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