Many of us on the east coast are prepping for a hurricane — power outages and lots of indoor time. I say, along with the batteries, bottled water and canned food, be sure that your emergency preparedness kit includes some fun.
Make sure to add cards and games — whether you have children or not. Play helps reduce stress and games that require a bit of strategy and concentration can help you focus on something other than whats going on outside. I personally find coloring very relaxing, so crayons and paper or a gorgeous coloring book always make me happy.
Here are 5 ideas for indoor play this weekend and beyond:
- Pitch a tent — inside! Let the kids pretend they are camping, complete with sleeping bags and granola. Having a place to zip out the world and pretend will be a welcome escape and invitation for fun. No tent? No problem! Let them make a tent or fort out of sheets, tarps or tablecloths.
- Have a story circle. Read a favorite story aloud and then as a family, make up the next chapter of the story. Vary this based on the ages of the child as needed. You can have one person in the circle start a story and then pass it on to the next person to chime in or simply have people shout out story elements (like an improv show) to the story teller.
- Kick it old school with cards and board games. Dust off family faves like Uno or Manopoly or take the time to teach the kids games you loved as a child. Focus on fun, not competition.
- Have a sing along. No, i’m not kidding. Pretend you’re sitting around a camp fire or are on a road trip and sing together. Have an acoustic guitar — even better! Music has amazing powers to help us relax and is a great escape.
- Make a mural. In the basement? Why not add some color and beauty to a drab wall? if not, butcher paper, printer paper — whatever you have on hand can be used to make a family masterpiece together. It will also be a great reminder of how you are all able to pitch together and weather any storm.
Of course, you don’t need a storm or bad weather to do these activities. Get the kids and family unplugged, and all you need is a bit of time!
Stay safe this weekend, my friends. The Guru has her water , cards and crayons all ready. I’ll be thinking of you.
See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru
photo credit: rickprokosch
and .. paper planes work inside as well as outside. ;^)
Lori´s last [type] ..let them challenge themselves
Yes they do, Lori!!
)
NEW post @ The Grass Stain Guru: A Mighty Wind: 5 Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Happy in Bad Weather http://t.co/8sh9cqi #playoutdoors
New post @ The Grass Stain Guru – A Mighty Wind: 5 Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Happy in Bad Weather http://t.co/YGvPSTg #parent #play
RT @balmeras: The Grass Stain Guru: A Mighty Wind: 5 Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Happy in Bad Weather http://t.co/cV1CTpp #playoutdoors
NEW post @ The Grass Stain Guru: A Mighty Wind: 5 Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Happy in Bad Weather http://t.co/8sh9cqi #playoutdoors
A Mighty Wind: 5 Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Happy in Bad Weather http://t.co/kYZmtoG ~via @balmeras #playoutdoors
“@The Grass Stain Guru – A Mighty Wind: 5 Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Happy in Bad Weather http://t.co/BtgI4ia" Filing for CO winter!
NEW post @ The Grass Stain Guru: A Mighty Wind: 5 Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Happy in Bad Weather http://t.co/8sh9cqi #playoutdoors
NEW post @ The Grass Stain Guru: A Mighty Wind: 5 Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Happy in Bad Weather http://t.co/8sh9cqi #playoutdoors
New post @ The Grass Stain Guru – A Mighty Wind: 5 Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Happy in Bad Weather http://t.co/YGvPSTg #parent #play
A Mighty Wind: 5 Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Happy in Bad Weather http://t.co/vTy2jKs
I've got some good ideas 2 keep kids calm & happy- A Mighty Wind: 5 Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Happy in Bad Weather http://t.co/icKRZJ2
A Mighty Wind: 5 Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Happy in Bad Weather http://t.co/MnY3wOC via @balmeras
A Mighty Wind: 5 Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Happy in Bad Weather http://t.co/Lt6Fx8y
A Mighty Wind: 5 Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Happy in Bad Weather http://t.co/Lt6Fx8y
For our Hurricane path fans that still have power (or a laptop battery), here are some great ideas to keep the… http://t.co/mrwcvPA
For our Hurricane path fans that still have power (or a laptop battery), here are some great ideas to keep the… http://t.co/mrwcvPA
A Mighty Wind: 5 Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Happy in Bad Weather http://t.co/icKRZJ2
A Mighty Wind: 5 Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Happy in Bad Weather http://t.co/tfnr2da @balmeras
5 indoor play ideas to keep kids happy in bad weather http://ow.ly/6fphg @balmeras
5 indoor play ideas to keep kids happy in bad weather http://ow.ly/6fphg @balmeras
With the power out for 27 hours, we had to get creative around here, especially since my 5-year-old was pretty… http://t.co/EK7x2nM
5 indoor play ideas to keep kids happy in bad weather http://ow.ly/6fphg @balmeras
5 indoor play ideas to keep kids happy in bad weather http://ow.ly/6fphg @balmeras
5 indoor play ideas to keep kids happy in bad weather http://ow.ly/6fphg @balmeras
Save this one for winter. RT @jbmthinks: 5 indoor play ideas to keep kids happy in bad weather http://ow.ly/6fphg @balmeras
5 indoor play ideas to keep kids happy in bad weather http://ow.ly/6fphg @balmeras
Save this one for winter. RT @jbmthinks: 5 indoor play ideas to keep kids happy in bad weather http://ow.ly/6fphg @balmeras
Via @marierleslie: Save this one for winter. RT @jbmthinks: 5 indoor play ideas to keep kids happy in bad weather http://ow.ly/6fphg
Even after Irene, hurricane season still hasn't reached its peak. Here are some indoor play ideas to keep kids… http://t.co/YUlMptS
A Mighty Wind: 5 Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Happy in Bad Weather http://t.co/icKRZJ2
RT @balmeras A Mighty Wind: 5 Indoor Play Ideas to Keep Kids Happy in Bad Weather http://t.co/p92qLVE
5 Indoor Play Ideas http://t.co/HDDgrawU