Babies Tale

It takes only one, long, gray day trapped in a house with a five-year-old before a mom learns the need for dreary day crafts. Having a few tucked away, literally for a rainy day, can help turn an otherwise sulky day into a creative adventure any child is sure to appreciate. Local craft stores are a great source for quick, easy and inexpensive crafting projects for the kids. Most sell crafting kits, but with some imagination and some supplies, almost anything can become a kids’ craft!

Kids love T-shirts. Kids love to make a mess. Kids love paint. It’s a no-brainer! Give the little ones a white undershirt and some fabric paints and step aside. Within minutes, the little Picassos will have a masterpiece to share with one and all. Simple paper plate paint holders (say that five times!) and fingers make perfect tools for the youngest artists. The older siblings may enjoy stencils, stamps and different sized brushes to add artistic integrity to the project. For advanced painting projects, a big helper may enjoy painting an apron for mom to wear in the kitchen. The older artists may like to paint a wood stepping stool for a younger sibling. However the craft is approached, it solves the weather blahs!

Another great craft idea for kids may still be a little messy, but this time, the mess is only craft clue. Creating picture frames and other decorative items is a fun way for kids to put their mark on the house while beating the rainy day blues. Moms can gather any array of supplies for the activity. Craft stores now carry foam shapes and cutouts that are perfect for the craft as well. While Suzy frames her school picture in flowers to display on Dad’s desk, Joey can make a “No Sisters Allowed” sign to hang on his bedroom door. The ideas for this craft are endless, and the children are sure to finish one craft and dive immediately into the next. This craft is great for the little ones as well. Even toddlers will enjoy gluing brightly colored pieces of foam together. Just be sure to use non-toxic glue! Before the days end, the house will be covered in splashy photo frames with declarative signs on each and every door.

A rainy day is the perfect time to have kids get a jumpstart on family birthday cards.

Grandparents especially enjoy homemade wishes from their favorite little people, and making the cards ahead of time is a guaranteed way to ensure their timely delivery. Have the kids gather all of their paper and coloring supplies and set them to work on the project. This one needs little if any supervision, save maybe some watchful eyes during scissor time. Other than that, the cards are limited only by imagination. Be sure to keep them in a safe place, and don’t forget to send them when it’s birthday time!

Some kids need coaxing when it comes to letting the creative juices flow, so don’t be discouraged if suggestions are not immediately met with jumps of joy. Give it a few minutes, and every mom will have a crafting genius on her hands!

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