I'm gearing up for my kids' winter break. Two weeks filled with lots of togetherness in the close quarters of our Silicon Valley Shoebox. The past few weeks have been filled with rain and the forecast over their break promises more wet days ahead. So then I'll have two kids home...and the potential to be stuck inside because of bad weather.
I'm not scared of rainy days. Somewhere along the line, I learned to embrace those times when the kids are home when we have blustery, wet weather. Rain brings a certain calmness to our house. We inevitably slow our pace down. Perhaps it's because we can stay in our pajamas all day--guilt free-- because hello, it's raining out and we don't feel like leaving the house. Pajamas = instant coziness and peace.
But then you have the whole "I'm bored" business. A mama's gotta be prepared. So, if you're looking to add to your rainy-day repertoire, check out a few of our favorite activities. Extra bonus? They don't cost a dime because you'll probably already have all of the "supplies" at home:
- Daytime bath...with a twist.* Break out the goggles and snorkel gear and let the kids splash around in the tub in their bathing suits.
- Make "potions." Let the kids pretend to be scientists while they make potions by mixing random ingredients in the kitchen (e.g., water, salt, pepper, cinnamon, sugar, lemons, food coloring, soap. Kitchen staples that you have on hand -- old jam jars, spice containers, strainers, a small funnel -- are perfect tools for this impromptu "lab session."
- Get crafty. You knew this was coming, right? Listen, I know not everyone is crafty, nor does everyone want to be crafty. But kids love glue. They love tape. And glitter, crayons, pipe cleaners and popsicle sticks. Just have a little box on hand with these supplies and break it out on rainy days. I also save a few packaging triangles, paper towel rolls and tea boxes. (Seven loves to make "tea towns.") Trust me: at least an hour of entertainment. Tip: Let the kids make art and hold a pretend "show" by making your house an "art gallery." Tape the art around the house. Let them present the art to you...ask lots of questions.
- Tap dance!* Tape a quarter to the tips of your kids' shoes and let them pretend to tap dance inside. Tip: use painter's tape...it won't leave any sticky goo on their shoes.
- Build a blanket fort. Bust out the extra blankets and pillows and let the kids make a fort. Give them a few flashlights and books -- maybe they'll cozy up in that fort and have some quiet time.
- Make a movie. Let the kids use the video camera to make a home movie. (FlipCams are so simple that even preschoolers can master them.) Whether it's their reenactment of a book or song, or an original screenplay, they'll loving gathering props, filming their flick and watching it later.
- Bake! Most kids love to cook, but baking has a special allure. Help the kids make bread, muffins, cookies, or even a special Rainy Day Cake...which they can decorate. If you have a dog, why not make homemade dog biscuits? (Luna Lovegood recommends these Pumpkin Dog Biscuits.) Tip: If you're looking for some solid children's cookbooks to have on hand, Salad People and Pretend Soup by Mollie Katzen.
- Go puddle stomping. When all else fails, throw on the rain boots, grab the jackets and umbrellas, and get outside. Let's face it: jumping in puddles is fun. And? Your kids get their wiggles out.
Other rainy day survival tips?
*Hat tip: Ask an Organic Mom.
