Dear Funmom,

Kudos for wanting to do fun activities with your boy rather than making him spend all of his free time shoveling snow!  (Actually, this has been how I have been spending my evenings and mornings lately).  

The best activity you can do together is read.  Reading can be relaxing, enjoyable, and entertaining!  Teaching your boy the love of reading at a young age will prove integral for his academic career.  I suggest you establish a daily reading routine after school or before bed, if you haven't already.

Below is an assortment of activities that combine being creative with art, building, and being active.

Valentines Day Activities:
- Create Personalized Valentines Day Coupons
http://www.education.com/activity/article/valentine-day-coupons-family-members/
- Valentines Day Heart Healthy Relay
http://www.education.com/activity/article/valentine-day-healthy-heart-relay/
- Make a Heart Map
http://www.education.com/activity/article/make_a_heart_map_second/
- Make a Love Bug for Someone Special
http://www.education.com/activity/article/love-bug/

Activities relating to the 2010 Olympics:
- Throw an Olympic Sport Costume Party
http://www.education.com/activity/article/olympic-sport-costume-party/
-Bake a Batch of Maple Leaf Pancakes
http://www.education.com/activity/article/maple-leaf-pancakes/
-Make a Mini Luge Runner
http://www.education.com/activity/article/luge-runner/
-Create a Winter Olympics Flag Banner
http://www.education.com/activity/article/create-world-flags-banner/

Other Fun Activities
- Write a Letter to the President
http://www.education.com/activity/article/write-letter-president-president-day/
- Make Ethiopian Flat Bread
http://www.education.com/activity/article/ethiopian-flat-bread/
- Craft a Whirly Copter
http://www.education.com/activity/article/whirly-copter/
- Make Fortune Cookie Invitations
http://www.education.com/activity/article/fortune-cookie-cards/

Another activity you can do together is volunteer at local food pantries and/or nursing homes.  I remember delivering food with my father to the elderly and needy families during holidays, and it was extremely rewarding.  It truly taught me the value of giving, and it helped me better appreciate what I have.  Use your free time to do activities that will not only artistically and intellectually stimulate your son, but also teach him values of kindness.

I hope you find these activities helpful.  Stay warm and have fun!

Best,

Hayley