Ideas for Activities W/chidren

I hear you. Blessings to you in every possible way. Here are a few suggestions that seemed to work for me.

Cut out everything that drains your time except for your job and your kids. Start saying "no" to everything except if it involves your children.

I agree with the other lady and make sure you are eating healthy and try to get some exercise.

I am a teacher and I was talking to one of the parents of my top student and he said that they don't watch tv during the week....that is for studying, reading and extra curriculars.

Not sure how old your children are...volunteer WITH them. Let them see you caring for others.

Read the bible as God is your strength. He will give you strength. Looks like he already is.

Blessings to you. I raised 3 children this way. You can do it!

www.mycmsite.com/marycluley

1. purchase Blokus its a great family game. Even my 4 yr wins
2. old maid
3. go to the library once a week together.
4.go to Michaels craft store go to the dollar bin. They usually have small ink pads, stamps and stickers in the dollar bin. Your kids can creat their master pieces while you make dinner.
5. get pizza dough and make pizza together good family time
6. buy a recorder at a consignment store or a garage sale. I would get one for each child. You could record stories and they could even bring it to story time at school. Also you could record sweet little messages to each child have it beside their beds.

Believe it or not, despite the fact that your job is draining and tiring (mine too, so I know what you mean) I would recheck a few things in my life such as what you eat for instance. I am dead serious, but I started to pay attention to what sorts of things I ate and could trace some of that tiredness to some of the food choices I made. Next kids are really flexible, so I'm sure it wouldn't matter what you chose to do, they will be happy when you are feeling pretty calm. I am hoping you get enough sleep and furthermore, since you are alone with them I am suggesting perhaps you befriend some others in your situation so you can do some visits and ventilate some of your frustrations. Being lonely can make us very, very tired. And my final suggestion is to enlist the children. Tell them how you feel and that you want to be doing fun things. They are amazing little people and can help you figure out what's best for everyone. Do you have a church you go to? Oftentimes churches have lots of activities and people who can help with ideas, events, etc. and new friends. It sounds draining sometimes to go, but don't be caught up in looking perfect or getting way dressed up, etc. Just start. You will get through this and it is tough but keep writing, I am a fan club of all these moms who have helped so many.

Also, be patient -- the good weather will come and you will be able to play outside with them. Probably they are also tired of being inside and the winter is draining on your energy too. It's funny, though, active ways of playing usually SEEM like more exhausting ideas, but actually seem to energize me and them. Sometimes when the winter seems overbearing, I find it helps to do indoor exercise with my kids -- put on music and dance all around, play chase, play red light/ green light, or even do sit-ups and jumping jacks.

It's okay to tell them that you are tired from working hard so that you are able to provide for them. I am assuming that you are not saving all your earnings to have fabulous spa week at the Doral.You are setting a fine example of what a parent does to insure the well being of her children. That said-perhaps a picnic in the family room on a quilt-with sandwiches and easy stuff to prepare-let them help with the prep and the cleanup-and then maybe a movie or playing a little Wii, or a board game or cards-and then off to bed. Sometimes the anticipation is half the fun-make a plan of what you will do when you get home and they will have something to look forward to-something to be excited about.

I second what some said about what you eat. Foods can make a huge difference. So can your thyroid levels and vitamin D. It might be worth getting a checkup just to make sure things are good. Also, I know my kids love it when I watch them. I thought a lot of the suggestions you already got were good about things you can do with the kids, but is it so bad to -for just a few nights a week; one or two- watch them play? That way you can compliment them, encourage them at it, and reward (verbally) trying again and having a good attitude, but it's still not requiring too much physically from you. If they pick a game they really like, it can show that you're interested in what they're doing and care about them, and that could help too. Also, not sure if you go to church or not, but some of them can be very encouraging and give you kids great playtime too. You may want to see if one does Awana near you (our church does it on Wednesday). Even if you're not religious, the principles that are taught include teamwork, treating others nicely, etc. Even if you don't go to the service, it would be something for your kids. I know we have a lot of parents who drop their kids off then work, clean, etc and then come back and pick the kids up. No, it's not time for you and the kids, but if you could clean then it could free up another night where you could be with you kids with undivided attention. Good luck, with whatever you end up doing!

Food and sleep makes a difference. Try not to burn the candle at both ends and eat right.

Enlist the kids in doing things like folding their own laundry. Their help may be slow, but it's one less shirt for YOU to fold, right? Put on a movie and make it family time.

Read books. Play hide and seek. Get board games.

My mom was a single mom, too, and I know she had a lot on her plate. Sometimes the best nights just involved a long dinner and some nice conversation.