When we first started our bakery, several years ago, I found this huge chalkboard at a local home goods store. Originally, I used it for planning our baking schedule and what markets we were planning to be at each week.
I used a white permanent marker to draw lines to create the outline of a calendar that could be revised each week. I added a section on one side for notes and a slightly larger space at the top where I could write the month.
And then our children came along. The calendar moved to the playroom and became their activities calendar.
Every month I erase the schedule and start over. I write the month at the top, fill in the calendar dates, and then start filling in the boxes with all the activities for the month. I use a blue marker for school events and green marker for our daily adventures. On the side, I glued little clothespins and use them to hang up some of the kids’ artwork throughout the year.
So the questions I struggle with every month revolve around what to do. What activities can I fill in the days with? How can I keep from repeating too much? What can we do that won’t cost an arm and a leg? How do I balance traveling for adventures and staying close to home? And most importantly, since my husband works from home – how can we stay out of the house for the majority of the mornings and, thus, out of his way?
Memberships help fill the days
There is nothing more valuable to our children that knowledge and exploration. The ability to discover will keep little ones busy for hours. Last Christmas we asked for several memberships to local attractions – the Dallas Arboretum, the Heard Museum, and the Perot Museum. Many of these memberships even have reciprocal memberships at national museums and gardens.
These memberships help fill the month without having to spend an arm and a leg each time we go. This allows us to be able to visit these places several times a year, almost at least once a month. The kids love going to each of the places, and each time, they discover something new.
The memberships make perfect gifts since we no longer have room for toys in our house. Not to mention the kids seem to show more interest in the attractions than the toys they’ve received.
I try to plan a larger, membership-based attractions once per week. I vary the day of the week they are on and sometimes schedule them based on special events that are being held. Since these are also typically popular spots for school field trip groups, I try to keep in mind the time of year and when more field trips might be taking place. The later in the year it is, the more field trips there are, so I will plan the outings towards the middle of the week when schools are less likely to take field trips.
Libraries have free event
Every month I pull up the schedules for all of the libraries in the city. They have story times, art and playdough activities, dance parties and more. The great thing about these events, besides being free, is that it gives the opportunity for my children to be surrounded by books. Not only do they get to pick out books to read, but our library has activities, manipulatives to play with, and STEAM kits that we can check out.
I only plan to attend a couple of events at the library as they tend to repeat and are, oftentimes, age-restricted. They have events for under 3 and then different events for preschoolers and older. This causes a bit of an issue while I have two children who straddle these groups. No matter what, though, you will be able to find a variety of fun events for your kiddos!
Park time, play places and splash pads
I love scheduling some open ended play time at parks, play places, and – during the summer – splash pads! I can plan to pack a lunch, plan a time to get there, and just let my kids play. Most of these places are free or have a minimal monetary requirement.
When I was little, my dad and I would explore the nearby playgrounds in search for the best slides or swings. Now I carry on that tradition with my own kids, exploring each playground and splash pad for the best slides, water features, and more.
Little Mister will find other kids to start playing with, encouraging his social skill development. Little Miss wants to be just like her big brother, so she’ll follow him around, encouraging her confidence. These places, both inside and out, wet and dry, are places of discovery learning that help our kids develop.
Learning at home
At least once a week, I try to schedule an activity that directly encourages my children to learn a specific concept. Maybe it’s a science experiment with some spare supplies I have around the house. Maybe it’s playing with playdough to build imaginary cookies. Sometimes it’s just pulling out the water table or water balloon baseball.
Calm time at home may be spare at our house because we try to not be in daddy’s way, but when we are home, I try to make the most of it, thinking up ways to keep them engaged and learning.
There are also several subscription services that are perfect for these times. This month we will be trying Little Passports and exploring our world. Another great subscription service is Green Kid Crafts. These are science and art kits chock full with activities that are shipped directly to you based on your child’s age.
I’ve always tried to remember the saying that the days are long but the years are short. If I can fill the days with as many memories and experiences as I can, then I feel like I’m succeeding as a mom, even if sometimes I might be exhausted at the end of the day.