Winter means fun indoors

Colder weather means the kids won't be outside as much as they usually are. Here are a few ideas for keeping them occupied indoors.

• Race around the house. My girls and I have been doing this for the past 2 days, and all three of them just love having me running with them. (Let me tell you, that is a sight to behold, and I'm definitely getting some much-needed exercise!)
• Have an indoor marshmallow roast. Put mini marshmallows on skewers and let your child roast them over a candle.
• Make a fort or tent out of sheets or blankets. Join your kids inside.
• Read to your child. If you already do this as part of your regular routine, think about letting him choose a couple more books than normal.
• Help your child put a puzzle together.
• Make homemade hot chocolate mix and enjoy a cup with your child.
• Work with your child on a special craft.
• Help your child make a special gift for someone.
• Line up all the chairs from the kitchen table and play train, letting your child be the engineer.

How do you keep your children occupied when they are cooped up inside?