kids+winter=?
It’s cold outside. Not to mention that Covid is surging again. Visiting a museum, seeing a movie in the movie theater, or even going to a restaurant may not be top of your list. So, what are you to do with the kiddos this winter, especially on the weekends? “It doesn’t matter where you’re located, or what the weather is like outside your window, there are always times when you have to be inside. And as Moms, I think we all understand that Kids + Energy + Inside is an equation that can equal chaos and inevitable disaster.” — What Moms Love
To avoid the chaos, you could turn to the old standbys and play games, have a dance party and bake. Here are some games I recommend: Life, Monopoly, Twister, and just about any card game. You can find rules online, so why not learn a new card game with the kids. And one of my favorites is Mouse Trap, the only board game my maternal grandparents had, so my sister and I played it again and again as we visited once a year until I was 18.
As to baking, look beyond cookies and brownies. Try baking a pie, making your own bread or even savory baking. You could also create a family cooking night were everyone helps out or the kiddos rule the kitchen with help form a parent as needed. Dinner will be well who knows. I started cooking gourmet dinners for my family on an occasional weekend night at 14 and to quote my mother, “The kitchen looked like a tornado had come through it.” I’ve learned since then to clean as I cook. However, after a while these may get boring.
Some other ideas to try…
1. Have a scavenger race hunt— who can find an item the fastest
2. Get and arts and crafts kit that everyone can participate in
3. Have a “Campfire” book reading (see recipe below for indoor s’mores) and read a chapter each night
4. Do a puzzle or even make your own “Have your kids draw a picture on a sturdy piece of cardboard. Use a pencil to outline the puzzle pieces directly on their drawing. Cut out the pieces with a good pair of scissors, mix them up and get solving,’ — TodaysParent.com
Indoor S’mores
8 Graham crackers, broken in half
8 marshmallows
2 bars of chocolate, broken into 4 pieces each
Peanut butter optional
Preheat oven to 400. Line a cookies sheet with 8 graham crackers halves. Smear on Peanut butter if using. Then place a piece of chocolate on top followed by a marshmallow. Cook for 10 minutes and/or until marshmallows are golden brown. Remove from oven and top with remaining graham cracker halves. Serve immediately.