No one likes to have kids stuck in the house for days on end. Even an afternoon stuck inside can feel like a lifetime for active kids who love to work up a sweat and play with their friends.
However, there are times when, as a parent, you must keep your kids stuck in the house. They may need to rest after an illness or accident, or you may need to keep them indoors during a prolonged period of inclement weather.
Keep your kids safe and entertained while inside by creating a safe, engaging environment for your child. The modifications and activities you plan should be age-appropriate and should encourage your children to continue exploring their home.
Home modifications
Bored children will find a way to get in trouble around the house. For example, they’ll do their best to get into the crawl space and could poke at any exposed wiring that you may have lying around. As such, it’s your job to ensure that you’ve taken care of any home repairs to keep your children safe.
If you know that you’ll need to keep your child cooped up for a while, start with the most important home repairs. Take care of any pests, as insects like termites can chew through siding, foundations, and other wood structures at an alarming rate. You should also patch up damaged roofing before keeping your kids stuck in the house, as damaged roofing can let moisture in and cause a buildup of harmful mold in your home.
You should address any potential electrical faults ASAP. Electrical hazards pose a threat to your home and the health of your children. Common symptoms of electrical damage include:
- Regularly tripping the circuit breaker
- Flickering lights
- Hot ceiling fixtures
- Loose outlets
- Electric shocks
Do not trust your children to stay away from electrical damage. They are curious by nature and will want to investigate the issue themselves. Bring in a professional and keep your kids distracted with play while the fault is being dealt with.
If your kids have a passion for crafting, consider undertaking some budget-friendly home improvement projects together. Small projects, like repainting the hallway, are fun for your children and give you a chance to teach them about the basics of DIY while they’re stuck inside.
Yard maintenance
Keeping your kids stuck in the house can be difficult for you both. They don’t want to sit around all day and you can’t get much done while they’re bored. Unfortunately, you may find that they’re still keen to get outside — even if a hurricane is blowing in. If you have some time to prepare before an incoming storm, you must take the time to properly maintain your yard to reduce the risk of accidents.
Start by childproofing your garage and yard. If you have a garage, store hazardous materials like gasoline, motor oil, and lawn care chemicals in a locked, out-of-reach container. You should also secure the lawn mower against the wall with a lock and chain. This will keep your kids safe from household hazards and give you peace of mind when high winds hit your house.
If you have an older child, encourage a sense of responsibility by involving them while organizing your house. Give them low-risk responsibilities and pick a section of the garage to work on together. This will introduce them to the importance of organization and help keep them occupied while stuck inside.
Once the garage is properly childproofed, you can use the space to entertain your kids. This is ideal if they are bored of being stuck inside, but are not able to play in the yard due to inclement weather. Consider putting together a few of their favorite activities and arrange soft play equipment to encourage exploration. You can even put together an impromptu scavenger hunt but should be clear that some areas of the garage are strictly out of bounds.
Indoor activities
As a parent, keeping your kids entertained inside will test your patience and creativity. However, you have to keep freshening things up if you want to help your children to stay healthy and happy. Consider activities like:
- Board Games: There are thousands of creative, engaging board games on the market today. If your kids love action and adventure, consider picking up a copy of Hero Kids or Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth.
- Put on a Play: At some point, your children are sure to sit you down and show you the dance or play they’ve been working on. Encourage their creativity by getting all your costumes — or buying new ones — and giving them access to (some) of your makeup for extra fun.
- Indoor Bowling: Bowling with soft balls is a great way to engage your children and help them develop their dexterity. Rubber balls are safe and unlikely to damage your home, too.
Try to plan a few activities every day for your children. They may be hesitant to engage at first but are sure to lose themselves in the fun once they get going. Remember to lean on video games, too. There are hundreds of cooperative video games available today and you’ll all have plenty of fun while playing popular games like Minecraft or Fortnite together.
Keeping your children safe and happy while stuck in the house can be a real challenge. However, if you prepare a few fun activities, they’re sure to have just as much fun as they would when playing outdoors. Remember to address common faults and make repairs long before your kids are stuck in the house. This will keep them safe, encourage exploration, and give you peace of mind.
