Snowed In & Keeping the Kids Busy: 5 Tips

Here in my area of the country, we are getting some serious snow.  (Notice my frozen grass above.)  Since we don’t really get much snow (that stays for long), this is quite an event for us!  To the tune of around 12 inches of snow in a matter of a few days!  Many people have been trapped in their houses, out of school and unable to drive on roads (uh, yeah, we don’t have a high supply of snow plows around here, only umbrellas and rain boots).

So, what do you do when you’re at home and trying to get some work done and you have the little (or not so little) ones climbing the walls?  Here’s a few tips:

1. Get creative!  Give your child a snow shovel and send them out.  It doesn’t really have to be productive, but the young ones will feel “helpful”.  The fact that they are busy doing something should give you a few minutes, or more if you’re lucky!
2. Help out around the house.  Don’t groan, this can work.  Example:  When I’m folding the laundry, I have my son put one shirt away at a time, as they are folded.  It works for now, so I’m riding that wave!  Use your imagination… are there things your kids are now old enough to do?  You might be surprised.  Like cleaning the bathroom.  They have to start somewhere, right? 
3. Workbooks. I have a steady supply of workbooks which can be pulled out when needed.  My son loves them, I feel good about him learning something and we all get a little peace and quiet.
4. Playdates.  I have one child, and play dates are one of my tricks.  I love it (and so does my son) when kids come over to play.  They have a good time, and I get to work on my task list.
5. Have this list in your back pocket:  Wendy’s list of 94 ways to keep kids busy is something I turn to on a regular basis.  Bookmark it, Stumble it and keep it handy!

What do you do to keep your little ones busy?