a lot of choice at a low cost. Take your child on a trip to the material/craft shop to get the following; small travel pillow, button eyes, button nose, ribbon tail and bow, black pipe cleaners, black texta and black elastics.

 

By looking at the photo, you will see what you need to do with all the materials!

 

   

 

It took me about 10 minutes to sew everything on! Not long at all! My boys made one for their grandmothers. Cheaper than a present, but something Grandmothers would definitely appreciate!!!!!!! (Contact me if you have any problems).

 

   

Keep them busy and have some fun!!!!

 

How do I keep my child happy

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Keep life simple, and may the wonder and awe of little things bring constant joy!

If your child seems miserable, before you question their happiness, refer to this checklist;

  • Is routine good?
  • Is their diet balanced?
  • Could they be growing?
  • Could they be unwell?
  • Could your child be worried about something?

Routine – Do they have routine, an appropriate bed time, meal time etc.

Diet – Do they have a balanced diet of protein, vegetables, fruit, carbohydrates and water? Are those fizzy drinks and processed foods minimal?

Growing moods – My boys have growth spurts/testosterone surges that affect their moods, however never last that long. I gently explain to them about how growing can affect how you feel, and that it is normal!

Unwell – Sometimes children can feel unwell, but it is not very noticeable to us (no temperature or other symptoms), check to see if there is a change in their appetite or energy levels.

Bottled worry – Does your child have the chance to share their worries? To talk to you about stuff, can be a huge release, making them feel safe and happy. (Remember, when you are sharing worries with friends or your partner, never assume your children are not listening, they are listening, and depending on the child, they could take those worries on board too!)

In my household, the things that make our children happy are;

  • When we are all silly together! Children love it when adults can come down to their level, and see the joy of being silly sometimes!!!!!

  • When we (Mum and Dad) are the audience for a puppet show or dance/sing performance. My boys find it difficult to perform in front of others, however they are comfortable enough to perform in front of us, which can only enrich their self confidence and self concept!
  • When we play a game their way, together! Forget the rules, enjoy the sunshine and just being together!

  • Sharing funny stories. (they love listening to me telling them stories from my childhood)
  • Praising and acknowledging them with genuine affection.(Watch your children glow, when they wake up in the morning and you suddenly proclaim excitedly that they have grown another inch! Kids love knowing they are getting bigger and older!)
  • Making choices. A choice could be as simple as choosing the type of pasta you are cooking for dinner that night, or choosing the cookies from the jar for their recess/play lunch etc. In regards to choosing clothes, I allow my boys to choose however I choose the clothes for them to select from. In this way I still have control over what they wear. It works very well in my house!
  • Learning and discovering new things! Help keep the wonder and awe alive in their world, by allowing them to interact with new experiences, nature, friends…etc. The things we generally take for granted, can be the things that can actually inspire children! (How many times have you looked up at the clouds, and searched for cloud images?)

  • When Mum and Dad are happy! You will be surprised how many emotions children show, often reflect how we are feeling ourselves! It’s time to spread some happiness, beginning with YOU!