Need ideas for the "I'm bored!" blues? There are
tons of things that you and your children can do
that require little or no additional expense.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
FUN ACTIVITIES:
I Spy - To play this game simply choose an object
within eyeshot and state the letter that it begins
with. For example, if your object is a candle you
say "I spy with my little eye, something beginning
with 'C' " Each family member takes turns guessing
what object you spied. Whoever guesses the object
gets to go next.
Coloring - It is quite possible that there is not
a child on this planet that does not enjoy coloring
with crayons and markers. Pick up coloring books at
the dollar store and keep them up high for
special "boredom days".
Hide It - Hide an object in an obvious place. For
example, place your portable telephone on top of
the television. The first person to find the
telephone gets to pick the next object and hide
it. The only rule is that the object cannot
actually be "hidden", it must be in a visible
place and not hidden from view.
Puzzles - What a great way for the family to
spend some relaxing time together. Puzzles
come in all shapes and sizes, different age
ranges and difficulty levels.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:
Picnic at Home - Have a picnic on the front lawn.
Spread a blanket out and enjoy some sandwiches,
fresh fruit, and chips. Don't forget the fruit
juice! If the weather does not permit for such
outdoor festivities, you can enjoy your picnic
in the living room.
Backyard Camping - Who says you have to travel
and pay for camping space? Set up your tent in
the backyard, roast marshmallows on the grill,
and sit around and tell ghost stories. In " The
Kids Campfire Book" you will find a variety of
stories, songs, games, and outdoor activities.
Gardening - If possible, allow your children to
have their very own planting area. If space does
not allow for it, let the kids help you plant
flowers and potted herbs. Be sure to explain the
importance of sunshine and water for proper
growth of your garden.
INDOOR ACTIVITIES:
Family Movie Night - Rent a movie from the video
store, or if you have cable, order a pay per view
movie where appropriate. Make popcorn and snuggle
up on the couch with blankets and pillows. If your
diet allows for it, include soda pop as a special
family night treat.
Hot Potato - or Hot Beanie Baby, or whatever you
have to toss around. Beanies actually work really
well if you aren't a serious collector and worry
about their condition. If you have some of the
knockoffs, they work just fine too. Have everyone
sit in a circle and toss the beanie from one
person to another, never knowing where it's going
to end up. It's a lot of fun for all the kids and
keeps them occupied for absolutely no money.
Mystery Bag - Place an object inside of a black
plastic garbage bag. First allow the children to
feel the object from outside of the bag. If they
are unable to guess what's inside, allow them to
reach into the bag and feel the object. If they
still don't know the answer, provide fun clues.
For example, if the object is a framed photo of
Mom, give hints such as "who puts bandages on
your scraped knees?" or "Daddy thinks she's
picture perfect."
FUN CRAFTS:
Paper Bag Puppets - Nothing could be easier than
taking a brown paper lunch sack and drawing on a
face. Voila, instant puppet. You can add some
color and creativity by bringing out the glue,
scissors, yarn, glitter, markers and buttons. Use
buttons for eyes, yarn for hair and markers to
decorate the face.
Paper Loop Caterpillar - You will need colored
construction paper, paper hole punch, glue, and
scissors. Cut 1-inch-wide strips of colored
construction paper. Cut and glue the strips into
various sized loops. Glue together small paper
loops. Attach paper-punch dots to decorate. Add
eyes, mouth and antennae.
Sidewalk Chalk - This recipe is for sidewalks only.
Do not use this chalk on any other surface. You
will need 4-5 eggshells, 1 teaspoon flour, 1
teaspoon very hot tap water, and food coloring
(optional). Wash & dry eggshells. Put into bowl
and grind into a powder. A mortar and pestle works
fine for this. Discard any large pieces. Place
flour and hot water in another bowl and add 1
tablespoon eggshell powder & mix until a paste
forms. Add food coloring if desired. Shape & press
mixture firmly into the shape of a chalk stick,
and roll up tightly in a strip of paper towel.
Allow to dry approximately 3 days until hard.
Remove paper towel and you've got chalk. Eggshell
chalk is for sidewalks only.
