How to keep your kids occupied

Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Andrea

The problem

Keeping our kids occupied. This can be a challenge! I’m excited about today’s post because it focuses on one of my best ideas as a parent. Like most of you, I didn’t want my kids to be glued to a device all the time, especially when we were out. Whether in the car or at a restaurant, I wanted them to be able to entertain themselves without needing a screen.

Our kids didn’t get their own phone until middle school so while they had an ipad earlier they didn’t have social media or online access when we were out and about. I realize every family makes their own decisions about this and you have to do what’s best for you.

The great part is this idea works whether your kids have a device or not! Keeping your kids occupied helps them to engage different parts of their brain while also being available for conversation. I always prefer my kids to be engaged, rather than checked out.

The solution to keeping your kids occupied

An activity bag. Sure, it sounds overly simple. But therein lies the beauty of the solution. An activity bag grows with your child. In fact, my 16 yo and I were taking a trip to see the grandmas this summer and he told me what he had packed in his activity bag – he still packed one at 16!

We started this when our kids were toddlers. In the beginning we packed the bag for our children, but as they grew older, they were responsible for taking what they wanted in their back to keep themselves occupied…even once they had phones.

In our house if the device runs out of battery, we would not charge it in the car. So they had to make do with something else even when they were allowed to bring a device.

What goes in an activity bag?

Whatever will effectively engage the child! Here is a list of some ideas that worked for our kids:

• Books – these are great for the car and encourage reading in addition to keeping our kids occupied.
• Hidden objects – I made these for my kids and they were great when they were young.
• Coloring books – be sure to bring colored pencils as crayons will melt when it’s hot (a super important point here in Florida!)
• A lovey – for self soothing
• Games – bring ones they can play by themself or with a sibling. My kids loved tangoes and Simon (if you can stand the noise!).
• Snack – be sure it’s non-messy and one they can handle on their own. Bars worked well for our kids.

Think about what games or activties your child likes, then set aside a few for the activity bag. Make sure they are ONLY for the activity bag so they are special.

Rotate toys as they get tired of then and as your child(ren) grow.

Get started!

An activity bag is super simple to put together. Feeling creative? Buy a plain canvas bag at WalMart and let your child paint on it to decorate it. Then she/he has ownership of their new activity bag.

When it’s time to leave, we asked our kids if they had their water and activity bag. They were responsible for both items before we could leave the house.

Whether the kids needed to be occupied in the car, while waiting at a dr’s office, or at a restaurant, the activity bag is a super simple solution to keeping kids occupied but available to engage, as well.

What would you put in your child’s activity bag? Let us know in the comments! I love to hear from readers and share ideas.

With love,

🌸 Andrea

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