I have written an article that highlights clever activities to do with housebound kids, thinking ahead to the long, cold winter! These activities include flashlight hunts, crockpot dinners, dance parties and mid-day sleep-overs. I hope you will consider reviewing and publishing it. Come February, parents in your area will surely thank you!

We’ve all been through long, tough winters, when the sun disappears for weeks at a time, and the wind chill keeps you firmly planted indoors. But nothing prepares you for a winter with little ones underfoot. Don’t get me wrong, the few times that I get out on my own, I miss my sons before I’ve even made it down the driveway. With that said, I will also point out that living through these endless days in the dead of winter takes more creativity and stamina than most of us can call up on a moment´s notice. What´s needed is a plan. A plan to keep them busy, and thereby keep your sanity, this winter.

To help with the creativity part, I’ve compiled some of my favorite, and unusual, activities to do with housebound kids. So after you’ve done all the coloring, playdough, and video games that you can stand, pull these out of your back pocket to shake things up a bit. Of course you´ll have to come up with the stamina, but if you made it through last winter, you should have already developed an ample supply.

Flashlight Hunt

Why not take advantage of the mid-afternoon sunset by holding a treasure hunt with a twist. Hide a few special treats (it typically doesn’t matter what´s hidden), turn off the lights, and arm each child with a flashlight for hunting. Your job, during the hunt, is to find a relaxing corner of the house to sip some tea and unwind.

Mid-day Sleep-over Party

You don’t have to wait for the sun to go down for this favorite activity. Invite your kids to a sleepover party after you’ve assembled all the essentials (movie, sleeping bags, pillows & snacks). It’s a great break for everyone on a cold winter day.

Long, Hot Bath

Okay, this one should really be for you, but maybe another time. Doesn’t it seem that when bath time comes we´re always in a rush, and the kids just want to dawdle? Well, why not let them take a mid-afternoon bubble bath that can last well beyond the pruney-finger-stage. If you’re really feeling adventurous you can throw together some bathtub finger paints using clear dish soap and a bit of washable paint. The kids will love it, and your tub just might get the best cleaning it’s had in a long time.

Make Dinner

This isn’t as bland as you might think. Most kids love to help out in the kitchen, but may not be ready for using the stove or oven. A crockpot is a great investment to get your kids involved in feeding the family. There are lots of simple recipes that can be completed almost entirely by the kids (with adult supervision). They will enjoy the measuring, mixing and spicing up of the feast. Who knows, since they had a hand in making it, they might even partake of a spoon or two at dinnertime.

Egg Hunt

Just because Easter is a few months away, it doesn’t mean the kids can’t get in some practice. Fill the eggs with just about anything you find on your shelves, including goldfish crackers, raisins, M&Ms, or even coins. Once you hide the eggs around the house you get to sit back for a few minutes of peace as they scamper to fill their bags. Be prepared to repeat this activity often, as it’s a favorite!

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