SHARE: Entertaining Kids During a Power Outage

We all know that dreaded feeling when the lights flicker and everything in the house powers down. For many parents, the big worry (after safety and food concerns, of course) is how the kids will react to no lights, no air conditioning, no TV and no electronic devices.

With the possibility of power outages and severe storms, Patch asked for suggestions about keeping kids entertained.

Michelle Lyon left a comment on Severna Park Facebook: "Board games! We love them and hardly ever have time to play anymore!" Other suggestions included books and charging your iPad.

Here are some of the most popular ideas posted on Facebook:

• Relive the "good old days" by reading books or playing board and card games by candlelight/flashlight
• Stock up on batteries and then play flashlight tag
• Take turns telling ghost stories or other types of stories
• Gather ingredients for treats that don't require cooking like trail mixes and no-bake cookies
• Build blanket forts
• Dig out the coloring books and crayons, word or number game books
• Keep cool with super soakers or squirt guns

TELL US: What are your tricks for keeping the kids occupied when the power is out? Leave a comment below.