We’ve all heard or asked at one time: Where have the years gone?

Recently, my mom (age 74) warned me, “Just wait. When you get to my age, the years fly by even faster!” Then she pointed out how strange a revelation it was to note that the years she and dad have lived in their home with kids grown are now much greater than the number of years they spent raising children. And yet, she said, my sisters’ and my presence there still seems to define the place.

Her words spurred me anew to embrace these long wintry days of child rearing. What have I not done that I wanted to do with my children? What do I want to do with them before these days turn into years that pass like warp speed?

To help make the most of these winter days with your child, WeJoySing offers another “WeJoySing Baker’s Dozen” of fun things to do with your little (or big) ones. There’s no time like now! Carpe Diem as you…

13. Make cookies together. Be sure to dress the part. Need a baker’s hat? Sew your own, or try “poofing” a grocery bag and stapling it to a strip of construction paper around the inside. Fabulous! Sing: “Please be my Valentine. Please be my Valentine. I’ll be yours if you’ll be Mine. Please be my Valentine.”

12. Initiate “Friday Family Fun Nights” (a tradition in Mrs. Julie McFeaters’ family) —Choose activities from this list or ask your children what they want to do (preset parameters if needed.)

11. Movie Night? Try a classic musical like “Annie” or “Mary Poppins.” Be sure to include popcorn! Then sing the songs together and re-enact scenes.

10. Play "Library" at home. Mrs. Nancy (Mapes) remembers her daughter having fun for hours on end pretending to check out books for "customers."

9. Get the clay (or make your own!) and cookie cutters out…reserve one bowl for MIXING colors. Learn about the science of COLORS.

8. Spend a day at COSI – a great science center for all ages; recreate science activities at home.

7. Let your child decorate his room with red and white paper chains for Valentine’s Day or make paper snowflakes together. Find patterns at www.papersnowflakes.com (you’ll also find a “Brief Science Guide to Snow Crystals and Snowflakes.”)

6. Go to the hardware store and buy PVC tubes and elbows to build your own marshmallow shooters and have a “snowball fight” on days when there’s no snow.

5. Play with shadows (at bedtime?) Start with a rabbit (fingers like a “peace” sign turned sideways) or a flying bird (hands crossed in flying motion.) The next day, check out the artistry of Raymond Crowe on YouTube. (It will take you somewhere unexpected to pull on your “Heart Strings.”)*

4. Trace your child's body on a large piece of paper....Have child paint or color his/her clothes, face, hair, etc. then hang it in a special place in the house or garage.

3. Turn your empty garage walls into an art gallery. Enjoy your child’s (laminated) artwork every time you come home (and preserve precious indoor wall-space!)

2. Have a MESSY DAY: great for discovery, tactile sensory input, and time together!!

• Serve up a big helping of cooked spaghetti lightly coated with chocolate pudding. (on a paper plate…allow your little one to play in his “gourmess” delight!
• Corn Starch, a little water, and food coloring....mix in bowl....child draws and gets hands in the mixture
• “Clean Mud”-   in a large plastic container mix toilet tissue, water, ivory snow flakes, and food coloring-- Ushy-Gushy Fun that’s Mushy!

1. Play or nap in an indoor clubhouse/tent made of chairs and blankets.  Sing lullabies at your camp-in… Hushabye, Say Goodnight, Go to sleepy little baby….

A Note From Mrs. Jo
WeJoySing has aimed to equip families with positive, joy-filled ways to bond, stimulate, and play with their children for over 24 years. Wow! Talk about warp speed!! I hope our “WeJoySing Baker’s Dozen” series has brought you and your child together to explore, create, and grow. And, this “Baker’s Dozen” is only the beginning of playful possibilities to beat the winter “Blah’s.” Quick! Make up some of your own ideas…There are no limits to your creativity.

*Note: Use YouTube and other online resources with caution. Avoid inappropriate “related” broadcasts that may pop up in the sidebar.