Activities for a Rainy Day
Things military wives can do with kids.
by Diane Alpeter
So, he (or she) is deployed. You’re a single parent. Finding new ways to pass the time can be a challenge, especially on those rainy days when outside activities must be forgone. The dark sky and pitter-patter of raindrops may cause a slight panic and racing heart at the thought of being stuck in the house for the day. However, that inner dread can be transformed into fun and laughter with silliness, imagination and serious parent-child bonding time. Rainy days are perfect for activities with mom or dad and can include indoor sandboxes, forts, scavenger hunts, homemade videos, dressing-up, or an indoor picnic.
When planning activities for your children, remember to keep them interesting, age appropriate, and avoid competition so there are no winners or losers, said Diane Flynn Keith, founder of www.UniversalPreschool.com.
“Play cooperative games or do activities that challenge kids to do their personal best,” she said.
Ideas from Cronan and Keith on how to bring a bit of sunshine inside, despite the soggy outdoors, include the following:
- Indoor Sandbox – Use a cardboard box, deep roasting pan, or plastic storage bin and fill it with oatmeal, rice, or cornmeal. Kids can use measuring cups, small toys and buckets to play in the sand. Afterwards, they can go to the beach by putting on their swimsuits and taking a bath!
- Scavenger Hunt – These aren’t just for going around the neighborhood at birthday parties! Make a list of items that can be found indoors. You might want to include a dirty sock, a crayon, a banana, something blue, or a white piece of paper. Afterwards, you can celebrate by making a nutritious snack!
- Make a fort – Fort Fun, anyone? Get out those old sheets and blankets and transform your living room into a spectacular fort. Drape them over furniture and tie them with ribbon or hair scrunchies. Ensure your fort is not near breakable items or glass tables. Create a secret password to gain entrance. Find the flashlights, sleeping bags, and books for an afternoon campout!
- Homemade video – Older kids may want to create their own movie and offer a special viewing time for parents later in the day. Serve popcorn and enjoy the entertainment that was written, produced, and directed by extremely important movie stars! This is a great treat to send a deployed mom or dad, too.
- Indoor picnic – Find that beach blanket and spread it onto the floor. Have your children pack a picnic lunch to eat on the blanket. Invite stuffed animals, dolls, or special toy characters to the event. Sing songs, tell stories, or just sit back and talk about the meal.
- Dress-up – This one takes a bit of preparing ahead. Throw dress-up clothes, hats, scarves, or old jewelry into a box or bin and save it for the rainy day. Have a fashion show. Dress-up like your favorite family member or book character. Take pictures and think about creating your own fashion magazine!
Rainy days can be packed with adventure without leaving the house. Imaginations can run wild. Laughter can fill the air and whines may be nonexistent. Soon, your family may be looking forward to soggy, dreary days so they can create their own indoor sunshine!