| It's raining outside and you're bored | | | | try out different educational websites. |
| today. Actually you aren't so bored, but | | | | There are tons of websites provided that |
| you are really tired of hearing how | | | | teach various things or involve games |
| bored your kids are. They whine, they | | | | that are educational rather than edgy |
| cry, they sulk, and you're losing it. | | | | and inappropriate. The best part of all |
| Why not turn off the television and try | | | | is that they are free! |
| something a little out of the ordinary | | | | 3. Bake up a storm. Kids love to help |
| if your family has the rainy day blues? | | | | bake things. Dig in the pantry for some |
| 1. Discover new toys. If your kids are | | | | sugar cookies or cake mix and whip up a |
| like mine, they have a room bursting | | | | batch. Let the kids help stir, and as |
| with toys that don't seem to get enough | | | | the cookies or cupcakes cool, bring out |
| play time. Perhaps they have forgotten | | | | all the sprinkles, food coloring and |
| how much fun Barbie or GI Joe can be, or | | | | candy you can find. Let the kids frost |
| just can't get creative anymore with | | | | the creations and add all the decorative |
| blocks. If you sit down with your kids | | | | elements. When the masterpieces are |
| and show them just how much fun it can | | | | finished, everyone can indulge! |
| be to combine toys or find new things to | | | | 4. Play a game together. Most people |
| do with old toys, you'll be the hero of | | | | agree that board games, or even video |
| the day. | | | | games, are a terrific way to spend time |
| For example, try using the blocks to | | | | together, but they can be a bit hard to |
| outline a house for Barbie on the floor. | | | | get started. If you pull out the |
| Let your imagination soar as you make | | | | Monopoly or Candyland board for everyone |
| rooms together and play house. When | | | | and get the kids motivated, you'll be on |
| you're tired of one arrangement, try | | | | your way to a less stressful afternoon. |
| another! Dig through the closet and find | | | | Not only will your kids be having fun as |
| thing that haven't seen the light of day | | | | they count spaces and make wise real |
| in a few months or years. If nothing in | | | | estate investments, they will have |
| the toy closet has great appeal, make | | | | something to do that challenges the |
| new toys. A few blankets and a card | | | | brain a bit. Throw in a bit of popcorn |
| table can make a terrific fort. A towel | | | | and juice and you'll have a regular |
| and a great imagination make a nice | | | | party! |
| magic carpet. Be creative! | | | | 5. Invite friends over. Just because you |
| 2. Play online. There are lots of things | | | | can't go outside to play doesn't mean |
| to do on the computer that don't require | | | | friends can't come over to the house to |
| constant supervision like many of the | | | | play. Inviting friends over is one of |
| traditional games might. Pull up a | | | | the easiest ways to break a kid's |
| website like and let your kids explore. | | | | boredom. A friend brings exciting new |
| The coloring pages on the site can | | | | prospects and makes even the most played |
| inspire creativity. Online coloring | | | | video game exciting again. |
| pages are made from many of the fun and | | | | Let your kids pick up the phone and call |
| fashionable dolls created on the site, | | | | a friend. A quick drive in the car to |
| so they are more interesting and | | | | pick him up may just help you keep your |
| exciting than traditional coloring | | | | sanity and give your child a chance to |
| pages. | | | | play with someone they haven't seen in a |
| After trying out the coloring pages, | | | | while. |
| play with doll makers on that site and | | | | |