Article of the Week

Spring is on the way, and that means the kids are going to be
ready to play outdoors more.  But the time always comes when
every mom hears "I'm bored!"  Be prepared with these ideas to
beat boredom before it begins!

1.  Plan and plant a garden a bucket.  Children love to watch
things grow.  Plant several different plants together in one 
container.  You might choose to plant a tomato in with basil
or oregano.  Or plant marigolds around a tomato plant, and the
children will have a pretty flowering plant plus tomatoes to pick.

Take pictures of your 'mini-garden' at different stages of growth.
Older children might enjoy writing a gardening journal or making
a scrapbook page.

2.  Make something fun in the kitchen for lunch and eat outdoors.
I doesn't have to be an elaborate meal to be fun. The following
recipe is quick and easy and the kids can help! 

Quick Grilled Cheese Sandwich

2 slices bread
Velveeta or Cheddar cheese (2 slices)
Margarine (optional)

Toast bread in toaster.  Spread bread with margarine. 
Place cheese between slices. 
Microwave on high power 30 to 40 seconds until cheese is melted. 

Spread a blanket on the grass and enjoy nature while you enjoy!

3.  Fly a kite -- a simple, old-fashioned way to have fun!  Older
children might even like to make their own kite.  Look at:
http://kckiteclub.org/DaveEllis/TOC.htm
for tons of info about kites.

Then all you need is a breezy day -- I don't know about other places, but if you live in Texas, that won't be a problem!

4.  Blowing bubbles is fun for children of all ages.  This recipe for
homemade bubbles is all you need to liven up a "ho-hum" afternoon.

Giant Soap Bubbles

Cold, clear water
Wire coat hanger 
Glycerin (available at drugstores)
Joy or Dawn detergent (these work the
   best)

 Bend a coat hanger into a loop. 
 Mix 1/2 cup of Joy or Dawn detergent with 5 cups water. 
 Measure carefully, as this makes a big difference. Stir well. 
 Add two tablespoons of glycerin.  This makes more durable bubbles. 

 Now dip your coat hanger loop into the solution then wave it into the air. 
(Don't throw away any solution you didn't use - store it for next time.   As it "ages", it gets even better!) 

5.  Have a "Backward Day".  All day long, do everything backwards. Wear your clothes backward or inside out, walk backwards, say good night when you get up, eat dessert first. 

6.  On those days when the children are stuck playing indoors, 
use this recipe and make homemade stickers:

Mix 2 parts white glue and 1 part vinegar together.  Put the 
kids at the table with old magazines, cards, etc.  Let them cut 
out pictures they like.  Then just brush the sticker solution on 
the back of their pictures, let dry and they're ready to lick 
and stick!

7.  Remember to set aside, everyday, a little quiet time for 
reading to your children or letting them read their own books.  Teaching them to love books and reading is a wonderful gift to 
give your children.
 
 

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