How to Entertain Kids During an Ice Storm

Keeping the kids happy when they have to remain cooped up in the house because of an ice storm can be an adventure all its own. Keep an open mind and realize that life is more than our electronic gadgets. Here are some tips on what to do when power is out and it's just you and the kids as entertainment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Prepare yourself mentally by realizing that with an ice storm, you and the kids will be limited in what you can do outside the house. To entertain yourselves well, you'll need to accept a different mentality for the duration. Anticipate problems as living in close quarters for an extended period will cause friction; be ready to soothe jangled nerves and take steps beforehand to prevent friction from occurring.
2. Set up light source material before you lose power. Candles are a cheap, effective source of light during an ice storm, and they lend a comfortable atmosphere to your home. Be sure you have enough candles and matches to last as long as power is out, a time period that can easily stretch into days.
3. Set up several games ahead of time, if you know that the ice storm is coming. Remember that power will be out, so you'll have to think of board games and various arts and crafts that can be done in low light and that can keep kids challenged and occupied for long stretches of time.
4. Break out the instruments. This is a great time to have your own "open mic night" and showcase the musical talents in your family. With an ice storm outside, you'll notice that you can entertain each other very well with such an activity that might otherwise be overlooked or undervalued.
5. Use a battery-operated radio to keep track of events outside. If you have access to a short-wave radio, it can be interesting and educational for kids to keep track of all the efforts of emergency crews as they clean up during and in the aftermath of the ice storm.
6. Walk around outside. Don't forget that an ice storm produces amazingly beautiful and intricate organic ice shapes and forms over trees, fences, cars and plant life. Be safe, but don't stay cooped up in your house or apartment for the duration if you don't have to.
7. Be aware of safety issues inside and outside of the house. Rather than distract your children from what's going on, be honest with them about the situation, and have them help locate problem areas such as downed power lines and so on, that require the immediate attention of emergency personnel. Use this opportunity to teach your kids about all the implications of an ice storm.