Storms, storms, go away!
It looks like this February midterm is going to be rather stormy by the look of things. Met Éireann has warned the public to prepare for heavy winds, coastal flooding, downpours, cold temperatures, and maybe even some snow.
Don't you just love how this always seems to kick off the second the kids finish school?
Our plans to visit the park, playground, and farmer's market are no more, but fear not, mums.
Here are ten things to get them stuck into on a rainy day:
1. Freeze Dance
Shake it off to a few favourite jams is a surefire way to get your kids off the couch. To brush up on listening skills, try freeze dance. The rules are simple: dance when the music plays and when the designated DJ (rope daddy in, maybe?) stops the music, everyone freezes.
2. Balloon Volleyball
Make a net by tying a piece of string from one chair to another. Then blow up a balloon and start practicing those serving skills! Change things up a bit by kicking or head-bumping the balloon.
3. Hallway footie
You don’t need a garden to play a game of football. Start by setting up a net on opposite ends of the hallway by placing some masking tape on the floor. After dividing into teams (one on one works too!), grab a small plastic (or foam!) ball and let the fun begin. Note: Move the Ming vases first!
4. Hula Hoop
As long as you make sure that you’re not too close to furniture or breakables, hula-hooping is a great indoor activity that helps strengthen your child’s core muscles.
5. Make a movie
Let the kids borrow your smartphone and have them think of a story, write their script and shoot a movie on your phone. Later on, you can all watch it together.
6. Set Up A Maze
Turn the hall into a “laser” maze with yarn. Zig-zag string from varying heights and challenge your kids to get across without touching the laser.
7. Make Activity Stations
Make signs and have each ‘area’ has an activity: jumping jacks, crawling through tape/rope, planking etc. Set a timer, then rotate through the stations.
8. Bathtub painting
Undress the kids, plonk them in the bath and give them some watercolours to paint with. When they are done, just hose the paint right off the bath. Genius.
9. Indoor treasure hunt
All you need is a small toy or a snack. And a treasure map. Give your child the map or provide clues to where they can find the treasure.
10. Pumpkin carving
We may not be able to visit that quaint pumpkin farm down the country, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy this Halloween tradition. If you're brave enough to dash to your local supermarket then grab some pumpkins and get creative. It'll keep them occupied for an afternoon at least.
How are YOU spending stormy days, parents? Let us know in the comments.
