No-Go Days

Play dates, movies, swim lessons, family reunions, camping trips, little league, vacations, barbecues, whew! Sometimes the lazy days of summer aren’t. Hectic days, hectic weeks can take a toll on toddlers. As a result, I’ve instituted what I call No-Go Days. On these days we don’t go anywhere, but rather enjoy special activities at home and in the yard. My little M, seems to be a happier, more mellow kid after a No-Go Day. I love the following activities because they are enjoyed outdoors, inspire creativity, are easy on the budget, and can be enjoyed into early fall when the older kids are skipping off to school…

Build-Your-Own Sandbox

I had contemplated getting M a sandbox for the yard but worried about the inevitable sand in the eyes, sand in the nose problems. And neighborhood pets. I also wanted something I could move around easily & store in the garage during winter. My friend Brit shared her solution to this dilemma. You will need:

1 clear plastic storage bin with a lid, deep enough to hold the sand & shallow enough for little ones to reach in
10-12 bags of dried lentils or split peas
A few inexpensive sand toys

Sidewalk Paint

A creative change of pace from chalk, it rinses off surfaces easily and off children with soap and water. It’s a big hit with my little guy. We simply strip him down, hand him a paintbrush and he’s content! Kids love to watch the paint, watery at first, dry into opaque masterpieces. For each color you’d like to make, you will need:

A 6-8 oz container (I use plastic freezer-jam containers)
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup cold water
food coloring
kids paint brushes, available anywhere you find arts & crafts supplies.

Combine cornstarch and water and stir until dissolved and thickened. Add more cornstarch or water to reach your preferred consistency. Add several drops of food coloring and stir. Take it outside and enjoy!

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Kimberly

...by day, making a home where the buffalo roam. By night, pretty much the same thing, punctuated by the occasional fantasies of sunny beaches, italian movies and sparkling lemonade.