How to keep warm with the kids this winter
As the days get colder and the nights are longer, it’s hard to get creative, as well with outdoor activities for our children. As much as I advocate daily fresh air for optimum health, if my child is sick or feeling run down, I’d prefer not to take them outside when it’s cold. The sun decides to play hide and seek a lot in the UK, especially in the winter, therefore our Vitamin D levels decrease, making us more vulnerable to illnesses too. So, how do we combat the season of flus and colds, keep warm, and still have fun with the kids this winter? Here’s how:
Indoor Treasure Hunts
Staying inside is the new outdoors! Global warming and various UK weather reports are dictating that it’s going to be a very cold winter this year for us Brits. So, take the great ‘Treasure Hunt’ activity indoors and place hidden objects with clues around the house instead. Anything from sweet packets to toys can be hidden strategically to keep the kids amused for hours.
Great Indoor Camping
Using the same concept as the indoor Treasure Hunt, camping can also be enjoyed at home. It may get a bit messy, but it’s as easy as flinging some large bedsheets over chairs and tables and you’ve built your kids a little fort. My boys absolutely love their camp, as they get to whisper little secrets to each other without mummy listening and they can eat their favourite snacks in the comfort of their own makeshift home.
Build a large jigsaw puzzle
Depending on the age of your children, jigsaw puzzles are the perfect way to pass the time. I tackle 200 to 1,000 pieces with my 3 and 4-year-old boys and, before we know it, the whole afternoon has gone and we’ve barely finished the puzzle. But, we’ve had an awesome time working, building and talking with each other. It’s a great chance to bond with your children if you’re normally super busy and rushing around doing other chores – like me!
Build an island with all the toys in their bedroom
This may be easier to do if you have boys who hold almost the entire Thomas & Friends track and train set (as my boys do). But, start them off with building the first few pieces and, if your kids are anything like mine, they will want to carry on by themselves and you can be left in peace to have a coffee, read your emails or pass the time with some LadyLuck or Spin and Win.
Movie afternoon
Sometimes, it’s just as nice to have a lazy day, cosying up together on the couch and watching some Disney movies with the kids. Having that time together is gold dust because pretty soon they’ll be heading to the cinema with their friends – and they certainly won’t want mum to join them when they’re teenagers!
There are tons of other ways you can spend time with the kids indoors, like having a pizza party, a reading afternoon, doing some arts and crafts and/or making music. Let the kids dictate what they’d like to do and then you can enforce by putting your adult stamp on it, so the time is spent effectively and efficiently. I.e. kids want to make some food, so draw up a simple recipe, prepare the ingredients and get messy!
If you have any other tips on how you spend time with the children during the winter months, please do share in the comments below.
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