Rainy Days & Toddlers
So the weather lately has been a bit mixed to say the least and we are seeing some good old fashioned April showers. If toddlers in general are anything like mine, they love spending time outside, so what kind of fun can be had without getting wet? Here’s a few things we enjoy doing on those miserable days….
Bake some cookies:
…or anything else that takes your fancy. There’s something strangely comforting about making food when the rain is pouring down outside. It’s even nicer when the weather is chilly and you’ve got delicious warm cookies straight out of the oven.
Snuggle up with a good book:
Books aren’t just for bedtime, find something stimulating for a change and dramatically read out the scenes to your little one. If there’s a power cut, bring out the torches or even some candles and make up spooky (but fun!) tales in the dark.
Get creative:
Time to get messy! Have a go at finger painting, modelling with salt-dough and good old potato-printing. If you don’t have a house full of carpets like me, try some water-play with a few toys in a washing-up bowl. If you do have nothing but carpet, what the heck, do it anyway! Just put down lots of towels first.
Stir the imagination:
A bit of thunder and lightning can encourage great ideas and is a fantastic backdrop to some good old imaginative play. Start a game of hide and seek around the house or make a den beneath a blanket thrown between two pieces of furniture.
Racing Raindrops:
This is one my partner and his sister used to play when they were kids. Basically, you each pick a raindrop on the window and see which one reaches the bottom first. A lot more fun than it sounds. Really.
Do some major housework:
Why not take advantage of the bad weather and get those chores done with a little help from your toddler. It may be boring to you, but “helping” to dust the house, tidy up and put the laundry in and out of the washer/dryer is great fun for little ones.
Sing and dance!:
Now personally I’m embarrassingly bad at both, but trust me, toddlers won’t notice or care. Put on a favourite CD, pump up the volume and get your groove on! This activity has the added benefit of wearing your little one out (and you too!).
Go outside!:
Who says you have to stay indoors on a rainy day. Kids love jumping in puddles! Wrap up well and put your wellies on – go on, you know you love it! If you’re feeling brave, go the park or lake and feed the ducks – I guarantee you’ll be the only ones there!
Watch telly:
If all else fails, there’s always the cardinal sin of sticking the kids in front of the TV! Everything in moderation they say and this is no exception. Stick a favourite movie on and enjoy!
Sleep:
Maybe I was weird, but when I was a little girl I loved to fall asleep to the sound of rain pattering on my window. A gentle thunderstorm in the distance was even better. If it’s evening (or your little one still enjoys a daytime nap) settle them down and let them enjoy the calming sound. If asking for sleep is a bit much, perhaps a gentle massage or a soft lullaby will be appreciated, especially by younger babies.
What brilliant ideas to keep a little one entertained when the weather is being rubbish!! Although, I’m not too sure about the spooky stories I am an absolute wimp!! xx