When it comes to parenting, there are two things I know for sure.
1. Bored kids do not equal happy kids, so when a rainy day hits, the day can go south quickly. So, fun activities for kids are like gold.
2. Browsing Pinterest for creative ways to fill the day can make your self-esteem as a mom go south just as quickly. I mean, we all have our genius moments, but when I’m in a hurry to occupy my kids on the spot with what I already have in my home, I don’t want something over the top. (I feel inadequate enough already because I don’t bake in mason jars often.)
So, without further ado, I give you:
The Easiest and Least Pinterest-worthy Kids’ Activity Ever!
First, turn off the TV and crank up some butterfly catchin’ music. You’re the mom, so that’s up to your discretion.
Then, pull a sheet of paper out of the printer and draw some freestyle butterflies with a Sharpie.
Let the kids color those in. The more colorful, the better.
See how not bored they are!
Cut out said butterflies and affix a small piece of tape to the back of each.
Send the kids to do…something?…while you hide the butterflies all over the house.
Some up high, some down low.
It all depends on how long you want them to stay busy. 😉
You get the idea.
Grab your most butterfly-net-like strainer, tell the kids that it is, in fact, a butterfly net, and let them loose on a butterfly hunt!
See kids smile.
Now, turn the tables and let the kids hide the butterflies while you hunt them. (This was my son’s favorite part.) If you want to up the ante a little, tie in a little research on butterflies so the kids say things like. “Mommy…the caterpillar turns into a chrysalis and then the butterfly comes out in a new outfit and the outfit is WINGS!”
Yeah, somebody else must have taught him that. Sure wasn’t me.
Yay! Keep this gem in your back pocket for the next rainy day. Feel free to pin it if you’d like…maybe we can take that whole Pinterest thing down a notch. Then we can all feel better.
VERY COOL idea! I love this. Thank you for sharing. I think my daughter would love to do this!
Nicole recently posted…Fall Fashion Trends 2013
What a cute idea!
Beth recently posted…Save Money This Fall
I love this idea! I am always looking for ways to do stuff on the cheap or with things around the house…. and I don’t bake in mason jars either!
Renae C. recently posted…How Are Babies Made?
What a cute activity, perfect for a rainy day or for when it’s just too hot to be outside!
Paula -Growing Up Bilingual recently posted…Sanibel Island: Lighthouse Beach Park
Super cute idea! My 2.5 year old daughter would love this. It would also be fun in our church nursery.
What a fun acitivity for the kids. My nephew LOVES butterflies, he would just eat this up!
LOVE it!!
Nicole Copeland recently posted…Did you know I have a peanut allergy??
I love this idea! I’m going to try it this afternoon!
Johanna @ Mama Chocolate recently posted…$75 Gymboree Gift Card Giveaway {are you drooling yet?}
This is a fantastic idea! I pinned it for our next rainy day. Thanks for sharing!
Whitney @ It’s Gravy, Baby! recently posted…GelPro Comfort Mats – Cooking Can Be Comfortable
What a CUTE idea!! So much better than just flipping on the tv. love it!
Holly Waterfall recently posted…Spicy Southwestern Hummus
What an adorable idea! This is a great rainy day activity and we seem to have a lot of rainy days lately.
Brynn @ MommyDigger.com recently posted…Disney’s MUPPETS MOST WANTED Teaser Trailer #MuppetsMostWanted
This is such a cute activity And looks like so much fun.
Katherine G recently posted…Weekend Review: Historic 4th Ward Park/ Stevie B’s
Such a cute idea. My grand kids will love it. Also, I just love your commentary. I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels less than adequate when I look through Pinterest. 🙂
What a great idea to keep kids busy for a long while!
What a cute activity, I’ll have to try this with my little one, when she gets bigger.
JR Frugalmom recently posted…Comment on Wordless Wednesday Linky: Nature’s Creature In Disguise by Janice aka JPlovesCOTTON
I love this idea! Great for rainy days!
Christa recently posted…12 Natural Ways to Boost Your Child’s Immunity
I took my girls to visit a butterfly house last week so this would definitely be a fun activity for them right now!
Too cute! I really like this idea, my son gets so bored on days we can’t go out or get out of the house, poor guy!
Genius! I love the idea and it sure would be fun for them. Great job!
Totally concur on points #1 and #2. I still love Pinterest for ideas though and have found some good ones! My girls would love this butterfly hunt idea. I love getting the kids involved in making them – my oldest loves art so much I might never get her out of butterfly-making mode!
What a fun activity! My grandson finally enjoys coloring and would love this!