Cabin fever solutions for kids

February 9, 2010 (WPVI) -- It's easy to get a little stir-crazy when you're cooped up in the house over multiple snow days. But snow days can also be a great time to get caught up on family activities that you don't always have time for during busy weeks of work and school the key is making even chores seem like games.

Chances are your kids have grown some since summer. So, it's a great time to look ahead to warmer weather by getting them to try on their shorts, T-shirts and bathing suits from last year.

Divide the outgrown items into separate piles, one for hand-me-downs to younger siblings or cousins, one to consign, so those outgrown clothes can generate some cash for you and one to donate to your local thrift shop or charity. This also gives you a great opportunity to talk with your kids about the importance of sharing what they have with those in need.

Board games are always fun but cooking and baking are also great snowy day activities.

Scout the internet or cookbooks to find recipes you can try with items you have on-hand. And let the kids get creative who says you can't put pretzels on top of cupcakes or put icing on top of chocolate chip cookies?

Following recipes and measuring ingredients are also great ways of practicing reading and math skills.

Once you've made some snacks, snow days are great days for watching movies. But that's not limited to rentals, or whatever's on cable. Pull out your old family videos or photo albums. You'll be amazed at how looking at old pictures will remind you of great stories you can tell your kids about when they were little. And since they're the stars, they'll sit and watch for a really long time.

And it's a great time to take new pictures shoot your kids playing out in the snow. This winter is one you're going to want to remember even if it doesn't seem like that right now.

Read more Parenting Perspective blogs by visiting the Parenting Channel on 6abc.com.

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clothing savings, consignment, snow, nor'easter, parenting, amy buckman

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