Why More Parents Are Using Balloons To Keep Their Kids Entertained

If you are a parent who is slowly running out of ideas to keep your kids entertained, we have something you will absolutely love; err, your kids will absolutely love! Even though most parents spend a lot of money on toys, they fail to keep kids amused for long. Also, it is not feasible to keep buying things for your kids. So this is when you have to test your creativity as a parent. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be expensive or something that requires a lot of work. Take balloons, for example. Who knew that the party balloons you threw away could be the ultimate toy to keep your children distracted all day! Here is why more parents are taking the help of balloons as a toy and how to use them carefully for your little one. Read on!

Balloons May Be A Great Toy For Your Baby

By using helium-filled balloons, you may be able to entertain your kid for hours. Tying them loosely around their arms or legs allows them to move the balloons by making slight movements. This is a terrific technique to increase the tracking and focus of your infant while also strengthening gross motor development and eye muscles (1).

Balloons make noise when the baby moves their legs and arms, which can help them understand cause and effect. Also, when infants tuck their chin to stare at their feet, they strengthen their neck muscles which is crucial to their development (2). This exercise is best done while the baby is between 2-5 months old, before they can even roll over, and when they aren’t interested in putting everything in their mouth.

Caution:

Balloons are a choking hazard. Even though they can’t swallow it once it is inflated, if it bursts, there is a chance the rubber shreds could fall nearby, and they would want to chew it like they do everything else. Also, it would scare them to hear the balloon pop, so you must choose the ones that are made of good quality rubber and those that don’t have powder coating.

Balloon Activities For Older Kids

There are many balloon-related activities for older kids. They can develop their hand-eye coordination, fine motor abilities, and gross motor skills (3). You may have your child kick a non-helium balloon with their legs or strike it with their fists, fingers, or head, for example. Balloon tennis is also an option. In addition, you may create your own balloon games using a variety of colored, helium-filled, and non-helium-filled balloons.

Learning about the environment, how gravity affects lighter objects, and recognizing colors can be taught using balloons. As a bonus, they’ll pick up some new terminology along the way, like “gravity” and “helium”. It’s also a lot more energetic than playing with toys on the floor or painting at a table. As a result, it’s beneficial to their physical well-being as well.

Activities For Developing Motor Skills

If for any reason you want to keep the balloon out of the picture, there are many other fun games and activities you can try with your child to aid in the development of their motor skills. Here are some easy ones to take up.

• Walk on all fours like an animal. You can imitate the elephant walk or perhaps the bear. You can even stand and be the gorilla. This will help your child better grasp their walking and sitting style.
• Place all your shoes in a line and play a game where they jump from one side to another. Make sure the floor is carpeted, or they are dressed in clothes that will protect them from getting hurt.
• Make shapes of different alphabets with the help of your fingers. Once they recognize the letters, ask them to make the letters and help you guess them.
• Design an obstacle race for the kids. You can use small stools, cushions, and even cardboard boxes as hurdles. Ensure it is secure and your child doesn’t hurt themselves by jumping on them.
• Create fun dance steps that you can perform as a whole family.

Activities For Developing Fine Motor Skills

Once your child is old enough to play independently, it’s time to introduce fine motor skills to them. Here are some activities you can do together.

• You can learn origami with your kids and help them make boats and planes.
• You can build Lego towers together.
• If your child enjoys jewelry, you can bring beads and help them make bracelets, bands, and necklaces. Ensure you keep supervision as the beads can be a choking hazard.

Keeping kids entertained for long is not easy, and honestly, they are there to test your patience. Kids are much more amused by utensils and shoes, so buying expensive dolls and toys don’t always do the trick. But when you think about it, it’s also easier this way. Keep them busy with inexpensive toys like balloons and help them polish their motor skills by themselves. They will learn about shape, color, and movement sooner with these toys. Have fun!

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