HELP! I'M BORED!

National Network for Child Care's Connections Newsletter

Rebecca Douglas
Extension Educator
Family Life
Decatur Extension Center, Decatur, Illinois

Copyright/Access Information

Parents and caregivers alike dread hearing, "I'm bored. There's nothing to do." Bored children will find something to do, but it may not be on their parents' list of recommended activities. The next time your kids are restless, try one of these activities.

• With your finger, trace a design on your child's back. See if she can tell what it is. If your child can read, try spelling out words. Draw slowly, and give your child a turn to draw on your back.
  
• If your child can read, use a mirror to reverse the words in a magazine article. See if your child can read it backwards.
  
• Play finger pool. Scrunch a piece of paper into a small ball. Take turns flicking it back and forth across the kitchen table, or find a place to play and move the game outdoors.
  
• Take a walk together, and collect sticks and stones. Later, sort the sticks and stones by size, laying out the largest, the next largest, etc.
  
• Make paper airplanes. See how far can you get them to fly.
  
• Make a wish list. Everyone should know that wishes don't always come true, but it's fun to do anyway.
  
• Cut up old magazines, and paste pictures onto newspaper. It makes a mess, and kids love it.
  
• Make your own recording. Sing songs into a cassette tape. Grandparents especially appreciate receiving such a tape.
  
• Use blankets, sheets, and clothespins to make tents. Let children have a snack and take a nap in the tent.
  
• Read a book. It sounds revolutionary, but it cures boredom every time.