There's nothing to do!

Very few parents have the problem of having nothing to do, but children seem to encounter this dilemma from time to time.

I can still remember whining to my own mother about having nothing to do. She would list off a number of potential activities that I would write off immediately and find my own something to do.

If your preschooler is bored, be prepared. Have a few tools you can pull out for that stormy day. Here are a few ideas:

Baker’s Tool Box: Designate a drawer, cupboard or box in the kitchen with baking things like cookie cutters, rolling pin, measuring spoons and cups, cake pan, muffin tin, rubber spatula or wooden spoon. If you don’t feel like actually baking, your child will enjoy pretending.

Busy Bee Box: Prepare a box full of “things to do” that your child can access on his or her own when you’re busy. Include such items as: crayons, play-dough, safety scissors, tape, construction paper, ink pad and stamps, stickers, cookie cutters, old magazines or catalogues for cutting, scrap paper, toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, bits of yarn and fabric, cotton balls, pencils and markers.

Take-Along Bag: Have this ready to grab as you walk out the door. Great for the car, doctor’s office or eating out. Fill a drawstring bag or pack with things that might amuse your child for short periods of time. Think about small puzzles, magnets (include an old metal cake or pie pan for magnets), flash cards, books, small containers of cereal or crackers, crayons and notebook, little dolls, animals or trucks, stickers and sticker book, lacing cards.

Chore Jar: Believe it or not, some chores may actually be fun for kids. This activity will provide something purposeful for your child to do, such as: cleaning the sink, dusting the furniture, washing vegetables or fruit, setting the table, picking up toys, folding towels, matching socks, feeding the dog, watering the plants, emptying the compost, washing lawn furniture, watering or weeding the garden, sweeping with a whisk broom and dustpan, spraying the plants with water, sharpening pencils or straightening the bookshelf.

Hide the Toys: Here’s a good one. If your child has more toys or books than he can play with or read, hide away a few of them in a box then pull them out when they’re bored, putting away a few others. Rotating toys in this manner will make old toys seem like new again!

Musical Fun: Invest in an inexpensive CD-tape player that your child can operate by herself. Have children’s CDs or tapes available for your child to play. Have a variety, from classical and lullabies, to children’s entertainers and rock ‘n’ roll. Encourage her to dance or sing along. Stories on tape or CD, accompanied by the storybook, will keep children entertained while you prepare supper!

What about TV, DVDs and computer games? There is a place for these activities, but times should be restricted or they have the tendency to take over free time. Let these be special activities for limited times and choose programs, shows, games and films that are educational, child centered, non-violent, culturally diverse and appropriate.

Here are few more ideas:

Indoor Sand Box: Fill a basin with rice, corn meal, pasta or puffed wheat. Add a few spoons, shovels and buckets, and you’ll be all set. (You may have to sweep up later, but it’s worth it!)

Hole Punch Fun: All you need is a hole puncher and scrap paper; your child will figure out the rest.

Under the Table Tent: Spread a sheet or blanket over a table for an instant tent. Add a flashlight and a pillow and your child can go camping right in the kitchen.

“But, there’s nothing to do....” Oh, yes, there is. Your child may need your guidance and organizational skills to help find the right activity, but around a household, there is usually no shortage of things to do!

Lila Hope-Simpson is the Director of the Home and Heart Nursery School in Wolfville