We’re all having a bit more quiet time at home right now. I think it helps to remember that this is not forever. But I’m all about trying to make the most of a less than ideal situation. Sometimes,...
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products or services I use and love. At no cost to you, if you subscribe or purchase through my link, I may make a commission. This helps to support this site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We’re all having a bit more quiet time at home right now. I think it helps to remember that this is not forever. But I’m all about trying to make the most of a less than ideal situation. Sometimes, it’s the weather keeping us home or like now, it’s a pandemic. I know, it’s surreal. When you have older kids at home and out of school or home from college, there are some fun ways to pass the time (while getting them off their phone for a bit). And maybe you can reconnect a bit during this crazy time.
Hanging out with your older kids at home:
Playtime
Break out the cards. I grew up playing card games on family vacations, at college and with other friends. I’ve tried to pass that on to my kids and although they don’t sit on their bed playing solitaire as we did, we do enjoy a family card game together. Play Gin Rummy, Hearts or try our favorite card game called Deuces Wild. You can read the directions here. And it works for a variety of numbers of players.
Work on a really nice jigsaw puzzle. Even if they don’t seem interested, get it out and prepped for play and they will join in. Find one that is beautiful and challenging. I can’t say enough about these 1000 pc. Charley Harper jigsaw puzzles from Pomegranate. High quality, low dust, challenging but not too frustrating. They’re sure to be a hit.
Stream away! We’ve watched some great movies in recent evenings that appealed to everyone. Streaming now, try Parasite and Knives Out (for rent on Amazon) or try Freaks or Train to Busan on Netflix. If you’ve got a female household and have more time, try one of these amazing series with female leads available to stream now. Losing yourself for a bit in a great story is fun, especially with your older kids are there to talk about it afterwards.
Practical and Fun Activities
Get in the kitchen and do some baking and cooking. We made the most amazing scones the other day. We used this Master Scones Recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction. After baking, continue the fun by serving up an afternoon tea time. Just make sure to save a scone for breakfast. This is a great basic recipe which you can adjust depending on what you have on hand. We made the chocolate chip version which used a little brown sugar and cinnamon. So good! Next on the list is to make this Granola Recipe from Alton Brown. Or skip the baking and work on a new smoothie recipe. Whatever appeals to you.
Go through some old family photographs. When was the last time you really did that with your older kids? If you have old home movies, watch those together. I’m sure it will be good for a laugh and bring up some fond memories.
Help them clean out and organize their closet. Order some new hangers (these are the best) to give them a little inspiration for clothes organizing. Have fun reminiscing while going through all their old stuff and help them do a little decluttering.
Get Moving
Get outside together and go for a long walk. You never know what conversations can pop up and it’s such a nice way to reconnect with your older kids. Life moves so fast normally, there are so many distractions and especially if they are usually off at college it is so meaningful to reconnect.
Do a yoga session together. There are so many free classes to stream online and some companies are offering free online sessions for a limited time during this trying period. Down Dog is one of those companies and is offering their app for free during this time.
Make the most of this time together and have fun with your older kids even if you’re stuck at home. Feel free to share in the comments below if you have your kids home unexpectantly and have some good ideas for spending time together and reconnecting.
The post Having Fun & Reconnecting With Your Older Kids at Home appeared first on Menopausal Brunette.
