As parents, we all know the challenge of keeping kids of different ages engaged in activities. One child is ready to dive into a project while another is still figuring out how to hold a crayon. At Gee and Me, we get it! That’s why we’ve designed play ideas that can work for every age—because playtime should be fun, not stressful.

Here are six strategies to help you manage activities with kids of different ages:

1. Tiered Activity Levels (with Age Adaptations)

One of the most effective ways to keep everyone engaged is by using tiered activity levels. This means offering variations of the same task based on your child’s age and skill level. For example, younger kids might enjoy simple coloring or sensory play, while older kids can tackle more complex crafts or creative writing. The simple worksheet activities can be done collaboratively or independentluy based on your little ones development. Our Hands on Activity cards include specific age adaptations, so you know exactly how to adjust the activity for each child. Everyone works on the same theme, but at a pace that suits them!

2. Collaborative Play Roles

Encourage your older kids to take on “leader” roles by helping their younger siblings. They can guide them through activities, explain tasks, or show them how to complete certain steps. This not only fosters teamwork but also builds confidence in your older kids while keeping the younger ones involved.

3. Flexible Time Blocks

Some kids have longer attention spans than others. By breaking activities into short, flexible time blocks, you can easily switch between kids’ needs without feeling rushed. Set a timer or designate a few moments for focused play with each child, giving everyone a bit of individual attention.

4. Shared Themes, Different Tasks

Another way to manage multiple ages is by focusing on the shared theme, such as the book from the PPP, but assigning different tasks based on each child’s ability. For instance, after reading the same story, younger kids might create a picture of their favorite scene, while older ones write their own story extension or build a character model. You DO NOT have to follow the PPP exactly, it is just ideas for your tired mind! It keeps the theme (and fun) consistent but allows for age-appropriate engagement.

5. Activity Stations

Create mini stations around the house, each offering an age-appropriate task related to the same book. Younger kids could have a coloring or sensory station, while older ones can work on crafting or puzzles. Kids can rotate through the stations at their own pace, giving everyone a chance to stay engaged without needing constant attention.

6. Quiet Time Pairings

During playtime, mix quiet, independent activities for older kids with more hands-on, interactive tasks for younger ones. For example, while your older child works on a puzzle or a creative project, you can help your younger one with a hands-on craft. This balance lets you focus on one child at a time without the others getting restless.

The idea for this blog came from one of our amazing trial mums with two bubs with a small age gap and we GET IT, we’re here to help you make the most of those precious moments with activities that work for everyone! We hope these ideas give you some confidence to jump into some bookish play with your little ones - together!