Today we had some very depressing weather in my neck of the woods. The temperatures were hovering around freezing, and there were alternating periods of drizzles and flurries. The skies were dark enough that we had to turn lights on, even though it was the middle of the day. Needless to say, there was no way I was taking my toddler outside to play! Since he is one of those children who has an endless supply of energy, I had to find something else to keep him occupied. Luckily, the delivery man arrived with some inspiration in the form of a giant cardboard box. I had ordered a baby gate to protect our Christmas tree, so after I unwrapped it, I attacked the box with a utility knife and a roll of duct tape. When all was said and done, there was a brand new playhouse in our living room. I threw a rug in there for “carpet” and gave him a flash light. I later added an LED lamp to brighten it up even more. My son loved it! He called it his house and we read a stack of books inside. I will leave it up until it is destroyed!
Creativity doesn’t always require a giant box or a roll of duct tape. You can do fun things with the ordinary objects around your house. Pull the pillows off your couch and build a fort. Smear whipped cream on a cookie sheet. Make finger paint out of vanilla pudding and food coloring. Play with an ice cube on the kitchen floor (that is fun watching a toddler try to pick one up). Draw or color a picture. Play with laundry baskets. Take a bath just for fun (with extra bubbles and toys, of course). There are so many things you can do to fight cabin fever, especially if you are willing to make a mess.