If you have more than one child you probably know how challenging it is to keep younger siblings entertained while your older child is playing a sport. After years at it, I’m finally at a place where my younger children can actually entertain themselves or have their own activities at the same time. But there were many years where I came to every game, practice and concert with an arsenal of supplies to keep my little ones entertained.
Here are a few proven ways to keep younger siblings entertained
Bring a portable picnic
Bring a few special snacks and spread them out on a blanket. Let the picnic fun begin! Bring a few extra snacks for the other kids that will jump in on the fun. One of my favorites treats for those little siblings is a fruit, granola, Stonyfield Greek Yogurt combo.
This simple treat is made by layering Stonyfield Greek yogurt, granola, and strawberries. You can use any fruit your child likes and any flavor of yogurt. I use Wean Green Wean Cubes to make this delicious snack portable.
Books, books and more books
Stuff that tote bag with books of all kinds. Try to choose books that your child hasn’t seen in a while. My kids used to love when I would head to the library and bring a new selection to wherever we were headed.
Deck of cards
To this day I still keep a deck of cards in my bag. You never know when they’ll be useful. My deck has been used for many magic tricks and many more games of Go Fish.
Blank pads of paper, crayons, pencils and more
Ask your child to draw a picture or write a story. My kids would write stories on multiple pieces of paper that we would staple together when we got home.
Pack a ‘surprise bag’ of goodies
Fill the goodie bag with things your child loves, including activity books, snacks and other projects that will keep them busy. It’s so much fun for them to open the bag and find all the surprises. If you have a bit of extra time fill a paper bag with folded pieces of paper with scavenger hunt requests. For example have your little one find a pine cone or other treasures around the field.
How do you entertain younger siblings at an older siblings sport event?
photo credit: greg westfall. via photopin cc and GFDoctor via photopin cc
This post was created in partnership with Stonyfield. All opinions are my own.