Boredom Not Allowed

I'm putting a ban on summer boredom. The children are not allowed to be bored. I don't want to even hear that word. To combat what would be boredom if I hadn't banned it, I've put together some ideas to keep them me happy this summer.

Walking to get Slurpees from 7-11 which includes:
red tongues.
A "boredom bucket" filled with wooden put-together kits; pony bead animal lanyard kits; pipe cleaners; ready-to-be-painted plaster dragons;


cash register tape to draw on (from my friend, Jen's swap shop find); a "call bell;" children's pastels; candy wax bottles;
Archie comics; word finds; origami book (complete with origami paper); and Origami with Dollar Bills.

The boys are allowed to pick one a day. As soon as I introduced it to them yesterday, they went wild. They couldn't decide what to do first. Two chose the wooden kits (a tank and bi-plane) and one chose a skunk bead lanyard. It was fun. And a little stressful because they all wanted help at the same time. They are already planning what they are going to do today.

Most of the items were picked up at Walmart (lanyard kits, pipe cleaners, comics, plaster dragons, bell) or Michaels (origami books using my 40% coupons, pastels, wax bottles, wooden kits). I will be replenishing as needed.

This morning we are heading out to a free military (Air Force?) band concert for children at the local art council.

Also planned for this summer Free Family Film Festival (others theater chains do it, too) and bowling (kids with a report card get one free game a week).

Comments

Karyn said…
I want a boredom bucket!!!! What a super idea!
Sonja said…
We ended up driving about two days (each way) when we went on summer vacations, so my mom compiled car-ride anti-boredom buckets to keep my sister and me occupied. Those were just awesome!
Anonymous said…
Those are some great activities! Did you see the ones Tess posted?
Anonymous said…
one thing i've done for my daughter (when we tried to do tv-free week) is have her help me make a list of things to do. not necessarily NEW things, but just things. like writing letters to grandma, making an obstacle course, playing with (list of toys she doesn't get out often), etc.
it ended up being a long list, and when she said 'i'm bored' i'd say 'check the list!'
beki said…
Wow, you're definitely supermom! I think you deserve a gold star :) Really, you have such great ideas.
Berber said…
How can any child be bored with so much fun around?!
nikko said…
What a great idea to put it all in one place. I have stuff scattered all over the house, but I think it would be more effective if it was all in one bucket.
laura capello said…
woo hoo! great ideas.
Me and Him said…
Great ideas. There are some awesome activities in there.
Amanda Jean said…
great idea! I thought about doing a boredom jar once, but that's about as far as it got. Love what you've done here. I like the idea of cash register tape....a lot of fun could be had with that.
Heidijayhawk said…
my kids never say that they are bored. they know better. bad things happen when you are bored. like dishes. and vacuuming. and laundry. forces them to be imaginative. and they are spoiled. only crazy people could be bored in this house. i love your idea though. so creative!
Anonymous said…
great idea! ya know - those pony beads make great "pouring" activities for the 3-5 year olds. we get out plastic dishes (and a few glass ones, too) and pour or tweeze from one container to the other - HOURS of entertainment. just watch so that the beads don't get "accidentally stuck" in someone's nose. i won't tell you how i might know that...
Anonymous said…
Excellent job planning ahead!
Anonymous said…
What great ideas!!! We definitely need a boredom bucket. Off to get caught up on your summer activites.
Jen said…
Great ideas! Thanks for the link for the free movies. I keep forgeting to go by the theater to get "the list!"

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