Winter's Back!

As much as I love the hot summer days, I also love the many things that Winter can offer- lazy movie days, spending all day in your  pj's, board games, slow cooked meals and of course.... red wine!

But as the days get colder and darker,  the little people in our house start to resemble something you might find in the wild as they start to climb up the walls and swing off the chandeliers!

It can be challenging to exhaust the energy levels and occupy children within the restraints of four walls. With three young and energetic boys and a small house, this is something I am faced with on a regular basis. 

And with school holidays quickly approaching it is time to make a decision: get prepared with some activities to keep the little monsters at bay or book yourself into a mental asylum!

So I thought I'd share some ideas that I have to keep them entertained....

1. Make play dough: Making your own play dough is inexpensive, easy and is all part of the fun! Get the kids to help measure out the ingredients. Here is a simple recipe we use in our house:

Ingredients:

* 1 cup of water

* 1 cup of flour

* 1/2 cup of salt

* 1 tablespoon cooking oil

* 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar

* Food colouring

Instructions:

Mix the flour, water, salt and cream of tartar in a saucepan over medium heat until thick.

Allow the mixture to cool and then add the oil and knead well over a floured cutting board or similar.

Divide this ball evenly into as many colours as you'd like to make.

Add food colouring to each ball until it is the colour of your choice. 

Play dough activities: 

* Create your own bakery or pizza shop.

* Create characters/ props/ scenes from well-loved storybooks and orally re-tell the story. 

* Play "Play dough Pictionary". Rather than drawing the picture, create them with the play dough. 

2. Have a movie day: Get the kids to create movie posters, tickets, food menus and fake money and create a "Cinema at Home". It is a fun way to get them to  learn about money as being creative. At the end, everyone can relax with some popcorn and watch a good family favourite (or two!). 

3. Jigsaw Puzzles: Pull out the puzzles for a quiet and educational activity. Great for all ages. 

4. Board Games: Who doesn't love board games?! Not only are they fun, but they are incredibly educational as well and not to mention it's a great way to develop social skills and teach kids how to win, lose, take turns, play fair and share. 

5. Bake: Baking is another fun way to introduce children to measurement- as well as being YUMMY! Whether it's healthy or not so healthy, baking is fun for everyone!

In the next few days I will write another post with some more ideas for keeping the sanity during winter!

Tara xxx