Synopses & Reviews
A fun and practical guide to keeping kids engaged and off your phone.While most parenting books introduce ideas to help moms and dads spend more time with their kids, this book provides ideas for activities that kids can do on their own. Mom or Dad can participate or just set up and go get some work done while the kids are occupied with wholesome and fun things to do.
Parents today have a host of digital instruments at their disposal. These brightly lit devices come fully stocked with apps targeting kids, providing easy activities for those and#147;in-betweenand#8221; moments. But parents shouldnand#8217;t have to pull out their iPhones every time they need to make dinner or finish a work project. The crafts and activities in this book will encourage creativity, help youngsters develop problem-solving skills, and give kids something they can be proud ofand#151;that was not built in Minecraft. Jervis tells you how much time each activity will take to complete, so you can choose one that matches how much time you need to get your own stuff done. From simple crafts to imagination games, easy cooking projects to ways to make chores fun (sock matching speed trials, anyone?), there are plenty of ideas for all ages and personality types. Need half an hour? Hide a dollar bill and let the kids go on a treasure hunt! Need a full hour? Show them how to build a tent city and then let them go at it. Other activities include drawing house maps, making play dough, playing with paper bag puppets, mashing potatoes, and so many more.
Synopsis
A fun and practical guide to keeping kids engaged and off your phone.
Face it. Your kids don t want you around ALL the time As much as you d like to build that go-cart or that amazing tree house for them, you also need a little time for yourself
Sure, we d all like to hand our kids the phone when things get tough, but down deep we know that screen time will not build world leaders. So how does a parent like you keep those little rug rats entertained and engaged in a meaningful way while you get your own stuff done?
Well, this book is a good start With these simple tricks, you will turn their boredom into fun, teachable, and productive (sometimes) moments in this irreverent yet practical guide.
From photo bombing magazines in the dentist s office to sock matching speed trials to making bread, this book provides spontaneous activities that kids can do with or without you, leaving time for you to do parent stuff like making dinner, reading the paper, or enjoying a glass of wine."
About the Author
L. Matthew Jervis is a graphic designer and artist and a single dad raising two kids, ages 9 and 12. Matt has appeared numerous times at Maker Faire and has served as a consultant for summer camps, universities, and private and public teaching programs. He has taken his programs all over California and beyondas a featured speaker for corporate retreats, homeschool groups, scouting groups, universities, and elementary and middle schools. Matt currently teaches Creative Strategies and Thinking in the M.F.A. program at San Franciscos Academy of Art University. He lives in Berkeley, California