I don’t know about you, but falling asleep to the sound of rain is one of the best things in the world for me.
The day that follows that relaxing downpour, though, is anything but fun. You wake up, the sky is heavy, and all you can picture are muddy shows and soggy playgrounds. Or, if you decide to stay in, the never-ending “Mom, I’m bored…” complaints.
Here’s a crazy thought – step outside first thing in the morning. Breathe in that fresh, almost sweet air. Look at the puddles glittering across the driveway. And don’t the trees look even greener than they did yesterday? You see, this day doesn’t have to be a write-off unless you make it one.
Kids don’t see the ground as a problem; why should you?
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What to Do After Rain
I’m into making plans, and I’d advise you to do the same so you can prepare for the day ahead. Why let rain surprise you when you can prepare for it? A weather API can help you there, so look up some weather API pricing plans online and thank me later.
Now, let’s get into the fun stuff.
Literally.
Puddle Jumping
Aren’t puddles great? Even if you don’t think they are, I bet your kids would agree with me.
For kids, a puddle isn’t a mess on the ground but a tiny pool waiting to be splashed in. Let them run straight through the water, and you’ll love seeing their little faces light up when the water splashes higher than their boots.
To keep everyone safe, stick to shallow puddles only. If you can’t see the bottom, it’s a no-no. Puddles on busy roads should be avoided, too, as well as those with murky water.
Nature Walks
Rain almost brings nature back to life, so taking a walk in nature after it’s rained is something you don’t want to miss.
The greens are brighter, the leaves and grass smell stronger, and, best of all, there are little creatures that come out of hiding, so be careful where you step. You’ll see worms wriggling across paths and snails taking their slimy strolls on walls. If you’re lucky, you may even see a frog or two hanging out next to a puddle.
Trust me; your kids will love this. It will be like a secret world that only shows up after rain (which it is). Point those little details out and ask them questions about what they see. Who knows, they might even learn something.
Fun in the Backyard
If you don’t feel like going out, go into the garden.
Rainwater makes the ground softer, which means it’s easier for your kids to dig around and plant. Show them how the plants look refreshed, with leaves that might have grown overnight.
This is also the time to check how flowers and vegetables are doing after being soaked. Kids love to get messy (and it’s good for them!), and this is their chance to make mud pies and build small canals with sticks.
Creative Photography Moments
Once the rain stops, some places that are usually ordinary can start looking like something you’d normally only see in paintings.
Puddles become little mirrors that reflect the sky and buildings, and this is your chance to capture some playful family photos. Bring a camera (or at least make sure your phone is charged) and let the kids splash into puddles while you snap shots of their reflections.
The soft light of a cloudy sky is perfect for photos because it makes colors pop without harsh shadows.
How to Stay Comfortable and Be Prepared for Damp Days
First, everyone has to be dressed properly.
Layers will keep you all warm without overheating. Rain boots and waterproof jackets are a must because your kids will want to splash around. Remember that fabrics that dry quickly are every parent’s best friend because they make dealing with puddles and spills much, much easier.
Second, bring extras. These would be kid-sized umbrellas and a couple of spare towels that you can keep in your car or backpack. If you’re taking the car and you have the room, a waterproof blanket might come in handy. Remind your kids that safety comes first and tell them that they need to be careful while walking on slippery paths. They also need to dry off properly so they don’t get a cold.
More than anything, though, this is about mindset. If you have a positive outlook, the surprises that come with rainy days won’t feel like problems but like stories in the making.
Wet shoes? A perfect excuse for hot cocoa. Muddy clothes? A funny memory you tell over doing laundry.
All you need to turn a soggy morning into something to laugh about is a change in attitude.
Conclusion
It’s all about how you decide to approach things.
If you wake up cranky because it’s grey and damp, your kids will mimic your crankiness. If you look at the day ahead as a possibility for adventure, they will, too. Attitude is everything, so why not choose to be happy and positive?
A little rain never hurt anyone.
