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