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Home > Blogs > Adventures in Motherhood > Archives > 2008 > September > 15 > Entry
No power? Use this time to connect with your family
There’s no question the high-wind storm and its aftermath have turned our worlds upside down this week. Hundreds of thousands of people have been left without power, and unfortunately for many of us, this may remain the case until later this week or this weekend.
From major problems like uprooted trees and damage to our homes and properties to the major inconveniences of school closings, spoiled food, restricted water use in some areas and long lines at the pump and at the store, it’s easy and understandable why we’re upset and frustrated.
But there’s always a silver lining.
When’s the last time you enjoyed some real quiet time with your loved ones? When’s the last time you had the chance to sit around with your spouses and children without the distraction of Youtube, soccer practice, the Wii or the television?
Despite the hassles and headaches of the storm, I have to admit I have really enjoyed spending some quiet time with the kids. So when it’s dark outside and all you have inside are candles and flashlights to see, here are five things you can do with your children that don’t involve TVs, DVDs, computers, video games or any other modern-day luxuries.
1. Sing, sing, sing. Want to keep your little ones entertained? Who needs toys or light for that matter when you have your voices (whether you sing like a Disney princess or like a frog). Take turns with your kids picking a favorite kids song and sing away. From silly songs like “Little Bunny Foo Foo” to soothing tunes like “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” this is sure to lift some spirits. Need to brush up on your kiddie tunes, visit bussongs.com or theteachersguide.com
2. Make shadow puppets. You’re already using your flashlights, so why not multitask and use those flashlights for some entertainment value. All you need is light, your hands and a little imagination, and you can create birds, swans, dogs, elephants and much more. If you need to brush up on your shadow-puppet skills, visit haha.nu.com http://haha.nu/creative/how-to-make-shadows-on-the-wall/ or watch this video at about.com http://video.about.com/familycrafts/How-to-Make-Shadow-Puppets.htm for simple instruction.
3. Play hide-and-seek in the dark. If your kids are old enough to play hide-and-seek and aren’t afraid of the dark, why not put a spin on this classic game by playing in the dark with only flashlights. Make sure everyone has a flashlight (the hiders and the seeker) so no one trips and gets hurt. And if your kids are really brave, after the game, grab a flashlight and tell your favorite horror/ghost stories.
4. Play a game or read by candlelight. If you have enough candles or better yet a lantern, bust out Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Life, Monopoly or a good ‘ol deck of cards and have a family game night. You can even read by candlelight or flashlight. Find a story the whole family will enjoy.
5. Have a talent show. Who needs “American Idol,” “America’s Got Talent” or “America’s Best Dance Crew.” Light those candles, clear some floor space and start entertaining your family with a talent show. Grab a flashlight for a mic and sing your favorite song or show off your dance moves. This is something that can be fun for all ages.
Have more ideas for fun without power? Share them here.
Find out what local moms are doing with their kids this week at 937moms.com
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Comments
By shannon
September 17, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
What about crafts? If you know how to knit, crochet or embroider, this could be the time to teach her. You could also go to the library and expand her reading choices—Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Agatha Christie, and Meg Cabot’s Princess Diaries series are all ones I’d recommend for her age. The PD ones could be fun to read aloud together—they’re very dramatic, just like the 14 year-old main character. Then there’s always my mom’s response for when I was bored, bored, bored. “Well, honey, you can always clean the bathroom (or other unsavory chore, like wash the dishes by hand in the candlelight) for me if you can’t find something else to do.” Funny, I ALWAYS found something else to do! :)By Lea
September 16, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Anyone have any ideas to keep a 13-year-old girl entertained? The 10-year-old boy loves playing flashlight tag, but my daughter’s “BORED”. Especially with no school, no TV, no computer… And no interest in board or card games at all. Some reading, but she gets bored with that, too.