Rainy days and the common cold have one major thing in common: lots of time at home. Kids get antsy. They need productive outlets for their energy.
Though I know the Wii, Xbox and PlayStation gaming systems are popular in-door pastimes, think about doing something different that encourages family time and creativity. Stock up on paints, clay, and craft materials that will last through various occasions. Invest in a couple of fun family movies that everyone can watch together. Don’t forget the popcorn!
During this last winter’s heavy snow, my girls pulled out flour, newspaper and balloons and made paper mache creations. After the items dried, the next day they had fun painting them. See below for a recipe for your own paper mache adventures:
2 cup water
1 cups flour
Mix ingredients to the consistency of a thick glue. (For a smoother, cooked version, boil four cups of water and add in a mixture of 1 cup water and 1 cup flour). Add more flour or water as necessary, smoothing the bumps to get that perfect balance between not-too-watery and not-too-paste-like.
Tear thick strips of newspaper. Dredge the newspaper through the flour-water mixture and lay carefully over whatever structure you have created underneath. Add several layers in different directions to cover any holes or weak spots. My daughters like to use balloons they blow up and tie off (but don’t pop the balloon too early before it dries or it will tend to cave in a little). You can attach cut toilet paper rolls for a nose or arms and legs. Tissue boxes, oatmeal containers or coffee containers make great shapes too. Let the creation dry for several hours or overnight. Pull out the paints and decorate your own unique sculpture, piñata or mask.
Other fun indoor activities may include pulling out board games, cards or noodles and string. Make maracas out of plates, staples or tape and beans or rice and have your own parade. Create a treasure hunt with clues and a fun prize at the end. Have some fun in the kitchen, working together to cook up something special.
There are so many fun activities your children can enjoy that range in parental involvement. I am all for family time but I definitely still need some me-time (read: computer time) on days like these too. I am learning that once kids see how to do a project, they will do it on their own as they get older. (Just remind them to clean up their mess since paper mache and paint can get pretty wild).
It takes discipline to pull oneself away from the computer or other home duties and make that time to do projects with kids but as they grow older, it is those moments that they will remember and cherish.
