When the weather just isn't cooperating, moms and dads need indoor activities to keep the kiddos occupied and engaged. I'm all for an occasional TV show here and there, but I wouldn't want to lean on that crutch too hard.  I'd like to have a slew of fun activities for indoor play that don't include a screen.  I'm hoping to post on indoor activities every now and then to keep a list going. If you have a special activity, please feel free to comment.

An activity I'm looking forward to is reading The Gingerbread Man, followed by making gingerbread cookies!

One thing I would like to do for my son is to instill in him a desire to help others, especially those less fortunate.  I figure the first way he will learn this is by watching his parents.  I will be trying to set an example for him in a few ways.  One way I will do this is by making blessing bags for the homeless.  

"What's a blessing bag?" you say. Well, let me tell you!

A blessing bag is a gift you can give a homeless person instead of money.  The blessing bag I recently made was a gallon ziplock bag filled with:

•  travel size essential toiletries (deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, and a toothbrush)
• an applesauce cup
• a granola bar 
• some utensils

When I make these again, I'll probably add laundry detergent, a pair or socks, and enough quarters to do a load of laundry at the laundromat. 

This weekend, I was able to give away my first blessing bag.  While I was nervous about it at first, the gift was well received.  I'm looking forward to this becoming a habit that I can pass down to my son. 

If you are interested in making blessing bags, there are a ton of ideas for them on Pinterest.

Do you have certain activities to do with children that teach kindness and caring for those who are less fortunate?