The big storm has come and gone. You’ve assessed the damage, and whew—you dodged a bullet. But, there’s no electricity. And there might not be any for days. Your kids are out of school and starting to climb the walls. It’s times like these when you really start to miss the old electronic babysitter….
Here are some ideas on how to keep the little critters happy until the 21st century is revived:
1. Don’t Go It Alone
If the whole neighborhood or general area is out (and even if it’s not), don’t go it alone. It’s going to get really boring for you and your kid to play alone at your house. It could be sweltering. It could be cold. It’s probably dim and the walls are closing in fast.
The solution? Get together with friends. The kids will instantly be happier to play with others, and even better: they might invent their own games! You can visit with your friends, and time will stop ticking. by. so. slowly.
2. Build Forts
Remember forts? Awesome forts made with all the sheets, quilts, and blankets in the linen closet? The ones you never want to encourage because it’s kind of a pain to put away? Now’s the time to let your angels become a construction crew. Let them move furniture. Let them figure out how to make it big, and dark, with multiple “hallways” and “rooms.” Let them build and rebuild. They’ll be entertained for hours. Because forts are awesome.
3. Actually Play with Toys
You know all that money you spent on blocks and Barbies? Maybe it’s time to get them out of the toy chest. A lot of toys don’t even require batteries. If your child is a device-addict, some of these oldies might even seem new again.
4. Read Books
Depending on the age of your child, you could start to read an age-appropriate book out loud to your family. Most kids love being read to (so do adults). It’ll feel very 1800s-chic to sit around the parlor, reading as a family.
5. Board Games
Yatzi! Or, God-forbid, the never-ending games that are Candy Land or Monopoly. Or maybe it’s time to teach a few card games? Even very young children (three and up) can play Go Fish or Memory with a deck of cards.
6. Arts and Crafts
Bust out the construction paper, paint, Play-Do, and markers. Let your kids make anything they want. Sure it might get a little messy, but as long as you have water, it’s no big deal. You could even do it outdoors if the temperature is right. Hey, at least it’s light out there….
7. Hide and Go Seek
This is obviously way more fun in the dark. You can hide in plain sight. You can sneak up on people. It elevates the game. Just don’t terrify the little ones! (Or lose them.)
8. Hit up the Mall
Make like a teenager and hit the mall (does that even happen these days?). There are lights, AC, and hot food! Bonus points if your mall has a playground in it.
Life without power is a pain—especially if you’re just ready to get back to normal after a big storm. But until it’s restored, it could be a great way to bond and play with your kids in a way you otherwise wouldn’t. They’ll probably have more fun doing these things than they would watching TV or playing a video game anyway! It’s true: there can be fun without electricity.