Maybe you are different than me, but my house doesn't have a large multipurpose room, nor does it have a running track inside for the kiddos to leap around...
But just because it's raining, doesn't mean all hope is lost for an amazing, or at least tolerable, day.
1. They will likely sleep in. Think about how you feel when you wake up and it's raining. It's gloomy and dark outside- if you have curtains you would probably swear it's still the middle of the night. That soft sound of the rain pitter-pattering just filters into your subconscious, taking away any of the excess sounds of the day or morning. The birds are sleeping in, or at least hiding from the rain. The annoying dog who barks at 7am is still inside, waking up it's owners, rather than you... I think it's a wonderful way to start the morning.
2. Free-play leads to creativity. When your kids are at home for an extended period of time, it might finally allow them some of the unled totally unstructured freeplay that they need. There have been so many studies recently that discuss the needs of our children when it comes to play. That they need to have not just recess, but serious time to devote to whatever makes them happy. This can seem challenging, especially when they want you to 'play' to, but it's important for our children to take the lead. The many hours of a day of rain can help give your kids that opportunity.
3. Family-play leads to fun memories. I know I just said that you should let your kiddos play by themselves, but let's also consider the wonderful opportunity to do that activity that usually takes to long. Baking cookies or a pie. Building a huge tent fort. Maybe you finally take out all 14 sets of blocks you have and build the larges block tower ever- go for that world record! These types of experiences are hard to come by, between the errands, the preschool class, etc.... the obligations of life. Here's baby Ocho (not quite a baby anymore) helping bake.... and making a lovely mess of it too!
4. Rain play is awesome and totally fun. This is the plan when the kiddos wake up. No shoes, pants or shorts with rain jackets. Out to the park will go we. To enjoy all that rainy weather has to offer. Puddles and mud and earthworms. And I know, you are worried about colds, and laundry and all the other things. But I promise it will be okay. No, I'm not a doctor, but an hour or two enjoying the rain and the mud won't give your kid a cold. Plus it's fun to jump into the bubble bath when you are done in the rain anyways!
5. Watching Nature at work. If going outside seems like it's to scary or crazy for you, at least make sure the kids stand at an open window or door for a bit. Watch the water go by. Grab an umbrella and stand underneath it. Listen to the sounds of nature. Rain storms are a perfect time for your children to see G-d in action. To understand that G-d has an impact on the world in a physical way. Sometimes we forget that G-d gives us the sun, but it's so much easier to see when the world is covered in gray and rain.
At the very least, the rain won't last forever. And there are MILLIONS of posts and ideas about how to occupy your kids in the house in the rain. So jump online or pinterest to see all those crazy ideas too. Just remember that rather than "the man who bumped his head and couldn't get up in the morning," the next time you see rain think "raindrops are falling on my head, but that dosen't mean my eyes will soon be turning red"
Here's to rainy days!
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