What to do when it rains?

Rainy days are often a little sad and boring on a holiday for children. Parents find themselves in a situation in which they must come up with something equally fun as the outdoors for their children.

However, with a little bit of imagination and creativity parents and children can spend quality time indoors as well. You might think hopscotch is only meant to be played on the pavement, yet consider making your own indoor hopscotch with colored tape. This game can last for quite a while because it is so entertaining for children, no matter the place.

Making a camp in the children’s room or even in the hotel room will be very entertaining for them. They could either pretend they are characters of an adventure tale or that they went camping. They might even sleep in the improvised tent and this will prove to be very entertaining.

You might think that if you have to look after your children you might not have time to cook. Bring them along in the kitchen and ask them to help you. They will be particularly thrilled when you will be cooking sweets. Try not to choose something complicated and give them precise tasks such as washing the vegetables, mixing some ingredients or peeling fruits. They will enjoy doing something new and they will be particularly thrilled of seeing the result of their hard work.

If they are old enough, you should teach your children how to play cards, board games or chess. Reading, also if they are old enough, will be one of their favorite indoor activities if you show them that it is not a boring or mandatory activity. Allow them to choose their own books.

However, if they don’t feel like doing any of the above, don’t be afraid, grab some raincoats, some rain boots and some umbrellas and go outside where you can explore the environment in a way that is new to them. Allow them to run around, to get dirty, to feel the rain and the windy weather. They’ll love it!

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Outdoor Expedition Part I

Children and the outdoor spaces are deeply interconnected.

A child’s place is definitely in the outdoors as nature plays an elementary role in their development. Yet, leaving for expeditions in the outer environment raises many concerns for each parent. They either worry too much, or don’t worry at all. Below you can find some helpful advice for your outdoor exploration with your children.

As tempting as it may be to keep your child in the safety of your hour house or of your back yard, or even of the park you go on a daily basis, you should be more endearing, step outside the safety zone, and try new things, more fresh air, and new areas. It will only be beneficial for your little man. It is best that each time you go ahead to the outdoors you pick your place wisely considering two or more from these elements: grass, trees, sand, mud, water, flowers or animals.

Once, children had numerous places for free play. They played everywhere, on the streets, sidewalk, alleys, be it park or a vacant parcel that the city offered. In the suburbs or villages they took advantage of the forests, rivers or fields. The opportunities were limitless and that with little or no parental supervision. Nobody worried something might happen. Now, the situation has changed considerably. Parents worry and are fearful so they carefully supervise every step their child makes. Therefore, children usually stay and play indoors or most of they outdoors activities consist of learning and playing sports.

Still, parents should go head for the outskirts of the city to allow their children to play in the woods, to head for the lake or the river or to run around the grassy fields. Remember, children can easily get bored. This is why they can choose from a variety of outdoor games they can play.