5 Plain and Simple Ways to Entertain Kids

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved

In the age of computers, video games, and high tech toys, people often forget about the simple things. "But my kids are not going to play without anything missing bells and whistles," some of you think as you read this. You might be pleasantly surprised. Kids are more easily entertained than you think. All it takes is a little imagination, which can equal a ton of fun!

Toilet paper rolls can be many things. Ever tried handing your child an emptied tissue roll? You'd be amused at what they can come up with. My kids have made binoculars, bird feeders, doll furniture, telescopes, noisemakers, and so much more just from toilet paper rolls. Mock binoculars are simple two toilet paper rolls fastened together with tape. Attach string to a toilet paper tube. Then, smother it with peanut butter and wild bird seed and hang it out for the birds. Possibilities are endless!

A kid with a box is a kid in heaven. Playhouses, dollhouses, cars, and more! Your kids can have it all with just one box. Have a pile of boxes? The more boxes you have, the better! Just ask my kids who I throw boxes at all the time. Entertain your kids and all their friends with interesting box creations.

Construction paper and glue can save the day! Remember when kids used to sit around for hours cutting and gluing things? They still can! Give them the necessary supplies and let them have at it. It's amazing how entertaining a little paper can be. Let them come up with their own ideas, give them patterns, or dive in and create along with them.

Yes, kids still love to color! A coloring book and a box of crayons can entertain kids for hours. In fact, spread everything out on the floor and color together. Not only will your kids enjoy this, but admit it - you love to color too! Giant coloring books are great for when everyone wants to color the same picture together. Save the colored pages to use as gift wrap in the future.

Collect pieces of nature. Take the kids on a neighborhood adventure. No, not in the car! On your feet! Walk around the neighborhood. If there are trails in your area, even better. Collect pine cones, leaves, dried flowers, twigs, and more. You can use them later in arts & crafts projects, as well as study them scientifically.

Getting back to the basics can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your children. You may even find they enjoy it more than all the latest fad toys.

Never throw away non-biodegradable items, unless they're toxic or contaminated. You never know what can be used as entertainment for the kids. You'll be helping save their imaginations, a well as the earth!