Unplug for sweet memories on a dreary day.

by Michele Ranard
570 words

“And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.” (Gilbert Chesterton)

Warm sunny days are perfect for frolicking outdoors, but there are plenty of simple pleasures to enjoy with your children when the clouds roll in. It may be tempting to hop online or play videogames all day, but think of it as a prime opportunity to unplug. In fact, dreary weather outside provides an opportunity to connect with your kids in old-school, unplugged, and creative ways.

Whether you decide to make it a lazy day with popcorn and a DVD, a productive one organizing the playroom, or engaged in one of the six following activities below, don’t forget to look up and find the rainbow!

1. Overcast Photo Shoot. Since there is no such thing as too many photos of the kids take advantage of overcast skies which can be great weather for snapping great photos. As long as there is no lightning, have a blast capturing puddle splishsplashing Kodak moments. The cute factor of smiling kids in rubber boots? Ummmm. Hard to beat.

2. Bake up a storm! Let a cloudy day inspire you to bring magic and comfort to your kitchen. Can’t decide on gooey cookies or fancy cupcakes? Make both. You can freeze extras to throw into school lunches. If they are old enough to read, let the kids recite the recipe to you and allow them to measure for excellent math practice. No, you don’t need fancy pans or equipment to whip up culinary masterpieces! A wooden spoon, mixing bowl, and their enthusiasm will do the job fabulously.

3. Rainbow picnic. Make sandwiches, spread celery sticks with peanut butter, and dream up a yummy dessert. Lay out a quilt on the family room floor and play a board game or two. Since indoor Frisbee may be a bad idea, think about balloon volleyball instead. If your kids have not volleyed with balloons before, you’re in for a treat! This dreamily quiet activity will keep them engaged for good periods of time. BONUS: no ants, itchy grass, or fatal mayo to worry about on this picnic.

4. Dance til you nap. Forget inside voices! Crank up the tunes and cut loose. Kids never seem to tire of the freeze dance game. You be the DJ and control the music, and they dance until you silence it at which time they freeze and hold their position until the music starts again. Let them request their favorite songs, wear themselves out, and then take a nap together.

5. Rowdy runway revelry. First, they will need to select wardrobe. Encourage them to be as flamboyant, creative, and crazy as possible (offer them sports jerseys, pantyhose, purses, pumps, and hats). Tape off a catwalk with masking tape and play energetic music to get them in the mood for strutting their stuff for the paparazzi—YOU!

6. Mother of all forts. Is there anything quite like constructing a tent then climbing inside to read, dream, play Legos, or simply snooze? With sheets, quilts, and clothespins (or duct tape!) help them make a magical cozy nest to chill in. All the video games and soccer matches? Chances are your childre have spent a fair amount of time engaged in such activities, but a rainy day magical fort—these are the sort of days of fun a kid never forgets.

Michele Ranard has a husband, two children, and a master’s in counseling. Visit her blogs at hellolovelychild.blogspot.com and hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com.