I know that there are many practical reasons for winter, and I don't deny the spiritual reasons for it either. I'd never appreciate a spring if I hadn't had to live through winter first. And yes, the first snowfall is fun and beautiful and I love taking pictures of it or watching it from my window as I sip hot chocolate. But in all practicality, as a mother of small children (one who needs to move and run and tire herself out so mommy can have a LONG quiet rest during her nap), I do not LOVE winter.
It is, however, unavoidable at this time. We are not snowbirds. We will not travel to warm weather to live out the winter months. We will not relocate to a house in Hawaii or take a Caribbean cruise. We do not own a winter home in the tropics or have a timeshare to some beach resort. We are, in fact, stuck here. In Nebraska. In winter.
So, we are getting creative. Of course there are always the fallbacks: pack up the toddler and the infant and take a morning trip to the Children's Museum. We visit the library either Tuesday or Wednesday morning for toddler story time. We could hit one of the indoor playgrounds or take a winter walk (if it's not too cold for the infant). But these are special occasion trips, not everyday happenings. So while we are cooped up indoors we are thinking of fun things to do to pass the time, get out some energy, and try to LOVE winter. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Music and Move Time- we play silly songs (or just sing our own) and dance! Or we watch a Nick Jr. show that encourages this and play along (Jack's Big Music Show and Yo Gabba Gabba are two of our favorites).
2. Water Play in the kitchen sink- pretty self explanatory and loads of fun for my little girl who loves playing in water.
3. Tag or Pillow Fights- the toddler's favorite games by far!
4. Quiet Music and Book Time- we play soft instrumental or worship music and read books or do puzzles. (This is helpful if the kids are getting too wound up or if Mommy wants quiet time.)
5. Color or Paint- we got our little girl an art desk for Christmas and she loves coloring and painting at it! She doesn't do it very long, but its great for her fine motor skills and still a fun activity.
We also have designated T.V. time during the day. Not to make sure we watch T.V. during that time, but to make sure we DON'T watch T.V. during the other times. During winter it's hard to get motivated to do...anything, and it's very tempting to be couch potatoes. So I set a schedule that our entire family follows, with only two blocks of T.V. time during the whole day for a total of one and half hours of T.V. a day. And this is only if we end up watching T.V. during the times blocked off! I need the challenge to stay active and creative with my kids during these winter months, especially with the toddler who is like a little sponge- soaking in all of the world around her.
So, what are some of your favorite things to do in the winter?
You are SUCH a teacher Latrice. :) I know I never put this much thought into my kids' days.
ReplyDeleteIs the top floor of the Nebraska History Museum still kid friendly? We used to go there. It was free and they LOVED dress up and being pioneers!
Yes Mindee, its true. And believe me, if I could put these kids on a schedule and make them follow daily lesson plans I would, but they are reluctant to follow any sort of schedule or plan. Go fig.
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