Being
from Maine, I've always liked it when winter really acts like winter,
with lots of snow and subfreezing temperatures. If you are like me
(and most kids!) and there is rumor of a big snowstorm, you wake up
every half hour all night long to see if it is still snowing and
whoop with glee when school is canceled. Perhaps you are able to stay
home as well. Make
it your priority to create some wonderful memories with your
children!
Remember
the joy of winter as a child, and reacquaint yourself with the luxury
of that pleasure. Shovel snow together, but don't be surprised if your
kids want to shovel the yard and not
the driveway. Create snow angels.; build a snowman; make a snow fort.
Go sledding at Babcock Park Hill, or Stonybrook, or some other great
place near your home. Chances are quite good you won't have to go far.
Take
a walk in the woods on snowshoes or cross country skis. Look for
winter birds, and squirrels’ nests. Notice animal tracks and try to
identify them.
If you find any animals hibernating (bats, insects) do not disturb
them, as they may die if they are awakened. Notice how tightly leaf
buds are wrapped so they won't freeze; observe what happens if we get a
stretch of warm weather. Go to a frozen stream. Notice ice
formations and water running underneath. (Stay onshore lest one goes
through the ice!)
Make
bird feeders using popcorn and cranberries; pine cones with peanut
butter rolled in birdseed; seed cups using the peels of half oranges
and lemons with string hangers. Decorate the trees with treats for the
birds and animals.
Have a Neighborhood Winter Carnival. Snow
sculpt a glorified snowman, dragon, Big Bird... Set up target games
for hurling snowballs. Have a tug of war in the snow. Afterward, share
in the warmth of a pot of cocoa made with real milk, or hot spiced
cider and popcorn.
Even
if housebound, having an expectation of time together as a family for a
couple of hours without electronic devices affords the quiet
companionship snow days and Sunday afternoons are perfect for. Playing
cards or board games; sprawling around the living room, each with his or
her own book, or reading a book aloud together as a family; making
valentines for school and each other; writing letters to grandparents or
journaling; working a jigsaw puzzle together; making tacos, or shaking
it up with a dance party, lay a foundation for close ties between
siblings
This
time of year, as the pace seems to slow somewhat, it is easier to find
moments for quality time with the children. Sometimes when we are
immersed in the trials of parenting and day to day living, it is hard to
realize how truly fleeting this precious time with little ones is.
Children have so much to teach us. Please take the opportunity to
really enjoy this priceless gift of childhood. And take lots of
pictures! You won't regret it. (RDW 1-19-11)
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