[Kate35]

I find that unless I have something in particular planned that it's very hard to just make time for the kids. Reading a book with them, is always good of course, but I find arts and crafts with them more rewarding. I recently came across a great activity book that a friend recommended to me. Pencil Play Pals Pencil Games. Got it from pencilplaypals.com

It's great. It shows you how to make games from stuff you'd usually just throw away, like a cereal box. You need some pencils too. The games are simple enough but my son who's just 6 needs a little help. Which is great because that's how I think this book should be used. A way to spend time doing something with your kids. So you get to make a game together and play the game when you've finished. I think this is much better than just buying them a new toy that they don't really learn anything from. My son's always very pleased with himself when he's made a game. I think he's learning a lot from it.

[alexis12345]

Thanks for sharing this great activity book. I think i'll try it.
Some time ago I had a similar book called "Turn off the TV". It was an activity book for parents that spend time watching TV instead of spending time with their kids. The book showed you how to make fun stuff from things you could find in your house(pencils, boxes, paper and so on). It was a fun and entertaining family activity, where both the parents and the kids could have a great time.
I found that book to be very useful for any parent, not only those who watch TV instead of spending quality time with their kids.
Unfortunately I can't remember where I bought it from...

[SuperSandraB]

Wow thanks for sharing. I think we as a society seriously undervalue things that are made at home...but in truth these items hold more sentimental value (not to mention they don't cost a bunch of money). Thanks again for the ida.

[sunclock]

hi
thank for share it.
it is right that parent ha no time for their kids.they should spend quality of time their kids.

Advice for Parents

[abrahamalegre]

educating yourself first before having the kids so that you can make the money in the least amount of time and be given the time to spend with your children once they are here.......but the bottom line is time with the kids FIRST.......

[FUSEingFamilies]

It really is important that the time you do spend with your children you are 'present' and positive. Kate35 sounds like a great mom, and I know that your child will remember the crafty times together. My grownup daughters still remember me playing playdough with them when they were little. For children it is all about the process, the gluing, or squishing, or the vibrant colours, than the end result the product.
I am looking forward to spending some great play times with our little grandchildren.

[fruggie]

Thank you for the sharing! he book is really great! It is very important that you spend your time with children!

[txfamilyof7]

Those are some great ideas. I'll have to check out those books. I just downloaded an iPhone app called "Craft Finder". I haven't had a chance to go through it completely, but it's from Disney and has a lot of neat looking crafts. Not much help if you don't own an iPhone though...

[magicmummy]

I love this... We spend a lot of time together as a family and I like to bake with the kids and do as much crafty stuff as possible (I'm not very crafty though lol)
We made our own board game last weekend, super simple and fun to make and play afterwards.

[Meredith77]

thanks for sharing! I am going to check this out. With two little ones at home, I definitely need encouragement to stop doing so many chores, and sit down with them! Thanks