Rainy Day Blues

Healthy Outside

PARENTS FYI

Rainy Day Blues How to have a great day even if it rains all day long. It’s raining outside and there is nothing to do. Are you sure? Why not go outside and enjoy the rainy day anyway. As long as the weather is not severe (think lightning), put on all of your rain gear and go play. Jump in puddles, play in the mud and make mud pies! Catch some raindrops on your tongue. Create waterways, build dams, and race leaf boats. How about making rain music with pans or mud art on sidewalks? And of course, rescue any worms stranded on sidewalks and driveways. If you can’t go outside for long or at all, don’t just play video games or watch tv all day, instead: 1. Make a rain gauge and measure the rain. Grab an old container and place it outside in the rain. Check in on how much rain comes down throughout the day with a ruler for an accurate measurement. 2. Try a science experiment. Ask an adult if you can go online to research at home experiments and if it is ok to use supplies around the house. Make sure and clean up your mess when you are done. 3. Read a book or write a new one. Write about your favorite things and illustrate your story. Have a readaloud for your family. 4. Create a new board game or play a favorite one. Grab old cardboard and paper and your old happy meal toys and create a board and write down your rules. Teach it to your friends and family and have a competition. 5. Organize your own film festival. Invite family and friends and pick your favorite movies. Make tickets and usher your guests to their seat with a flashlight. For even more fun, set up a concession stand with some healthy snacks and bags of popcorn. 6. Bake something. With an adult’s help - bake your favorite cookies or brownies. 2 The surrounding area offers many indoor activities to do on a rainy day. Like libraries, museums, art studios, nature centers, indoor playgrounds, pools or gyms, science centers, music classes, historical landmarks, and more. Some are free all the time and some may have days or times when they are free. Others charge a fee.

Healthier Me

PARENTS FYI

There are many ways to help your child learn to limit their screen time and access. Set up parental controls. Most devices or internet providers have controls you can easily set up. Don’t let your child charge their devices in their rooms. Draft a contract to regulate device usage. Make sure you set a good example with screen time.