How to entertain children on a budget!

So it’s summer and that means the children are home for the holidays.

Summer classes are over and they are begging you for some entertainment but the problem is you have no extra money!

In fact summer is the worse time to spend a lot of money since in a few weeks parents have to provide their school age children with lunch money and bus fare.

So what can parents do to ease the stress during this time of the year?

Well as a parent myself with a very tight budget, I though I would share some things working parents can do to entertain their children.

Be Creative

Depending on the age of your child, assign them art projects using items they find around the house. My five year old delights in making pen holders out of old tissue paper cardboard cartridges. After a few coats of inexpensive paint, almost any item can take on a new look.

I recently saw an artist transform an old tire into a work of art so why not get their creative juices going by encouraging them to make their own masterpieces.

Chores with a Difference

If you have older kids why not encourage them to plan and cook a dinner that must cost less than $500.00.

They will have to do some research to find a recipe that everyone will like for that price. I recommend one pot meals such as corned beef casseroles for this activity.

Ensure your children see the dinner as an elaborate production not just another chore by insisting they dress the part and invite their friends.

Cost: $500.00

Dance Party

Although at the end of the work day you might feel tired and stressed, it is important to spend time with your kids so why not plan a dance off? A computer or radio can be used to play songs and as someone changes the genre of music the challenge is to change the dance style quickly and the one who does it the best wins!

Cost: $0.00

So how will you entertain your children this summer?

Let me hear from you!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner Online Writer

Tags: children, entertainment