April 7th, 2009 What would you do? Posted by Melitsa in play activities

Your child says, “I’m bored”.

What would you do?

It wasn’t the first time I could see the oldest two were in need of some direction. They’d been playing happily but I had to head off the – “I’m bored” before it happened. For us after the “I’m bored” there’s usually not a lot you can do before melt down happens shortly afterwards with one of them and it’s so contagious fun to copy your brother.

I  could see all these games and activities we or they or together we could do…..so why couldn’t they see it?

So on the spot  I decided to make a list of all the games and activities we could do right now.

They talked I typed. We had a nice list. Then we went to the toys and games area and I continued typing. I added some games that didn’t immediately spring to mind  and games I hoped they would do….” trampoline,  bowling, water the plants, find a worm, touch four sides of the house, find two yellow objects and draw them..”

Printed it off.

They cut them up.

Found a tub ( formerly known as a Bath tablet jar. Still smells nice when you open it!) with lid. Nothing fancy…

The oldest covered it with Construction paper & tape.

MO stuffed in the activities.

Now when I see them showing those signs……..you know the ones……… it’s not a threat or a punishment.

“Hey, why not go pull out a surprise from the tub?” or would you like me to choose an activity for you? ( They usually like to risk it all on the tub)

Keeping hold of the little pieces of paper is a little easier because the tub has a lid but my MO loves to empty and fill….even that tub gets emptied.

Add to the tub as you get new toys or add activities you’d like them to do. We’re having fun recently playing “Old Maid” ( BG) ” Reading No David!” (MO) and “Chase the ball” (LO). I need to add these into our tub.

They get to use toys, games and do activities they haven’t done in a while.

What do you do when your child says, “I’m bored”? ( What can I add to our collection?)

Melitsa Avila is a former teacher, mother of three boys and military wife who talks about living an intentional play lifestyle using practical and everyday play activities to do with the under 5s. She publishes related ebooks & newsletters. Melitsa is the host and producer of a weekly Early Childhood radio show: Raising Playful Tots bringing parents and carers together with Early childhood practitioners. Thanks for reading!

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