Make Cozy Play At Home
During the winter months, little ones home from school may get to feeling antsy and bored. This case of the winter blues is frustrating for kids, but can be torture on mom, whose job it is to find something to entertain the youngsters with. Using some ingenuity, however, you can turn your home into a fun-filled center of entertainment. Cozy play at home makes your house a haven for little ones to engage in and explore their creativity.
Special Nooks
Put together a costume box filled with all the items necessary to create imaginary heroes. Old tutus, capes made from curtains, plastic tiaras and cowboy hats are a good starting point. Place the box in a corner of the playroom designated as the staging area. You can hang twinkle lights in this corner to spotlight the play acting area. Kids can go wild making their own costumes then putting on little skits and plays for their friends and family.
For some quieter play, create a reading nook. If your child has a window seat in his bedroom, fill the spot with comfy cushions and blankets. Set up a few bookshelves in the window to house some beloved titles. A library card makes a perfect addition to this reading nook. The spot can also be used for story time, in which you read a book to a whole gaggle of little ones before nap time.
Fun Clubhouses
All kids love a secret clubhouse, and you can design one using items you have on hand. Use a large box, like a refrigerator box, and decorate it with paints, markers and stickers. Cut out a door and windows so the kids can crawl inside. Paper towel rolls act as perfect spyglasses and two cans and a string make a telephone system.
Use a cupboard under a stairwell to create a secret meeting spot for children. Make sure there’s a light bulb inside and fill the little room with books, packs of cards and board games. Kids can make their own clubhouse sign for the door, like “No Adults Allowed.”
Treasure Hunts
If it’s warm enough, organize a scavenger hunt outside. Give the kids a list of items to locate, like pine cones, black stones, red leaves and other objects already outside. Or, hide small toys and prizes around the yard for the children to locate. If the weather is too cold, move the hunt inside. Kids can locate the toys and objects around the house, using a treasure map you’ve drawn up yourself.
Pitching In
Turn basic housework into cozy play by getting little ones involved in the chores. Youngsters love engaging in activities usually considered as “for adults only.” Small hands can sweep, sort laundry and dust table tops. Teach older kids how to set the table before dinner or make beds.
Likewise, teach the children fun tasks that make the whole house feel warm and cozy. Little girls like to learn flower arranging and bake cookies. And little boys can help dad around the house by learning about tools and simple handyman tasks.
The options for cozy playtime are limitless. Take into account your children’s likes and dislikes and organize activities you know they’ll enjoy. Secret clubhouses, reading nooks and special games will turn your home into a festive space, even when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
