Family and parenting Archives - Page 4 of 4 - Relationships Australia Queensland

Dating Someone with Kids

Posted on October 22, 2020December 12, 2024 by admin

You met someone great. You get on like a house on fire. But there’s just one small thing: they have children.

Dating someone with kids can raise unique challenges. Whether you’re a kid person or you have no experience with them, you’re a parent yourself or living the childfree life, dating someone with a child is always going to bring some added potential for stress and complications.

But it can also be wonderful and rewarding, and the best package deal you’ve ever committed to.

We provide some pointers for dating someone with kids to help guide you on this exciting ride.

Ask about their kids

Even if you’re not ready to jump into step-parenting duties, that doesn’t mean you should avoid the subject altogether. Your partner’s children are a huge part of their life, and probably a part they love discussing.

Ask about their kids and show an interest in their life as a parent. This shows them you care about what’s going on for them, and helps build your connection and intimacy. It can also be a green flag and reassure them that you don’t see their kids as a hindrance in the relationship.

Respect that the kids come first

No matter how great your connection, the kids will always take priority. If you can’t cope with having your dinner date interrupted with phone calls to the babysitter, having to reschedule your plans because a little one has the chickenpox, or not getting a text back until after bath and story time, dating someone with a child might not be for you.

Things don’t always run smoothly when kids are involved. If you want the relationship to work, you’ll have to be understanding when your partner puts their kids’ needs before yours.

Don’t offer unsolicited parenting advice

Dating someone with kids doesn’t give you any parental authority over their kids, and telling your significant other how to raise or discipline their children is a big no-no. They’re likely copping enough unwanted ‘pearls of wisdom’ from their friends and family as it is.

If you’re upset or frustrated with the children’s behaviour, do what you can to keep yourself calm, and leave the parenting to your partner. If you witness really worrisome behaviour, bring it up with your partner in private, and allow them to make the parenting decisions.

Consider whether you’re serious before meeting the kids

For the sake of all involved, wait until you’re in a committed relationship before meeting the kids.

Being introduced to the kids is a big deal. It can be tough on young ones to meet someone new only for them to split a few weeks later. If you don’t see a future together yet, save the introductions for when you do.

Understand the kids might not welcome you right away

You could be the most fun, likeable, kid-friendly person around, but there’s still a chance their children won’t welcome you in as part of the family.

It can take years for kids to warm up to a new parent figure. Researcher and author Patricia Papernow reports that stepfamilies take around 7-12 years to adjust and to exist as a healthy, well-functioning system.

Don’t take it personally if your partner’s kids don’t welcome you with open arms right away – but don’t force the relationship, either. Be patient and respect their boundaries.

If you’re having relationship or parenting issues, speaking with a counsellor might help. Learn more about our confidential counselling services here or call 1300 364 277 to make an appointment.

Foster Parenting Tips

Posted on October 6, 2020December 12, 2024 by admin

Thinking of opening your home and heart to a foster child for the short-term or long-term?

Becoming a foster parent is a big step. The journey of a foster carer can have its challenges, but it can also be one of the most rewarding and worthwhile things you ever do.

If you’re a new foster parent feeling nervous about your first placement, we hope these foster parenting tips help you feel a little more prepared.

Provide their creature comforts

Along with the basics like clean clothes and personal hygiene items, make them feel as welcome as possible by providing their preferred creature comforts. Ask them what their favourite meals and snacks are, and if they’d like a night light or noise machine to sleep.

These small additions can make a huge difference for your foster child, helping them feel at home faster.

Give them time and space

It’s normal for foster carers to want to be there for their foster children right away. But it can take time for children to feel comfortable opening up – especially in an unfamiliar environment.

Give them time and space to get comfortable with their new home and with you. Let them know you’re there for them when they need you, but don’t push them to tell you about their past or how they’re feeling.

Establish a routine

Foster children often come from unsafe, abusive, or negligent backgrounds. They may have lived in chaotic environments where they didn’t know what was going to happen next.

The stability and predictability of a routine can help them feel safe and reduce their stress – and it can also teach and create boundaries. Establish a daily schedule and let them know what’s planned so they know what to expect.

Be flexible with your expectations

You might dream of taking a foster child under your wing, helping them turn their life around and thrive in school and social circles. But it’s important to remember that they’ve likely been through a lot, and they may not achieve the milestones you’ve set for them on your timeline – or ever.

Don’t get too attached to your expectations or how you’d like your time together to go. Instead, be patient and understanding, and support your foster child to do their best at their own pace.

Seek professional help if needed

Your foster child might need extra support processing their trauma and feelings. A professional counsellor can help them explore their emotions and deal with their concerns in a supportive and confidential environment.

This applies to you, too. Caring for a child in need can be stressful and overwhelming at times. Remember to look after yourself and talk to a professional if you need to.

You can learn more about our counselling services here, or call 1300 364 277 to book an appointment.

How to Have a Good Relationship with Your Adult Children

Posted on September 3, 2020December 12, 2024 by admin

Navigating a relationship with adult children can be tricky. When they were kids, you knew what your responsibilities were. You provided them with basic needs such as food, clothes, and medical care, as well as a safe and supportive environment to grow up in. They relied on you for everything.

But what happens when your kids become independent adults who don’t really need you anymore?

Whether they’re learning to walk, heading off to their first day of school, or moving into their first rental, they’ll always be your children. But as your kids mature, your relationship needs to mature, too.

We provide some tips to adapt to your new dynamic and foster a good relationship with your adult children.

Let them go and respect new boundaries

It’s normal for emerging adults to pull away from their parents a little in order to define their identity and build independence. Support your grown kids to stand on their own feet, and respect this increased need for privacy.

It may be tempting to call them several times a day or show up to their place unannounced, but a lack of respect for boundaries can damage your relationship.

Letting go can be hard, but it’s an essential building block for a healthy parent-grown-child relationship.

Don’t offer advice unless asked

Part of growing up is learning to make your own decisions. You may have had reign over what they wore, ate, and did when they were younger, but now your kids are adults, you’ll need to break away from that role.

Avoid the urge to express your opinion or judgement, as this can be hurtful and drive them away. Let them do things their way, respect their viewpoint, and don’t offer any unsolicited advice.

Give them positive feedback and validation

Children want to make their parents proud, even when they’re all grown up. It’s important to celebrate their independence and let them know they’re doing a good job.

Positive feedback such as “your new place looks great” or “I’m so proud of you for being independent” can provide the validation young adults need to build confidence.

Find fun ways to spend time together

When you live together, ‘family time’ happens naturally. But when your kids grow up, you may need to get creative to spend time together outside of the fortnightly Sunday roast.

Embrace this opportunity to form a friendship with your child, and do the things you love together. Whether it’s cooking, exercising, watching sport, or going to the cinema, find activities to connect and converse over.

Don’t guilt them

Children need independence to succeed, and resisting their autonomy or being too emotionally needy can drive a wedge between you.

Don’t guilt them about moving out of home, or not visiting or calling enough. This can make visiting or calling you feel like an obligation or chore. Chances are your adult kids are busy with work, relationships, and other responsibilities. Be realistic about where you fit into your child’s life now they’re all grown up, and make the most of the time you do have together.

If you need support dealing with or resolving concerns around relationships, parenting, or other issues, our counsellors can help. Learn more about our counselling services and how to book an appointment here.

Are you having a tough time coping with your kids living out of home? You might find our tips for dealing with empty nest syndrome helpful.

Dealing with Empty Nest Syndrome

Posted on August 20, 2020December 12, 2024 by admin

So the kids have flown the coop and you’re adjusting to an empty home.

Being a parent can define your life and your identity, and it’s normal to feel some sadness and loss when your children grow up and move out.

If you’re having a particularly difficult time coping with your kids moving out of the family home, you may be experiencing empty nest syndrome.

Some common signs of empty nest syndrome might include:

A sense of loss of purpose and/or identity
Excessive anxiety about your children’s welfare
Feelings of rejection or isolation
Feeling overly emotional or depressed
Increased marital stress.

We hope our advice helps you adjust to the new normal when your kids leave home.

Find new challenges

Having kids in the house can take a lot of time out of your day, no matter their age. Now you’re no longer sharing a roof and you have some spare time on your hands, why not explore new interests and prioritise your passions?

Start a new hobby, join a club, volunteer, begin a course, or tackle that home reno project. This is a great time to reconnect with who you were before all your time and energy went into your kids. It’s also a great way to redirect your focus and find a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

Stay in touch while respecting boundaries

Just because you no longer live together doesn’t mean you can’t continue to be close with your kids. Sure, your relationship might change as they enter adulthood, and the family dynamic might shift as they become more independent. But once you accept that they need to stand on their own two feet, you can begin to embrace your new relationship and friendship.

Make an effort to maintain regular contact through texts, calls, and visits. Just be sure to respect their boundaries and privacy, e.g. resist the urge to check in too much, and avoid dropping by unexpectedly.

Reconnect with your spouse

Remember the days when it was just the two of you? You could go to the cinema without coordinating a babysitter. You could go out to dinner without worrying about a meal for the kids. You could have a weekend away without obsessing over what was going on back at home.

It’s normal for families to centre their activities around their kids, but now you’re down to a twosome again, it’s the perfect opportunity to rediscover all the things you loved to do together.

And if you don’t have a spouse, celebrate your newfound freedom by reaching out to friends and filling your social calendar. Or simply embrace the opportunity to have more time to yourself.

Let yourself grieve

It’s normal to feel sad when your children move away. Don’t try and speed up or skip over your recovery period – be kind to yourself and make time for self-care while you’re healing. This might include relaxation techniques like meditation, walking outdoors, and confiding in loved ones.

If you’re struggling with extreme empty nest depression or grief, you might find it helpful to speak to a professional. RAQ offers confidential counselling for individuals, couples, and families in a supportive and respectful environment. You can learn more about our counselling services and how to book here.

Are you worried about your elderly parents?

Posted on August 19, 2020December 12, 2024 by admin

It can be hard to watch our parents getting old. We grew up believing they were our indestructible protectors, and seeing their hair turn grey and their mobility decline can be a tough reality to face.

While it’s natural to worry about your parents ageing and the challenges that may arise, doing this constantly can take a toll on your mental and emotional wellbeing.

We offer some advice to support your parents through later life, and hopefully provide some peace of mind to yours.

Talk to them about the future

It’s never too early to talk to your parents about what they’d like for their senior years and beyond.

Some questions to ask might include:

Is your Will up to date, and where can it be found?
Who will be your durable power of attorney?
How would you like to be cared for if you require support?
What type of funeral or memorial service would you prefer?

These may be hard conversations to have, but they’re essential to ensure your parents’ wishes are honoured down the track. Knowing what your parents want before the time comes can provide clarity and comfort for you and them.

Ask them about the past

As well as making plans for the future, now is the time to ask your ageing parents all those questions you’ve been meaning to ask about their past.

A common regret for family who’ve lost a loved one is not finding time to ask about their past experiences, memories, hopes, dreams, and regrets. Maybe it’s because our parents are the most familiar people to us, and we’ve known them our whole lives. But how well do you actually know your parents as people, before they were ‘mum’ or ‘dad’?

Some conversation starters might include:

What was your childhood like?
Did you like school?
Who influenced you most as a child, teen, and adult?
Who was your first love?
What world events had the biggest impact on you?
What are you most proud of?

Asking your parents about their lives before you came along can help you grow closer and ensure their favourite stories remain a part of their legacy. Plus, your parents will probably love the opportunity to reflect on their past experiences to an eager audience.

Take turns checking in on them

As your parents get older, you may feel a sense of responsibility to visit and call them every day. But this can be an unrealistic expectation, especially if you have your hands full with a job and kids of your own.

Organise with other family members to rotate visits and phone calls to ensure your parents have regular contact with loved ones, and no potential problems go unnoticed.

This will give you peace of mind that they’re being checked in on, without putting pressure on yourself to take sole responsibility. You might even like to come up with a roster of designated days when you each visit or call.

Take them to appointments

There are a number of reasons why it’s a good idea to accompany your elderly parents to their medical appointments.

They may have a hearing deficit that makes it hard for them to understand what medical professionals are saying, and be too shy to ask for things to be repeated. They may not feel comfortable asking questions around their options, and simply agree with whatever is being suggested. Maybe they rely on public transport and don’t keep up with their appointments as they should. Or perhaps they’re simply not relaying the ‘whole story’ about their health conditions to the people they care about.

If your parents consent to you taking them to appointments, this can help remove these communication and logistical obstacles. It’s also a great way to spend more time with your parents and be involved in their lives. You could even make it an enjoyable routine by treating them to coffee at a café afterward.

Relationships Australia Qld offers support to older people in Queensland to plan for the future and make important decisions. Learn about our range of free services aimed at providing education, advice, and referrals here.

New Baby, New Relationship Problems?

Posted on July 6, 2020December 12, 2024 by admin

They tell you it’s going to be hard. They tell you about the sleepless nights, the spontaneous tears, and the guilt that you’re not doing it right, or not doing enough.

But what about the relationship changes that a new baby can bring?

Maybe you’re arguing more than ever. Maybe the romance seems out of reach. Or maybe you feel a distance between each other you’ve never felt before.

Every relationship changes after adding a baby to the equation. And while it might feel like things will never go back to the way they were, the good news is, it does get better.

If you’re experiencing these common relationship stresses after having a baby, please know that you’re not alone.

Communication Breakdown

Has your communication become transactional and all about baby? Missing the days of stimulating conversation and flirtatious banter?

As your days and nights revolve around feeding, changing, and consoling your new recruit, you probably don’t have the time or energy to focus on nurturing your relationship right now. This can make you feel disconnected and distant.

Try to find time each day to talk about the things you used to, keeping baby talk off the table. It doesn’t matter whether it’s idle gossip, politics, or your thoughts on the TV series you binge while you’re stuck under a cluster-feeding baby at 2am. Schedule this baby-free banter into your phone as a daily reminder if you have to.

Lack of Intimacy

Most new parents will experience a loss of sexual intimacy, with fantasies about sex being replaced with fantasies about sleep. There are several reasons why couples might feel their relationship has no room for romance after baby.

There’s the sleep deprivation thing, for a start. If you’re not sleeping in shifts and actually manage to jump in the sheets at the same time, you’re likely exhausted.

It can take months for new mums to recover after childbirth. And even once women have physically healed, they may feel ‘touched out’ from all the endless contact with bub, which can inhibit their desire to be intimate with a partner.

There are other ways to maintain intimacy and feel close to your partner, such as holding hands, cuddling, and looking into each other’s eyes. You could also up the words of affirmation in your relationship in place of physical touch, expressing romantic feelings with an “I love you” or an unprompted “You look great today”.

Division of Domestic Duties

Babies may be tiny, but they bring with them a big list of additional household chores. Sure, you did the laundry and dishes and vacuuming before, but they were never as urgent as they are with an infant.

The unequal division of domestic labour has long been a common issue among couples. It’s no secret women generally take on more than their fair share of the housework (even if they work the same amount of hours as their partner), but research shows this inequality gets worse after baby comes.

Both partners should work together to divide chores and childcare duties fairly. This would ideally be discussed and sorted before birth, but it’s never too late to sit down together and decide on a system that works for you both.

Financial Priorities

Raising a human is expensive. Initial big-ticket items like a bassinet, cot, car seat, pram, and change table quickly add up, and ongoing costs like nappies, food, medical expenses, and day care also take their toll.

Money is one of the biggest stressors for many couples. Research shows more than half (52%) of Aussie couples argue about money. It’s no surprise finances and who pays for what can cause tension between new parents who are adapting to living on one income and may not have the freedom to splurge on unnecessary items without a second thought.

This is why it’s a good idea to trial living on one income for a few months before baby comes to get used to living within your new means. A shared budget spreadsheet couldn’t hurt, either.

Opposing Parenting Styles

It’s hard to know how you’ll feel about sleep training, dummies, and discipline until you’re a parent making the big decisions.

Some first-time parents find they’re not as in sync with their partner’s parenting style as they thought they’d be. This can lead to some raised eyebrows and heated arguments.

While you may need to agree on some things for consistency’s sake, there are other times when you may need to relent control and bite your tongue. If the to-dos are getting ticked off and your little one is healthy and happy, it doesn’t always matter whether your partner is doing things the way you would or not.

Having a hard time? We offer counselling for individuals and couples to facilitate discussion and explore issues such as conflict, intimacy problems, parenting issues, and depression. Learn more and book an appointment here.

Relationships Australia provides more helpful advice for new parents in this tips sheet.

Tips for Separating with Kids

Posted on June 30, 2020December 12, 2024 by admin

Separation can be an upsetting time for everyone involved.

Separating or divorcing with kids brings its own unique challenges as you help them make sense of big changes in the family. Children might feel confused, sad, or even angry. But there are ways you can help them better understand and cope.

Relationship Counsellor Shirley Hussie explains, “It’s not always parents separating that causes the psychological distress for children, but the way in which parents separate.”

With the right support, you can make your child’s wellbeing your top priority and reduce their stress and pain during this unsettling time.

How to Talk to Kids about Separation

While kids need to know their parents are separating or getting a divorce, they generally don’t need to know why.

When telling your kids about your divorce or separation, it’s important to keep it simple, stick to the facts, and reassure them that they are in no way responsible.

“Reassure the children they are loved, the separation is in no way their fault, and they will continue a relationship with both parents,” Shirley advises. “There is no rulebook – what works for one may not work for another. However, knowing they are loved and safe is fundamental.”

Some things to keep in mind when talking to your kids about your separation might include:

If you can, try to agree with your ex-partner in advance on an explanation for your separation or divorce so you’re both on the same page and don’t confuse your kids
Don’t blame, criticise, or belittle the other parent in front of your kids
Keep your explanation clear, simple, and appropriate to their age and stage of development
Reassure them that they have not done anything wrong and that there is nothing they can do to get their parents back together
Tell them that you both love them and they will continue to have a relationship with both parents
Address any practical issues (e.g. changes to routines, living arrangements)
Give them opportunities to ask questions and express how they’re feeling.

Helping Kids through Divorce or Separation

“Parents separating has a profound impact on children,” Shirley explains. “They can feel confused, responsible, angry, lost, sad, lonely, and hurt.”

You can help your children adjust to their new circumstances with these practical tips.

Do:

Try to maintain as much consistency in their routines as you can
Introduce any changes to routines as gradually as possible
Provide reassurance with affection and by telling them “I love you”
Protect them from any conflict between you and the other parent
Encourage discussion about their feelings and concerns
Help them identify their feelings and let them know it’s normal and OK to feel that way
Give them opportunities to hear about other children who have experienced separation/divorce
Spend time strengthening your parenting skills
Support their relationship with the other parent
Ask caregivers/teachers to let you know if they notice changes in your child’s behaviour.

Don’t:

Lean on them for emotional support
Blame or speak negatively about the other parent in front of them
Use your child to play ‘messenger’ between you and the other parent
Ask your child to ‘spy’ or report back to you after spending time with the other parent
Give your child responsibilities that are inappropriate to their age (e.g. too many household responsibilities).

“Let them continue to be children and have fun,” says Shirley. “This is not their burden to carry.”

If you notice significant changes in your child’s behaviour, such as grief, crying, withdrawing, aggression, physical complaints (e.g. headaches, stomach aches), changes in sleeping or eating patterns, it may be a sign your child isn’t coping during this tough time.

You can find more advice to assist your children through your separation in the helpful booklet What About the Children?.

Learn about Relationships Australia QLD’s separation support services here.

If you’re recently separated or thinking about separating, you might find our separation checklist helpful.

50 Fun Things to Do as a Family

Posted on June 18, 2020December 12, 2024 by admin

How are you keeping your kids entertained these school holidays?

Some days call for hours of Disney+. But there are others where you want to make the most of your time together with child-friendly things to do as a family.

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite things to do with kids to share adventures – big and small – and make memories that last a lifetime.

Nothing against Nemo, but we think these fun family activities will be your kids’ new favourite things to do during the school holidays.

1. Visit your local library

Libraries offer endless new and exciting stories to take home, and little ones will love having their own special library card.

2. Have a family games night

Who doesn’t like Go Fish or Connect Four? Add some friendly competition with prizes like chocolates or extra TV time for the kids.

3. Set up a lemonade stand in your driveway

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade – then sell it to your neighbours for a small profit.

4. Bake cookies or cupcakes together

Sugary baked goods are the stuff of childhood dreams. Have fun with novelty cookie cutters and decorative icing pens.

5. Go on a picnic

Make some sandwiches or grab some takeaway and head to your favourite park or beach to get some fresh air.

6. Visit a farm

Take your kids to pat some baby farm animals and learn where fresh produce comes from. Families Magazine lists some great farms near Brisbane here.

7. Plant a herb or veggie garden

Get your hands dirty and spend a day in the garden planting your favourite herbs and veggies. Imagine how excited your little ones will be when it’s time to harvest!

8. Create collages from old magazines

If no one has opened those magazines on your coffee table for months, why not repurpose them for some arts and crafts? You could cut letters out to spell out your names or make a vision board of your favourite things.

9. Make tie-dye t-shirts

Give an old t-shirt a new look with some funky tie-dye. There are endless tutorials for tie-dying t-shirts, like this one from Parents.

10. Film a family music video

Every budding superstar will jump at the chance to dress up and perform their favourite song. Plus, catching it on film will give you arsenal for their 18th or 21st birthday.

11. Build a fort in the living room

Ah, the quintessential rainy day activity. Living room forts are best enjoyed with lots of cuddly blankets and pillows, and plenty of good snacks.

12. Go fishing

You don’t have to be a family of avid fishermen to enjoy casting a line. A day on the water is always fun, even if you leave empty-handed.

13. Make a mural with chalk

Chalk is a great go-to for affordable family fun. Collaborate on a mural on the driveway or footpath. The best part is, you can hose it off and try again tomorrow.

14. Do a science experiment

Can you remember the first time you witnessed a baking soda and vinegar ‘volcano’ in all its glory? Gift that experience to your kids these school holidays.

15. Visit a national park

You can add an educational element by downloading a plant-identifying app like PlantSnap – it’s like Shazam for plants.

16. Make homemade pizzas

The only thing more fun than eating pizza is making it. Grab your favourite toppings and make an afternoon of it. Extra points for making your own dough!

17. Have a water balloon/water pistol fight

If the weather and the water restrictions permit, a good old-fashioned water fight is a great way to get outside and pass the time on warm days.

18. Fly a kite

Flying a kite is a whole lot of fun – especially if you’ve made your own. Find an open outdoor space on a windy day and get soaring.

19. Make ice cream

No ice-cream machine? No problem. Making your own delicious dessert is easier than you might think. This tutorial shows you how in six easy steps.

20. Go backyard camping

Who says you have to book a campsite to enjoy a night under the stars? Pitch a tent in the yard and prepare all your best ghost stories for some family fun.

21. Paint self-portraits

Move over, stick figures – self-portraits are the new form of art taking over the space on the fridge.

22. Do a LEGO challenge

Maybe NASA needs a new rocket, or perhaps Cinderella is in the market for a new castle. Take turns coming up with fun ideas for builds.

23. Make a playdough family

Ever wondered how you’d look in playdough? Find out how your kids really see you with this fun family activity.

24. Make jewellery

You can buy DIY jewellery kits from your nearest craft or department store, or get creative using pipe cleaners, alfoil, string and uncooked macaroni.

25. Create with clay

Like playdough, but permanent. Make some funky bowls or cute animals out of clay from your local Bunnings or craft store.

26. Go digging for treasure

Hide some chocolate coins in the garden beds (wrapped and sealed, of course), hand your kids some shovels, and enjoy a cuppa.

27. Paint each other’s faces

This is a fun way to express your creativity and test your painting skills – just don’t forget to wash it off before getting the groceries.

28. Make shadow drawings

Toys and household objects can make some interesting shapes. Simply place the item in the sun so it casts a shadow onto paper, then trace.

29. Create nature masks

You don’t have to spend a fortune on craft supplies to make cool masks. Just head into your own backyard and you’re sure to find eye-catching leaves, bark and more to glue onto your paper mask.

30. Make potato prints

Cut a potato in half, carve in some shapes, cover the carved side in paint, and press onto paper.

31. Act out a scene from your favourite movie or book

Everyone has a scene that’s stuck with them for one reason or another. Dress up in your best makeshift costumes and perform it as a family.

32. Learn a magic trick

Kidspot has some great child-friendly magic tricks even kids with short attention spans will love to learn.

33. Create origami

Paper origami is a great indoor activity for kids. Try making traditional cranes or have some fun with cats and dogs.

34. Have a photography competition

Are you living with the next Annie Leibovitz? Give each family member a turn snapping pics on your phone to discover who has the best photography skills.

35. Visit a dog park

Even if you don’t have a dog, you can still have fun watching the pups play. Pick out your favourites together and try to guess what their names are.

36. Do an alphabet scavenger hunt

Can you find an object that starts with every letter of the alphabet in your home?

37. Create a dinosaur city

If your kids have toy dinosaurs, give them a Lost World of their own by making a dinosaur city out of rocks, sticks, dirt, and leaves from the backyard.

38. Make a racetrack through the house

Create an elaborate racetrack for toy cars by placing coloured electrical tape or masking tape on the floor throughout the house. Just be sure to pick the toys up when the fun is done to avoid any bruises.

39. Learn the alphabet in sign language

Some of our favourite things to do with kids involve learning something new. You’ll find plenty of tutorials for the AUSLAN alphabet online.

40. Learn a dance

This is a great way to have fun while tricking your kids into exercise. If your little ones are too young to learn choreography, just play their favourite tunes and have a freestyle boogie instead.

41. Make your family tree

Older kids might be especially interested to learn about their family history by making a family tree with you.

42. Create a family scrapbook

Print off all those photos on your phone and make a scrapbook you can look back at for years to come.

43. Make nail art

Nail art is a fun and creative way to kill time and express yourself. There are endless designs to bring some personality to your manicure, such as spots, hearts, ladybugs, watermelons, and more.

44. Play mini golf

Mini golf or putt putt is a challenging and exciting family activity for all ages. A little incentive goes a long way, so throw in a small prize if you want to make things more interesting.

45. Go on a road trip

Stuck in the house? Take a drive to a town you’ve never visited. Check out the main street, take some photos, and grab some lunch.

46. Make a time capsule

In an airtight box, add some journal entries and personal items that best summarise life right now. Open together in ten years (if you have the self-control to wait).

47. Swap lives

Kids will love dressing up in your clothes and impersonating your role in the house.

48. Go for a bike ride

An oldie but a goodie, bike rides are a great way to get outdoors with the family. Play I Spy while riding if you want to spice things up.

49. Go bowling

Another family favourite for competitive kids, ten-pin bowling is a fun way to spend a couple of hours out and about.

50. See a movie

When all else fails, head to the cinemas.

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