Parenting is the hardest but most rewarding job in the world, it is 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, it makes you laugh and cry, feel extreme elation and frustration, it can build you up, and make you question everything that you do, but no matter what emotions you’ve experienced or how much you wished bedtime would come around quicker, it is worth it.

That being said, there are days that we find for whatever reason that parenting that day will be a struggle.  It may be that you’re feeling exhausted, unwell, or have a work deadline looming and there isn’t anyone who can help out with your little ones.  When these situations arise, these are a few of my favourite no prep activities;

1. Floor Art:  Both of my girls love this activity, and I often use this when I need to get some housework done.  It requires no direction, and takes only a few moments to stick the paper down leaving them free to get creative until their heart is content.  All you need is a large roll of paper (I usually get mine from The Range for around £2), some crayons and a roll of masking tape (I use masking tape as it peels back off the floor with ease without leaving a mark).
   

   
2. Name/Word Stickers: This is a great way of teaching your little ones basic words, letters, or helping them to identify their name.  All you need is a piece of paper, a pen and some circular stickers.  Simply write your chosen word/letter, show them how to stick down the first couple and allow them to complete.
   

   
3.  Outside Chalking: This is a great activity if the weather is good.  You can allow them to be as creative as they wish, without worrying about them drawing on the walls, furniture, doors etc!
   

   
4. Spaghetti/Pipe Cleaner Threading: This is a really simple activity for little ones to do and is suitable from 12 months onwards.  All you need is a colander, and some spaghetti or pipe cleaners.
   

   
5. Basket Ball Throwing: Our girls love this and spent much of the duration of their chicken pox playing this game.  We usually use a washing basket, a second box of some form and a bag of balls.  I place a line of masking tape on the floor to signal the standing point.
   

   
6. Dangling Cups Target:  All you need for this are a few paper or plastic cups, some string, a box, and some beanbags or balls.
   

   
7. Chalked activities on the driveway:  This takes me less than 10 minutes to sketch out but provides us with a couple of hours worth of fun.  You can draw any of your favourite games for them to do.
   

   

   
8. Sofa fort: We spend hours and hours playing in ours.  You’ll have just as much fun as they do!

It is ok to have days when you feel like you can’t parent, and it is ok to put a film on if you’re stuck for something to do, none of this makes you a bad parent so don’t be so hard on yourself.  If you’re looking for something to do that takes little time or effort to set up, try one of these.  They’re sure to keep your little one occupied and entertained for a good while.

“Friendly reminder that “doing your best” does not mean working yourself to the point of mental breakdown” – Unknown

Elisabeth

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