
Remember that the winter hits most of us pretty hard. If you are struggling, it’s likely not just you. It’s cold or wet out (or both) and that means it can be hard to get the kids out of the house for anything. You’ve probably been doing school since August or February, everyone might be bored with the curriculum including you.
If you are feeling cooped up, plan a field trip. Sometimes doing something fun and out of your normal routine can be the spark that helps you get through the hard times. There are free options like the library, and items for a fee like a local museum!

Try out something new in your homeschool like a poetry tea time or a new read aloud! This is a great time to snuggle up and read together. Break out that board game you got two Christmases ago and give it a try.
Call a friend and arrange some playdates at each other’s home. If you need a break or they do this might be a great time to trade out watching one another’s kids for a few hours. Sometimes just getting a couple hours to yourself can take the pressure off. Parents need time for themselves. Everyone does.

Plan a garden together! This is honestly my favorite way to pass those hard winter months and actually enjoy them. If you aren’t a fan of gardens then maybe try out a new hobby!
Consider getting involved with a local organization that houses and feeds people in need during the cold months. Many places have shelters and warming centers that might be in need of a helping hand or a food donation. Sometimes the best way through the rough patches is to focus our attention on something that helps someone else.
Have a ‘Yes!’ day! This doesn’t have to be anything where you even leave the house. Tell your kids that for this one day, they can choose the schedule! If they want to spend an hour playing pretend tea parties in their rooms with you then that is what you do! If someone wants to play super smash brothers in the living room, family style, then make that what you do when the baby is down for a nap. Now, this can get tricky with a lot of kids, but it does help to let everyone have a turn, set a timer if needed! When things are rough this is one of our best tricks to changing everyone’s attitude.

Break out that science kit, or lego kit, sensory kit or STEM kit your child got for Christmas and grow some crystals or make a volcano or build! If you don’t have one of those lying about there are some fun and quick options at fairly affordable prices at places like FiveBelow.
Try brain breaks! That could look like offering a game of ‘Simon Say’s’ or ‘I Spy’ between math and history lessons. I’m a big fan of even exchanges and it can look as simple as honoring that they want to do something fun in-between the more serious parts of a school day.
Finally, bundle everyone up, maybe make some hot cocoa to-go and brave the elements. Even now, when it is freezing outside I can hear birds chirping and see wildlife darting about through my window. If it is truly too cold to walk about, load everyone up and drive around town. Maybe you will discover a new street or a new view. You don’t have to have a destination to go on an adventure.
What are your tips for surviving the winter?
Comments