A record was broken in Abilene this week, according to the National Weather Service in San Angelo. Friday will make 50 consecutive days where temperatures reach triple digits if things remain the same, as predicted. The record was 46 days, set way back in 1934, and it was broken Tuesday, July 26.
With heat like this, parents can’t always turn their kids loose outdoors unless it’s early in the morning or at dark. No one can stay out long in triple-digit heat without dehydrating or getting a good sunburn.
That’s when parents have to get creative in what they can do with their children indoors.
- Stock up on art supplies. Most kids love to create. Find them different types of art activities they enjoy, such as painting, coloring, drawing, making collages, etc. You can also find ideas on the Web. Check out crayola.com for craft ideas and coloring sheets. Buzzle.com offers some unique ideas for crafts such as “how to make a rubber band guitar” and how to do paper mache and decoupage.
- Play board games. There’s nothing wrong with video games if it doesn’t consume your kids, but playing board games seems to provide for more interaction with family members. Check out boardgamecentral.com for some ideas.
- Have a movie marathon. This may be good for at least one day a week. Pick up some movie rentals or pull out some of your old favorites, pop some popcorn, and settle in for movie day. You might even consider a theme, or watch your favorite movie series, like Star Wars or Back to the Future.
- Send cards/notes. Your family may have some relatives that would rather have a handwritten card or note mailed to them over an email. Sit down with your kids and have everyone write a little something to family members that you need to catch up with.
- Have a dance/karaoke party. Turn up the music and have some fun. Sing along to some of your favorites or make up silly dances. This is a great way to get some exercise and blow off a little steam after being cooped up for a while.
This could also be a time to clean out closets or go through old toys, or you might even want to re-organize that room you’ve been thinking about for a while. This stuff isn’t always fun, but if you’re stuck inside and needing something to do, then a super hot day is a great day to do it if you have air conditioning. Involve everyone.
You could also put your bored little busy bodies to work by giving them some chores to do to help you clean up your house. If you do this enough, they may quit complaining that they’re bored.
I would love to hear your ideas. Readers, feel free to add a comment and share what's fun for you and your family to do indoors.
Comments