10 activities to do, for when you hear...."I'm bored"

I was searching some websites today looking for some Easter activities we could do with Miss EJ. I know I'm a little early on the Easter department, but I am trying to find something which we will be able to do together as a family and hopefully turn into a tradition. While looking for ideas I came across this article written by Lauren Rowland, "10 boredom-busting activities that beat TV" which I thought may come in handy for those rainy days ahead. You can read the full article at http://www.kidspot.com.au/MySpot-home-10-boredom-busting-activities-that-beat-TV+4862+173+article.htm which includes lots of different ideas for each activity.

10 boredom-busting activities that beat TV

“Mum, I’m soooo bored! Bored! BORED! Can we watch TV?” Regardless of how many toys and games kids have, the lure of TV is strong – and the temptation for us to hand over the remote to get some quiet-time is even stronger.
But while TV is great as an occasional treat, it’s by no means an actual activity and won’t do a whole lot for your child’s development. Get your kids off the couch and into one of these 10 fab kids’ games and activities that will not only help them learn, but will be so distracting they’ll totally forget about the TV!

1. Get crafty - Kids love craft. Not only will some glue, paper and crayons ban your littlie’s boredom and silence the call of the TV, craft encourages creativity and co-ordination too.

2. Read a book - Don’t forget the age-old activity of reading as a TV alternative. Not only does story-time support further reading down the track, it will ignite your little’s imagination and creative thinking too.

3. Have an indoor picnic - The perfect TV alternative for a rainy afternoon is an indoor picnic. Simply pop down a blanket, get out the plastic cups and plates, serve up some yummy treats and use teddies as stand ins for extra guests.

4. Make play dough - Play dough is nothing but unrestrained creative squishiness – far more appealing than a repeated episode of Dora! (See our February blog for a great play dough recipe)

5. Go on a Treasure hunt - Want to perk up your bored bunch? Excite them with a treasure hunt! It’s super easy and best of all, kids will be nowhere near the television. Remember any Easter egg hunt idea can easily be modified for any time of the year.

6. Book a playdate - When kids are among kids the drive to watch TV dramatically lessons – and they certainly won’t be bored! Plus, play dates improve social skills and help your child make lifelong friendships.

7. Help out with chores - “Ha!” you say! But in all seriousness, getting the kids to help out around the house can be achieved – especially if you turn housework into a game.

8. Get into cooking - Kids love getting their fingers dirty in the kitchen which makes cooking one of the greatest television diversions ever! Check out these easy recipes your mini masterchef will love to make.

9. Throw a tea party - A fancy tea party is a bit more upscale than going on an indoors picnic, and sure to delight any bored little princesses. Set up a table fit for her guests (which can be siblings, friends, you, dolls - or even imaginary friends!) and serve up some juice as ‘tea’ and some yummies. What TV?

10. Hold a puppet show - Banish boredom by acting out stories with a puppet show. Your kids can even re-enact their favourite TV shows or movies if they like – but there’s little chance they’ll want to.

Miss EJ's favourite activity this week is to build a cubby using the dining chairs and a few blankets, and to sit in there and read books with her dollies and teddies.
What is your little one's favourite activity this week? We would love for you to share it with us.

PS. If your in Perth this weekend, don't forget the teddy's bear picnic at the Zoo on Sunday! http://www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/Whats-On/Events/Teddy-Bears-Picnic/