Search Results for: blog simple winter boredom busters for kids

Free Fun to Battle the Winter Blues

This week, much of the nation has been paralyzed by brutally cold temperatures.  In my neck of the woods, several school districts closed because it was simply too dangerous to allow children to be exposed to -35 degree windchills. Old Man Winter’s brutal blast has forced many families indoors where they are spending quality time together watching movies, playing board games and cooking.  Fortunately, these activities don’t have to put a strain on your household budget, including the movie-watching. These days there are a slew of simple ways you can avoid paying high fees for movie rentals.  One of the … Continue reading →

Old Man Winter vs. Tired Mama

We’re only a month into winter and I’m already counting the days until summer. Actually, I will settle for any season free of snow, ice, and sub-zero wind chills. In most parts of the world that would be spring, but I reside in Wisconsin, where it can (and often does) snow in June. Did I mention the state’s unofficial motto is: “Welcome to the land of two seasons: winter and construction.” It would be funny if it were not the cold, hard truth. I complained a lot about living in the Frozen Tundra when I was single. Partly, because I … Continue reading →

Simple Chinese New Year’s Fun

Ear-numbing firecrackers, amazing noodle dishes and feeding crisp dollar bills to dancing lions; these are three things I remember most about celebrating Chinese New Year in my hometown of Hilo, Hawaii. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to ring in the start of the Chinese lunar calendar in paradise this year. However, that doesn’t mean I won’t be having fun ushering in the Year of the Dragon. This January 23rd, grab the kids, don your most festive red outfits and wish each other a hearty “Xin Nian Kuai Le.” Then, raid your craft closet to make these simple Chinese New Year … Continue reading →

Have Fun with Old Man Winter

Old Man Winter is alive and well in Wisconsin. After sleeping in for a few weeks, the season has reared its bitterly cold head and dumped nearly a half–foot of snow in less than 24 hours. Fortunately, there are ways to heat things up while keeping the kids entertained. While you may be tempted to let your little ones warm up by the glow of the TV, you’ll find that you can a lot more fun if you get out of the house and experience the following winter boredom busters: Park It: Head out to a local park to take … Continue reading →

Winter Boredom Busters

I don’t know about you, but as a stay at home Mom, I find keeping my kids entertained and free of boredom gets harder and harder as they get older. Of course I could plop them down in front of the TV and they would love that, but I try to limit screen time to 2 hours or less per day. My daughter is in school now, so she is not bored too much, but my son is a whole different story. He is almost 3 years old, and about to be stuck in the house with me and a … Continue reading →

Making Clean-Up Fun for Kids

My 7-year-old loves to help. I’ve seen her practically jump out of her skin when asked by her teacher for volunteers to vacuum the story corner rug. I’ve also witnessed as she put away board games and puzzles, without being prompted to do so, prior to pick-up at summer day camp. Both times I nearly fainted on the spot. My kid abhors cleaning, so when I inquired why she was so willing to lend a hand to others, she matter-of-factly replied: “Because it’s fun.” Clearly, the fun factor is missing in our home or I would have clean carpets and … Continue reading →

Fun After School Treats for Kids

This is my daughter’s first year attending all-day school. I knew she would do well academically and socially. However, I was unprepared for how hungry she would be upon returning from seven hours of class. The kid eats like a rhino when she gets home, despite the fact that I fill her lunchbox to the brim each morning. After three weeks of meeting a famished 6-year-old in the school parking lot, I devised a new after school snack routine. Each night my daughter and I choose a fun recipe to make together, so when 3:30 p.m. rolls around the following … Continue reading →

Winter Storm Sanity Savers

It’s funny how Mother Nature tends to dictate a parent’s schedule. For example, I have a slew of family members living on the East Coast who are bracing for a major winter storm. Significant snow is predicted to make traveling a nightmare for residents in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and New Jersey. The storm has forced my cousin to cancel a business trip to Boston. Instead, she’ll spend the snow day trying to figure out how to keep her four kids entertained indoors. If you are looking for ways to keep the kiddos from contracting a severe case of cabin fever, … Continue reading →

Fun for Kids on the High Seas

Pint-sized SpongeBob SquarePants fans don’t have to travel to a pineapple under the sea to get up close and personal with their favorite Nickelodeon character. Thanks to Norwegian Cruise Line, kids can have a blast with SpongeBob and the rest of his watery friends while floating on the open sea. Earlier this month the cruise line announced that it will be partnering with Nickelodeon to bring SpongeBob and other well-known Nickelodeon characters to at least two of its ships in time for Spring Break 2010. The first Nick and Friends cruise will depart in April on the Norwegian Jewel. It … Continue reading →

In the Kitchen Party for Kids

My 5-year-old loves to help out in the kitchen. The problem is that her contributions to mealtime are limited when the menu involves a lot of slicing and dicing. In order to let her have free reign in the kitchen I occasionally create dishes that are incredibly kid-friendly. The following activities are ideal for a group of pint-sized chefs. If you are looking for a way to keep kids busy on a cold winter day, then consider these ideas for an “In the Kitchen” party for young cooks: First, get organized so that the kids can do most of the … Continue reading →