Survival Guide for Moms in a New England Winter

Brace yourselves, a-storm's-a-brewin'... 

Winter in New England For Mama's Survival Guide

What do you do with the kids when its too cold to ship them outside? When the leaves start falling along with the temperatures, it is time to rethink how to entertain the children. While I could just put them in front of the television from October to April, there are other things that to do to keep them entertained. The key is to think outside of the box and find things that the kids will enjoy doing and that will keep their interest. In my house, if they are being destructive, they are happy... I try to limit this.

As much as possible I engage them in constructive activities and play, always sneaking the learning in, under the eyes of the little one...

• Crafts
•  It is amazing what can happen when you let them flex their imagination muscles. From making ramps for cars to furniture for dolls to pictures, only limited by imagination.We follow themes, or create something associated with the season or letter of the day.
• Snowflake Garland
• Snow-globe
• spray bottles and water colors
•  home-made play dough
• macaroni jewelry
• Music
• A selection of musical instruments can be fun for ALL children. Turn on some music and let them play along or dance with the music. This can be a great way to release some energy and have fun with the kids (great workout too!).
• Make your own recycled instruments
• Camp in 
•  While most people think of camping as an outside activity, stringing some sheets across chairs, the table, or other furniture can make your living or family room into a campsite as well. Eat lunch in it, play games, or read with your kids to make it even more fun.
•  Science Experiments
• What did doesn't love blowing something up, setting it on fire or tasting yummy treats? The messier the better!
• Get active
• glacier jump or floor is lava

Winter doesn't have to mean the end to fun. By using imagination and letting the kids use theirs, you can come up with activities that can be fun and, in most cases, educational. Whether you come up with a detailed plan or you just let things unfold, you will find that winter can bring just as much fun as summer.