It's that time of the year when there is a bit too much rain, too little light and we can all start to feel a bit cooped up indoors.
Beat the 'indoor blues' feelings with your family with a few new ideas.
Kids hardly play board games these days, but despite themselves - they really do enjoy them when you play with them. It's all about time together that makes all the difference.
Grab a game that you can start and stop easily (charity shops have really inexpensive games you can pick up a new one each week). There are often great teaching moments in board games like maths, teamwork, patience, language!
Don't shy away from embracing your kids' technology. Play the Wii with them (you might surprise them and yourself at how good you are!); play 'heads up' or 'what am I' or 'Charades' on the iPad or plug in their playlist and have a dance party!
Or there's:-
- Simon Says
- Pillow Fight
- Matchbox car races
- Marching band
- Puppet show
- Paper airplane contest (whose plane goes the farthest)
- Treasure hunt (put the lights off in the house and use torches!)
And finally, don't ignore the outdoors. If you plan it - getting outdoors in the rain and dark can be a lot of fun. Dress appropriately, put on wellington boots, grab a torch and go exploring in the garden or nearby woods. It'll make bath time that much more fun when you get home!
Grad a new board every other week to keep kids entertained....try to swop with friends/school or try charity shops...