What To Do When Spring Fever Strikes Your Kids

This time of year is really difficult for parents. 

It's almost as if the kids can sense that spring is just around the corner, and they're getting tired of being cooped up in the house all the time. Parents can get just as antsy, eagerly awaiting the nice weather to return so they can usher their little ones outside to play in the sunshine. 

The problem is that it's only the beginning of March. True to the old saying, this year March is, indeed, "Coming in like a lion." We've been dealing with wind chill temperatures that are below freezing, and most days we haven't seen much sunshine at all. So, what's a parent to do when their kids seem to be getting spring fever, and they're eager to get outside and play?

Indoor Activities

There are plenty of indoor activities you can do with your kids to keep their minds off venturing out in below zero degree weather. You might have to be a little bit creative, but if you put your mind to it, you can create some activities that they'll get excited about. Of course, you'll want to avoid too much exposure to video games, especially on school nights. Encourage your older children to pick up a good book, or you can even begin reading together as a family. Older kids might also enjoy a Bible reading challenge, where you encourage them to read through an entire book of the Bible during a specific month. 

For your younger kids, hands-on activities are always great for taking their attention off of riding their bikes in the snow. Play-Doh can be a lot of fun for them, and you can even build a miniature playground together. Puzzles, fingerpaints and preschool age board games are also really good to have on hand for those days when they can't seem to handle being inside any longer. 

Venturing Out

Keep a close eye on the weather during this time of year. Occasionally, the weather will be good to us, and we will get a few days when the temperature rises above freezing. On those days, don't be afraid to bundle the kids up and send them out to play. Just be prepared to do some muddy laundry when they come back inside!

You might also want to organize a few family day trips during this time of year. Kids really enjoy going to the library, and you can easily spend an afternoon there, taking part in story time, or just reading books together. Party Central in Horseheads, NY is also a favorite place for kids, and Twin Tiers Marketplace offers discount coupons for families so you don't have to spend a lot for a few hours of fun. 

Also, don't forget about our Flower Power fundraiser, which is going on right now! On those nicer days, why not visit your neighbors, close friends and family members to ask them to purchase some seeds for their flower garden this spring? 

Most of all, try to encourage your kids to be patient. Since March did "Come in like a lion," we can hope that it will "Go out like a lamb." 

If you are interested in Foundations Christian School for your child for the coming school year, we would love to talk with you. For more information on our application process, please contact us today!

*Photo courtesy of Evgeni Dinev, www.freedigitalphotos.net*

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