Learning how to stay busy, while spending long days at home can be a difficult adjustment for the entire family, especially when we have to add work into the equation. Even though this unprecedented time has given us more time to spend with our kids, as parents we also need some time off whether it be for a mandatory work session or just to catch a break.
When life gives you lemons, make cool citrus art
With summer quickly approaching us and the present vast uncertainty surrounding whether our kids will get the opportunity to enjoy fun summer activities like swimming with friends or enjoying frozen treats in the sun, you may feel stressed and wonder how you can still ensure your child makes the best of their summer while staying safe.
Citrus printing process art is a sensory based, summer themed craft that will quickly become your child’s favourite activity. Not only will this project keep your kids very busy, while buying you some free time, most households already have the required materials!
For this activity, you will need:
- Citrus fruits (Grapefruit, orange, lemon, lime)
- Paint (tempura or acrylic)
- Painting paper
- Apron/ old clothing
For the best result, we recommend gently squeezing the juice out of each half of fruit prior to using it to make the prints. To set your kids up for success, place each colour of paint on separate paper plates. Prompt your child to dip the fruit into the paint, then onto the paper to use it as a stamp to fill up their sheets.
Turn Stones into Gems
Another great way to fuse your child’s inner creative artist, with a touch of summer excitement, can be done through this exciting craft. This simple activity definitely goes a long way. With this activity, your child is going to be painting/decorating rocks. The possibilities are endless!
You will need the following:
- Paint (Best if a variety of colours are provided)
- Paint brushes
- Clean stones
The options for this activity are endless (which buys you more free time). Some ideas include turning stones into cool critters such as beetles, ladybugs or bumble bees. Your child can also create motivational rocks by writing a key word that inspires them and decorating around it. Once their art is complete, your garden, windowsill, or porch make for great places to display their work!
D.I.Y. Ring Toss
As much as we wish it weren’t true, it may be time to accept that outings to classic summer festivals aren’t something to look out for this summer. The good news is that you can make your own festival games right at home. DIY Ring Toss is here to save the day!
For this activity you will need:
- Cardboard tubes
- Paint
- Paper plates
- Glue
- Paint brushes
- Scissors
- Beads and glitter (optional)
To make the rings, have your child completely paint over the paper plates and decorate however they wish. To avoid a colourful and sparkly dinner table, it would be a good idea to put down some newspaper prior to this step. Once the plates have dried, cut the center circles out of the middle.
Once finished with the rings, take another paper plate and glue the end of the cardboard tube in the middle. This will act as the target for the rings. The game is ready to be played!
