Kidfun to
the Rescue
If you’re looking for easy-to-do creative ideas for fun, I hope you’ll check out my new book KIDFUN: 401 EASY IDEAS FOR PLAY, Ages 2 to 8. The goal is to throw the switch and turn on the power for anyone to create KIDFUN themselves – especially the kids! I hope these ideas will lead you to many more. I love when my granddaughters say, “Grammy, here’s a new KIDFUN idea” like Sari who put a yardstick in a door jam and used it like a Limbo stick! Or Ryan who painted rocks for fun or Jaclyn who, well, her whole life is about KIDFUN.
Learn more about KidfunView the Promo Video
Travel Fun
For young children, being in the car, bus, train and plane means a restriction of movement. We know electronics can easily solve that problem but what if there are no electronics! What if you’d prefer engaging your child in an activity! Travel time offers a wonderful opportunity to observe surroundings and notice details or play guessing games or tell stories – together! Check out these activities and hopefully they’ll lead you to more ideas that you and your kids create – together!
Bedtime
Bedtime can often be challenging – unless you create pleasant rituals that help your kids look forward to bedtime. You can talk together, ask real and silly questions of each other, tell old favorites stories and create your own classics, sing together, rub each other’s backs, and, of course, hug. It can also be that one warm and satisfying time of day for you, a time when everything stops, a time to share secrets and, especially, a time for affection.
Rainy Days
Rain, rain go away. Come again some other day. (Remember this?) Avoid rainy day blahs by keeping your child active, mentally and physically, with simple games, art projects, and creative dramatics. Notice I didn’t suggest electronics – of course, the tablet and other devices will be a great resource, but never forget creative play – the opportunity for your child to be much more involved in the creation of ideas. And even if it is not rainy, you will find good ideas here for all kinds of children in all kinds of weather or just to enjoy alone while they’re indoors.
About Sharla
Feldscher
Author Sharla Feldscher is often called a “Kid believer.” Nothing gives her more pleasure than encouraging young people to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. Her career began as a kindergarten teacher in Philadelphia when she also started writing about her unique ideas of creative fun with young children...
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Kidfun On TV
KIDFUN is a natural on television and in videos. A guest on television talk shows for over four decades, Sharla has appeared on national television and local as a valued resource in the news, on interview programs and with a produced series called KIDFUN that starred baseball legend Tug McGraw, serving as the magical genie who brightened the day of a bored child. Today, she is a regular contributor on PHL 17’s “Morning News” in Philadelphia.
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Top Kidfun Tips & Tricks
Kidfun Tip: Think about the days when you were young.
Remember – Think about the days when you were young. What did you do for fun? Those simple ideas still work today. Even with all the wonderful advantages of technology, kids like nothing more than playing with YOU, their family and special friends and laughing – giggling. And, that usually comes from doing something silly and simple together. KIDFUN often produces those great belly laughs. Always remember!
Kidfun Tip: Share your favorites, your hobbies – you!
Share your favorites, your hobbies – you! Here’s an example. I’ve always loved Broadway shows. When my kids were young, I’d play the records and we’d all learn the words of songs together. I’d even go further. It was before computers when you can google lyrics to songs, I’d write down the lyrics on cardboard or some thicker paper and then teach the kids to read as we all shared the song cards and memorized the words together. It was Broadway, which I love. So, for me, it was fun! The kids could tell my sincerity – they were honored to share what made ME happy and now going to shows together is our favorite pastime. It was all natural. If you love golf, collecting baseball cards, knitting, baking – whatever – share it with your kids. After all, it’s sharing a little bit of you with them. What a compliment!
Kidfun Tip: Create conversations with children!
Create conversations with children! People often ask questions of kids that call for a one-word answer. For example, if you ask, “How was school today?”
the answer could easily be, “Fine!” “Good!” (hopefully not this —“bad!”) Those conversations don’t go anywhere. But, try asking that differently. “What was the most fun thing you did in school today?” Then you direct children to something more specific. Or, “What book did your teacher read today? Tell me about it.” What did you do with the kids at recess?” Or – forget school – talk about their favorites; such as, “What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? What’s your favorite color?” Then chime in and share yours. What I love about talking about favorites is there are no right or wrong responses. Try to avoid being judgmental, especially when you’re encouraging conversations. Do it with kids’ artwork, too – Don’t ask, “What’s that?” instead say, “Tell me about your picture.” Compliment the lines, the color – but don’t look for concrete images when it could be abstract. Try to lead to conversation. It will be more fun for everyone.
Kidfun Tip: Balloons!
Balloons! – when in doubt, blow up some balloons. They bring immediate smiles on any child’s Face. Then play a myriad of KIDFUN games with them!