Remember that no matter what you do with your children, the main thing they will remember is that you were there. It doesn't always have to be fun.

Being a single mom is something that has become quite common in this day and age; nevertheless, it doesn't make it any less of a struggle. According to Harvard University, single moms tend to face different kinds of stress and if they aren't careful, end up with full-blown exhaustion.

Going on a big destination trip is a lot of work for any family. Doing it as a single mother can be intimidating. That doesn't mean it can't be done; it's just not usually a regular thing. It also doesn't mean single moms have to sit around with their kids and not enjoy their time together. If moms are looking for ways to entertain their kids without taking a week off work or breaking the bank, they may want to try a staycation.

Below are some fun and easy ideas to entertain kids, make memories, and have fun together, without really leaving the house.

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For this, a mother can write a few different countries down on small slips of paper; making sure there are more choices than people. Put them in a bowl, and then everyone picks one. From there, everyone can investigate the local traditions and food from the country they picked.

What is learned can then be shared, and as a family, everyone picks a dish from each country. Then it's off to the local grocery store for ingredients. It may even require going to a specialty store for items. This allows for quality time together, shopping, cooking, and tasting new things. Once done, everyone can compare notes. See who liked which best and why.

Hiding objects and writing clues to find them. Having clues encourages children to think of what it could be before just running to find something. Children can also take turns hiding objects, and writing their own clues. They are then using their own thought process to describe something for everyone to find. This is a great interactive way to fill up an afternoon.

Not much is better than a good game of hide-and-seek. Everyone should be made aware of how much time they have to hide, and who will be searching for them. Also, the rules for hiding, whether it is inside, outside, or both. Being found in hide-and-seek is sometimes as simple as just being seen. Other families might play where once a person is found, they have a chance to run to a safety zone before the finder can tag them.

If it's a nice day out, a water balloon fight can act like a paintball game, or laser tag, only wet, (and not nearly as painful as paintball.) This can provide a lot of laughs and burn a lot of energy by the time the day is done.

In Pictionary, there can be teams or everyone can go solo. Rules sometimes need to be made clear as far as what can be drawn and what can't. For example, no words can be written, or nothing too outlandish that couldn't be guessed.

Most households already have a lot of things that can be used for quite a few science experiments. Making a volcano may sound a little much, but there are plenty of much easier ones to do. This can be a great learning experience for children. Public School Review says, having a parent involved and encouraging a child's learning can affect the child's attitude toward school, mental health, self-esteem, and motivation.

Coloring, cutting, and pasting just brush the surface of all the crafting ideas out there. Working with popsicle sticks or pipe cleaners. Finger painting is always fun. This helps your children use their gross and fine motor skills, as well as their creative sides of them. Also, art has been proven to be very relaxing.

Pillow forts, sleeping bag tents, or even a small tent. Whatever it may be, it can be put up in the living room. Add some pizza and popcorn and have a movie night. Kids can bring out their favorite stuffed animals, or even decorate their space.

Dancing it out can be a great stress reliever! Cranking up the tunes or finding a sing/dance along video online. This is a surefire memory maker and a good way to wear everyone out! Bright Horizons states, positive interaction is essential between children and the adults who care for them.

Every time parents connect with their children on this level, it's not just their eyes that light up; it's their brains, too. Having positive experiences with adults strengthens the connections that a child builds up and helps children to be eager, engaged, and ready for a lifetime of learning.

Divide up into teams or go alone for this one. Everyone can pick a different country to represent and make their own flags. There can be an opening ceremony, too. Anything a family agrees on can be considered an event. If there is sports equipment at home, that can be included. Something like, shooting hoops or kicking goals. Other possibilities would be exercises, jumping rope, or even alphabetizing books. Each family can make it their own.

Being a single mom can be very overwhelming with the responsibility of juggling their own needs, their children's needs, holding a job, paying the bills on time, and household chores. Single moms have a lot going on, if all they can muster up is a card game, so be it. Something is always better than nothing.

Sources: Bright Horizons, Travel and Leisure, Harvard University, Public School Review

I am the mother of four boys. They were all born very premature. Two singletons and twins. I am very passionate about raising awareness for prematurity and mother's mental health. One of my sons has special needs as well. I have seen a different kind of motherhood than most, but very much enjoy writing articles to help parents of all kinds.