| Many kids are so dependent on | | | | about the state. Kids decorate a table, |
| electronics - television, games, CDs, | | | | porch, or deck with things that |
| and videos - they are lost when these | | | | represent the state, such as red, white, |
| things are unavailable. A power failure | | | | and blue streamers, the colors of the |
| or loss of television privileges causes | | | | Texas flag. Finally, kids enjoy foods |
| some kids to have an emotional | | | | that represent the state.COMICAL |
| meltdown.Loving kids doesn't mean we | | | | PLACEMATS. Give each child several |
| have to entertain them every minute. | | | | pages of comics. Kids cut the comics |
| When we provide nonstop entertainment | | | | into squares and plan their designs on |
| for kids we are actually harming them. | | | | the table top. Then they stick comics |
| Kids need down time, lazy, quiet moments | | | | squares on clear, adhesive plastic cut |
| when they can listen to their thoughts | | | | slightly larger than placemat size. |
| and let their imaginations run free. We | | | | Kids lay a second sheet of plastic over |
| can help kids learn how to beat the | | | | the comics and rub it to remove bubbles. |
| boredom blues.First, we can give kids | | | | Any remaining bubbles are pricked with |
| suggestions, and that's what this | | | | a pin. Using craft scissors, cut a |
| article is about. Second, we can stock | | | | decorative edge around the mat.BOARD |
| up on supplies like school glue, | | | | GAME CARNIVAL. Kids plan a board game |
| markers, colored paper, and craft | | | | carnival: date, time, place, |
| scissors. Third, we can get them | | | | invitations, refreshments, and prizes. |
| started and supervise when necessary. | | | | (Young children will need help with |
| These activities are fun for kids of all | | | | planning.) The carnival may include a |
| ages.CAMERA ACTION. Provide each child | | | | variety of board games or focus on one |
| with a disposable camera and have him or | | | | game, such as Scrabble. Give every |
| her take photos of the house, yard, | | | | child a favor and a larger prize to a |
| friends, pets or shapes. Older kids who | | | | few "champs."ROCK COLLECTION. Each area |
| have their own cameras should have | | | | of the country has its own rocks. |
| several rolls of film. Display kids' | | | | Provide each child a plastic ice cream |
| photos on the refrigerator door, on | | | | bucket (gallon size with a handle on |
| posters, or put them in an album. You | | | | it), a magnifying glass, and digging |
| may wish to frame several special | | | | tool. Take them to a place where rock |
| photos.PERSONAL PILLOW CASE. Give each | | | | finding is easy. Kids collect rocks, |
| child a white pillow case. (Watch for | | | | bring them home, wash them, and learn |
| white sales and discount store deals.) | | | | more about them. Do any of the rocks |
| Kids decorate their pillow cases with | | | | contain mica? How are striated rocks |
| fabric paint. Buy a variety of colors | | | | formed?ALL ABOUT BUTTONS. Look around |
| in small bottles that have narrow tips | | | | the house for old buttons and/or buy |
| on them. To keep paint from soaking | | | | them in bulk at a craft store. (You can |
| through to the other side, put a brown | | | | get dozens of buttons for $3.99.) Using |
| paper bag inside the pillow case. This | | | | child-safe glue, kids stick buttons onto |
| is a great slumber party activity!WALK | | | | wooden picture frames or cardboard |
| AND TALK. Log onto the Pedestrian and | | | | boxes. School pictures may be displayed |
| Bicycle Information Center at and print | | | | in the frames and boxes may be used for |
| out the "Walkability Checklist." Give | | | | jewelry.With practice and help from us, |
| each child a copy of the checklist and a | | | | kids can learn to beat the boredom |
| pencil with an eraser on it. Kids walk | | | | blues. In fact, the kids will enjoy it. |
| around the block or neighborhood and | | | | Kids who know how to beat the boredom |
| rate the area for walking safety. How | | | | blues grow up to be interested, active, |
| is your neighborhood doing?BUTTERFLY | | | | and productive adults. Beating the |
| GARDEN. Buy some nectar plants - | | | | boredom blues is a lifetime skill worth |
| Asters, Black-eyed Susans, Daisies, | | | | nurturing.Copyright 2006 by Harriet |
| Lavender, Marigolds, Lilacs - and plant | | | | Hodgson Hodgson has been a nonfiction |
| them in a sunny place. If you don't | | | | writer for 27 years and is a member of |
| have garden space plant several plants | | | | the Association of Health Care |
| in a large clay pot. To attract | | | | Journalists. Her 24th book, "Smiling |
| butterflies put a pan of water in the | | | | Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," |
| garden and a piece of ripe fruit next to | | | | written with Lois Krahn, MD is available |
| the pan. Kids track the different kinds | | | | from A five-star review of the book is |
| of butterflies that come to visit.ROUTE | | | | posted on Amazon. You'll also find a |
| 66. Kids choose a state they want to | | | | review on the American Hospice |
| visit, such as Texas. Next, they read | | | | Foundation website under the "School |
| library books and/or Internet articles | | | | Corner" heading. |