Six Ways to Keep Busy With Kids On Rainy Days

So rainy days are here again and it seems there's no let up with the drizzles. Kids are tired of bundling up in the bed. The little one is starting to bite the bigger one. Going out is a no no. We can't stop the incessant rains. What to do??? 

Aside from yelling and shouting, moms can do something to introduce peace at home on rainy days. I have two little toddlers and I can totally relate with you. So when these monsoon rains started pouring, I have to think fast and see what I can do to keep them busy.

Here's six of the things we've tried so far. You can try these with your kids or you can do something out of your imagination.

Bring out those scratch papers and build paper planes.

Kids love paper planes! The squeals as the plane soar in the confines of your room is music! The wonder is endless as they try and try to make the planes fly. You can try making different sizes out of old newspapers and try changing the wings by making small folds on the tips. You can teach your little kids to make one and let them throw it in the air. You don't know how to make a paper plane? There's a tutorial on YouTube.

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Draw anything.

Give each of your kids a big pencil for easier manipulation. Help them trace their hands on a white paper and do it a few times until they have superimposed hand drawings. Color the hand drawings and see who's got the most creative drawing of them all. You can try superimposing your mommyhands with their little hands. The first time we did this activity, my daughter marveled at the size difference of our hands that she kept on touching mine.

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Invent Something in the Kitchen

See what is in your cupboard and refrigerator. Try to see what you can combine to make something edible and palatable. We got tired of the usual bread-and-egg snacks so I took a good look at my pack of oatmeal. I still have some Milo packets, a handful of Flat Tops chocolate, powdered milk, and sugar. Normally, my kids would not touch oatmeal but when I carried them to the kitchen and they saw what I was cooking, their level of anticipation soared up! Wham! Oatmeal Champorado was an instant hit! Sometimes kids need to feel involved in the kitchen so they will like what's prepared. You can try your own recipe. Anyway, the thing is, you need to invent and let them assist you with as simple as putting in an ingredient on the bowl. You all can become busy while enjoying each other's company. The opportunity is endless. Just trust your kids that they will be of help.

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Watch and Learn 

Instead of just passively watching a recurring show on tv, make it a learning experience by letting them dance or sing along with Ryzza Mae. You can also let them watch educational cartoons from YouTube. You can pop in a DVD of their favorite movies. Be mindful of what they watch, first and foremost. You wouldn't like your kids imitating undesirable behaviors on tv or online. Watch with them and take it as a learning moment. You can teach them about emotions. Try asking, "Is she sad or happy?", "Why do you think she is sad?" You can also teach them about reasoning. Ask questions like "Was he right in doing that?", "Do you think it is okay to do that?" Parents are always the best teacher.

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Theater and Awards

The bed can be the greatest stage where your kids can showcase their theatrical prowess. Baby girls can be little princesses while little boys can be princes or lions or tiger. Mom could be the witch or the wicked stepmother. Or you can all switch roles. The pillows can be the walls of the tower and the blankets can be the prince's cape or the princess's gown. But before going into the show proper, you can all plan together. Let your kids develop the storyline and mom or dad should not get in the way. Let their imagination direct the show. Daddy can be the lone audience or whoever did not land any roles. Don't forget to give out special awards at the end of the presentation. The best actor and best actress must be recognized. Don't forget to give each one an award. Follow it up with a warm soup for snacks. Make the show short but fun and memorable for everyone! Let this be an opportunity for the kids to use their imagination, experiment, and play at the same time.

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Story-telling with a Twist

This one is my personal favorite. When everyone is tired, washed, then fed, lie comfortably in the bed or spread out a mat on the floor and have an instant camping right in the middle of the room. Mom or Dad can be the storyteller. In our home, I am the default storyteller and I tell the story like this: "Once upon a time, there was a farmer who lives in a far-away land. He has thousands and thousands and thousands of cows. Everyday, he has to bring the cows in the river so the cows can drink water. The farmer has no helper so he brings the cows to the river alone. He has a stick in his hand and a hat on his head. He is old but strong. One day, he leads his cows to the river. They walked far, far, into the forest until they reached a bridge. The bridge is old and rickety so the cows must cross one at a time. (Here comes the twist) "Okay children, let's wait for a while. The cows are crossing the bridge one at a time. Keep quiet so they won't get startled or else they will fall from the bridge."  Then I stop, I close my eyes and let them wait a few minutes. Then I tell them, "Close your eyes, let's sleep while the cows are still crossing the bridge". When someones asks if the cows have all crossed, I tell them, "there are thousands and thousands of cows and only 76 have passed so sleep some more." Mind you, this is effective in keeping them quiet, anticipating the continuation of the story, while making them fall asleep. Sometimes I succeed in stretching the story for an entire week! Well, it was how my father did when I was the little one.

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These are just some of the activities we've done at home on a rainy season. I'm still discovering new ways of making good use of our idle time so they won't grow restless and rowdy. There are many more things we can do on a rainy day and it's just our imagination that sets the limit. Enjoy the monsoon!