If you’re struggling because your children are on electronics all day, and you’re pulling your hair out because you just want them to be engaged and having fun with each other and with life, we have a very special episode for you! Today, we’ll show you how to create fun and easy hands-on activities you can do with your kids at home!
My guest today is Jamie Reimer, who is the creator of an awesome website called Hands-On As We Grow. Jamie helps families and kids find things to do together, so they can learn, have fun, and spend quality time with each other.
Today she shares her absolute favorites so tune in for some super fun hands-on activities!
How and Why Did Jamie Start Her Blog?
Back in 2010, Jamie had just given birth and she had a two-year-old already. She was going through postpartum depression and needed a creative outlet – something fun to do while she was staying home with the kiddos.
She wanted to do three or four fun activities every week and the blog was a way to hold herself accountable. Jamie did a lot of research looking for things to do. What she came across were crafts, but knowing her kids, she was looking for something more active and involved.
As she was honing in on perfect hands-on activities for her family, Jamie shared everything on the blog. A couple of years later, the blog really took off.
In 2014, she published her first ebook and wrote weekly plans for other people. Her membership site was established in 2016. The idea simply grew and went further than Jamie’s family, blessing thousands of lives.
All Activities Come in Cycles
There’s always going to be screentime, especially as kids get older. But, the point isn’t to forbid screens altogether, it’s to find a comfortable limit.
As any parent knows, there are also times when your kids need you to be very involved and times when they need you to take a step back. It’s important that they learn to play independently… before that becomes boring and they ask for you again. As Jamie said, activities come and go in cycles.
Jamie has recognized this fact and created challenges that work for everybody. Some include independent play, or playing beside the parent. Especially this past year, with everyone at home, it’s important that kids learn how to be independent while you deal with “adult” stuff.
What You Can Find Over at Hands-On as We Grow
Jamie’s blog is famous because the activities are geared towards the development of gross motor movement activity. In her words, almost every activity can be turned into a motor movement experience!
A particular favorite of hers is painter’s tape. From arts and crafts to motor activities, this tool comes in very handy. Jamie gave me a great tip: even cleanup can be considered an activity!
And in addition to all the great activities on her blog, Jamie’s membership program fosters connection, fun, and relationship-building for families. These days, she’s starting a new project called Activity Room Accountability Series.
This is a 12-week series where you form a team and work together towards a goal. The concept promotes friendship, whether you already know your team members or you just met them in the activity room.
Every team gets five activities per week and each member is involved. At the end of the week, you submit your activities for a chance to win a Grand Prize of $1,000 for your team. In addition to being an awesome award, this amount really boosts motivation and ensures that everyone stays on track. It’s all about accountability!
Additional Resources:
- Check out Jamie’s blog for some amazing new activities! And don’t forget to sign up for the Activity Room Accountability Series.
- Head over to Apple Podcasts to hear the full interview. While you’re there, please leave us a rating and a review. (We hope we’ve earned your 5 stars!)
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