Rainy Days… …Okay it’s raining, what can I do with the kids?
When the rain pours and the whole family is stuck indoors, cabin fever can quickly kick in. So too can the chants of “I’m bored”. Pair this with a 6 week stretch of summer holidays and you might find yourself cursing British summertime. Planning ahead will save you from this potential disaster.
1) Stock up your craft drawer
– Have a designated drawer or box with craft supplies. These don’t have to cost a fortune. Felt tips, glue, paint, paper and any bits and bobs around your home can make fantastic craft supplies. Keep clean boxes you would have sent out for recycling to turn into junk modelling supplies. Once the masterpiece has been created, why not host a pop-up gallery?
2) Board Games (in THIS lounge)!
– Embrace your competitive side and crack out the old-school board games. Games like Articulate enhance their vocabulary skills whilst Monopoly encourages basic math.
3) Get Cooking (in a kitchen like this)
– Baking is a fun option for any age. If old enough, let them loose on their own to build their confidence. If they’re younger, why not try a make-your-own dessert bar? Lay out toppings that they can add to cupcakes or ice cream sundaes.
4) Mad Scientists (in a bathroom like this)
– So many science experiments require products you can find around your home. If you set a ‘cloud’ of shaving cream in a glass of water and add drops of blue water, one at a time, your ‘cloud’ will become saturated and blue ‘rain’ will start to drip into the water.
5) Snuggle up and read (or listen) (Great TV room)
– There’s something magical about listening to a story. Cuddle up on the sofa and read their favourite ones. If you don’t have time or just don’t enjoy doing the voices, why not play an audiobook and listen together? Let’s face it, Stephen Fry probably does a better job at Malfoy’s voice than you.
Overall, keep it simple. Use the forced indoor time to get creative or to just chill out. There’s nothing wrong with putting a bag of popcorn in the microwave and snuggling up with a film. In fact, when it’s raining outside, there’s something rather delicious and cosy about getting all the blankets out and feeling smug that you’re inside.
#rain #weather #kids