I’m guessing it is not just me who’s feeling like the cold and dark came especially, um, early (fast? hard? brutally?) this year. It’s almost as if the ongoing pandemic has stripped away our bandwidth or dramatically shortened our fuses. Things we used to be able to manage—like the end of daylight savings time or freezing temperatures—are really wearing us down.
But, before I share some strategies for keeping your children busy through our darkest days, a friendly reminder that in order to be the parent you want to be, you must fill your own cup first. Whatever that looks like for you—because it will vary from person to person. And believe me, I totally get how hard it can be to prioritize yourself. Do it anyway. Carve out small slivers of time, energy, and space for whatever works for you. Once you’re more resourced, you can try these fresh ideas to help you make it to spring.
Indoor Fun
Toddlers & Preschoolers:
- Set a scene. After your child is asleep, take some of their toys, blocks, and/or items from nature to create a little playscape for them to find in the morning.
- Use a white board. Draw a picture or write a simple message on a small white board. Ask your child to draw or write something back.
- Try painter’s tape. Make a maze (or even better, roads) on the floor. Or try designs and patterns on the walls.
School-aged Kids:
- Build something. Use leftover boxes, cartons, and cardboard to create something.
- Make something. Try a handicraft like crochet or even just tying friendship bracelets.
- Create something in the kitchen. It doesn’t have to be elaborate to be fun. Try DIY trail mix or a no-bake cookie recipe.
Tweens & Teens:
- Start a back-and-forth journal. Find a sketchbook or notebook and start a dialogue in it. Alternatively, write a story where you take turns adding to it.
- Cook something. Make something yummy and extravagant (chocolate cake) or something simple but fancy (chocolate pudding or mousse)—though it doesn’t have to be sweets.
Outdoor Fun
Toddlers & Preschoolers:
- Play “I Spy.” Use an empty paper towel roll to make it extra fun.
- Use found objects. Make a mandala or other outdoor decorations with pinecones, leaves, pine needles, acorns, etc. You can leave things in places where critters might come find and rearrange them.
School-aged Kids:
- Use the elements. Build a snowman or snow fort.
- Decorate things. Play with colorful water in spray bottles or snow paint. Or use found objects to adorn your windowsills and/or porches.
- Install natural entertainment. Put a birdfeeder close to or on a window.
Tweens & Teens:
- Level up your snow game. Move the needle from snowman to snow dragon or any snow sculpture.
- Go outside the box. Do something outside that would typically be a summer activity: Bundle up for frisbee or a game of cornhole.
- Put electronics to good use. Send them on a photo scavenger hunt or download a geocaching app.
Remember the old standbys of just getting out for a walk around the block (or even your building or house) or just pulling out some crayons and a coloring book (even for your older children) or a favorite puzzle. I hope we get some sunny days to help us through until the long days return. They always do.
This article was originally published in the January/February 2022 issue of Parent & Family
Sarah MacLaughlin is author of the award-winning book, What Not to Say: Tools for Talking with Young Children and the 2021 release, Raising Humans With Heart. Her writing has also been featured in The Huffington Post. Sarah is a human development nerd who brings over 30 years of experience working with children and families to her coaching practice. Sarah is also mom to a teenager who gives her plenty of opportunities to take her own advice. Reach out for parenting support via her “Get In Touch” page.
