Organize for an fun, eventful winter

Last winter's subzero temperatures and mountains of snow still fresh in her mind, Schaumburg mom Karen Chowanski already is bracing herself.

To beat the winter blues during cooler months, Chowanski and her 3-year-old daughter, Hannah, attend open play on Tuesday afternoons at the Schaumburg Park District's indoor playground. But some days, as was the case last winter when temperatures averaged just 22 degrees between December and March according to the National Weather Service, leaving the house just isn't possible. Then there was the snow - almost 80 inches of it recorded at O'Hare International Airport by the end of the season.

"You just sit inside and turn on a movie," Chowanski said. "There's just not much to do."

Although multiple days of dangerously freezing weather and school cancellations can create a little too much togetherness for families, experts say prepping now for the possibility of another "polar vortex" will keep the household running smoothly and help reduce stress.

"The more kids you have, the more challenging it can become, especially when you're in the house more," said professional organizer Jane Carroo, owner of the Clutter Coach Co. in Inverness. "Everybody gets cabin fever."

Have a launch/landing pad

Carroo recommends starting to organize the home early so everything has a place - particularly all those winter hats, gloves and scarves that end up tangled in a ball or go missing. Individual baskets personalized with kids' names or pictures can be a fun way to keep winter gear in one spot while encouraging youngsters to stay organized. Place these near an entry so children have an area to pause as they come in and out of the cold.

"It's kind of a launchpad for them and a place for them to land," Carroo said.

Keeping toys and games neat and accessible when the kids are spending more time indoors creates a more relaxing environment, Carroo said. Zippered freezer bags are useful for storing puzzles and toys with small pieces, while well-labeled plastic containers can house all those board games that will inevitably get dragged out on snow days. Storage containers are available that can separate LEGO pieces by size, Carroo said. Parents also can prevent clutter by allowing youngsters to work on only one puzzle or game at a time and rotating toys, which also helps keep little minds engaged.

"I think children really crave order," Carroo said. "When things get all jumbled up it starts to frustrate them where they can't make sense out of it."

Encourage independent play

Creating a space that allows young imaginations to run wild also is key to surviving those long winter days when school is canceled yet again, said Danielle Kurtz, creative director for The Land of Nod in Morton Grove. Teepees, playhouses and art easels can help kids stay occupied for large chunks of time and also spark creativity. Make sure kids' bedrooms and play areas are safe from hazards so they can play without constant supervision, giving mom and dad a much-needed breather.

"As the winter drags on it can feel like your house literally is closing in on you," Kurtz said. "Be sure to create opportunities for independent play as well as some fun whole-family activities."

Stock up on (healthy) staples

When it's 14 degrees below zero (Chicago actually hit that temp in January) a well-stocked pantry and freezer is a must. Staples such as loaves of whole grain bread can be frozen now, said Toby Smithson, a registered dietitian in Vernon Hills and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nut butters also are good to have on hand, as well as whole grain crackers, canned fruit packed in its own juices, dried fruit and nuts. Bananas also freeze well, Smithson said, serving as an excellent pinch hitter for smoothies and other healthy treats when driving to the store is impossible.

"You could make it a celebration or a holiday," Smithson said. "When you're off school, that's always a holiday. It's adding a lot more fun to the stress."

Crank down the heat

Anyone can be prone to the winter blues, particularly toddler-aged children with boundless energy to expend, said Elizabeth Ziemann, a family medicine physician for Northwest Community Healthcare Medical Group in Buffalo Grove. Try to get outside with the kids on the days when it's not too cold. Indoors, keep their little bodies active by setting up obstacle courses, bowling games and other activities, Ziemann said. Adequate lighting, lavender-scented essential oils and aromatherapy candles also can reduce moodiness, said Ziemann, who has a 15-month old daughter. She also suggests turning down the furnace at night.

"When everyone is sleeping, keeping it cool is important," Ziemann said. "You don't have to freeze, but no one likes being hot. It makes everyone agitated."

Quick fix

Need a fun and quick breakfast or lunch to energize little ones? Try banana sushi.

1. Spread any type of nut butter on a whole-wheat tortilla.

2. Place a whole banana at one end of the tortilla and roll it inside.

Slice into bite-size pieces and serve. Can also be modified with apples or another fruit.

Source: Toby Smithson, spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Beat winter boredom

• Stay prepared with projects kids can work on independently during snow days.

• Keep a few special toys stashed in the closet that can be taken out when everyone is stuck inside.

• Keep kids moving with quick dance parties, a beanbag toss, indoor hopscotch or Bozo buckets. Be active and silly.

• Be inspired by your own childhood fun. Build a blanket fort in the living room or drag a mattress off a bed, pop some popcorn and watch a favorite old movie.

Source: Danielle Kurtz, creative director for Land of Nod in Morton Grove