GET ACTIVE: Set your kids these hassle-free challenges so you can have some peace and quiet
CHALLENGE 1: Balance and roll
Spread your arms out like an aeroplane, with a ball in one hand. Roll the ball from one hand to the other, with the ball running behind your neck
CHALLENGE 2: Learn to raise one eyebrow
Use your fingers to firmly hold the muscles above one eyebrow in place. Completely relax all your facial muscles, then very gently try to raise your other eyebrow just a little bit. Little by little your muscles will learn to work independently. This takes ages but is a very satisfying life skill!
CHALLENGE 3: The cardboard box trick
Fold a piece of cardboard so it opens like a book (empty cereal packs are very useful for this). Set the card upright on the ground. Tell the children to stand on one leg next to the card, and bend down and pick up the card in their teeth. If you make this competitive, involving lots of children, and reducing the height of the card with each successful 'pick up', the game will last for longer
CHALLENGE 4: Football tricks
Kids can amuse themselves for hours in very little space with just a football. Get them to be inventive (balancing a ball on the top of their foot is always a good start)
CHALLENGE 5: Balancing tricks
Small children are surprisingly good at balancing upside down... and seem to have an insatiable appetite for it once they learn the knack. Start them off by putting cushions up against a wall so they can practise headstands without hurting themselves
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