Finding Fun with Unexpected Play Time

Children are excited to learn about the environment around them. The world around them is just an adventure waiting to happen. Have you noticed your child getting into everything, running around like crazy and never staying still? This is because everything is exciting and brings them a new adventure. The life and environment around them creates a curiosity they just can't resist.

However, they want to share these experiences with those around them and the people they love. In the world today you have single parents, both parents working, parents who are very active in their community and parents who are constantly busy with chores and errands. This leaves the children's parents very busy and with little time to interact with their child. However, there are many opportunities that arise where we can spend time with our children and their curiosity and excitement. I refer to these times as the "unexpected play times." These times are meant to play, learn and grow with our children.

There are many activities that we do during our day that give us these "unexpected play times." For example: giving your child a bath, riding or driving in your car or waiting in line at the grocery store. We can turn our routine outings into fun and adventurous times for our children and create memories we are sure to never forget.

This series of articles is meant for the many adults who are busy and don't see the opportunities presented before them to create adventures for their children. There are hundreds of ways to do this and in these articles you will learn them all. The purpose of this series of articles is to show you how to realize you have found an "unexpected play time" and how to use this time to create fun and exciting adventures.

Here is an example of an "unexpected play time." You are stuck in traffic, trying to get to the grocery store, trying to get your groceries and get dinner cooked before you have to go to work. Your children are getting agitated and bored sitting in the back seat and you are starting to feel irritated and hungry yourself. The traffic isn't going anywhere and doesn't seem like it is going to for some time to come. Try using this time to play a game such as Speak Like I Do. In this game your children and yourself recall a nursery rhyme or poem and say it in a different manner than normal. You can do it in a low voice, high voice or sing it. Just use your imagination. Most likely you are all going to end up laughing and this will take a moment away for your irritated feeling and the children's boredom.

These articles are here to show you how to take these moments and make them fun and interesting as well as pass time and change your moods. These articles are for anyone. You can be a parent, babysitter, grandparent, brother, sister or anyone who encounters these moments with the children in our lives. You can be having the busiest day of your life and there is still at least one moment that you can turn into an adventure for your children and create lasting memories.

We all encounter many challenges trying to lead our busy lives and take care of our children. Playing with our children and creating memories almost seems impossible at times. No one is expected to change their lifestyles or not go to work so they can spend time with your children. Find the moments that are presented to you and use them to your advantage.

Take advantage of the time we have with our children. Before we know it, they will be all grown up and doing the same with their own children. Don't let your busy lives get in the way of seeing your children happy and healthy.

The activities described in these articles generally require materials that we already have or are extremely cheap to purchase. You can play these games and activities with your children or your children can play them with each other.

In this series of articles you will find activities in these categories:

- Bath Time Adventures

Bath time can be lots of fun. When our children take baths, we usually want to get them in and out and off to bed or out to run our errands. Take this time and use these activities to make bath time and adventure for all.

- Bedtime Can Be Playtime

Bedtime is generally time to settle down and relax. You want your children to sleep so you can finish up the day's activities or sleep yourself. These activities are meant to help get your child to sleep in a calm and easy manner.

- Chores Can Be Fun

To children chores are boring and not something they choose to do. Making chores fun and exciting will not only help you get things done but teach your child new ways to doing their chores.

- Cold Snowy Days Can Be A Blast of Cold Air

Just because it is snowy doesn't mean your children have to play in the house. Go outside and enjoy the creativity with snow and your children.

- Entertainment for Rainy Days without the Television

For children, rainy days seem like an endless eternity. They can't go outside and they are bored with their toys and the television. Use these activities to keep your child entertained and free from boredom.

- Fun with Parties and Group Activities

Having a lot of kids to entertain can be a stressful situation for any adult. These activities will help you clear out the stress and help the children have lots of fun.

- Games and Activities While Traveling or Running Errands

When a child is in a vehicle or traveling, there is not much movement allowed. This can be hard on a child because they are used to being able to move around and play. These activities are meant to inspire your child's mind and entertain them until you reach your destination.

- Going on Vacation or Taking a Trip Can Be Adventurous

Going on a trip or taking a ride can be a time of learning and adventure for children and adults alike. Use these activities to expand your child's mind about the past, the future, yourself and the environment around them.

- Having Fun Outside

Outdoor activities can expand your child's mind and teach them many new things. The environment around them is a great place for them to learn about their habitat.

- Having Fun with Your Children While You Are Working

There are times that we don't have a choice but to take our children to work. In these times, children can get bored quickly even though they are observing many different things around them. Take this time to teach your child about the workplace and keep them entertained.

- Hot Summer Day Games and Ideas

You can be at the beach, the pool or in your own backyard and you and your children will have the time of your life with these activities.

- Kitchen Learning and Playtime

Yes, I know that kitchens are for cooking. However, they also hold many keys to learning and growing. Use these activities to explore and teach your child many different things.

- Making Gifts is Precious and Fun

These ideas are for gift giving to your children or for them to create as gifts for other children. The ideas in this article are gifts that help to create or utilize those "unexpected play times."

- Quiet Time Can Be Lots of Fun

Your child can have the most energy of any person you have ever met and still need their quiet time to reflect on their day and relax. Use these activities to create a quiet moment for your children that are fun and educational.

- Smiling Through the Thermometer

Generally, when our children are sick they can't go out and play but don't want to stay in bed. Stimulate your child with these activities and help them to feel better while helping you to cope with having a sick child at home.

- The Waiting Game

Have you ever noticed that the time we spend waiting in line or waiting for the school bus or just plain waiting is the most time we spend with our children? Don't waste this time away. These activities are designed to keep both you and your children entertained until the waiting is over.

- When Your Busy, Your Kids Are Busy

There are many moments in a parent's day that they just can't put their attention on their children. Teaching your children to entertain themselves is a great value that they will use for the rest of their lives.