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Fun Alternatives to TV
by Melissa Ingold
Are your kids spending too much time in front of the TV?
As we head into September, the last week of freedom for your children is making an appearance. Before you know it they'll be heading back to school, but don't let that deter you. There's still time, and many ways to create learning opportunities for your children that don't involve TV. With a little creativity and a lot of fun, you can get those couch potatoes minds developing without them realizing it.
Here are some fun alternatives to TV:
Reading is the best way to preserve or improve upon what was learned during school. A trip to the library once a week makes for a fun outing, as well as something to look forward too.
Kids love to play games, so dig out those unused board games and start playing. Most involve money, reading, and memory abilities. These games provide a great way to brush up on those skills before school.
Workbooks and stickers are a great way to have fun and learn at the same time.
Encourage older children to keep a journal or write letters to out-of-town family members.
Daytime outings, like a trip to the zoo can be turned into a great learning experience, especially for younger children. You can play silly games like name that animal, or colour. You can also get them to count the number of animals in each enclosure and ask them questions like, "What do monkeys eat?"
Getting children into the garden can be a lot of fun for all involved. Observing small bugs and toads in their environment can lead to all kinds of interesting questions. Have older children plant beans in flowerpots to observe and chart their results. You can even have a contest with categories that will allow each child to win a prize. For example, the biggest plant, the smallest plant, etc.
Signing children up for a day or sports camp can provide group experience with kids their own age, as well as instruction in sports or crafts. This is especially nice for single children, because it allows them to interact and play with other kids.
Put on a on a play. This encourages the use of their imagination, which remains inactive while watching TV. Provide them with some old clothes that they can dress up in. Either scour your closets, or visit your local second hand store and allow them to pick out items.
By turning off the TV and getting creative, you can make everyday into a learning experience children can enjoy. If you continue using fun alternatives to TV year round, you may find your children less inclined to spend time actually watching TV. Show your children what's outside the world of television by stimulating their minds with imaginative activities.
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About the Author
Melissa Ingold is a wife, and stayathome mom to 2 children. She lives the life of a SAHM day in and day out, and her experience has enabled her to write articles on the issues that interest women in their roles as wives and mothers. She aims to touch their hearts, and warm their souls through her insightful articles. She has several freelance writing projects on the go, and hopes to eventually freelance fulltime.
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