by Cyndi Li

Created on: September 17, 2007   Last Updated: December 26, 2010

"Mom I'm so bored!" "There's nothing to do." "When is it going to stop raining?" If you have children, no matter the age, you're all too familiar with those cries of despair. Suddenly, the entire weight of their worlds happiness is put on your shoulders, and like children, they persist until you rectify the situation to their liking. I'm a mother of 5 so I'm all too familiar with rainy day blues and children. Here's a few hints to get you through the monsoon.

* Build homemade tents inside the house. Take blankets or sheets, and drape them over furniture that's been strategically rearranged for the purpose, use clothes pins to secure them if need be. Walla! Instant tent. Then crawl inside and read books, color, play board games etc. You can even eat your meals in there.

* Take old magazines and cut out pictures, word and phrases. Then make collages and mobiles out of them. Try picking a theme and choose pictures that go along with it. They make great gift for the grandparents as well.

* Make books. Use the front and back panels of a cereal box for the front and back cover. Punch holes in the paper and covers and secure with twine or clips. (turn covers so the print side is facing in) Make family books too. Choose a topic and then everyone contributes by creating their own pages.

* For the older ones, consider letting them rearrange their bedroom. They'll need to approve the changes with you first, but be flexible. Let them do some sponge painting on the walls or the furniture also. It will keep them occupied and spark some creativity in them.

* Cook together. Whether you choose a snack item or something for a family meal, kids love to help, they'll learn at the same time, and everyone benefits from the end result. Teach them the safe rules of the kitchen as you go.

* Looking at old photo albums is always fun too. Let them ask questions about the people and places they see, and tell them some good old funny family stories from when you were a kid.

* Play school. There's eons of websites that offer printables. So dig out the ruler, break out the chalk, print out some papers, and let the school bells ring. Of course you'll have to let them play teacher too.

There's really an endless and wide array of things to do on a rainy day. I bought a few kids craft book, to get some ideas. I buy arts & craft items when I see them on sale, whether I need them or not, so I usually have what I need to complete a project or two.
Just remember, like hiccups, colds and birthdays, this too, shall pass.

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