Winter Survival Guide for Life with Littles

I don't know about your household, but this time of year, my life with littles can get a little wild. Winter seems to be closing in and everyone is desperate and climbing the walls (literally in our case) to get outside and roam free.

Trying to combat the crazy, I've taken to lots of planned crafts and organized activities. I've tried to compile a list for you, just in case things were getting a little hairy at your home too.

Scavenger Hunts- these are great, you can make them as simple or as difficult as you would like. Bundle them up and take it outdoors or just hunt around the house. It can be as simple as  finding something green, or a specific book, to something as difficult as finding the bark of an aged willow tree or your great grandmothers silver dentures- you get the idea.

Send them out to pick their favorite rocks or acorns and then paint them. So easy, but trust me, the kiddos will love it. I have jars littered all over the house filled with brightly colored, glitter doused gems.

Play Thimble, Thimble. This is a favorite in our home. We use a little chest piece and take turns hiding it. If it gets too hard, we will add hot and cold clues, entertainment for at least twenty minutes right here:)

Glue decorative glass beads on jars to make pretty flower vases for spring, or they could use them to hold their treasures. I don't know about you, but my littles always have tiny treasures that need a home.

Paint- I have so loved doing painting lessons together. I'm no artist, but it doesn't really matter, they love to be taught something and to work on it as a family is especially fun. Here are a couple tutorials we have used and enjoyed- here, here, and here

Make Snow Slime or Cornstarch goo. Yes, it can be messy, but it's worth it. Recipes here and here 

Skits. This is actually so fun! Just use a simple fairy tale, you can read one aloud or tell the story and have them act it out. It's also fun to write a few lines for them to say also. You can get as in depth as you want with costumes and sets, tickets and showtimes, but I would highly suggest having someone video on your phone. There is not much my kids love more than watching themselves on film.

Egg Carton Crafts. Seriously, its slightly annoying to have egg cartons stacked up everywhere, but they are a god send come craft time. A couple ideas here

Toilet paper roll toboggan hats. A bit random, but pretty easy for little fingers. My Dad use to make them with me growing up and I have such a soft spot for these little hats. Directions can be found here

Pine Cone Trees- gather or buy some pinecones and go to town decorating those bad boys. Paint them, dip the edges in glitter(a mothers nightmare I know, but desperate times and all that) and use string or yarn to make tinsel, you can also add some of your painted acorns for an extra bit of zazz.

Make Glue and Yarn Ornaments. Pretty easy and they turn out super cute, simple instructions here 

Magazine Mosaics. No real directions here, just let them cut away and glue their pieces on paper. Surprisingly, it keeps them quite entertained, although give mine a pair of scissors and they are happy campers.

Of course, building a fort is always a great time. Add in some popcorn and a few books and you're set for the day!

Hope this helps thru this cold spell, maybe offer a bit of sanity for those days when you're really questioning your lifes decisions:) I would love to hear your suggestions, leave them in the comments and I will add them in for a comprehensive survival guide.