Baby, It’s Cold Outside: 3 easy ways to beat the winter blahs for moms
Winter time can often lead to one fussy momma and bored kids when there are days you just gotta stay inside. Now, I normally do not have an issue with my fellas complaining that they are bored. Actually, I like it. Those are usually the times they learn to occupy themselves using their creativity and peer mediation skills.
But when you have been cooped up in the house for an extended period of time, everyone can get a little cabin fever. Taking the “blah” out of those inside days to create fun for everyone can be a challenge, especially when you don’t little eyes glued to electronics all day. Here are a few ideas to take the “blah” away.
1. Make a Bored Jar
This is a great activity for any family. From a couple with no children to a family with older children, creating a board jar allows for everyone to contribute and have a lot of fun.
No jar, no problem. Use an old handi-wipe container, an old shoe box, or a large manila envelop. Whatever container you decide to use, go ahead and get creative decorating the outside.
There are a couple of great resources, that include printables, to help you get started planning your jar.
2. Create an indoor scavenger hunt
Scavenger hunts can adjusted for children of all ages. Before creating a hunt, think about the ability levels of your children. The hunt is a great activity for them to complete individually or as a family. You get to decide.
3. Build an epic fort
This has always been one of our favorite indoor activities. There’s nothing like grabbing blankets, pillows, and flashlights to hang out in for the day.
With three younger fellas still in the house, sometimes we have building contests. As a family, we talk about all of the qualities they think make an epic fort. Then we take all of those features and make a rubric. Each of the boys are then responsible for building a fort based upon those features. Once finished, they take turns presenting their fort. It’s a great way to keep them busy, be creative and work on their communication skills. I love seeing their creativity.
Staying inside doesn’t have to drive you batty momma. Use this time to create some of the best memories for you and your family. Whatever you do, let it work for your family and let it be fun.
What are some of your favorite winter indoor activities?
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Ana Jacqueline
Oh my God, one magical fort and that will be happening every day for the next 2 weeks, at least! My toddlers love being outside as much as we do so the cold is a bummer for us. Guess it’s all about being creative to keep it fun for us all.
Mamie L. Pack
Ana JacquelineParenting seems to be a lot of out-the-box thinking to keep our kiddies active. Anything in particular work for you?
Emily | Happy Mom Blog
Those are all great ideas. My kids love building forts. They also like doing arts and crafts.
Mamie L. Pack
Emily | Happy Mom BlogDo you have any particular arts and crafts that are a hit in your house?
Justine
I was just thinking the other day that I need to make a bored jar for my kiddos! And fort building is always fun, although my kids tend to be over it by the time they’re done building it, lol.
Mamie L. Pack
JustineThe board jar is a hit. We do it in the winter and over summer break. Our boys love being able to give their input. Great for any age.
101foodtravel
What a great post. Yeah, this winter we have been thinking on what to do while it yucky outside.
Mamie L. Pack
101foodtravelYes, the snow is only fun for so long before the kids start complaining.
Harassedmom (@laurakim123)
Forts are so much fun – even in summer. We are in summer now and my kids built one a few weeks ago. It kept them busy all sunday.
Mamie L. Pack
Harassedmom (@laurakim123)Forts are a good go-to activity year round. Are there any others activities you think for year round?
Caitlin
My kids would love all of these. I’ll be keeping them in mind for the next snow day!
Mamie L. Pack
CaitlinYay!!! Are there any ideas you would add to the list?
reviewthis!
It is much needed ideas when winter started so early.
reviewthis!
It is much needed ideas at the right time when snow fall so early.
Mamie L. Pack
reviewthis!Do you all normally get a lot of snow?
reviewthis!
Mamie L. PackNot really!