This time of year can be quite beautiful. Watching the leaves change colors, and feeling the chill in the morning air. Yes, it can truly be a magical time. But then the rain/snow starts coming down…and doesn’t stop. That’s when many of us parents realize how much we miss our kids being able to play outdoors 😉 So now that everyone (most days) are trapped indoors, what is a parent to do? Sure you can have them watch T.V. or play video games all day, but for my household that is just out of the question. And with a little help I’ve been able to come up with a list that I hope helps you and your kids get through this season.
- Read and share. I’m sure this is no surprise those of you who have been following this blog for any amount of time. But yes reading made the list. Many fond memories are created from simple time spent snuggled up under a big blanket. So be the best story teller for your kids, doing all the voices and help the story come alive. Then talk about it with them; what was their favorite part, if they were the same character would they have done things differently, etc.
- Crafts, crafts, and more crafts. Now, I don’t enjoy doing crafts much myself but my kids do and that’s what is important. If you don’t have art supplies, etc. a quick and inexpensive trip to your locate .99 store or Dollar store can solve that. You can have your kids create decorations you can hang up around your house for the holidays, have them make cards for someone special, or let them decide and create whatever they want. The sky is the limit, so set out the materials and chose an area where you all can work and where things can get a little messy without being a bad deal.
- Play dress up. Whether your kids are busting old their old Halloween costumes or mixing and matching their everyday clothes its never out of style to play dress up. Add makeup or crazy hair and make your hallway a runway for one of the silliest fashion shows ever.
- Board games. You know you have board games just laying around somewhere that rarely get played, so now here’s a reason to put them to use. Play how you typically would (letting your kiddos sometimes win isn’t a problem, but learning how to handle losing even in a friendly game is an important lesson for them). And cheer each player be matter how well their doing. They won’t know it, but they’ll be learning (or reinforcing) the importance of following rules, taking turns and being a good sport win or lose.
- Creative Writing. I’ve done this activity this past summer, and it was an enormous success. I ask my kids to write an essay (5 sentences), and having at least one character in their story. Then they have to describe their characters surroundings. And include one main event that the character experiences. Then I check their papers over for spelling, etc. but I let their story be their own. Then when everyone is done (including me) we all read and share our stories with each other. Note: To include younger children I suggest (with your help) they write a couple of words or a simple sentence. Then have them draw a picture that explains their story, so they have something to share too.
- Sing and Dance. Playing music a little louder and jumping up and down with your kids is great exercise 😉 You can all sing/dance together, or make it a talent show where everyone gets their turn in the spotlight. Just remember keep it fun. Not too competitive or too structure.
- Build a fort. Having a special secret place is always exciting. Fight off dragons to protect your castle, or enjoy shadow puppets inside their tent as you play indoor camping. Yes, all your pillows and blankets may become part of their fort, but hey the bigger then better. And a special surprise you can add to their fun is by getting out their sleeping bags and letting them spend the night in their fort.
- Indoor classroom/party games. Think back to when you were a kid and all the fun indoor games you’d playing. Four corners, red light green light, Simon says, hide and seek, musical chairs, even going on an ‘indoor’ scavenger hunt…need I say more? Of course, depending on the age and number of kids you have some games may not work. It is imperative to allow your children to get out some of that energy out. For your sanity and theirs.
- Bake together. If you’re going to make cookies, cake pops, or cupcakes why not let them get involved. Mixing, rounding and decorating these yummy creation is a perfect way to spend a cold day. And as you go along make sure to get pictures capturing this moment. Then sit down and enjoy.
- Meal and a movie. OK, so I said no T.V. earlier but there is a difference. When I tell my kids its ‘movie time,’ they know that everything they’ve played with earlier in the day needs to be cleaned up. Then they sit down to eat while music is playing (usually its kid pop radio etc.) but during this season Chipmunk Christmas is a popular choice. After their meals are done we make popcorn, get out blankets, and have candy. They get to choose one or two pieces (which they pay for with using play money). Then to be fair when it comes to choosing a movie I give my three oldest children a job. Two get to choose one movie (a piece) and then the third votes on which one we all watched.
Being indoors day after day isn’t easy for anyone, but you can make it more bearable by having a plan. But if you do run out of things to do remind that you have an excellent resource to turn to for even more ideas…your kids.