Ideas for when you have "one of those days"...

[breathingmom]

I'm thinking ahead to the winter and wanting to put together a list of creative alternatives for days when everything seems to be falling apart. Do you have any great ideas for such days? (My kids are 7, 5, and 5).

Do you find getting out of the house helps? If so, where is your favorite place to go?

TIA!!
~Jill

[phathui5]

We:
* go to the library
* the playground
* a museum
* paint (messy, but fun)

[isadore]

We go to an assistant living community (a nursing home might be a bit scary and hard for kids to understand at such a young age)...only if my kids are healthy; I would hate to get one of the seniors ill. The seniors love seeing the kids, and they have such great stories and lessons to teach. It's a good opportunity to show your kids the awesome gifts seniors have to offer. I was born at a time when most people are sending their kids to college (my mom was 52, my dad 60). I have just a respect and love for old fashion ways and wisdom. My husband's grandmother is 94, and she tells my son all sorts of stories about one room, all grade schools, no cars, NO TV...
Holly

[breathingmom]

phathui5, thank you for the great ideas! Isadore, I love your idea!! I live in a fairly large community, how would I go about doing this? Did you just call up someone? Who would I ask for if I called? Thanks!

~Jill

[isadore]

I'd look in the phone book for an assisted living community and call. Tell them you would like to visit and meet some of the seniors and when would be a good time. I'm sure they'll be open to you visiting. The seniors love seeing the kids! Near the holidays, I dress my kids in their holloween customs, or Christmas outfits, etc and the seniors just glow to see the kids "all dressed up". Let me know if you find something. My four year old has learned so much from people over 70! He has a very positive view of seniors....
Holly

[khrisday]

I hate to say it, but one of favorite places for "one of those days" is the local mall. Triple digit days, especially, since it's enclosed and air conditioned. The kids love to walks around and look at things and we have actually learned some pretty interesting things there. The library, beach or river, public pool, book store, or pet store are also faves.