With summer vacation on the horizon, parents are always on the look out for some boredom buster that don’t involve the television or hand held video games. It’s so easy to turn to those convenient devices but if you can stimulate a little creativity in your little one once in awhile, you might find amazing results. At amazingmoms.com they’ve put together a few great ideas to help steer kids to using their imaginations over zoning out in front of the TV. You can turn these into games for playdates, family reunions, backyard gatherings, and birthday parties too!
Here’s a few of our favorites:
The Idea Box
This can really end up being the ultimate resource for rainy days. Start with a shoe or tissue box and have your child decorate any way they like. Every time someone comes up with an idea or activity they want to do, write it down on a slip of paper. Then, when the “I’m bored’s” start up, send them to their Idea Box. Since it will be filled with activities they suggested, they are bound to find something to do that sounds appealing!
Look At Me
This is great for preschool to early grade school age. Have your child study your appearance for a few minutes. Then ask them to leave the room. Change one small thing like removing an earring or put your hair up if it was down. Then ask them what is different. As the game goes on change 2 or 3 things at a time or let the child be the one who changes his or her appearance and you guess what’s different.
Secret Code
This is great for older kids. Have the kids assign a symbol for each letter of the alphabet. Once they’ve established the code, they can send secret messages back and forth and work to decode them. You can turn it into a treasure hunt type game and leave coded messages to find the reward. Could be a great birthday party game! Perfect for playdates or family gatherings with lots of kids to entertain!
For more boredom busters, check out amazingmoms.com
