This is NOT a sponsored post. Every item I’ve purchased and my kids have enjoyed for a while. Affiliate links are used and there may be a small #commissionsearned if you decide to purchase using the links Ā I’ve shared, at no additional cost to you. TIA ā¤ļø
If you’re looking for EASY screen free fun for your kids, that they can enjoy INDEPENDENTLY… this is for you.
Today I’m sharing an easy way to encourage independent play for your children… BUSY BASKETS. A basket full of fun and engaging Ā activities the kids can do independently.
Busy Baskets are great for:
-Quiet Time when your kids no longer nap
-Brain Break for intense physical play
-Keeping kids occupied while you tend to other kids or responsibilities
-Great for screen free fun at home anytime you need a breather
So whether you’re working from home and need something for your kids to do while home for Spring Break, or your kids dropped their nap and need some engaging activities they can do independently during quiet time,… or perhaps you just need you kids to entertain themselves while you Ā regroup and prepare for the rest of your day as a Ā SAHM… This video is for you!
Okay, so here are all the mentioned items from our busy baskets
handheld Pop Fidget gameĀ
Bilingual Spanish-to-English Toy
Highlights Silliest Puzzle Book
Washable Markers
Twistable Crayons
Twistable Coloring Pencils
Barbie Composition Book
Barbie Stickers
Spiderman Activity Book
Spiderman Camera
Ocean Treasure Sticker by number puzzle book
In the Wild Sticker by letter puzzle book
And you can literally create your own “busy basket” with anything. Even just a few moments of effort the night before to gather a few items that the kids already have, and maybe haven’t used in a while, can make for a great start to the busy basket routine.
A few additional words of wisdom.
1 My kids enjoy time with us most.
I love my breaks, I also am intentionally aware of the fact that my kids enjoy their time with me and dad most. I think what has helped has been to keep these things in their proper place. I don’t create these busy basket activities as a form of escape. When I do that my kids don’t engage with the activities that well. However, when I add this in a structured independent play time, it’s much more enjoyable for all of us.
2 Keep your expectations in check.Ā
Some days my kids will engage for a good 45-60 minutes. Other days they’ll do one puzzle or coloring page and are ready for something more engaging. So I adjust accordingly. Ā No we do have scheduled “quiet time” everyday, during which time I do not adjust. Go on and lay down if you’re done with your activity. lol. But during “normal business hours”, I will often pray and ask God for strength to engage and play.
I can tell when it’s time for mommy to put down the dishes and take the kids out for a walk. I also know when my kids just need to run around and out back with bubbles and bikes. As much as I would LOVE to just sit in silence (yes, I love doing that lol), I know that that is not always an option for me. So be aware, and adjust accordingly. Ā Don’t expect too much from them, especially during the younger years.
xx
