I'm going stir crazy!!

United States
January 23, 2008 10:02am CST
I am ready for winter to be over already. It has not gotten above 20 degrees in a week, and I don't want to take my son out when it is too cold. We go out, like to the library and shopping, but I'd really like to be able to spend some time playing outside. What do you do to change up the routine when you can't go out?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@lightningd (1039)
• United States
23 Jan 08
Well, I know parents who wouldn't take their child out in cold weather like that, and those kids seemed to get sick easily and ear infections and the like. My doctor told me to expose my kid to weather extremes. While he said use reason in super cold temperatures, it's ok to bundle them up and take them out in it for a little bit. Even if it's just to throw a ball in a little tykes basketball hoop a few times, 10-15 minutes, that will help build tolerances to weather and cold temperature. Otherwise, maybe get some nerf balls, move the coffee table and play catch or make up some games. Look into a local YMCA for activities or a gymnasium if it's just too cold to do anything outside. But don't be afraid of the weather.
2 people like this
• United States
23 Jan 08
We do go outside at least for a few minutes unles it's bitter cold or very windy. My son is only 16 months old, so we don't stay out long when it's below 20 degrees out. Even 10 minutes helps a lot, but still there is a lot of time to fill up in a day.
1 person likes this
• United States
23 Jan 08
You can always play "Name It" like I used to do with my kids. You can label items in your house with little cards. This starts helping them to learn to recognize letters. This can be an adventure in your own home. Make up tags for things in your house. TV, Toaster, Refrigerator, Stove, Chair, Couch, bed, toy, door, screen, box, flowers, you see it, write it on a card. Then go through your house with your child like on a treasure hunt. When you see a card, point and say what it is. The child will begin to identify those letters in that order with what that item is. Even write thier name on a picture, Mommy on a picture of you, Daddy.... well you get the idea. Anyway, this is a fun learning game and the child can get a jump on learning while having an adventure in his own house.
2 people like this
• United States
23 Jan 08
Good idea. I've been planning to start putting labels on everything soon anyway, to help in exposing him to print. Maybe I'll start now and see if he takes an interest. Thanks.
1 person likes this
@Stephanie5 (2946)
• United States
24 Jan 08
Balloons! They don't break things like balls would and kids love them! I hit one around with my daughter while counting. They catch on quick and it's an easy fun way to teach them their ABC'S and 123's!! I also walk up and down the stairs with my kid. Usually saying the alphabet each time we take a step. It gets me some exercise while she's learning. And they like it for some odd reason! lol I'm still ready for winter to be over though! I hate being stuck in the house!
• United States
24 Jan 08
That's a good idea about the panty hose! That would probably make the balloon last longer, make it harder to pop. Good thinking :-)
• United States
24 Jan 08
Ooh- balloons scare me with small children- my son is only 16 months old. But I heard a trick once of putting panty hose around the balloon before you blow it up. That way the pieces don't scatter if it pops and create choking hazards. I have heard too many stories of children choking on pieces of popped balloons. I'd try the pany hose trick to play with balloons with my son, but I don't have any! Maybe I'll go get some. Thanks.
1 person likes this