I need advice

[Heather M. Mellott]

I need advice


Winter is settling in, much to my dismay. The family has spent a majority of each weekend in their pajamas, sitting around the television watching movies and playing video games. I know this is not good for us, but its soooo cold. (I grew up in Florida, and every Kansas winter I threaten to relocate the family south and whine.) I was thinking about taking the family bowling today to get out of the house...but I need some other ideas other than shopping (I have three boys, and much to my displeasure, shopping to them is equivilant of ....well, i cant think of anything worse, actually. They would probably say getting a root canal is ALMOST as bad as shopping.)

Yes, i know i own an artists market, and i enjoy so very much watching OTHER peoples children creating..but I have tried to get my boys involved in a project, and it usually ends ten minutes later with my boys fighting and complaining about how bored they are.

I have asked them what they would like to do. They say, "sit around in our pajamas all day playing video games."

So...any advice would be appreciated.

[Katy Ryan]

I sympathize! I become a hermit crab in the winter, and while it's good for my craft projects and reading list, it's not always good for my sanity. I like the bowling idea a lot. I think it will be easier when we get some snow, because then you can bundle up the kids and head outside to sled and play. And I don't want to betray the "Local Leavenworth" campaign, but the holidays bring A LOT of activities to the Kansas City area. There are tree lightings, concerts, open houses and other related events that could make for a great day trip. I know Zona Rosa and The Legends are hosting various activities, and you can also head to downtown KC for ice skating at Crown Center or spend the day at the Nelson-Atkins museum.
If you do choose to stay in, could you convince your kids to swap the video games for the occasional book or board game? And they could still stay in their pj's :)

[Jennifer Brenneman]

The community center is a great place to work off the boy energy. Indoor basketball, swimming, running, and anything else you decide to play. And it's inexpensive.

The library is a fun place to just hang out at. You can play chess or checkers and look through tons of books. I find that most people only go there when they are on a mission. It is so much more fun when you are just there to browse and they usually have stuff going on in the kid room on Saturdays.

My boy (11) is outside all the time regardless of weather. This weekend he spent most of his time in a huge leaf pile with other neighborhood kids at Jefferson park (11th & Kiowa, I think).

I'll put my thinking cap on and see if I can come up with more ideas...

[Heather M. Mellott]

Thanks for the great ideas! I hadnt thought of the community center or the library. I appreciate it!

[Echo Fairbanks]

Don't forget about the roller rink.

[Heather M. Mellott]

ooo..thats a good one! I dont think i could get my teenagers to go, but the little one would like it! And it would be great exercise for me too!