Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
It’s always tough when you have a full day ahead with the little ones and you hear that familiar crack of thunder and see a flash of lightning out the window. Your plans to head to the pool or run around the park are busted. If you live in an urban area, you won’t even want to hit the library, if managing a stroller and/or a feisty preschooler out in the rain is a necessity. We’ve had a few unfortunate weather days around these parts and I’ve had to think quickly. I thought I’d share a few of my brainstorms with you.

Movies. So, television is not always the best option, but I’ve often said, if you’re stuck inside all day without a break, go ahead and pop some popcorn and cue up a DVD!

Crafts. It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-worthy. Even a simple collage, which is French for “whatever random stuff you have in your junk drawer,” will do. If you have paper, glue, scissors and even one old magazine, you’re ready.

Cooking. Take your kiddo to your pantry and show him how the magic happens. If it’s not time for a meal, it takes the pressure off of putting together something substantial. Just see what you’ve got on hand and what new creation you can put together. Kids love to help out in the kitchen.

Games. Freeze Dance is a favorite at our house. If you got a look at me in the throes of competition, you’d think I look pretty silly! But we love it. Another good option is good old Hide and Go Seek.

Cards. Who doesn’t love mail? Sit your kids down to send a note to a loved one. They can color and decorate to their hearts’ desires. And your friends and family will be thrilled to get them.

What do you like to do as a family when it’s yucky out?

This past weekend my family and I took a trip to that wonderful store, Lowes.  We had a few things on our list to purchase and as usual, we ended up buying a few additional items.  One of those items was a little Elmo tomato growing kit.  Having some marketing experience, the Lowe’s team knew exactly where to place this display, right up front by the main door.  What a great way to attract little kids and have them beg and beg and beg to take it home.  Jack won the battle and we are now going to attempt to grow some cherry tomatoes.

When we got home from the store Jack and daddy assembled the little plants.  He taught Jack the basics of growing a plant like sufficient watering, sunshine and patience.  Once the plants germinate we will transfer them to other pots and hope we are successful at growing at least one.  The first thing Jack does in the morning now is to check on his plants to see if anything has changed.  Still nothing, but soon enough we’ll see something sprout.

If Jack has a green thumb I’ll be impressed.  I don’t seem to have much luck with any kind of plant unless it’s something that doesn’t need much attention.  As much as he cares about these plants, I bet he’ll be a happy camper when he actually sees some tomatoes on the vine or not so happy when he doesn’t.  Either way, he will learn about responsibility and how certain things in life might not always turn out the way you want them to.