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When the cold comes through and we’re all bundled up inside, I say, “Let’s make the most of it!” Winter is a time to slow down, connect, and pass on those life skills that keep the family strong. For us, it’s all about balance—creating structure without stress and making memories that warm the soul. Let me share how we’re turning this season into a celebration of faith, creativity, and community.
Cooking with Love: A 10-Day Kid-Friendly Menu
Cooking isn’t just about food; it’s about passing down love and competency. This winter, I’m teaching the kids to hold it down in the kitchen with these simple, fun recipes:
1. Personal pizzas – Tortillas or English muffins, sauce, cheese, and any topping that feels right. (My crew loves turkey pepperoni!)
2. Breakfast parfaits – We layer yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit like they’re on a cooking show.
3. Grilled cheese & tomato soup – The ultimate comfort food combo. Add a sprinkle of seasoning to make it pop.
4. DIY trail mix – Almonds, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, and maybe a few chocolate chips for fun.
5. Taco Tuesday – Ground turkey, beans, cheese, lettuce, and salsa. Let the kids set up a taco bar!
6. Mini muffins – Banana, blueberry, or chocolate chip, baked with a dash of love.
7. Fruit skewers – Grapes, melon, strawberries, and a little honey-yogurt dip to keep it fancy.
8. "Freestyle cooking challenge" – I give them a mystery ingredient and see what they come up with.
Teaching them to cook is about more than food—it’s about pride, independence, and keeping our health vibrant.
Screen Time That Speaks to Us
Sometimes, screen time is a lifesaver, but it doesn’t have to mean mindless scrolling. Here are a few apps and games that keep the kids learning:
Lexia, is provided by my kid's school and it has helped my little ones learn so much!
Prodigy keeps math fun and competitive.
Epic! is full of books by diverse authors, so our kids see themselves in the stories.
Toca Lab sparks curiosity about science.
We keep tech time to 30 minutes , but I love that these options are as enriching as they are engaging.
Get Crafty with What You’ve Got
Winter is the perfect time to get creative, especially when you can do it on a dime. These projects are easy, affordable, and so much fun:
Paper snowflakes with a twist – We color them or sprinkle them with glitter.
Sock puppets – Old socks and buttons become characters with names and backstories.
Linen masterpieces – Castles, forts, or even a miniature Bluey house!
Nature art – Twigs, pinecones, and rocks become colorful works of art with a little paint.
Crafting is where self expression meets creativity in our house, and the results are always one-of-a-kind.
Playdates with Purpose
Playdates are my secret weapon for breaking up those long winter days. I team up with my talented friend who sings, and together we create magic for the kids:
Sing-alongs – We bring out all our kids' instruments and even play some instrumentals.
Collaborative art projects – The kids work together to create a mural that celebrates winter and faith.
Storytime with a twist – We focus on books with Christmas, Advent, or winter themes.
Games like Freeze Dance – Add some Christmas R&B or Afrobeat, and it’s a party!
Snacks are a must. We serve popcorn, veggie sticks, and a hot cocoa bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles. It’s simple but keeps everyone happy.
Building a Village, One Winter Day at a Time
Winter is a reminder of the strength of our community. I’ve started rotating playdate hosting with my parent friends, and we’ve turned it into something bigger. One parent leads a STEM activity, another teaches a little African drumming, and I host art sessions.
Winter may keep us inside, but that doesn’t mean we can’t thrive. By focusing on family, faith, and community, we’re making this season a time of growth, joy, and connection. I hope these ideas inspire you to create your own cozy, creative winter traditions.
Stay Rooted,
Shanelle
Shanelle Koroma is a mental health therapist, life/wellness coach, and Co-Founder of the Ujima Retreat Center.
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