Something Nice For Kids

Keeping your child occupied during the holidays can prove to be quite a challenge. But when it’s raining or cold outside and it’s time for some indoor activities, there are some great online games which are fun for kids. Online games are also a good option when your getting ready for a special occasion and you don’t want the kids clothes to get dirty while they’re waiting for you. Not much mess can be caused by sitting at the computer.

Check out our top tips for choosing the best online games for your children.

Looking for the right websites

Google is a great way to start searching for online games that are suitable for your child’s age group. You can also find helpful tips and online games on parenting websites and other health and well being portals for parents.

Another great way to find suitable online games for your child is to ask other parents about websites their child might be using for online games. Often school teachers can recommend great online games which are not only fun but educational too. There are many online game websites for kids that are not only educational but free too.

Choosing the correct game for your child to play

It is recommended that you consider your child’s interests and abilities. With so many different types of games available, you are sure to find something that will interest them. Sit with your child and search together if possible and look into different styles of games that they are interested in.

Print off activities you can get from the Internet

There are some excellent games that can be printed off from the Internet. These games can be board games and other puzzles and brainteasers. Often websites that sell childrens clothing also have printable activities for kids such as colouring in images. These are a great idea if you will need to be in another room while your child is playing and you cannot monitor the computer. It’s also useful if you are going to be somewhere that they will have to wait. You can bring some pencils and print-outs to keep them occupied.

Word of caution about monitoring your child when on the computer by themselves

The most important thing about online games for kids is that you test out the game prior to them using it and make sure you can check on them whilst they are on the computer. Online games often have pop ups which can direct your child to a different site with the click of a button.

There is a software which can be used to stop the likely hood of this happening but it’s always a good idea to have the computer in plain site so you can see what your child is doing.

Apart from safety the main thing is to have fun, and let your child enjoy all the fun games that the Internet has to offer. I hope our tips will help you find online games which are engaging and educational for your child.

Some sites that you can take a look at include:

http://readingeggs.com/
This is a great site that is produced and run by the Australian Broadcasting Channel (ABC). You can sign up for free and play quite a few games. If your child is enjoying playing the games, then you can buy a subscription. This site is great for the preschoolers through to first grade kids.

http://www.spellingcity.com/
A great site for the kids that are going through kindergarten or prep. Each school has a different way of teaching kids new words, so why not use spellingcity to make up your own game. You can print off the activity sheets and use these when kids are stuck inside.