Back by popular demand is guest blogger Naomi who has a United States passport, but considers herself a global citizen and currently lives in New Delhi, India. Along for the great adventure is her husband, one teenage traveler, two little citizens and an Indian street dog. She blogs about their life (including an upcoming relocation to Singapore) at Delhi Bound [https://delhibound.com].
Going off my experience of living in a climate where it’s often “TOO HOT!” outside to play, I will share my favorite things to do with children that encourage creativity, kindness and exploration.
The temperatures are rising all across the United States, and in the warm climate areas of the world, and kids are saying those dreaded three words, “Mama, I’m bored.”
We have some sure-fire crafts, activities and things to do that will help to beat the heat.
First, our favorite. Using ice cube trays, fill them with water that is tinted with either liquid watercolor or food coloring (if your children are older). Freeze until solid, then after removing them from the tray, place them strategically on a piece of white fabric that is laying directly in the sun. Move them around every so often to distribute the melting colors, and end up with a beautiful piece of art, with all of the hard work being done by the sun.
Even if you do not own an ice cream maker, using a resealable bag can be just as much fun (and it doesn’t take nearly as long). Place 1/2 cup of both milk and heavy whipping cream, along with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 tsp vanilla into a quart size resealable bag. Put two cups of ice into a gallon size resealable bag. At 1/2 – 3/4 cup of salt to the ice. Place the sealed liquid bag into gallon bag and seal tightly. Massage, rock and shimmy-shake the large bag for 10-15 minutes. Keep shaking and massaging the bags until the mixture feels like ice cream.
Get a bucket, some liquid detergent from the kitchen, some sponges and wash the car. Of course, parents may want to have the last rinse, to ensure that no suds are baked onto your vehicle.
Combine an indoor picnic with a mid-afternoon dance party. Nothing beats the heat like some indoor munching and boogeying.
Last but not least, create an indoor snowball game. Roll up white socks into themselves, making balls. Using the couch in your living room or a dining room chair, create protective “base” walls and go to town throwing snowballs at your family members (being sure to remove any breakables before Operation Snowball begins.
