With winter upon us, children may be heading into their school break, and parents or caregivers may be looking for fun ways to keep their little ones entertained. So, we curated a list of boredom busters to make winter break more fun while also giving you the chance to create lasting memories with your little ones.
Tip 1: Bake cookies
Cookies are great all year long, but especially fun during the winter! Involve your children in the kitchen by having your younger kids count ingredients and your older kids read recipes and measure. Here are some more ways to have the ultimate cookie decorating experience:
- Set up a decorating station with sprinkles and icing and let your child’s creativity soar!
- Consider making the decorating an event and give out fun awards such as ‘’Most colorful’’ or ‘’silliest cookie’’
- Bake a few extra cookies to give to family, friends or neighbors; this is a delicious way to teach generosity this season
Tip 2: Do a family movie night
Pick your favorite movie set in the winter and create a cozy setup with blankets, pillows and popcorn! Movies are great for the whole family and a fun way to enjoy each other’s company when the weather may be too cold to play outside.
Pro Tip: Choose a few of the cookies you baked together to enjoy during your movie night with a cup of hot chocolate!
Tip 3: Read a story together
Selecting a book that your kids like is a great way to connect with your child. After finishing a book, take some time to ask simple questions such as, "what was your favorite part?’’ or "how do you think the characters felt?’’ Reflecting together turns story time into quality bonding while building your child’s empathy and imagination.
If you are looking for a story to read with your child, consider Valley Children’s book series featuring our beloved mascot, George!
Tip 4: Introduce a new language
Winter is a perfect season to learn new skills and introduce your child to new languages and cultures! Try teaching simple words for a variety of languages and introduce your child to those cultures through things like books and food!
Need some inspo? Try these Spanish words: nieve (snow), botas (boots), invierno (winter) and chocolate caliente (hot chocolate).
Consider using what you learned together during your child’s daily routine as these small moments make learning fun and connect language to your child’s life.
Winter break is the perfect time to slow down, have fun and make memories that last a lifetime! With these boredom busters, you’ll not only keep your kids entertained but also create moments they’ll cherish for years to come. So, grab your favorite ideas from the list and make this winter break one to remember!