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Creative Ways to Keep Your Kids Entertained and Excited to be Home

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As a parent, there’s nothing worse than seeing your kids bored and unhappy. It’s tough enough trying to keep them entertained and out of trouble when you’re out and about, but when they’re stuck at home, it can feel like an impossible task! Lucky for you, here is a list of creative ways to keep your kids entertained and excited to be home, so keep reading for these top tips.

via Pexels

1) Get Creative with Crafts

One of the best ways to keep kids entertained and excited at home is to get creative with crafts. Almost any substance can be used to create something brand-new and exciting with a little bit of creativity. For instance, you could paint bottles to make vibrant vases or make bird feeders out of used toilet paper rolls. Beads or leftover cloth scraps could even be used to create jewelry. 

There are countless options for crafting enjoyment, regardless of the supplies you already have. For example, create personalized greeting cards for friends and family using paper and stickers. To make cute creatures, gather pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and pom-poms. Or use felt buttons, and thread to design a one-of-a-kind stuffed toy! 

The great thing about getting creative with crafts is that it’s a perfect activity for all ages: preschoolers can practice fine motor skills by using scissors or creating simple shapes; tweens can express their own personal style with more detailed designs; older kids learn how to follow instructions as they tackle more complex projects. Plus, when kids are done making their creations, they get the satisfaction of seeing their handiwork come alive in 3D form! So give your children an opportunity to be creative by setting up fun craft activities at home – it will not only keep them busy but also help them develop all kinds of skills along the way.

2) Plan a Scavenger Hunt

Another great way to get kids up and moving while they’re stuck at home is to plan a scavenger hunt. For example, younger children might need clues that are very specific (like “Look for something red in the kitchen”), whereas older kids could be given more challenging tasks (like finding an object outdoors without using their phone). 

Regardless of age, turning your house into an interactive game will help keep everyone busy and entertained. Plus, it gives them a chance to explore every corner of their home, which can also inspire some creative ideas as they find new ways to play around. To make it even more engaging, you could include a prize at the end of the hunt. 

3) Try Some Baking or Cooking

Another fun way to keep kids entertained and excited to be home is by letting them help out in the kitchen! This can be especially useful for younger children who may not have many other activities to do—it gives them an opportunity to learn about food and cooking while also keeping them busy. Plus, when they’re done making something delicious, there’s always the reward of eating their handiwork! 

If your kids are feeling adventurous, try baking something from scratch, like cookies or cupcakes. For those who prefer less mess (and more control over their ingredients), making a pizza or smoothie bowl can also be tons of fun. Helping out with meal prep is also a great way to teach children important skills—it’s the perfect opportunity to practice counting, measuring, and following directions. 

4) Get them a furry friend

If you’re looking for a way to keep your kids entertained and excited but still stick to the “stay home” order, why not get them a furry friend? A puppy can provide companionship and love in these otherwise lonely times. If you’d like to go the extra mile, you could enroll your new pup in puppy training classes to ensure good behavior.

Taking care of a pet teaches compassion and duty. Children are more likely to learn how to make wise decisions when they feel like they are in charge of something as essential as caring for another living thing. So now is the perfect time to get your family a canine or cat if you’ve been considering it. 

In conclusion, keeping kids entertained when they are cooped up inside can be difficult. However, with a little creativity and planning, you can make the most of your downtime. Have fun crafting together, plan interactive scavenger hunts, try some new recipes in the kitchen, or even get them a furry friend! With these activities (and more), there should never be a dull moment for your family during a school holiday.

Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased. Affiliate links are posted throughout. Feel free to read my Disclaimer Page for details and information on sponsored posts, affiliate links, and more.

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8 Fun Activities to Do at Home This Easter

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easter text on gray surface beside yellow flowers

This Easter, why not spend quality time with your family at home and enjoy some fun activities together? Here is a list we’ve put together of 8 fun activities you can do right in your home. 

Via Pexels

1. Get Creative with Egg Decorating: 

Get creative and have a competition between the family to decorate eggs using materials found around the house. Whether you use paint, ribbon, feathers, or even Popsicle sticks – the possibilities are endless when it comes to designing festive Easter eggs! Don’t forget to vote for the best-decorated egg at the end. 

2. Design an Easter Scavenger Hunt: 

This is a great way to get everyone out and about around the house or garden. Hide small Easter-themed prizes inside eggs or baskets and hide them around the house or garden. You could even use clues to lead your children from one prize to another! Make sure you don’t leave any eggs outside, though – their sweet smell will tempt wildlife!

3. Hold a Baking Contest: 

Inject some fun into your usual baking routine with some delicious Easter treats! Gather together all of your favorite ingredients and see who can create the most impressive Easter treat in the family – whether it’s an Easter bunny cake, hot cross buns, cookies, or some chocolatey brownies. 

4. Plan a Movie Night: 

If it’s raining outside, why not stay indoors and cuddle up with a movie? So many Easter-themed movies are on the market which you can enjoy as a family. There’s something for everyone, from some of the best movies about Jesus to classic Easter cartoons. 

5. Read Easter Stories: 

Gather around the living room and get cozy as you share stories about Jesus and the Bible. There are also many classic tales that center around Easter, which can be really enjoyable for kids of all ages. You could even write your own story together! 

6. Play Boardgames:

Board games are a great way to keep everyone entertained, especially the younger members of your family. From puzzles and strategy-based games to classic favorites like Monopoly, there’s sure to be something for everyone in the family. 

7. Have a Family Photo Shoot: 

Gather everyone, pose in Easter-themed outfits, and snap fun family photos. This is a great way to capture special memories that can be kept forever! Use props like bunny ears or colorful Easter eggs to make your photos even more memorable.  

8. Create Your Own Easter Crafts: 

Get creative and use materials you can find around the house to create your own unique Easter crafts. For example, you could decorate paper eggs or craft fun bunny ears with construction paper and pipe cleaners. Remember to take photos of your creations! 

We hope this list of activities has inspired you to spend some quality time with your family this Easter. Whether it’s baking together, creating an Easter scavenger hunt, or making some crafts, these are great ways to get creative and have fun as a family. Have a wonderful Easter holiday!

Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased. Affiliate links are posted throughout. Feel free to read my Disclaimer Page for details and information on sponsored posts, affiliate links, and more.

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Summertime Fun with Razor E-Punk Electric Bike

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Summertime Fun with Razor E-Punk Bike

The summer months are officially here and after a few months of distance learning, we are extremely excited. During lockdown and quarantine, we were blessed to work with Razor. Today, we are sharing with you our thoughts on the Razor E-Punk Electric Bike.

Summertime Fun with Razor E-Punk Bike

E-Punk Electric Scooter

The Razor E-Punk has been one of our favorite things to take on our daily walks. The boys love riding them alongside my husband and I. Our daily walks are usually about a mile and a half to two miles long and with 40-minutes of battery life, it’s perfect. Make sure to follow the charging instructions to ensure great battery longevity and you’re good to go. Max speed is 9 mph depending on the type of road/path you take and the E-Punk bike does well on flat ground. It took on our neighborhood with ease.

Perfect for Cruising Around

The Razor E-Punk electric-powered mini bike is compact and portable. It’s made and constructed well with a rigid steel frame and comfy cushioned seat. The E-Punk features a BMX-style, pneumatic front tire to absorb the shock of riding, while decreasing vibration and stress to your hands. These features make For a small little electric bike, it has great speed and power.

  • MSRP: $159.99
  • Ages 8 and up
  • Battery life up to 40 mins
  • Max weight for rider 120 lbs

E-Punk sports folding metal foot pegs to allow for foot clearance and a kick stand all for easy storage. This tiny little bike is built quite tough and works well with larger riders too.

Summertime Fun with Razor E-Punk Bike

Assembly Required, sort of

Assembly of the mini bike is required, but it’s easy and very minimal. To put the E-Punk electric bike together, simply put the handlebars and the seat in and that’s it. It comes with all the necessary tools (like Allen wrenches) to tighten the parts and adjust for height. The one thing that took the longest before being able to ride the bike, was charging it. Charging requires a minimum of 12 hours, so we assembled the bike in the afternoon and let it sit and charge overnight.

Summertime Fun with Razor E-Punk Bike

We enjoy the E-Punk Electric Bike

While it’s easy to transport, keep in mind that the E-Punk bike is heavy to lift, especially if the battery dies. Speaking of battery, Razor states you will get about 40 minutes of ride time, but we were able to get up to just under 2 hours a few times. It’s not like a traditional bike that you can pedal (which would be ideal if the battery died while out and about or far from starting location) Because of the weight, it is not easy to push or carry if the battery should not last. To turn on and power the bike, you basically flip a switch and press a button. I would have really liked for the bike to have a rotating handle to power the bike so it would be more like a traditional motorized bike. The boys agreed that they would have enjoyed something like that, but they enjoy the bike nonetheless.

Come ride with us!

The twins are 10 years old and haven’t really had the chance to ride two-wheel bicycles as often over the years. They jumped right on the E-Punk and had no trouble getting it going. They both commented on how easy it was to use and how much fun they have on it.

Summertime Fun with Razor E-Punk Bike

While this electric bike has its limitations, overall, it is a great addition to our outdoor arsenal. The twins loved it and continue to ride it daily since getting it a few months ago. This little mini bike has provided my sons with hours and hours of fun. It has been essential during our lockdown/quarantine time and we cannot recommend this mini bike enough.

Interested in checking out the Razor E-Punk Electric Bike for yourself? Head on over to: https://www.razor.com/products/electric-rides/e-punk/ and get the deets.

Stay tuned for a review on the Razor Power Core 90 Electric Scooter in the next post.

Disclaimer: The E-Punk Electric Bike was sent/provided for review consideration. All opinions on this product are 100% honest & unbiased. Affiliate links can and may be included in this post.

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Confessions of a SAHM – Distance Learning Week 5 Recap, Cabin Fever Sucks

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It’s Monday and time to start week 6 of our Distance Learning for the boys. Week 5 has ended, thank goodness – because it was a doozy. It seems like the days are flying by, which is unusual – considering that it also seems so long in comparison. Maybe it’s just me – maybe it’s the world. Some parts of the state are starting to reopen again but distance learning is still a new norm and will take till the end of the school year. Now that it’s May – that means there is about 3 weeks left (for the most part), till the boys are able to truly enjoy some time off.

What’s New – Any Challenges?

I think the boys are starting to get cabin fever. A few days ago they followed my Father In Law to take in the recyclables. There truly is no people interaction there, but they kept their masks on while unloading. It was the first time they actually left the house (other than walking in our neighborhood) and you could tell the twins enjoyed it. My eldest followed me to the store (of course, social distancing and protected) and it seemed to help him a bit.

The boys have been in the house for over 5 weeks and I could tell that they were going stir crazy. While we’ve given them all the tools to keep them busy while staying home, I know that they miss being outdoors and my little fish certainly miss the water. If the ocean or ponds are calling my name, I can only imagine how much it is affecting them.

Luke’s Homework assignment – a card to the frontliners for Covid-19

We’re Thankful

While the boys are struggling with what seems to be their new norm and it shows… they are making the best of the situation. Who said distance learning was easy, right? But, I know that while the boys are having a difficult time, they are truly thankful to all of the people on the frontline – tackling Covid-19. They know that by staying home, we are keeping us safe, as well as the frontliners that are working so hard and diligently for all of us. It’s difficult to teach a little person the importance of social distancing, especially when we try to teach them to limit television and screen time. But, we’ve been able to do our best and I’m thankful for this opportunity that I have more time with these little bugs.

They Can’t Get Away From School

If there is one thing I’m starting to notice as we wrapped up Week 5 – it’s that the kiddos are getting frustrated with doing school work from home. I am realizing that they are having to give up their love of home life because it’s now their place of school as well. Homework is no longer an assignment or two like a normal school day, it now feels like an all-day affair. What was once a place they could use to escape from school is no longer. Their sanctuary from reading, writing, and math – is now the all in one.

I don’t think that it would be so bad if they were able to leave the house, go to the park, take part in sports or even go to the beach. But, since we are on lockdown – they spend all day and all night at home. If I’m struggling with it myself – I can only imagine how difficult it is for them. I try to set a schedule for them each day – so that we are done with school work and they have time to relax and play. But, if I’m honest – it’s that it is not really working and they are not only frustrated but definitely not happy with me.

Favorite Things from last week

We take solice each week in some new found things or something to help pass the time. Here are a few favorites that did just that:

  • Operation – the board game – Yes, that is still a fun and exciting thing in 2020. We pulled the game out and had a blast. My 10-year-old twins thought the concept was hilarious. The game also helped to make the day go by faster a few times this past week. Who says childhood board games are lame? Certainly not me!
  • Frozen Pizza – Cooking dinner each night is a normal thing usually in our house. But cooking diner along with breakfast and lunch every day of the week – WOWZERS! It’s a challenge to constantly think of what to make – with or without meal planning. I picked up a bunch of frozen pizza to throw in the freezer. Let’s just say – LIFESAVER! It works when our day is fruitful and no one wants to cook. Add some of your favorite toppings and you have a winner of a pizza dinner.
  • Razor Electric Scooter and E-Punk Bikes – Walking is great exercise, but electric scooters and bikes are fun. The boys were blessed with an E-Punk Electric Bike from Razor (review coming soon). But, they also received an Electric Scooter gift from their Aunt. It has helped to make our outdoor time a little different and fun. The boys have been enjoying it and we can’t wait to tell you all about it later this week.

Off to the next Adventure

Well, that’s it for last week’s recap. We’re doing what we can to keep busy, keep inspired, and keep going. It’s been a struggle – but we make it work to the best of our ability. This past week has reminded me that sometimes we just need to regroup. Reminder: know that we are not in this alone. The boys are doing the best they can and I will continue to encourage them as much as possible. We can only look forward to our next adventure.

If you’re reading this – we hope that your Week 6 is off to a great start. Stay safe, stay healthy and stay home!

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Indoor & Outdoor Activities to Keep Your Kids Busy During Coronavirus School Closures

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It’s been a few weeks now since the coronavirus pandemic has affected us globally. It’s caused many shutdowns and quarantines throughout the world and Hawaii is no exception. My sons have been out of school since Spring Break started and now we are doing distance learning and homeschooling to keep them up with their studies. It’s a difficult time for everyone and finding activities to do while social distancing has been a challenge. To help get in our important Vitamin D and sunshine, I’ve been working with my children to play outside in our yard. With this crazy time in the world, it can seem like an uphill battle. Our lives are being turned upside down and while it’s difficult, we can get through this together.

Schools are closed, how do I keep my kiddos busy?

One of the main issues that I know parents are struggling with right now is ideas and ways to keep their kiddos busy during their school closures. They not only have to go to school from home, but they have to stay home and it can be a challenge. Thankfully, Razor has provided me some awesome suggestions for kipping kids busy and entertained during this time. This list of things is perfect to help our kids get up and active inside or outside and allows them to take in some of that Springtime sunshine. It’s perfect for getting some fresh air and having some fun while still social distancing from others.

Indoor Activity Ideas to Keep Kids Busy from Razor

The Spring weather is here and you may have the option of getting kids outside for some fresh air and play time during these school shut downs…and bikes, skateboards, scooters and electric rides are the perfect solution for kids with some energy to burn….

But what about when they are inside?

Image may contain: 3 people, people riding bicycles, child and outdoor

Let’s Unplug & Play

Razor has got some great energy-burning activity ideas perfect for indoor play!

Get kids of all ages to unplug, get up, and MOVE, even inside, with ideas like:

  • Simon Says – This classic game gets an indoor twist with commands like “Simon says hop to your pillow and back,” “Simon Says run up the stairs and back,” and “Simon Says bring me a spoon”
  • Dance Party – Nothing gets kids going like a dance party! Pick a favorite playlist and crank up the jams! Learn a new move on YouTube or try a round of freeze dance, pausing your music and holding statue-still til it starts up again (Alexa is a great freeze dance partner!)
  • Tape Shapes – Clear some space on a non-carpeted floor and use painter’s tape to make large triangles, rectangles, squares, and circles on the floor. Assign each child a starting space, then call moves like “crab walk to the circle,” “crawl to the square,” or “jump backwards to the rectangle.”
  • Balloon Ball – Blow up some balloons, toss a sheet over two chairs to make a “net”, and serve up a round of indoor balloon volleyball – just don’t let that balloon touch the floor!
  • Laundry Basketball – If your kids are bonkers for basketball, empty out a laundry basket and take turns tossing a Nerf ball into the basket, backing up two steps each time you score. See who can shoot from the farthest distance!
  • Soda Bottle Bowling – Dig some empty soda or water bottles out of the recycling and set up an indoor bowling alley in your hallway. Roll a soft ball toward your targets and see who can knock down the most “pins” and reset them the fastest.
  • Long Jump – Using painter’s tape, lay six 2-foot strips, each about a foot apart. Assign a starting spot and see who can jump the farthest!
  • Potato Pass – Kids waddle their way toward a bucket or bowl – with a potato between their knees – and see who can drop it in first in this half-baked indoor game! Make it tricky by placing the bucket in another room, forcing turns or steps along the way.
  • Be My Mirror – Pair up your kids and assign a starter to make a series of moves while their partner tries to mirror what they’re doing. Get through the series and switch roles – miss one and begin again!
  • Hula Hoop Marathon – Grab a hoop and set the timer to see who can last the longest. Expert “hoopers” can try swiveling their hula hoops on their necks, arms, and ankles.

Just because they are playing inside doesn’t mean they have to be couch potatoes. Get creative and your kids will follow suit. And these can all be played outside as well! 😊

Thank you Razor for providing me with this list of awesome activities. My sons are all having cabin fever and it can be a challenge to keep a little one entertained. While electronics are helpful, there are a lot of things we can do to keep our kiddos busy while they have fun.

Interested in learning about Razor and the products their offer? Visit them at: https://www.razor.com/

How about you, what are you doing with your children during school shutdowns? For Moms, if you’re interested in a little Netflix & Chill, check out my list of shows and movies that you can watch too.

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