Prepare Kids for Winter Cabin Fever

Soon the flip-flops and beach bags will be tucked away and you'll be preparing for winter. Besides dragging out everyone's favorite sweaters and galoshes, you will need to refresh your crafting and game ideas because winter brings cabin fever. A little forethought will go a long way in fighting the dreaded, "I'm bored!" Stock up today and get a cache of winter day treasures ready for children to enjoy. Prepare kids for winter cabin fever.

Bath Tub Toys

After a romp in the snow or freezing rain, send your kids to the tub. Fight cabin fever by stocking up on bathtub toys and goodies kids can use for extended play in the bathroom. Move out the rugs and plop down an extra shower curtain to keep kids from slipping if they slip out of the tub for a potty break. Bathtub paints, crayons, toys and even shaving non-menthol shaving cream make excellent bathing activities.

Scavenger Hunts

Hit the dollar stores when the summer toys go on clearance. These make good finds for a scavenger hunt. Hide the new toys around the house and give kids a map and some clues. Give more hints if kids get stuck. As a craft, have kids decorate a small shoebox you can use as a treasure box. They should add faux stones and decorative ribbons for decorations. Cabin fever will be long gone with this fun activity.

Manipulatives

On a rainy day, keep hands busy sorting. Place a large bowl of mixed dried beans in the center of a table. Give children smaller bowls to separate and sort through the pile. This activity is not recommended for children who may swallow the beans. Alternatively, you could give children stacking cups or let them pile up your pots and pans on the kitchen floor. Besides being entertaining this activity will help stave winter boredom.

Boxes and Tunnels

Making your own fort and cabins are second nature to children. Save some of your large cardboard boxes to offset winter doldrums. Cabin fever will be long gone when kids decorate and play with their own box forts. Open both ends of the cardboard box so kids can use them as tunnels.

Get in their and have fun with your children. Winter-induced cabin fever can make moms and dads feel pretty blah too. If all else fails have some wacky races down the hallway and crown the winners king!