Instead of letting your older child stare at the computer or lose themselves in an electronic game on the next rainy day, bring out a rainy day toy that will get them moving, laughing, and having a ton of fun.
One favorite is the classic Nerf. If you have older kids, a Nerf war can be the best way to spend time when they're not outside. Nothing is better than creating strategy for attack, letting those soft foam darts fly, and getting "killed."
Small guns can be life-savers at sleep-over and birthday parties when the kids are stuck inside. Buy everyone the same gun, get plenty of ammo, and let the kids go crazy.
As a parent, you just have to relax and let the kids have fun. One of the best games involves letting kids play in the dark. Get a gun with a "laser" guide or glow in the dark ammunition for added fun. The more kids, the better.
Be sure to set down ground rules, though, and if you have anything you don't want broken, it's probably a good idea to remove it from the playing area. If you don't want the war in your living room, make sure the kids understand that's out of bounds. Nerf missiles are light and won't knock down a lamp or vase, but a running, diving kid who is trying to avoid attack certainly can.
Set up different challenges. If you have the suction cup variety, let the kids shoot at a mirror, window or TV for target practice. If you have a bunch of kids over, divide them into teams and make up some fun rules, such as devising the number of hits and you are out.
Pulling out a variety of Nerf guns, even when you have teenagers over, is one sure way to get them off the game console and running around. After all, it's a video game but in real life. And it's definitely a lot safer than a paint gun or pellet gun.
Let your kids develop their game strategies and rules. It can be noisy and chaotic, but if you take the time to see the happiness on your child's face when they are facing down their "enemy," it's worth it.
If you can't stand the chaos, put them down in the basement and let them go at it. And when your house is covered with those little Nerf darts? Give a small prize to the kid who collects the most.
Looking for educational learning toys? Toys Etc Is Your Australian Online Toy Store, Shipping Toys Etc.
Australia-wide
