Obsessed. I’m not sure that word begins to cover Big’s love of sports. His first word was “ball” and there are very few moments in a day when you can find him without one on hand.
He wakes up long before the rest of us to play football on his Leapster. He comes home from school with football fields he and his friend draw during free choice. He wants to wear a college or professional team’s shirt every day. He asked to paint last weekend—a welcome relief—and when I came back out, he’d painted a UCLA vs. S [for Stanford] sign. Did I mention he’s obsessed?
Not only does he have sports on the brain, he’s got movement in the body. He wants to tackle, catch, hit, chase and give commentary on each and every move along the way (and then again at dinner…and then again at bedtime). While we haven’t had much rain around here this year, when we do, I panic a little.
Don’t get me wrong, we love getting out and splashing around, but between having a baby and winter sniffles, there are times there’s no venturing out. So we venture in. Here are a few things we do to blow off steam on rainy days when we’re stuck inside:
1) Build an obstacle course—inside. I set up cones to crawl around, turn trash cans into goals, make the kids do jumping jacks and—the magic of it all—time them. The socks come off and the gloves come on. (It’s true, we take even the silliest of competitions seriously around here.)
2) Play beach volleyball, table tennis and/or have a dance off—inside. That’s right, we save video games for a rainy day treat. (So you can imagine that the boys have one heck of a rain dance.) We fire up the PS3 and alternate between Big’s favorite, Sport Champions, and Little’s Favorite (and mine, of course), Everybody Dance. You’d be amazed how quickly we’re all working up a sweat (both games use the Move controller which means you really have to get into it). The kids learn about different sports and I learn some awesome new moves to try once a year when I happen to meet a dance floor (beyond our living room).
3) Get balloon happy. While the boys would much prefer to bring the pigskin inside, I have to reign them in (or kick them out). We blow up some fresh balloons and find ways to “play ball” without breaking as much anything. How many times can we hit it in a circle or across the table without it touching the ground? Who can hit it hard enough to get it up in the skylight? Who can keep their balloon in the air the longest? You get the point…
All of these attempts to keep the kids moving—and eventually sleeping—seem to do the trick for us. So, do tell. What are your secrets for getting your kids’ wiggles out when you’re stuck inside?
Disclosure: I’m a proud member of the Play Station Family team and this post was inspired by our interactions and conversations. As a member of this group, I received copies of various games to enjoy with my family, including the ones mentioned in this post. I was not compensated for writing this and all opinions are my own.
I have a great passion for the board games, much more then for video ones.
Anyway Amy, you have a lovely family, and I am rooting for you all.
Thanks so much, Vladimir. Yes, our family loves board games–in fact we had a marathon competition last weekend, which was really fun! But unfortunately many quieter activities like that only last so long when my boys haven’t had a chance to get some physical play in. That’s where these games come in. Once they’ve blown off some steam, board games, art projects and the like are great rainy day activities!
Amy, your story reminds me so much of my Big’s passions. In third grade he declared he wanted to be a Sports Broadcaster. Guess what he’s in college to do?! Continue to encourage those “obsessions”. You never know how long or short lived they will be and where they will direct your children.
One of my favorite activities on a rainy day was to go out and play in it. That’s right! I always say only the Wicked Witch melts in water! Just make sure you’ve got a clear entry path through the garage with lots of towels and a “stripping pad”! I promise lots of laughs and fun – especially if followed up with hot chocolate!
I’m with you Melinda – if you’re prepared for the soaked kids when you’re done – stomping around in the rain is super fun!!!
We love a good splash around too…in fact I added a couple sentences because I clearly didn’t acknowledge that originally. (Many people are commenting on that!) Having a baby has proven to make rain walks more challenging this year. (Along with everything else, of course.)
I would say move the cars out of the garage and make it your playground… but your garage is already an awesome play spot…. I also tend to do art projects… although that doesn’t quite get the wiggles out. I love your idea of an obstacle course…. OH and the kids love making forts inside the house… that gets ’em going running around the house collecting pillows and blankets and trying to figure out how to keep it all up. And Seamus has finally gotten to the age where he doesn’t just try and knock it all down when they’re done 🙂
Yes, our garage is a football field/playground/art studio/race track. And, yes, forts are great! Maybe Little will be more cooperative these days too. My boys usually just tell me to do it.
Sounds so fun! I can see why the kids would enjoy rainy days!! 😉
I actually love rainy days too!
I second the comment on making forts! Also, making cookies, granola (or any other type of baking they can help with). A favorite of my boys is spending time in the tub when they don’t really need a bath! Fill it with pool toys, cups, squirty things and let them have at it till the water is too cold! And since I tend to go stir crazy inside too, we often hit a bounce place for open play! I grab a Starbucks and try to drink in peace until I get pulled in to jump with them!
Great ideas, Tracy! Little takes at least two baths a day…no joke. He can’t get enough and thinks ALL of his toys are water toys. Next time we’ll look for you at the local bounce spots!
See? As I said in commenting on the last post, little girls develop fine motor skills earlier. What I forgot to mention is little boys develop gross motor skills earlier. Someday it all evens out (I hope).