Fun With Kids

"It is fun to have fun but you have to know how", said no child ever. Those words belong to the Cat in the Hat (a story I can recite from memory from reading it so many times to my own children!). Little ones just love to play. It is considered the work of childhood. It's how they learn. Engage with others. Develop fine and gross motor skills. So many important things happen for a child when they play. Alone. With other children. And yes, with adults. It's ok. Just play with them for a little while! I don't mean sit with them while they play. Or watch them play. Engage with them. Play with them. Pretend with them. Be the Big Bad Wolf. Or be the Granny. Either one will be fun!

Aside from playing, there are many things to do in most communities that are inexpensive or often times free, for families with small children to do. Your community most likely offers databases with fun things to do through county park systems, town and city websites, maybe your local library has a list of activities in the community. Websites such as this one are a great place to start for family fun in Ohio!

Please don't forget the magic of outdoors! Take a walk. In the rain, snow, or sun. Go on an adventure. Have a picnic lunch, on the grass with a blanket. Look for bugs. Or birds. Walk barefoot in the grass. Plant something. Hug a tree. Endless, the opportunities are endless for fun outside!

Playing inside is necessary sometimes. Children do not require expensive toys to have fun. The mixing bowls and a wooden spoon make beautiful music! A blanket fort, oh my! Reading of course. And listening to music, children's music. It won't hurt I promise. Two of my very favorites are Raffi and Laurie Berkner, but there are so many. Your local Children's Librarian or library website are a great resource for children's music.

Speaking of the library. Great fun awaits you and your little ones there! The books of course. But so many now are destinations, with much educational fun just waiting. And so many programs. For all ages, even adults. If you don't have a regular library, please make that connection.