"Rain, rain, go away, come again another day!"
Being stuck inside because of wet winter weather is a challenge for active, curious kids.
While computer games, the Wii and DVDs are a good standby on a rainy day, sometimes they are more trouble than they are worth, especially when they cause sibling squabbles and petty arguments.
So what can you do this winter to keep your kids engaged and entertained when they can not go outside?
Here are three great toy tips to help you survive the winter blues.
1. Choose toys and games that your children can play with independent
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Puzzles are a great way to develop independent play.
Whether it comes with five pieces or five hundred pieces, a puzzle can also while away a few hours no matter what the weather.
When choosing a puzzle, make sure you select one that is appropriate for your child & # 39; s age and level of skill.
Younger children have more successive their puzzles:
- Contain large objects and distinct colors
- Are based on a photograph with clear lines between objects
- Are based on an educational theme or current favorite character.
- Have obvious border pieces that can be connected first.
Older children might enjoy a more challenging puzzle That will take for the start so that it is the start knew that the puzzle will take time to complete. Also, make sure the unfinished puzzle is stored in a safe place where younger siblings can not spoil your older child & # 39; s efforts.
2. Choose games that have clear rules
Cooperative play is a skill that kids need to learn. It requires communication, collaboration and compromise - things that some adults even find difficult!
Board games An added benefit is that they can also develop children & # 39; s thinking and learning competencies.
There are hundreds of board games on the market and many have suit. 10. Just make sure that you choose board games that are suitable for your child & # 39; s age and board interest.
Some games that encourage maths, problem solving and counting skills include:
- Snakes and Ladders
- Monopoly
- Chess
- Trouble
- Battleships
- Mastermind
Games that encourage creative thinking, story telling and literacy include:
- Scrabble
- Pictionary
- Boggle
- Hilarious Headlines
- Celebrity Head
Card games are another super great and they are in super handy in airports, waiting rooms or the homes of friends and relatives who do not have children and have no toys around to keep kids occupied.
A regular pack of cards can be used for games like:
- Memory / Concentration
- Go Fish
- Rummy
- Blackjack (without the gambling, of course !!)
Other card games that are associated with superheroes like Pokeman and Bakugans are also engaging for imaginative boys, while old favorites like Uno can be played by the whole family.
3. Encourage your kids & # 39; creativity
Boys and girls love to have extended opportunities to build a world of their own and there are many ways that you can facilitate this.
You can purchase costumes representing fairies, princesses, superheroes and cowboys, or just have a box of shirts, ties, hats and jewelery that kids can experiment with. Add a mirror and your child & # 39; s role playing will hit new heights.
Construction toys like Lego, Meccano and Connex also help kids to become resourceful and inventive. S fine motor skills, making them a great choice for kids of all ages.
Play doh is another tried and true favorite, as are sticker and coloring books. For older children, craft packs that contain everything a child needs to make jewelry, scrapbooks or models are also a good way to spend a rainy day, while the ever popular Beados have a novelty factor that appeals to kids of all ages.
So this winter - give your children an alternative to the TV and save your sanity.
With a bit of planning and some well chosen toys and games, you and your children can survive the wet winter weather!
