The Playful Parent™

Sock It To Me!

As the days are getting cooler, you’re probably looking for a few more things to do indoors. Try these games that use sock “balls” to keep the TV off and the laughter coming!

Summary: Everyone will play games using rolled up socks.
Best for: Preschoolers and elementary-aged kids who have lots of energy. But you’ll also be surprised to know teenagers have a lot of fun with this stuff too—and can get competitive with it!
Supplies: You'll need lots of socks.

Before You Begin

Roll and tuck the socks into balls—usually two socks per ball makes a nice size. These are soft balls that can be tossed around the house without doing much damage (but you might want to play in the room that doesn’t have Grandma’s fine china hanging on the wall…)

Ready to Go!

Try one or more of these games that use socks:

• Knock a Stack. Stack up empty soft drink cans into pyramids (use at least six cans) and see who can knock them over from various distances. Let younger kids get closer than the older kids. You can make a series of pyramids and everyone throws at once. (The beauty of this game is that it’s perfect for tired parents. The kids do all the stacking and retrieving of sock balls. You just sit on the couch and toss the socks when it’s your turn!)

• Target This! Find a piece of cardboard or an old box. Have the kids draw circles on one side, then have an adult use a sharp knife or scissors to cut out the circles. Make the circles various sizes. Then stand or sit across the room and see who can get the most sock balls through the holes. (If you love this game you can flatten and store your cardboard target behind a couch until you want to play again.)

• Sock Juggle. Try learning to juggle using your sock balls. We’re pretty bad at this…but others assure us it can be done!

• On-the-Back Catch. Lay on your back and toss a sock ball toward the ceiling. See if you can catch it. It’s harder than it sounds! See how many catches you can make in a row. (This is another great one for tired parents!)

Bonus

Invent your own sock games! Encourage your kids to think of other fun activities that use sock balls--and try out a few. Keep the creativity coming, and have fun!

--Mike & Amy Nappa

Why We Play

Research has shown that the ability to play is a critical part of maintaining a happy lifestyle, of sustaining social relationships, and fostering a creative and innovative personality.

Play actually shapes the neuron paths in the brain and makes us smarter and more adaptable to life circumstances.

Additionally, a healthy play-life as a child is a surprisingly accurate predictor of career success as an adult. 1

And...it's fun to play. So what are you waiting for? Use this Playful Parent idea to share a little bit of play-life with your children today!

1. Source: Play by Stuart Brown, M.D. (New York: Avery, a member of the Penguin Group USA, 2009.) Pp. 4-13