Creative At-Home Activities for Single Parents with School-Aged Kids

When You're the One Holding It All Together

If you're parenting on your own, you're not just filling multiple roles—you're constantly choosing between cooking dinner, helping with homework, responding to work emails, and taking a moment to breathe. When your child is between the ages of 6 and 12, the balancing act becomes even more delicate. They crave connection, play, structure, and emotional presence, all while navigating school stress or learning challenges. It's a lot—for them, and for you.

And when you're both at home, perhaps after school or on weekends, you might wonder what kinds of activities will actually help them (and you) decompress, connect, and thrive. This isn't about doing more—it's about making the most of the time you do have together.

Reframing Time Together

Not every minute with your child needs to be productive in the traditional sense. Sometimes, it's about presence rather than performance. An hour-long board game played slowly and with laughter can mean more for your child’s growth than an afternoon packed with scheduled tasks. Especially when school is a source of stress, home can—and should—feel like a safe harbor.

One way to change the emotional tone of your time together is to create intentional calm moments. This might look like dimming the lights, putting on calming music, or simply agreeing that for just 15 minutes, no one needs to be in charge or rushing anywhere.

Learning Disguised as Play

When children struggle with focus at school or disengage during homework time, home-based activities can be a way to sneak learning back in through curiosity and enjoyment. Something as simple as following a recipe together taps into reading comprehension, math, sequencing, and even a sense of accomplishment.

If your child resists reading practice, you can turn it into a game—take turns reading a comic aloud in silly voices, or turn captions on while watching a show. And for times when you need to catch up on chores or step away briefly, the iOS/Android app LISN Kids can provide imaginative, screen-free entertainment through original audiobooks and audio series specifically designed for kids aged 3 to 12. It’s a quiet-time companion you can both feel good about.

Low-Prep Activities That Actually Work

You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy craft room or shelves filled with supplies. Some of the most effective and joyful activities come from minimal tools and maximum creativity. Here are a few ideas that land well with kids in the 6–12 age range:

• Story Dice: Use regular dice and assign each number a character, setting, or problem. You roll, then make up a story together based on the improvisation. It’s silly, smart, and promotes storytelling skills.
• “Invent Something” Challenge: Gather recycled materials, tape, paper, and let your child invent something—anything. A robot. A pet feeder. An invisible shoe polisher. There’s no wrong way to play.
• Evening Walks with a Twist: Go outside around sunset and take turns pointing out the most beautiful thing you see. This quiet but engaging moment helps reset both of your moods and builds emotional literacy.

Want more focused ideas when you're short on time? Explore smart ways to engage your child with just an hour.

Making a Solo-Parent Routine Sustainable

With so much on your shoulders, it's tempting to try to recreate a two-parent household dynamic. But your reality is different—and worthy of honor and adjustment. A reliable rhythm helps children feel secure, but the rhythm doesn’t have to be rigid. Start small: one consistent after-dinner routine, like reading together or drawing side by side. If evenings are chaotic, consider building calm evening routines that actually work for your lifestyle.

You might also find midweek check-ins helpful. What if Wednesday afternoons became a moment just for the two of you to catch your breath and do something surprising? Here’s an article with practical ideas to make that time special.

You’re Not Alone in Being Alone

Some days, just getting through is enough. Other days, you feel the spark to try something more present, something enriching. Both are part of the journey of parenting solo. Remember: your child doesn't need constant entertainment or perfection. They need connection, presence, and simple joys woven into daily life. Wherever you are today, you’re doing more than enough.

And on days when all else fails, simply lying down together and listening to a story can be the reset you both need.