East-coasters who’ve  been cooped up at home for the storm: I feel your pain. It was barely even nap time at our home and I was almost ready to tear my hair out. So far, we’ve put on a pot of chicken chili, played trains, read what feels like a hundred books, dealt with several tantrums and had two, um, “time-outs.” There’s a lot of contained energy here in this little apartment! We’ve also taped up the windows and gone on the last “essentials” run (batteries, water, munchies) and are hunkering down to be here what could be much, much longer. So I was wondering, what are other families doing to pass the time — and prep for the worst (which I’m hoping doesn’t happen) during Hurricane Sandy? Here’s what a few others said:

“After naps, we’ll carve the pumpkin.” – Reb825sbaby

“Baking, cartoons and painting and carving pumpkins!” – Hopestweety

“Crafts, floor hockey, puzzles, books, video games. And it’s only been half a day! I’m exhausted.” — Abby

“We bathed the kids before the storm hit (so we could stretch it out if power goes out and we don’t have hot water). Filled the refrigerator with containers full of water. Got out all the board and card games and books. I’ve spent most of today cleaning and doing laundry ‘just in case’ we are without power for days. Now I just need to keep the kids from playing with the flash lights and wasting the batteries!” – Meghan

“We did mess-less finger paint, puzzles and Wii. I’m exhausted [too].” – Alyssa

Looking for more ideas? Check out these cool things to do with baby indoors. Whatever you’re doing, here’s hoping you’re safe and happy (and don’t go too crazy!).

What are you doing at home during the storm? How have you prepared your family for potential disaster?

Plus, more from The Bump:

25 Things to Do With a Baby or Toddler

Toddler Craft Ideas (That Won’t Stress You Out)

10 Annoying Toddler Habits (and How to Deal)

Give a kid a brush and a jar of paint, and there’s a chance they’ll create something amazing — and a sure thing that they’ll create a huge mess. But, we found a cool paint project that keeps kids entertained and the walls (and floor, and table, and everthing else) clean — even if you’ve got a young toddler. Check it out!

What’s your favorite mess-free craft?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Easy (And Fun!) Art Projects for Babies

Toddler Craft Ideas (That Won’t Stress You Out)

Baby Nursery Ideas and Decor