TOP TEN THINGS TO SAY AND DO WHEN YOUR KIDS SAY, "I'M BORED!"
An essay of encouragement for patience in parenting
By Marlene Biondo

It's just too easy to become annoyed when your precious children have so much free time, and seemingly, nothing to do. Here are some sure-fire strategies to keep them occupied, and actively engaged in activities that can reap great rewards. Occasionally the top 10 things people sometimes say sound especially rude, but when you think about it some of these things can actually be the answers to curing boredom. Without further ado, here are the top 10 remedies for boredom:

1. Go fly a kite!

Here is a design to cut, fold or follow to build a simple kite. Prepare your materials, choose a design, and create. When you're finished with your kite, go fly it, and share the idea- happy downloading.

2. Get lost!

That's right... get lost in a museum or a great book! Check your local phone book or chamber of commerce for art and history museums in your area. The Sunday newspaper often lists the museums in your area, with descriptions of the most recent exhibits. As for books to explore, we've added a list to accompany your next visit to the library, or bookstore.

3. Head for the hills!

Get the kids to help plan a camping outing. You may even decide to put up the tent in your own backyard, or some where close to home. Have the kids ask their friends where they've gone camping to garner a few more ideas. Network with your neighbors to discover some choice spots and make a list of camping gear. Borrow if you must. Then plan a campfire cookout for the whole family. They'll enjoy every byte!

4. Go jump in a lake!

Plan a day trip, or a week-end around visiting a nearby lake. Ask about recreation on or near the lake, and hopefully it won't be a long, hard drive.

5. Go take a hike!

Here is a list of things to organize for a family hike. Circle the things you plan on taking, and add others to the list at your pleasure. You choose the destination. Get some ideas from your friends, or call the local chamber of commerce for additional input. Add a picnic list if that works into your schedule. Now that's output!

6. Run for your life!

Train for a charity run, or run just for the health of it! Chart your daily run, the distance, and strive to improve your time each day. Your bodies will thank you for the effort, and your hearts will love you for it! If you or your family members enter a charity run, you are also helping others in need. Here's a chart to print out, to get you started. This activity is totally baudacious.

7. Go suck on a lemon!

As an anonymous philosopher once said, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." In preparation, buy ten large lemons, sugar, and some cheesecloth for straining {to avoid seeds and pulp}. Here's a lemonade recipe. Enjoy! You will be creating a thirst quenching memory.

8. Go play in the street!

Plan a street party with your entire block. Request permission from local authorities to block off your street. Set out the lawn chairs, and the picnic tables, and get the boom box out. Organize a barbecue or a pot-luck picnic out on your own front yard. Here's a list of possible games for the whole gang to play. Also included is a list of items for the picnic or barbecue. Cut them into strips and have each family take a slip out of a hat or let them choose from a list, checking off each item when chosen. When it gets dark, turn your porch lights on and have a street dance. Set out some citronella candles to debug the area. The kids can organize the games, print out invitations on the computer, and deliver them. Make sure you allow for those with disabilities to have a choice of several games as well. Be an equal opportunity host!

9. Go walk a dog!

Summer allows opportunities for young entrepreneurs to make money. Walking a dog for a neighbor may be a free will offering, or a regular job. Encourage your child to design a computer print-out describing his or her skill and how much you charge for the service. Add graphics for interest, and then let the cash flow in. Your children will learn the value of hard work and they can do some long-range planning on how to save for some special goal, for example a computer game, or a donation to a worthwhile charity. A list out-lines other possibilities for raising money. Be a pro. Spend some of your earnings, but don't forget to save.

LAST, BUT NOT LEAST......

10. Go find something, anything to do!

Adopt a new hobby! Make tracks to the library, bookstore, or check the classified ads in your local newspaper for ideas. Also call your local summer recreation program to inquire about classes and camps available. Here are just a few ideas to stimulate your search!

All children need to be adequately supervised for their safety, and for the stimulation off their minds and souls. Summertime is a great opportunity for all of us to open up to nature and be nurtured by it. In fact the "I'm bored' syndrome may be nothing more than an indirect way of saying, "I need some one on one time with you." As you work, garden, fix the lawn mower, or build that addition onto the house, please remember that your children are thirsty for parent-love that gets lost in goal-oriented tasks. These activities do not satisfy the emotional needs of your children--or your own emotional needs. Give relaxation time to yourselves, as parents, and include some individual attention with your children this summer. While you nurture and love your children, you yourselves will be nourished, as well. You will all have a stronger, happier home life!

If none of the above remedies seem to work effectively, I have one....final....full proof solution. I guarantee, if you parents use this one strategy, your child will be instantly cured of boredom. Miraculously, and without a moment's hesitation, this special child of yours will become engaged in an activity of some kind. The annoying malady we have come to know as boredom has a perfect antidote.