https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 03 Apr 2026 23:59:14 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917899 Fri, 31 Jul 2020 10:35:52 +0000 MoonMoon 2917899@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're not the best examples, but one thing my DS (7) has taken a surprising liking to is Monopoly. He could play a game for 3-4+ hours. DH and I often have to cut a game short and promise to finish the next night, but he's really into it.</p> <p>Any other board game ideas you all have that are similar to Monopoly? I'd love to branch out! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917869 Thu, 30 Jul 2020 19:43:58 +0000 ModernDayJibarita 2917869@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We’ve pretty much stuck to a schedule since May with my 4yr old and it helps so much. He knows what to expect schedule wise and </p> <p>8am Breakfast<br /> 8:30am - Homeschool (I read aloud 2-3 books, 10min math, 10min phonics and some crafts)<br /> 9:30 - 11:30 Free Play<br /> 11:30 lunch<br /> Noon - 2 - Screentime<br /> 2-4 - Quiet Time<br /> 4-6 - Free Play<br /> 6pm - Dinner<br /> 6:30-7:40 Family Lego Building<br /> 7:30 - Bath &amp; Bed</p> <p>In Free Play he ors:<br /> Puzzles<br /> Board games<br /> Lego<br /> Magnatiles<br /> Marble run<br /> Color<br /> Cut &amp; paste<br /> Play Chef in his play kitchen<br /> Play racetrack with hit wheels<br /> Make bead bracelets<br /> Paint or draw</p> <p>For Free Play, sometimes I’ll set out an invitation to play the night before like making something out of Magnatiles or setting a scene with his castle and knights. He’ll see it all set up and is immediately drawn to it and will play with a toy that would otherwise be sitting on the shelf. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917860 Thu, 30 Jul 2020 15:59:52 +0000 ShootingStar 2917860@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a 6 and almost 4 year old. Things they like to do:</p> <p>Playdoh<br /> Puzzles<br /> Trains<br /> Coloring<br /> Sticker books - my 4 year old loves the Melissa and Doug ones<br /> Walks/Scooter around the neighborhood<br /> Swim (we have a pool + big community pool)<br /> Beach<br /> Movie - every so often we put on a movie and make popcorn and they're happy for a while<br /> Family mario kart - we have a nintendo switch, which is fun but the almost 4 year old is not always into it<br /> Facetime with grandparents (they do this a LOT lol)<br /> Play fetch with the dog<br /> Water table<br /> Bubbles<br /> Popsicles outside<br /> t-ball or soccer outside<br /> playground</p> <p>We live in FL so while it's hot and humid, we also lucky to have lots of pools and splashpads and beaches and things. When it's stormy out they either amuse themselves or I pull out something from that list that they haven't done in a while. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917856 Thu, 30 Jul 2020 14:34:55 +0000 Jess1483 2917856@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: @wrkbrk: my boys (5 and 7) absolutely love chess. My 7 year old started just before he turned 6 and did tournaments and things. I can’t beat him. I checkmated him once when he had the flu. But he tells me I’m getting better :wink: It’s been super good for both of my boys, both the actual strategy and game play, as well as chess etiquette. Of course, the etiquette piece isn’t as big during quarantine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917855 Thu, 30 Jul 2020 14:29:12 +0000 Shantuck 2917855@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We plan to tie dye this weekend (it's way less messy with the squirt bottle kits than the buckets I remember doing as a kid). We have a tie dye kit, some pillow cases, and t-shirts. We also plan to make colorful popsicle stick crafts like a pencil holder and a box. We also had a good time with water beads (ordered from amazon) in a huge plastic storage container with spoons, ladles, tupperware, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917850 Thu, 30 Jul 2020 12:56:16 +0000 wrkbrk 2917850@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: Is it fun / rewarding? I don’t know the first thing about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917848 Thu, 30 Jul 2020 12:43:30 +0000 Anagram 2917848@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wrkbrk: it’s been my quarantine hobby, too. I’ve never played in my whole life, but my older kiddo took an after school chess class for a trimester last year and learned the basics. So we started playing and watching tutorials. But it’s frustrating, because I get massacred by my husband every time, lol. Absolutely massacred. I would love to beat him one day . </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917846 Thu, 30 Jul 2020 09:20:01 +0000 wrkbrk 2917846@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: That is very cool that they’ve learned chess in quarantine!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917845 Thu, 30 Jul 2020 09:19:18 +0000 wrkbrk 2917845@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Starfish: Just added those to the cart for my 4 year old! TY! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917842 Thu, 30 Jul 2020 08:06:23 +0000 Mrs. Starfish 2917842@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Miss Ariel: Oh I totally hear you on the perler bead mess! I am constantly finding random beads everywhere. And the worst is when the whole bucket gets knocked over!</p> <p>So to be honest, we got them as a Christmas gift and I thought there was no way the girls were old enough to enjoy them. I was completely wrong! They have spent hours with them, and our neighbors have kids who are 6 and 4 and they likewise gravitate toward them when they come to our place to play (safely of course, they are our COVID "pod" family) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917841 Thu, 30 Jul 2020 07:41:10 +0000 charlotte 2917841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have read every single comment and am soooo thankful for all of the great ideas! You are all awesome moms. If anyone else has ideas, please keep sharing!! </p> <p>I will add that yesterday’s favorite activity here was taking as many different pillows and blankets as possible from different rooms and making a giant pile to lounge in. The 4 and 2 year olds also took each other around the house on a blanket ride “going to the store”. </p> <p>Whoever mentioned making cards - that is a big hit here and they always want to “mail them” themselves too. </p> <p>And my dad invented a hiding game where someone hides a toy in a nearby room and everyone has to look for it. Like hide and seek but easier than hiding a whole person! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917833 Wed, 29 Jul 2020 20:07:02 +0000 Chuckles 2917833@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetCaroline: you are a great mom! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917831 Wed, 29 Jul 2020 20:05:12 +0000 Chuckles 2917831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: :grin: :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917830 Wed, 29 Jul 2020 20:02:44 +0000 SweetCaroline 2917830@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD is 5.5 and I have a 2 month old. I so need this thread!</p> <p>-Started watching the old school Full House series. DD walks around talking about Danny Tanner and Uncle Jesse :grin:<br /> -I make DD a checklist everyday, includes basic tasks (get dressed, eat breakfast, etc.) but also: call nana, vaccuum, pick up bedroom, read 5 books and more. The checklist motivates her.<br /> -Girl loves her workbooks, practicing words and math on the whiteboard.<br /> -Sometimes when I'm annoyed and need a minute to think, I act very concerned that one of her baby dolls is crying and needs a bottle or diaper change. Often she'll go check on the baby and proceed to play with them.<br /> -I give her a spray bottle of diluted Murphy's Oil Soap and a rag and ask her to find all the spots on our wood floor. I also have her dust, vaccuum, pair up clean socks, fold wash cloths and sort dirty clothes.<br /> -Fingerpaint in the dry bathtub. Ice cubes in a bath. Glow sticks in the bath. Basically, whatever will keep her in the bath playing she can have :silly:<br /> -I gave her some old bowls, kitchen serving utensils and measuring cups and she basically has a mud kitchen and will pick flowers, rocks, etc. to make soup for quite a long time.<br /> -She rides at least 2 miles on her bike when DH gets home. She comes home a hot, sweaty mess and has Gatorade and a popsicle.<br /> -We recently decided that we will have dessert every Saturday night. So, we take the week to decide what to make and make learning experience out of it, reading, fractions/numbers, ordering groceries, etc.<br /> -I often entice her to build something out if Legos/Duplos/magnatiles/lincoln logs etc. "to surprise Daddy with."<br /> -Send postcards to friends. You can buy plain ones online from USPS for cheap and the kids can decorate and write a note.<br /> - </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917824 Wed, 29 Jul 2020 17:47:05 +0000 ElbieKay 2917824@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jess1483: I mean, it’s a great movie. 1982 version. I introduced them to it. But enough is enough.</p> <p>But this week I have turned them on to Willy Wonka &amp; the Chocolate Factory. Oompa Loompa doopity do! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917822 Wed, 29 Jul 2020 17:24:03 +0000 Jess1483 2917822@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bhbee: I teach phonics and a few other reading courses. I’m brand new, so mostly focusing on more “academic” classes for fall rather than the super fun summer ones. My guys have taken some on shapes and colors and multiplication. I have my oldest signed up for a few escape room courses coming up, too. There’s some really great stuff! I’m going to teach a homeschool pod with neighbors this year, and my oldest will need some supplementation, so I’m going to look for a good science course and writing course he might like. And probably some anti-racist ones. </p> <p>@ElbieKay: I was in that show when I was younger. I laughed at your post ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917815 Wed, 29 Jul 2020 15:35:38 +0000 Miss Ariel 2917815@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Starfish: I love playing with Perler beads growing up! But given the mess they make we haven’t yet brought them into our house. :silly: I’m very impressed your 4 year olds have been able to manage. Maybe I need to rethink them for our 5 and 3 year old? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917814 Wed, 29 Jul 2020 15:01:04 +0000 ElbieKay 2917814@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have watched Annie so.many.times. Like every day. Maybe far away, or maybe real nearby, or maybe EVERY SINGLE EFFING DAY IN MY LIVING ROOM.</p> <p>Ahem. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917803 Wed, 29 Jul 2020 12:53:24 +0000 JJ2626 2917803@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Updated to add that today LO (2.5) has taken to playing in the garage. Like literally sitting in there reading with her nanny. So...I guess she is bored of the rest of the house? 😂 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917802 Wed, 29 Jul 2020 11:43:31 +0000 bhbee 2917802@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jess1483: What do you teach / what have your kids taken lately on outschool? We did a cursive class for my oldest and she has taken a ton of polymer clay art classes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917801 Wed, 29 Jul 2020 10:24:39 +0000 Mrs. Starfish 2917801@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>All great ideas listed above! One not yet mentioned that has been a huge hit for my 4-year olds: melty beads. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Perler-Beads-Assorted-Multicolor-Crafts/dp/B0002YM0H0" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Perler-Beads-Assorted-Multicolor-Crafts/dp/B0002YM0H0</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VW9W27S/ref=syn_sd_onsite_desktop_0?psc=1&#038;uh_it=0f5b28168ee1dc6df21321762a0754c5_CT&#038;spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFUUDFYUFdTNEhOMU8mZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5NTU1MzJDWUpQMTQwWU0xQ00mZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDk2MjA0OTFUQldHVFhKVUdTUVomd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zZF9vbnNpdGVfZGVza3RvcCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VW9W27S/ref=syn_sd_onsite_desktop_0?psc=1&#038;uh_it=0f5b28168ee1dc6df21321762a0754c5_CT&#038;spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFUUDFYUFdTNEhOMU8mZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5NTU1MzJDWUpQMTQwWU0xQ00mZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDk2MjA0OTFUQldHVFhKVUdTUVomd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zZF9vbnNpdGVfZGVza3RvcCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917797 Wed, 29 Jul 2020 08:36:38 +0000 Anagram 2917797@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@charlotte: We live in an apartment, no back yard. So we go out 1-2 times a day to public parks, splash pads, or we drive further and go to the beach or to go hiking (about an hour). We probably do beach 1x a week, hiking 1x a week, and stay in town the other days and rotate public parks/spray grounds. </p> <p>In between that, my kids have both taken up chess (obviously super beginner level since they are 4 and newly 7), but they know what all the pieces are allowed to do, so we play a “family tournament” every day (the kids vs each other; winner vs me; winner of that vs Dad). I also let them watch training chess videos or play the computer on chess kids for about 30 min a day. They also have started helping me with chores, so we are pretty busy with folding/Hanging laundry, cleaning up, loading/unloading dishwasher, using the Dustbuster as needed. </p> <p>And then 7 year old has an online exam coming up in the next 2 weeks, so I try to get her to spend 10-15 minutes a day working on Math skills for that. She just finally finished learning her times tables up to 12 (still needs practice though) and we just started division. We started the basics of easy fractions and percentages, using real-life visuals, like an actual pizza that we cut or I use M&amp;Ms or mini marshmallows to show what 1/4 is, what 25% is, etc. I keep this really short though because she’s not motivated. So I’ll show her 16 mini marshmallows and 16 m&amp;ms, and I’ll ask her to split the M&amp;ms into eighths, and then show me 25% of the marshmallows. Then tell me which one is bigger. Then she gets to pick one pile to eat. </p> <p>They also get 1 22-minute show in the morning, and 1 in the evening. And they have lots of free play time. So beteeen all those things, it feels like we are pretty busy, although it is monotonous since we are still somewhat limiting social interactions with other people (like we’ve done about 1 outdoor play date a week with a friend). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917793 Wed, 29 Jul 2020 06:40:53 +0000 LadyDi 2917793@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kids get iPad/screen time right after they get up in the morning and after naps/quiet time before dinner. In between we go outside early before it gets too hot, water play, play grounds, walks. Our local library has take and make craft bags that they put outside so I usually swing by a couple of times a week to get crafts. Usually one or two days a week I have “mom school” with my oldest (I try to include my 2 year old but he does his own thing) where he picks a few books and we work on writing (sometimes a work book, sometimes we write letters), he does mazes or crafts. I’ve used busy toddler’s summer camp at home for different activity ideas. I’ve had our play doh hidden for awhile because we just moved but I unpacked it this weekend and they’ve been playing with it non stop. We also had an ENORMOUS box that the kids would use as a fort or spaceship or whatever for about a week. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917792 Wed, 29 Jul 2020 03:48:19 +0000 Chuckles 2917792@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 7 year old still loves "science experiments" of his own design (in addition to actual ones with me). We have a kids set of plastic test tubes and beakers, plus eye droppers and various old jars. I give him a pitcher of water and some cheap generic dried herbs and spices. He can keep himself busy for a long time making different combinations. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917791 Tue, 28 Jul 2020 23:33:59 +0000 JJ2626 2917791@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It’s not hot where I live so we can be outside a lot. But inside, a tub of water with cups and toys that she plays with next to the sink is the big winner and only thing she’ll do independently. She’s 2.5. She also does a lot of pretend play especially in her play kitchen, puzzles, coloring, mega blocks. But an adult has to do all that with her. I just ordered an easel and am hoping that occupies her? It’s hard! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917789 Tue, 28 Jul 2020 22:36:48 +0000 Mama Bird 2917789@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're spending mornings on a playground with sprinklers. There's a group of unfortunates who also have nowhere to go, so at least the kids have someone to play with. Then we have a schedule of classes - just one a day. Some of them are a fail because I don't have much time to plan, but some are going well. I don't know why I bother, because our authorities will be setting every kid in the school system back by years... maybe it's better for them not to go into next year prepared. They'll be bored silly. But I can't help wanting to do something fun with them to make up for those horrible "online learning" months we had. </p> <p>I'm very stingy with screen time. They had way too much last spring, and will again come September. It means they're very bored sometimes, and sometimes I lose it because I'm tired of entertaining. So I don't know if I'm doing that right. But there are too many people in my family who are screen addicts (literally) so I'm more scared of that. </p> <p>We started a small veggie garden. The kids got involved a little too. Unfortunately it's not at our house and now I can't go there because my car's been vandalized and has been in the shop for almost two weeks. All that work, and now the kids don't get to enjoy the harvest. That's going to be the story of our life, I guess. </p> <p>Legos are definitely a hit. The older two lock themselves in their room and build stuff. The toddler isn't allowed because she's been trying to eat the Legos.</p> <p>Trying to read more, but the library is closed, so...</p> <p>Also all three have online classes that used to be live before March (the toddler's class is just PT). It's more of a PITA than a good thing for me - I have to give up my computer so I lose work hours - but I guess it gives them something to work at. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917786 Tue, 28 Jul 2020 19:41:25 +0000 Jess1483 2917786@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just started teaching on Outschool, so I’ve been signing my kiddos up for Outschool classes, partly for them and partly for research. They only each take maybe one class a week, but it definitely helps with monotony. </p> <p>Otherwise, there are lots and lots of Legos in my world. My new philosophy is that if they’re quiet, I’ll deal with the mess later. They (5 and 7) entertain themselves well, so mostly I’m trying to entertain the baby. I’m missing the library/playground/coffee shop circuit. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917784 Tue, 28 Jul 2020 18:50:39 +0000 erinbaderin 2917784@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kids (4 and 6) have gotten really into drawing, so I bought some how-to books. The little guy gets frustrated easily but the older one will literally draw/trace Pokémon out of the how to draw Pokémon book for hours. They also build a lot of forts. I froze some little figures into a sheet pan of ice and gave them a hammer to be “archeologists” but it only lasted about 4 minutes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917783 Tue, 28 Jul 2020 17:42:00 +0000 ilovepie 2917783@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is why, as a homeschooler, our school starts as soon as it gets hot and we're stuck inside anyway. I find that if I dictate what my kids have to do for two hours they are thrilled to be left to their own imagination afterward. </p> <p>But other than that we are<br /> -building paper boats to see if they will float (they don't but for some reason that doesn't stop my kids from trying)<br /> -art videos from primerry.com (not free but great) also art projects from deep space sparkle<br /> -playing board games<br /> -building with Legos<br /> -listening to audio books</p> <p>ETA: also household chores, cooking/baking, and making cardboard crafts (we got a book called "out of the box" from the library and made a few things from that) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-kids-doing-lately#post-2917779 Tue, 28 Jul 2020 17:18:34 +0000 DesertDreams88 2917779@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p> [attach=5393/20/qe79yy.475x600.Screenshot_20200728-151718_Dropbox.jpg]