Snow Fun

Mothers aren’t the only ones who feel penned in during a long winter. Children get winter-weary too, and need some really different activities to break the monotony. Our kids loved these.

Snow Painting: Mix various colors of powdered tempera quite thickly in the bottom of unbreakable containers (cottage cheese cartons, tuna cans, paper cups, etc.) Bundle the kids up, give them a large watercolor brush, and send them out to paint on the snow. They will enjoy the various effects of dripping and splattering as well as mixing colors on the snow. (This is especially delightful on a quiet day when snowflakes are falling.)

A Tree for the Birds: (A good way to get more use out of your Christmas tree after Christmas, but any large bush will do.) Let the kids string Cheerios, cut stale bread with cookie cutters, and place raisins, apple bits, and suet in shallow (cut-off) paper cups. Attach wires for hanging, and let the kids decorate the tree outside.

Pretend Picnic: (A good family home evening activity.) Pack the picnic basket or sack lunches, take a blanket, and “hike” through the house. When the kids decide on a spot for their picnic (bedroom, living room, basement?), spread the blanket and enjoy an experience heretofore reserved for sunny summer days. (Make sure they leave the “picnic” area as clean as they found it!) Laurie Williams Sowby, American Fork, Utah

Illustrations by Ann Gallacher