IS your home chock-a-block with toys the kids seem to have lost interest in?
Ahead of school half term, save on splashing out on new stuff or pricey days out.
Instead, keep children entertained with the gear they already own.
Here are some ideas . . .
JUST ADD WATER: A little bit of water-play works wonders for engaging small children and can give existing toys a new dynamic.
Try setting up a bowl of soapy water and asking kids to give dolls a bath — or you can pretend it’s a car wash for any toy vehicles. It’s even better if you get the toys a little dirty beforehand.
If you have toy kitchen sets, children can easily be entertained by pouring water in and out of cups, teapots and bowls. This is ideal play for warmer days, too.
LAY IT OUT: You will be surprised how readily children start playing with their toys when they are laid out and easily accessible, rather than packed away in boxes.
If you have a load of dinosaur figures, for example, set them up a Jurassic-themed area where you want them to play, and they’ll soon get involved. But regularly rotate the layout of your children’s toys to keep them interested.
ROLE PLAY: Create a fantasy world with existing toys, and kids are usually quick to get involved. Pretend to go to the shops with a bag and some play food, for example. Or set up a doctors’ surgery and say cuddly toys or dolls are poorly and need nursing.
SET A CHALLENGE: Children love a task that can give them a sense of accomplishment. You could use their toys to set simple missions they’ll love getting stuck into.
For example, try asking if they can find all their red toys and put them in a pile.
You could also ask them to line up dolls in size order, from biggest to smallest. Or try challenging them to build a Lego tower that is, say, bigger than your hand.
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