Parent tip
Start before you overthink it. No-prep activities work best when you begin while the moment is still recoverable.
Blanket Parachute Game
Hold a blanket together and shake it up and down, bouncing toys on top.
Activity details
Instructions
- Spread a large blanket or bed sheet on the floor
- Everyone grabs an edge — siblings, parents, whoever is around
- Place 2-3 soft toys or balloons in the centre
- Count together: 'One, two, three — UP!'
- Shake the blanket to make the toys bounce and fly
- Try to keep the toys on the blanket — this requires teamwork
- Change the challenge: 'Can we make teddy fly really high?'
- Wind down by making gentle waves and 'rocking' the toys to sleep
What success looks like
Flushed cheeks, big smiles, and a calmer child afterwards. If they want to do it again, you’ve found a winner.
Grab a large blanket or bed sheet, hold the edges together, and shake it up and down while soft toys bounce in the middle. This requires everyone to cooperate — you cannot play it alone or against each other. The shared laughter and coordinated movement makes it a natural antidote to sibling tension, and the physical effort burns energy brilliantly before dinner.
Why it helps
Cooperative play that requires physical coordination teaches siblings to work as a team rather than compete. The bilateral arm movements and core engagement build gross motor strength, while the rhythmic shaking provides proprioceptive sensory input that helps regulate the nervous system. Shared laughter during physical play releases oxytocin, strengthening sibling bonds. The EYFS Physical Development goals identify active play as fundamental — children who move confidently are better prepared for all types of learning.
Variations
- Use balloons instead of toys for slower, floatier bouncing.
- Play 'popcorn' — shake gently (kernels) then vigorously (popping).
- Take turns adding one toy each to see how many you can bounce at once.
Safety tips
- Use a lightweight blanket — heavy duvets are too difficult for small arms.
- Clear the area of furniture and hard objects before starting.
- Ensure soft toys have no hard parts that could hurt if they fly off.
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