What is happening with the weather? Global warming seems to be the answer to any weather questions that come up, and maybe that is the answer. But it doesn’t really help on a day to day basis, when you’re trying to have a reasonable summer and it’s pouring with rain all the time.

Especially if you have children at home and they are all turning into zombies in front of their various devices. Bring them back!

Reality may not be ideal at this moment, but there’s something to be said for the Power of Now (great book btw) and enjoying the moment. The little darlings may assure you they are having fun and anything you suggest will be totally boring, but we know better! So, time to kick your slippers off, find a few basic items and have a fun day without maxing out the credit card…. You’ll probably have to exercise a little authority as well, but in a fun way 🙂

All the creative stuff like baking cupcakes, crafting greetings cards, moulding salt-dough animals etc; is great and always rewarding and educational, but sometimes you don’t feel like finding all the aprons, table covers and gluepots. So let’s simply play.

First find a few bits and pieces like:
-a regular pack of cards – yep, they’re still around and very affordable if you can’t find any in the house.

-6 numbered dice and a few counters (these could be home-made)

-plain paper – invest in a pack of printing paper – grab it when it’s on special offer if you can’t steal any from your home office.

-selection of pencils, pens, felt tips maybe or crayons

-the kid in you…. and you’re pretty much ready to go.

With these simple items, you can play hundreds of games and variations – and maybe make up a few yourself.
But how do you drag them from their screens in the first place? That part is easier than it sounds. The best way to get your kids’ attention is to appear to be having more fun than they are! Simple ay?

The way you do this will depend on their ages, their mood and various other components, but you will know what these issues are. Change the dynamic by getting a little dynamic yourself.

Go for something different if you can. If the kids are used to seeing you dance like a crazy person to some cheesy 1980s music, they will just ignore you.

But if they’re not used to seeing you do this awful terrible thing, they will definitely react in some way.

Be aware of the general mood and flip it on its head. You can do this. You’re the grown up, and about to have a fun day behaving like a kid!

Find traditional games you can play for all ages. Google is only a click away after all – yes of course devices have their uses, we’re just trying to de-zombiefy a few individuals here.

**In a fairly kid-proof room, you could rig up a net and play balloon tennis to get some movement going on.
**Or, get some co-ordination skills in action and place a clean bin or large bowls in the centre of the room as targets and throw rolled up newspaper or soft balls.

Pick your moment. Have a few ideas stashed and bring them out at a moment that feels right for you. If you’re at home with the children a lot, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what’s going to happen next if you don’t step in right now.

So, whatever the weather and whatever the current mood is, get your fun on and enjoy playing with the kids today. You’ll nourish your body, mind and spirit and some of it may even rub off on the next generation.

Have fun!

Linda x

P.S. This Family Games book will give you a head start!

Family Games

Indoor Family Games to play at home or away, and mostly for FREE!

This is the fun stuff that children got up to before the days of computers. Bring the whole family together with a fun idea and the little darlings may even switch off the computer game voluntarily!

Using everyday items, and sometimes none at all, all 31 games are played without plugs, batteries or chargers.

Pure and natural resources – imagination, creativity and a little energy – help develop life skills while having fun.

Finding the kid in you keeps you young, and, of course, you get to spend quality time with the children without having to dig out the credit card. Just about every game can be adjusted to suit the age and number of players.

Enjoy a whole month of rainy day games you can also play in the sunshine!

Choose from your favourite online bookstore

Amazon (US) , Amazon (UK) , Barnes & Noble , Kobo , Scrib’d , Apple Books , Etsy