Remedies for the Hibernation Blues
The cold weather finally hit Ohio! With these cold months comes the challenge of keeping children entertained. Here are some activities to keep the hibernation blues for all family members at bay.
1. Time capsule
– Create a time capsule of current memories and ideas to open at a later date.
– Pick and decorate a mason jar, empty milk or pop bottle, coffee can, or shoe box to hold your treasures.
– Choose trinkets, photos, toys, artwork, tickets, and questionnaires to fill the time capsule. It can be fun to have each family member answers questions and jot them down to place in the capsule. Example questions: What is your favorite activity? Who is your best friend? What do you want to be when you grow up? What is your least favorite food? Who is your favorite singer/band? What are you looking forward to?
– Pick a hiding spot to keep the capsule until the decided date to open it.
2. Make an indoor picnic
– Pick a time for the picnic
– Gather items for the picnic: beloved stuffed animals, blankets, paper plates, etc.
– Have the children help pick the menu and pack the basket (a laundry basket can make a great pretend picnic basket)
– This can be a great time to sit as a family and chat. The new environment versus the dinner table can help children to stay engaged and share stories.
3. Host a family cook-off
– Pick a theme for the cook-off. Examples: dessert, sundaes, chili, smoothies, hot cocoa, sandwiches, etc.
– Buy a variety of ingredients that each person can choose from
– Let the children create their own masterpieces. This will help them to feel excited about their accomplishments, increase independence, and promote following directions.
-Once the food is prepared, have each family member taste your creation!
4. Create an indoor campout
– Build a fort or use your actual tent indoors.
– Set up blankets and sleeping bags.
– Use lanterns and other camp props. Your child will love to use their imagination with this.
– Cook a camp-inspired meal and make s’mores using the microwave or oven.
– Light your fireplace for a camp atmosphere.
– Star gaze out the windows or make a scavenger hunt throughout the house.
By Kelly Dugan