Before becoming a mum, I never appreciated quite how complicated getting out the front door would be with kids in tow. But in my four and a half years of parenting two small people, I can confidently say it’s nothing compared with the challenge of a day spent inside when outside is off-limits. Whether because of endless rain or illnesses you don’t want to pass on, I panic at the thought of filling the hours spent indoors.
Being outside is profoundly helpful for my mental health, and it comes with its own built-in entertainment for small children: a bus ride becomes a sensory experience, a trip to the doctor’s an opportunity to pick up role-play ideas. But what to do when leaving the house really isn’t possible? Over the years, I have developed a list of ideas for keeping my children (and me) sane indoors, and the products that have helped us muddle through (and dare I say, enjoy) those days.
I’ve also recommended some gear to help you brave the wet weather. How have you been keeping the kids – and yourself – entertained during the rainy days? Let us know by emailing us at [email protected] An unexpectedly popular item in our house came from one of the kids’ many generous aunties and uncles: a play tent.
How unnecessary!” How wrong I was. Kids of all ages seem to gravitate towards it – perhaps owing to the illusion of privacy it offers (as well as being a very non-obvious place to scarper when playing hide-and-seek, wink wink). When ours was played with so much and broke beyond repair, I didn’t think twice about replacing it with this lovely, bright Djeco one.
We chose it because of its colourful design, but I’d also seen one at a play cafe from the same brand and admired how sturdy it was. It’s a great place for us all to get cosy and read, and somewhere for my four-year-old to take a minute when his little brother is destroying his beautiful Magna-Tiles creations. That brings me nicely to Magna-Tiles.
Parents seem to enjoy these almost as much as their kids do, and they’re popular with older children too. We don’t have it, but I just know this Rail Racers set would be an absolute hit in this house. There are imitation brands, but we invested in the official Magna-Tiles, which have lasted really well and endured being lobbed around by our toddler – who may or may not end up being a bowler in later life, given how much he likes to throw.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
