Snow Day Suggestions

Here in Northern Virginia, we are experiencing yet again a "snow event," of which the weather people have surely dubbed something super cute and not-at-all accurate. Usually, such happenings trigger bouts of frenzy among parents, who somehow think it's their problem to entertain their children. (Hint, it's not!).

So unplug the screens and turn on the fun! To help keep the noise level to an acceptable level, here are five ideas for your kids to do on their own...most will involve their imaginations (which might need a jumpstart if they've been spending time on screen-based entertainment) and all should provide ways for them to work together to entertain themselves, leaving you to sip a hot beverage and relax with your own book on this snowy day.

Image courtesy of dan/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

1. Lights, Camera, Action! All kids love to show off--there must be a bit of the actor in us all. Have your kids write a one act play, practice it (with costumes, of course!), and then perform it in front of an audience (yes, that's you, but it's only a short time compared with the hours they'll spend coming up with the script and performance).

Jumpstart idea: Have them write the play based on a movie or book they've seen or read, instead of coming up with an original tale.

2. Read along. Have kids take turns reading from a favorite book. Make hot chocolate, encourage blankets and stuffed animals, and let them have the joy of sharing a good book.

Jumpstart idea: Read the first chapter or few pages aloud for them, and then hand it over to the kids to finish up.

3. Olympic Games. Your kids can have their own game marathon by playing board or card games. Have a round robin type of elimination. Or put out a few games, set a kitchen timer for half an hour, and have the kids rotate through the games.

Jumpstart idea: You can suggest which games would be good for all ages involved, and then step back to let them play.

4. Hide-and-Seek Hunt. The kids can modify hide-and-seek by taking turns hiding a stuffed animal, figurine or other small object. One kid hides the object while the others count. Variations: hiding a series of objects (large to small stuffed animals, for example) and playing a theme-based version (hiding a variety of cat stuffed animals, barnyard animals, action figures, etc.)

Jumpstart idea: You hide the object for the first time.

5. It's Their Party! Have them plan and enjoy their own Snow Day Party. They can make invitations, decide on indoor games (pin the nose on the snowman, drop cotton balls into a mason jar while leaning over the back of a straight-backed chair, etc.), devise party favors and make small treats (ice cream snow, snowman cookies, snow cones with real snow). Then throw the party and have fun!

Jumpstart idea: Give them a bit of help to start the ball rolling with game ideas.

Remember, imaginations keep kids entertained and happy longer than using electronic devices. Plus, you will be amazed at how creative they can be on their own.

Until next time,
Sarah