Rainy Day Activities, for You & the Kids

There's nothing worse then planning a day out, and waking up that morning and it's raining buckets outside!! The day you had planned of picnics and parks is definitely not going to happen today!! So NOW WHAT??? It's ok don't panic. If you spend the fist two hours of your day doing just a few fun activities with your kids, you will be able to have at least an hour to yourself later!!

Start off by making something simple but time consuming, pancakes, french toast, waffles. Here's the catch though, have your children help with measuring & adding ingredients, stirring etc. (kids love to stir, they'll do it for 5 minutes or so)
** Of course you'll have to do the actual cooking part, but you can have them putting unused ingredients away, putting dirty dishes in the sink or dishwasher, while you are flippin' pancakes.***
This will kill and hour, plus you will have just spent some quality time chatting and such with your kids. It's a win win!! Oh ya did I mention that you just taught your kids a lesson in cooking & cleaning!! (Good Job Mom)

Depending on the age of your little munchkins, you can take the next half an hour to read stories, put them in the tub. Again, choose something simple, but fun.

Now it's time to prepare for your hour of quiet time! Only one thing left to do, get the kids back into the kitchen one more time. This time it's to make some home made play dough!! It will take about a half an hour or so to. AND it's more quality time with your kids!!! After the play dough is done, set them up to the kitchen table with some cookie cutters and plastic cutlery. This will keep your kids busy for a while. You will be able to check your email, have a hot cup of coffee, fold some laundry, what ever you like!! Plus the play dough should last a few days, as long as it's placed in an air tight container!! So you'll get a few more hours of peace out of that half hour of quality time!! Again WIN/WIN!!!

Home made Play dough recipe creates dough that is colorful and delightfully scented. For each color of this play dough you will need:

1 Cup flour
1/4 Cup salt
2 Tablespoons cream of tartar
1 Package unsweetened drink mix
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 Cup water

Directions:
Mix first four ingredients in a medium sized sauce pan. Gradually stir in water and oil, and heat over medium heat for about five minutes, stirring continually. When mixture forms a ball in pot, remove from heat and knead until smooth.