OP Shop Cubby
$5 in an op shop goes a long, long way. My sister and I allowed our children to explore a second hand shop for items to create a cubby-house.
Talk about excitment central. It was like a great big treasure hunt.
Items to look out for:
mosquito net — pots — utensils — foldable child seats – basket — bell (for a secret call) — ribbons — blankets — phone — cushion — ropes — tarpaulin — cutlery — ribbon
Children are incredibly resourceful and imaginative and I love to see how they think (I know, you can’t see thinking). Scottie found a retro telephone directory (pictured) to keep special codes in.
Awesome job girls.
This activity combines the outdoors, creativity, ingenuity, construction and environmentally friendly play. Can’t get much better than that.
Note: This activity is suited to school aged children, although my 2-year-old son enjoyed picking out a truck quilt cover. Be wary of broken and dangerous items.
Try this: Friday after school, raid a second hand shop. Come Saturday, you won’t see the kids all day. Remember this activity for the September school holidays.
Relevant Be A Fun Mum Posts
Make Scramble Eggs Tonight, Have Fun Tomorrow
Family Holiday: Go and Make Memories
I fondly remember my childhood family holidays. My Dad asked a grown-up-me this question recently: “Do you remember us taking you to ________?” I couldn’t remember, and I could tell my Dad was a little disappointed. Then I said, “Dad, it doesn’t matter that I can’t remember every single place we visited, what matters is you and Mum created memories of an overwhelmingly happy childhood.”
Holidays are about creating memories of an overwhelmingly happy childhood.
Holiday Bag
On our big annual family holiday, I pack a special holiday bag of goodies for each of my children. This doesn’t have to be expensive. Typically I include these things:
* Colouring/activity book
* Small toy
* Lollies
* New Book
* Green Shopping Bag
Don’t forget to take a family treat too, like a board game. The Book Chook put it this way: “I can’t resist activities that give kids opportunities for learning and socializing, wrapped up in a package of fun.”
Holiday Box
My sister Sharron, who is the most organised person I know, suggested a dedicated holiday box. The idea of the box is it’s already packed and ready to take with you on holidays. From matches to paper towel and BBQ utensils to paper plates, it’s all there.
Notes: When you come home from holidays, replenish the box so it’s ready for next time. I used a take-away container to hold the pegs.
Printable Packing Lists
Note: Consider organising The Car Box too, and you’ll be all set to enjoy the holiday.
Go and make memories.
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Be A Fun Mum Link:
External Links:
Planning with Kids: Preparing for the school holidays and 10 Essential Items For The Family Car Trip
Parenting Australia: Happy Holiday Plan
Hear Mum Roar: School Holiday Fun – Slime
Childhood 101: Creating Memories: Holidays
