Emily, from Scotland and now living in Manhattan, NY, sent in this water play idea. Let’s take a look at it…

Equipment:
– recycled yoghurt tubs & bottle tops.
– cut up straws.
– cellotape.
– play dough.
– paper.
– pool/basin of water.

I was about to type out step by step instructions and quickly realised it wasn’t needed; basically just use the play dough to stick the little flag pole in, and place your DIY boat into some water! Super simple!

Something I really admire about my little girl is that she rarely plays with set up activities as I expect. With this one, she filled each boat with water until they sunk, took them all apart, rebuilt them and them washed them with a nearby sponge!
What’s great is how open-ended the recycled tub boats are.

Do you have any other projects planned?

Over the past few months, I’ve been participating in ‘1 new play a day’ challenge on Instagram, so I can’t wait to continue and make use of our newly purchased Ikea Flisat table!

Tell the Housebound With Kids community a bit about yourself…

I’m Emily, Mum to my nearly two-year-old daughter, Wren. We are originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, but are currently living in Manhattan, NYC. I am a Primary School Teacher (currently on a career break) who, not only misses her job terribly, but also needed a quarantine project. That’s when the play ideas on Instagram began!
@wrenyc

How are you finding being housebound so far?

Mentally and emotionally so tough, for all family members. I realise now how much I rely on seeing family and friends regularly, and taking Wren to toddler social groups. It’s true what they say, it does take a village to raise a child! It really has been an incredibly tough time to be living abroad.

Do you have any tips for other parents?

Structure and Routine. A full day can be so overwhelming but looking at the time in 30 minute intervals has been so useful to me. Having a bank of play ideas that can be done independently mean I can actually be productive, and honestly, screen time. That 4:00pm television time has saved many a grumpy toddler moment!

Has this website and community helped you?

It’s like a pre-made Pinterest board for any parent looking for ideas!