How to Keep Indoors Interesting

Here we are, in the depths of a January cold snap and it’s times like these that a mommy could easily snap when trapped (I mean staying warm and cozy) indoors with the kids.  Let’s be honest, I’m not an outdoorsy mom to begin with so once the snow hits the ground, we hightail it indoors and hibernate like bears.  Still, when a cold snap with -40 windchills hit, even a nice sanity-saver activity like going to the library with the kids becomes dangerous.

So, what’s a mom to do?  Typically the boredom sets in when my oldest (7) is gone to school during the week and I’m at home with the girls (4 and 9 months).

As if not being an outdoorsy mom was bad enough, I’m also pretty sucky at being a crafty mom.  This actually works to my advantage, believe it or not, because when I do pull out of awesome craft-kit we spend a lot of time with it since it’s not a daily thing.  It’s Nevaeh, my 4 year old, that requires the most entertaining since Everleigh at 9 months is pretty content with most toys and daily activities (oh what a life when everything is new and interesting!)

Want to see your little diva’s eyes light up?  Let her loose in your closet and jewelry one afternoon.  Nevaeh was in a fit of giggles when she was able to try on my shirts, shoes, and of course long costume jewelry chains. We made a catwalk out of our hallway which she loved since there’s a full length mirror at the end of it!

Nevaeh also loves roll playing games – we switch and I make her the mom while I’m Nevaeh.  I typically don’t like to listen when I’m 4 and I like nagging my mom relentlessly.  Somehow Nevaeh finds it much funnier than I do as a mom on a day to day basis!

When all else fails (“Are you sure you don’t want to help mama clean out the hallway closet?”) I have no qualms about snuggling on the couch with a snack and a good princess movie.  As long as we’re watching a movie together, I don’t think those 2 hours are going to reflect badly on my mommy-badge.

If you’re stuck for new ideas like me, check out the Play and Learn Family Activities from Fisher Price.  They have activities (both indoor and outdoor) listed by age groups so you can find age-appropriate activities to try to break up that winter boredom.  I loved the Treasure Map idea!  Basically you hide an item in the house and create a treasure map to help your little one find it.  Bonus, I might even get enough time to make a coffee while she’s on the hunt!

It’s only January and I still have a long way to go before spring.  What tips can you recommend for indoor play that don’t involve being a craft-guru but will keep a 4 year old entertained while also keeping me sane?

Disclosure: I am a Fisher-Price Mom and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.