Parenting Column
10 Things to Do Inside When It’s Too Cold to Go Outside
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t’s that time again! The snow (might) be falling but one thing’s for sure. It’s sure to be cold about this time of year. Gone are the days of walking out the front door and yelling for your kids to come back inside for dinner. Now the kids are inside and they’re looking for things to do. There are only so many videos to be watched in one sitting and who wants to be cooped inside all day anyway? With three kids getting older, I’ve had my fair share of brainstorming a million and one things for them to do to avoid going stir crazy. Cheers to sharing ideas! 1. Indoor pool. Check out the nearby gym and take your kids for a swim inside. This is a great way to sneak in some exercise during the cold months. 2. Read-a-thon. Make a pallet in the living room and grab a bunch of books to read with your friends, siblings or by yourself. 3. Crafts. You know those random crafts you have around the house? Break those open and try your hand at something new with your kids. 4. Crocheting and knitting. Has your child ever watched you knit and wanted to know how to do it? Today’s the day! Hobby Lobby, Michael’s and Joann Fabrics have great starter kits for kids. (Amazon does too)! 5. Bake. I bought a fun cookie book for my girls and I to ‘bake through’ during the month of December. We’ve done it every year for the past three years and have yet to get through the entire book. Bonus tip: you’ll end up making so many cookies that you can gift them to your neighbors.
6. Paint your nails. Now’s a great time to paint your kids’ toenails and nails. Try your hand at some new designs or buy the stick-on nails that are easy to apply and take off. 7. Write letters to family and friends. One of my favorite things to do is send mail. Probably because I love receiving it! My daughter Hannah has really taken an interest in following in my footsteps, and I’m happy to oblige. Sit down and teach your kids how to write a proper letter. Include the Dear, body of the letter, and Sincerely. These are things that kids won’t know how to do unless someone teaches them. Order some fun stationary online and get writing!
By Meagan Ruffing
Meagan Ruffing is a freelance parenting journalist and mental health counselor. She knows the importance of bonding with her kids while maintaining a peaceful home.
8. Board games. I’ll be honest. I’m not a big fan of board games. It might be because I haven’t found one that I absolutely love. But I can say that I have found two that I don’t mind playing. Bananagrams and Apples to Apples. Both of these games have held my interest and been something fun for my kids and I to play together. 9. Invite a friend over. My girls are still at an age where having friends over is fun. My son…not so much. Schedule a playdate and let the kids play their hearts out. They’ll be nice and tired for bed. 10. Legos. You knew I was going to say this. You can’t go wrong with Legos. They’re the best! Make the best of the time you have inside with your kids. Remember, the days are long but the years are short. Make it a point to check things off this list and have fun while you’re doing it. Happy holidays!
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