Children are simple in the most inspiring ways. Long before there was $50.00 video games and annoying, filthy, curse filled “children’s” movies parents and kids played beautiful games and created unique items together; mostly for free or very little cost. It is time to go back and revisit some of these timeless traditions.
Growing a Kid Friendly Garden
Let the children help from start to finish. Find a decent sized patch of land and clear out all of the debris. Give each child an age appropriate tool and begins to add compost and various gardening areas. Each child can have a small patch for itself and then work together on a larger area. Try planting a pea tunnel; it is simply an area where pea vines have been trained into a tunnel shape so that kids can climb through. Make sure the area around the tunnel has been cleared away enough so that parents can check for snakes and other dangerous things each time before kids play.
Try growing many fast maturing plants such as, sedums, melons, squashes, alyssum, cucumbers, sunflowers and the like. This helps to keep children interested as they can quickly see their hard work is paying off. The addition of slower planting ideas can be added as well. Try creating topiaries out of fast growing shrubs and bushes. Privets make an excellent choice, as they are tough and fill in rather quickly.
Winter Gardening with Kids
Where room allows bring some favorite plants indoors for the winter. This will entertain kids through the doldrums of chilly weather while giving them a sense of responsibility. Carnivorous plants make great learning tools for children. Try growing some this winter. See Plants for Kids for additional information and plants to buy.
Crafting Ideas for Kids
Hardware stores carry large rolls of contractors’ paper usually for under $10.00, this paper is good for various crafts and very economically priced. Children can simply roll and cut off what they need for each craft. It is sturdy enough to make paper vests, indoor tents, paper mache, and other rough and tumble paper crafts. People with kids would be crazy not to have a roll of this great stuff around the house.
Fabric scraps can be used to create all sorts of neat items. Dog and cat clothes are simple to make and kids love doing it. This works especially well for short haired breeds that need extra protection in the winter time. Find more ideas and some neat free dog jacket patterns online.
How to Make a Paper Vest
Supplies list for kid’s vest
- One piece of brown contractor’s paper large enough to fold over and cover a child’s chest
- Scissors
- Water
- Paint
Set Aside a Day for the Kids to Groom the Dog and Cat
All a person needs are some scissors, shampoo, and whatever else the kids want to incorporate into the grooming day. This idea can be a fun way to teach children responsibility and to respect their animal friends. Fido gets clean and the kids are happy, everyone wins.
Camp Out, Inside
Using an old sheet or even that brown paper to make an indoor tent complete with snacks and flashlights is a great way to have fun with the kids. Turn off all the house lights and really get into with the kids. Read stories by flashlight and imagine what is outside the tent. Kids get a real kick out of it when they are in Africa in their very own living room. Imagining all the animals all around them really gets them excited.
There are numerous ways to enjoy life, many of them free. Parents can save money by creating affordable games and toys for children themselves. Why not give these free and cheap ideas a shot and see what works for a budget friendly family fun time?
Related article:
 |
