Indoor ideas for stir-crazy kids

One occupational hazard of being a parent during the winter months is how to keep your kids occupied when school is canceled and they’re bored with playing in the snow. Here are a few ideas to try, and most use materials you already have around the house!
 

CookieMag.com suggests the following:  See if your kids can make all the letters of the alphabet using their bodies, keeping in mind that some letters will require two people (unless you have a child capable of contorting herself into an M). Photograph the letters with a digital or Polaroid camera, and then have the kids cut them out and arrange them on poster board to create their own personal alphabet chart.
 

CookieMag.com also recommends this:  Arrange a selection of empty cereal boxes, milk cartons, and paper-towel and toilet-paper tubes at the end of a hallway as targets. Then knock them down using rolled-up sock balls.
 

Take the time to cook with your kids!  Then they get to reap the rewards by eating their finished product. Check out our Recipe section for a wide selection of options.
 

Get your kids involved by writing letters to the President.  When they’re done, send them off to the following address:

The President of the United States

White House Office

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500

According to FamilyEducation.com: "Your letter will be read by a White House secretary who may refer it to the president. No matter who reads it, however, you will receive a reply. Your letter can be neatly handwritten or typed. It should be short and to the point, with your concern clearly stated. Here is an example:

Dear Mr. President, I am a 6th grader at Jackson Middle School and I am very concerned about the depletion of the o-zone layer. I don't want to grow up in a world that is unprotected from the harmful effects of direct sunlight. I am writing this letter to ask you to help by increasing penalties for companies with harmful environmental practices. Please do whatever you can."
 

You have to eat, so make an activity out of it. Throw a blanket on the floor, get out the paper plates and plastic utensils.  Then pretend you’re eating in the park on a warm sunny day.
 

Hot cider in teacups, cookies, your favorite teddy bears: What could be more fun? Invite a few friends and their favorite teddy and have fun!
 

Expose your children to the works of the Masters like DaVinci, Van Gogh, Picasso, Cezanne, and Monet!  Show them famous works of art and have them re-create them!

Of course, don’t forget board games or reading!

Now it’s your turn!  What do you do with your kids to keep them occupied on snow days?  Do you know any good books to read? Any kid-friendly recipes to share? Add a comment below and let us know!