My ‘busy box’ will keep your kids entertained this half term – you’ll need pasta and hairbands for a start
A WOMAN has shared how you can make your very own ‘busy box’, to ensure that your little darlings stay entertained this half term.
So if you are worried about how to keep your kids busy this week, then don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place.
And fear not, you won’t need to go out and splash the cash on pricey toys or books, as with this ‘busy box’, your little ones will have things to do without needing to leave the house, and it’s perfect for those on a budget.
A mother named Nini took to social media to show off the items she puts in her child’s ‘busy box’, leaving many open-mouthed.
The savvy mum posted her clip online and said: “With a new baby on the way, and the fact that Archie is not needing as long to nap anymore, I thought this little box might be an effective way to switch up entertainment and keep him busy for a while.
“I'm hoping to get a "quiet time" into our routine once the naps have stopped, where he goes to do some nice, quiet, independent play. "Hoping" being the key word.
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“Obviously, you can do these using normal toys, but we love getting creative, and I also really like the idea of sharing budget friendly ideas as I know that toys can be expensive.
“I hope this helps! But please remember, they are not necessary for healthy growth and development. Simple toys work just as well.”
In the short video, Nini shared a variety of different DIY toys, games and activities that parents can make, to ensure that their children will be kept busy when off school.
The first one used a piece of Lego Duplo and some stickers, creating a fun and simple ‘dot match’ game, whereby kids have to twist the Lego to match the coloured stickers.
As well as this, Nini made a fun game using two items you probably already have at home - pasta and string.
To make her pasta threading game, Nini simply added pieces of penne and a thread of string into a bag, creating a fun, looping game.
In addition to this, Nini cut up pieces of velcro and added them to a bag alongside some wooden sticks, which can then be used to make shapes.
Nini also made a shape shadow match game, whereby she got a collection of her son’s wooden shapes and drew around them on a piece of paper.
The mother then added the piece of paper, alongside the shapes, into a bag, for a simple pairing activity game.
Seven Ways To Save Cash And Keep Kids Entertained
1) HOLD A SWAP SHOP: Invite friends round for a play date then arrange a week-long toy exchange, so everyone gets to keep something new until the hols end.
2) EAT OUT FOR FREE: Many big names, including Asda, Dunelm and Future Inns, are offering “kids eat free” or £1 meal deals. See netmums.com.
3) ENJOY A TRIP FOR LESS: Take advantage of National Rail’s Days Out 2 For 1 deal, with up to half-price entry at top attractions, hotels and theatres around the UK. See daysoutguide.co.uk
4) BECOME BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS: Ask your children to clear out any unwanted clothes, toys and books, then hold a yard sale or list the items online. Give them any profits as pocket money.
5) CHECK OUT YOUR COUNCIL: Most local authorities put on free or low-cost activities, from arts, crafts and cooking classes to sports clubs. Visit your local council website for details.
6) HAVE AN EAT-UP WEEK: Make a list of what food you have and ask the kids to help you prepare meals from whatever is there, only buying in fresh ingredients.
7) USE FAMILY VOUCHERS: Seek out special half-term discounts on Groupon, Vouchercloud and vouchercodes.co.uk.
Another easy game that Nini created used another two items that you will probably already have indoors - a wooden tube (from your kitchen roll) and a pack of colourful hairbands.
For her ‘colour sort tube’, Nini drew rings around the tube in colourful pens corresponding to the hairbands.
Her son could then use the hairbands to place over the rings, for a fun pairing game.
Once all of the activities were made, Nini added each of her DIY games into separate ziplock bags, and put them into a plastic box.
As well as this, she also added a selection of sensory tiles and books into the box, to ensure that her little one has enough to keep himself entertained.
Nini later added: “Although play with everyday objects has been widely recognised as very beneficial for children - they do need close monitoring. Please decide for yourself what you feel comfortable and appropriate, and what you feel is a potential hazard.”
PARENTS BEAM
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @early.explorer, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly gone viral and has since racked up a whopping 1.5 million views.
These are genius!
TikTok user
Parents were stunned at the busy box activities and many were keen to praise Nini for her creativity in the comments.
One person said: “As a preschool teacher, I love how easy to make and simple these activities are! Yet, so enriching!”
I’m going to try with my toddler
TikTok user
Another added: “This is so good for in the car for holiday!! Amazing, thank you.”
A third commented: “Great ideas!!”
Whilst one mother shared: “Oh my goodness these are genius! I especially love the Duplo one.”
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Meanwhile, one mother beamed: “I’m going to try with my toddler.”
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