I always end my newsletter with a meme from the Hunger Games and lately, every day feels like we're sliding deeper into that universe.
So what did ChatGPT suggest you do with the kids?
lol I actually copied this into a spreadsheet I reference because the mental load of thinking of activities is exhausting: “Activity
How It Works
Dance Party
Put on 3-4 songs. Dance it out. When music stops, freeze. Burns energy fast.
Obstacle Course
Pillows to jump on, crawl under table, spin 3 times, touch the wall. Time them.
Hide and Seek
Classic. Works every time. Let the 3yo hide in obvious places.
Building Together
Blocks, Magna-Tiles, or cardboard boxes. "Let's build a castle/tower/city."
Pretend Play
Restaurant, doctor, school. Let them assign you a role. Follow their lead.
Art Time
Crayons, paper, stickers. "Draw your favorite thing today." Low energy, focused.
Puzzle Time
Floor puzzles for 5yo, chunky puzzles for 3yo. Quiet but engaging.
Survival Tricks for Hard Days
Screen time is fine: 20-30 min of Bluey or Daniel Tiger while you cook dinner is not a parenting failure.
"Helper" jobs: Let them "help" cook (stirring, pouring pre-measured ingredients, setting table). Slower but keeps them occupied.
Bath early: If things are chaotic, move bath time to 6:30. Water calms kids down.
Audiobooks: Put on a kids' audiobook during dinner or post-dinner. They listen, you breathe.
Lower the bar: Cereal for dinner happens. Pajama day happens. You're doing great”
So what did ChatGPT suggest you do with the kids?
lol I actually copied this into a spreadsheet I reference because the mental load of thinking of activities is exhausting: “Activity
How It Works
Dance Party
Put on 3-4 songs. Dance it out. When music stops, freeze. Burns energy fast.
Obstacle Course
Pillows to jump on, crawl under table, spin 3 times, touch the wall. Time them.
Hide and Seek
Classic. Works every time. Let the 3yo hide in obvious places.
Building Together
Blocks, Magna-Tiles, or cardboard boxes. "Let's build a castle/tower/city."
Pretend Play
Restaurant, doctor, school. Let them assign you a role. Follow their lead.
Art Time
Crayons, paper, stickers. "Draw your favorite thing today." Low energy, focused.
Puzzle Time
Floor puzzles for 5yo, chunky puzzles for 3yo. Quiet but engaging.
Survival Tricks for Hard Days
Screen time is fine: 20-30 min of Bluey or Daniel Tiger while you cook dinner is not a parenting failure.
"Helper" jobs: Let them "help" cook (stirring, pouring pre-measured ingredients, setting table). Slower but keeps them occupied.
Bath early: If things are chaotic, move bath time to 6:30. Water calms kids down.
Audiobooks: Put on a kids' audiobook during dinner or post-dinner. They listen, you breathe.
Lower the bar: Cereal for dinner happens. Pajama day happens. You're doing great”