If you are in the Seattle area, you have most likely been home all week with the kiddos. I have been reflecting on how the sheer joy of a snow day as a child can turn us into grumpy parents, wondering when life can get back to normal. So four days in to our Snowpocalypse, Snowmageddon or whatever you want to call it, let us help each other out.
Here are five indoor activities using things many of us have in the house to help entertain the wee ones. Then it's your turn!
1) Painters tape or masking tape
Both of these tapes come off walls, floors and furniture very easily (test first, some are stickier than others). Kids can make a hopscotch game on the floor with the tape, they can tape toys together to create new inventions. See how many different uses they can find for it.
2) Streamers or toilet paper
While this is technically wasting paper, which we are often reminding our kids not to do, if you have been on kid duty since the weekend it might just be worth it. Let them t.p. the inside of the house or design some new clothes by wrapping it around themselves.
3) Shaving cream
Fill up a bowl, bucket or any other largish container and let them at it. Throw in some measuring cups, plastic containers, a whisk, a ladle and they should be ready to create. It cleans up pretty easily too.
4) Cleaning party
Arm your preschooler with a duster, rag and spray bottle with water. Kids love to play clean-up when we are not actually asking them to! Ask them to dust or wipe down their toy area. I have seen a 3-year-old keep busy for an hour with a spray bottle and a rag!
5) Teddy bear hide-and-seek
Hide a stuffed animal and let your little one find it. You can give them clues by saying warmer and colder as they search. Warning -- I recommend not using a favorite snuggle. Little ones may become distressed if they can't find it immediately and I know many of us have been known to get distracted and forget where we put things!
Ready for your turn? Tell us what's worked for you to keep yourself and your kiddos sane when stuck indoors. Trust me -- we could use the ideas, too!
Sarina Behar Natkin, LICSW, is a parent educator and consultant in the Seattle area. She is co-owner of Grow Parenting, where this piece was originally posted.
