Instead of letting your older child stare at the computer or lose themselves in an electronic game on the next rainy day, bring out a rainy day toy that will get them moving, laughing, and having a ton of fun.

One favorite is the classic Nerf. If you have older kids, a Nerf war can be the best way to spend time when they're not outside. Nothing is better than creating strategy for attack, letting those soft foam darts fly, and getting "killed.

One of the best ways to develop a child's fine motor and cognitive skills is through simple jigsaw puzzles.

Jigsaw puzzles help prepare young children for reading, because it gives them the needed eye coordination. The younger you start children with puzzles, the better. Studies have shown that children who create puzzles under the age of three have better self confidence and problem solving skills than children who do not.