Today’s Works for Me Wednesday is the “Mom, I’m BORED!” edition. Thankfully, Joshua doesn’t know that word yet, but what he does say very often to mean “Mom, I’m BORED!” is “What can I do here?” That question drives me BONKERS. Although I often run down a laundry list of toys, games, and activities that he can do, the one that is always a sure cure-all for the boredsies is water play. Joshua loves to help “wash the dishes” (aka play with clean cups in the sink while I load the dishwasher), or float boats and anything else that will float in the bathroom sink. It wastes a little water from time to time, but he loves it and learns from it and it always gets him over the BORED hump. Plus, it’s something we can do together if I’m needing to spend some time in the kitchen. I realize this may not work for older kids, but right now it sure works for me! For other great ideas to keep your kids occupied, check out Rocks in My Dryer.
Here’s another way to play in the water. Give him a toilet brush and put him to work!
I also had a friend who had her BOYS mop the kitchen floor which involved “ice skating” with maxi pads on their feet. That worked for her… but probably not for everybody. I am sure those young lads will be warped for life.
Are you kidding? I can stick my 11 yr old in a tub with toys and he’s good for a couple of hours. Just needs the water warmed up every 45 minutes or so! 🙂
argh!!! yOU COULD HAVE LET JOSHUA COME TO HIS AUNT’S HOUSE AND “PLAY” WATER CLEAN UP GAMES IN HER BASEMENT OF 1 1/2 OF WATER THIS MORNING!!!!! HE COULD HAVE HAD A BLAST GETTING SOAKED! nO more WATER!!!!!
How about the tax game? He can come over to our house and learn about the government (i.e. “the man”) and math (i.e. “torture”)!
I have three children & water is always great fun for them. They love to toss water balloons. They also like to paint. I have finally learned that it is best to let them be creative.
i love the “ice skating” idea. i think i might try that one… when eban is in the bath i give him a squirt of shaving cream w/ a few drops of food coloring and he paints with it….
Bethany – let me know how the ice skating goes at your house!