Okay, so maybe that title isn’t very generous.  It’s not that my daughter doesn’t want to do activities.  It’s that my daughter wants to do all activities with someone, never by herself, never solo, ever ever ever ever ever.  And I’m flattered! But I’ll be honest, sometimes, that’s really difficult as a parent. Let me liiiiiive! (This is hyperbole of course.  I love doing stuff with my daughter! I just also want to like, walk into the kitchen sometimes, har har.)

However, because I am a Certified Genius (obviously), I have discovered some activities that even appeal to the heartiest of non-solo-players.  And because I like to share, I’m giving them to you.

Mud Kitchen: I technically stole this from my Certified Genius friend Zan, and it was a winner winner chicken dinner, as they say.  You will need: pots and pans from the thrift store, a hose, dirt that can be turned to mud.  I watched my child GO TO TOWN in the Mud Kitchen for an HOUR by herself. A key part of this was my consistent rule of NO GROWNUPS ALLOWED IN THE MUD KITCHEN.  (Because let’s be real, I wasn’t too into the idea of getting covered in mud.) It worked! Mud Kitchen forever! Bonus: Mud Kitchen frees me up to bequeath all the play food and toy plastic kitchen to the cousins.  HALLELU.

Wash That Thing: This is a better outdoor activity than indoor, but it can be modified for even the coldest of rainy days with some towels and not tooooo much caring about water mess.  There’s also not much to this one: it’s sort of the…cleaner version of Mud Kitchen (perhaps a good game for afterwords!).  You will need: dishes (maybe those Mud Kitchen dishes!), a bucket of water, sponge, soap optional.  Get cleaning! This also works for: wagons, tricycles, the car (if you don’t mind having just the lower half of your car washed).  

The Gods Have Given Me A Boat:  This is a game for the Moana/Maui lover in your life.  And don’t think this requires any purchasing of big things you don’t have already.  This is about improvisation! You will need: 2 plastic adirondack lawn chairs, or a sled, yoga mat, blanket, just about anything will do is the key here.  If using lawn chairs (my preference), place end to end, so that a child can climb on top. Behold, now your child has a boat!  Set sail and restore the heart of Te Fiti!

Sun Nap: I “invented” the best game called napping in the sun on the porch swing.  I sit on a porch chair and read, she squeezes her eyes shut and “naps” in the sun like a contented cat.  Win win!  You will need: a sunny patch on a porch or patio, a porch swing, hammock, or comfy spot.  It doesn’t last very long, but it IS happily engaged in solo. Though to be fair, I’d probably happy take a sun nap too if invited!

What are your go-to activities for the reluctant-solo kid in your life?  Share the wealth in the comments!