St.Patrick's Day Activities...With Kids.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! 

Yea, those words don't really elicit the same feelings they use to before you got pregnant and had kids right? Before it was all about partying, hanging out with friends, and pinching people. Though it still may involve pinching people there is no partying in your future kiddo, but that's ok because that's what this whole journey is all about: Change. When it comes to parenthood, I've learned that change is usually a good thing.

Fun is all about seeing her smile when I walk into the room, listening to her babble and tickling her instead of any of that old crap that use to fill up my time. What I'm saying is: Cheer up mama, you've made it to the big leagues, the show. Instead of dealing with a hangover, and some very bad regrets the next morning might I suggest these things to do if you're pregnant or if you've got kids:

1. Rent a few St. Patrick's Day flicks and cuddle up on the couch. Check out this site for some top Patty's day favorites, the movies are described pretty well so you know what's acceptable for the kiddos and which ones should only be watched after they go to bed. They did forget Disney's Brave and Maid of Honor which I count as an Irish movie. Before you start the marathon though be sure to make some tasty treats centered around the green holiday. Check out this list by Handmade and Craft for a few ideas.

2. If yours are still little and into coloring go find a leprechaun together. Print out this little guy and let your little one color him up, maybe add some glitter if you're feeling really giddy. Then during naptime go hide him somewhere with a few chocolate "gold" pieces with him. When your little one wakes up play a game of hotter or colder to help him or her figure out where the leprechaun is hiding. When its over let them hide it for you to guess.

3. Speaking of those gold coins: hide them in random places all over the house (you can buy them at the dollar tree). Let them know that the kid who collects the most coins gets a full night of no chores, or gets to pick whatever movie everyone watches. If you are without kiddos this year take those same coins and distribute them evenly between you and Hubby. Pick a word that you guys say all the time and ban it for the day. Whenever someone says it they have to give up a coin to the other person, the one with the most coins wins a foot massage or a night of no dishes duty, whatever floats your boat!

4. Make a few non-alcoholic mocktails, grab some props from the dollar store like the cat in the picture is wearing and play some board games together. You guys already know how much I love board games and you can let whichever kid has the most chocolate coins pick the game.

5. Go outside and look for four leaf clovers. Ok odds are you probably aren't going to find any, but you will be getting some awesome bonding time plus some sunshine and fresh air. Encourage your kids to search together and if you're really feeling up to it plan a picnic or just some light snacks on a blanket. When the search is over head home and show them how to draw a clover by drawing three hearts with points touching together and a stem.

6. Visit the library and let them pick out a few St. Patrick's Day themed books, there are actually a lot more than you might think. Swing by Mc.Donalds and pick up some shamrock shakes for everyone or make them yourself. Snuggle together on the couch and take turns reading your books.

This might not be a holiday you fondly remember celebrating ( if you EVER remember celebrating this one) but your kids are sure to remember the memories you're making with them and that's all that matters anyway.

Submitted to The Weekend Bloggy Reading Link Party over at Serenity Now