Orleans Weekly Journal
Published: Friday, March 14, 2008 Keeping busy on snow-bound days Mom, I'm bored." Does this sound familiar? And by chance did Junior spout this out this past Monday at 9:56 a.m.? First day into March Break and yikes, the kids are already going stir crazy. So if you missed the deadline for enrolling kids into a March Break camp and you weren't lucky like me to find a great deal on a Dominican Republic vacation – yes it’s 31 degrees here in Punta Cana-da – here are some ideas to carry you through the remainder of this March Break or any day when the kids and you are at home. You have three basic options to choose from: play outside; go somewhere or stay home. The outside option is pretty straightforward. That seven foot snowbank that lines both sides of your driveway is screaming for two forts to be built and a kids versus parents snowball war will surely follow. Or a good game of road hockey is always an option, not to mention tobogganing, snowshoeing or skiing. For those who hate the cold, another option is the "let's get in the car and go" plan. A trip to Chapters and the SilverCity complex can chew up an afternoon, or closer to home, an afternoon flick at the Empire and dinner somewhere along St. Joseph or Innes always works. Or taking in a public swim or skate at a city facility is a good way to pass the time. And let's not forget we are the nation's capital with a treasure trove of museums to explore... most offering a component of children's and youth programming. If you are a homebody, do not fear, activity Walter is here. Days off are a great time to teach your kids the love of classic board games like Scrabble, Monopoly, or Risk. And if you are in a pinch, a deck of cards or set of five dice is easily good for hours of fun and a family tournament. A quick jaunt to Rogers or Blockbuster, or a long reach into the old DVD vault at home, may unearth some great gems. Coupled with some take-out food and popcorn and voila, an instant three-hour mini vacation to the magic of Hollywood. If you need a bit of physical exertion, mini sticks hockey in the hall or basement does the trick. A note of caution however, extended mini sticks play is hard on middle-aged knees. Finally, if old-fashioned fun doesn't turn their cranks, perhaps its time to break down and learn to play Halo 3 on the XBox 360 or golf on the Wii. Or show the kid that the home PC does more than just MSN Messenger chats. Surf around and plan that summer family vacation or quick May long-weekend getaway. At the end of the day, you are your kids best toy. If they're bored, as a parent, it’s your responsibility to make life interesting and fun. Hope this helps. = = = = = Comments and suggestions can be sent to Walter Robinson at orleansouttakes@transcontinental.ca. |