Sometimes television fills a vacuum when we're too tired to think about doing anything else. To counteract that habit, substitute engaging activities that involve the whole family. Keep plenty of good reading material around the house. Reading is the basis of all academic success for your kids and can be a shared experience if you read aloud to each other. Card and board games challenge our math, reading and problem-solving skills.
Blocks promote problem solving, spatial reasoning and motor skills.
In addition, games teach social skills such as teamwork, waiting your turn and being gracious if you don't win. Stock up on crayons, markers, coloring books, construction paper, water colors, and magazines for cutting out pictures so your kids can do projects. Making art develops a child's fine motor coordination and is a relaxing creative outlet. Get the neighborhood kids together to play in the yard, a basement or a park. If you're a city dweller, spend weekends with the whole family getting in touch with nature.