As we near winter, the days get colder and wetter. Children (and mommies!) begin to get cabin fever. What can you do to avoid going bonkers in these dreary days?
I just saw a great idea that I cannot wait to try to get started on next years’ decorating! These painted glass ornaments would make beautiful gifts as well!
For Halloween, we made cards for our family by painting our boys’ bottoms with orange paint and plopping them on a piece of paper to make a pumpkin. I stole the idea from a friend who also mentioned that a relative would do all sorts of crafts with their children’s’ bottoms, including taking fabric paint and making snowmen on scarves for family members! Different, but fun! (no pun intended there!) Have children of all ages help with cards for family. I have often had my son finger paint on a piece of paper and we turn that into a birthday card for a family member.
There are also ways to make homemade bubbles, crayons and bath art.
One thing I have learned is to rotate toys, keeping aside a box full and rotating them out during a nap – when it’s time to play again, there is a whole new set of toys!
My oldest son, almost 20 months, loves being in the kitchen ‘helping’ to cook – even if it is just dropping hot dogs in the pan or placing nuggets or fish sticks on the tray. He really loves helping add ingredients when I am baking. I have started using my bread maker a lot this winter and he loves helping add the dry ingredients, and of course, peeking in the little window every so often to see what the bread is doing. A month or so ago, he helped me make oatmeal cookies and he loved that! (*As a disclaimer, please use caution when cooking with children. Keep them safe!)
For older children, you can make a scavenger hunt (maybe, secretly, throw in a couple of chores!) Another idea is to take the camcorder and make a movie or music video. Have your children write the script or the song and use various objects from around the house for props or instruments.
Outdoor Activities
Sometimes you just have to get out! Not everyday (at least where we live!) is freezing cold. We take advantage of these days to bundle up and take walks or go to the playground for a bit.
Of course if it’s snowing out, you can make a snow man, snow angels, or my favorite, snow cream.
Rainy days are perfect days to teach children about the environment. Take a couple of containers, place them around outside to collect rainwater. Use that rainwater to water plants inside the house.
Cold, rainy days are also great for free activities – the library, play dates and museums!
As long as these cold and dreary days may seem, just remember, spring is right around the corner!
by Terra Jones
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