Rainy Day Box: Beat Boredom and Irritability with This Fun Filled Box!

A rainy day box can be a life saver for parents on those days when children are bored and irritable. A rainy day box is not just for use when it is raining, but also at times when the day seems to be never ending and your children are just unable to occupy themselves. A rainy day box is a box full of new diversions, unusual objects and lots of fun. If you stock your rainy day box and keep it in a secret location, your children will always be excited to see what is in the box when you bring it out. Keep the mystery alive by rotating items and adding new items as needed. So, what exactly should be in a rainy day box? Well, that is up to you, your children and your finances but here are some ideas.

Ideas for a Rainy Day Box

Simple craft kits

board games

crayons and markers - special colors, scents or types

stickers

temporary tattoos

small wrapped presents

a special book or two

new toys

particular toys that are only played with on these days

an "idea book" full of activities and crafts to do with your child

The basic idea behind the rainy day box is not to get it out every day or even every rainy day. You want this box to be an extra special treat. When your children are especially bored or irritable with being cooped up or when your day just seems like it will last forever and you need something to help occupy your kids, that is when you get out the rainy day box. Plan to allow each child to choose one item from the box. Also allow each child to pick an activity from an idea book if you have one. Activities that may be listed in your idea book could be anything from a new cookie recipe for the children to help you bake to instructions on how to put on a puppet show. You can find ideas for these activities on line or in many children's magazines.

You do not have to spend a fortune stocking your rainy day box. Keep your eyes open when you are shopping and watch for clearance items, after holiday sales and specials. Also keep watch at garage sales for cheap toys and games. You can almost always find simple toys and games for as little as a quarter each. If they are small items, you can just place them in the box. For larger items or special things, wrap them up! Everybody loves to unwrap presents. If you are buying school supplies or art supplies for your child, purchase extra unusual items for your rainy day box.