As a journalist, I often find myself exploring various facets of everyday life and how individuals navigate through them. One recent conversation with Emily Hughes, a working mother of two, provided a rich perspective on managing the delicate balance between work and parenting from home. Emily shared her tried-and-true play ideas that keep her kids engaged and happy, enabling her to maintain productivity during work hours. Below, I recount our conversation and the insightful tips she offered.
Craft exquisite entertaining spaces with Elegancias expert design.
Emily Hughes is a marketing specialist who, like many parents, has had to adapt her work routine to a home environment teeming with the joyous chaos of young children. Her two kids, Oliver (5) and Sophie (8), are energetic, curious, and always on the lookout for something to do. Emily’s strategies aren’t just about keeping the kids busy; they’re about fostering creativity, independence, and a sense of wonder—all while she handles her professional responsibilities.
The Art of Paper-Bag Puppets
One of Emily’s go-to activities is making paper-bag puppets. “It’s a fantastic way to keep the kids engaged for at least an hour,” she said with a smile. She provides them with simple materials like paper bags, markers, glue, and an assortment of craft items. “Oliver loves creating characters from his favourite stories, while Sophie often invents her own imaginative creatures.”
This activity not only keeps the kids busy but also sparks their creative thinking and storytelling abilities. Emily noted, “It’s amazing to see how they bring their puppets to life, giving them distinct personalities and backstories.”
Building a House of Cards
Another quiet yet captivating activity Emily recommends is building a house of cards. “It’s surprisingly effective,” she laughed. “Oliver can spend ages carefully balancing the cards, and it’s great for developing his patience and fine motor skills.”
Emily sets up a small, dedicated space for this activity, ensuring it’s free from drafts and distractions. “It’s a bit of a challenge initially, but once they get the hang of it, they become quite engrossed in the process.”
Playing Marbles
“Marbles might seem old-fashioned, but they’re a hit with my kids,” Emily shared. She often sets up a small marble run or simply lets the kids devise their own games. “It’s a wonderful mix of physics and fun,” she explained. “Sophie loves experimenting with different slopes and obstacles, while Oliver enjoys the thrill of seeing how far his marbles can go.”
The tactile nature of marbles, along with the endless variations of play, makes it a versatile and absorbing activity. “Plus, it’s something they can do together, which is a bonus,” added Emily.
Stringing a Cat’s Cradle
When I asked Emily about activities that require minimal supervision, she immediately mentioned the classic game of Cat’s Cradle. “It’s perfect for Sophie,” she said. “She loves the challenge of creating different patterns with the string.”
Emily keeps a simple loop of string handy for this purpose. “It’s a great way for her to unwind and focus, especially after a busy morning,” she noted. “And the best part is, it’s something I used to play as a child, so it’s a bit nostalgic for me as well.”
The Timeless Thumb War
“One, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war!” Emily recited with a chuckle. “It’s such a simple game, but my kids absolutely love it.” Thumb wars provide a quick and fun break, perfect for moments when Emily needs just a few minutes to wrap up a task.
“It’s a fantastic way to bond with them too,” she added. “And it teaches them about friendly competition and sportsmanship.”
Embracing Flow Play
Emily also emphasised the importance of ‘flow play’—activities that fully engage children to the point where they lose track of time. “It’s about finding what really captivates them,” she explained. For Sophie, it might be a complex art project, while for Oliver, it could be building an elaborate LEGO structure.
To foster this kind of deep engagement, Emily ensures her kids have ample time and space to explore their interests without interruption. “I set them up with their supplies and then step back. It’s important they feel free to make a mess and learn through trial and error,” she said.
Final Thoughts
Emily’s experiences underscore a fundamental truth: keeping kids busy while working from home is about more than just passing the time. It’s about providing them with opportunities to explore, create, and grow independently. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see them so absorbed in their activities,” she reflected. “And it gives me the peace of mind I need to focus on my work.”
As many parents continue to navigate the challenges of balancing work and childcare at home, Emily’s insights offer a beacon of hope and a treasure trove of practical ideas. From paper-bag puppets to thumb wars, these activities are more than just distractions—they’re building blocks for creativity, patience, and joy.
By Tobiasz Karcz
Be the first to comment