The 3 Bs

Have on Hand: Books, Board Games, Baking Ingredients

Boredom Buster Description:      Busting boredom is always the same in our house. First, we bake! Once our goodies are in the oven we play board games. When the goodies are done baking, we curl up on the couch and eat them while we read our favorite books.

Boredom Buster Bio:  Katie Clark has been writing stories since she was 7 years old. Her work includes picture books, picture book apps, magazine pieces, and more. She spends her time reading, writing, and of course busting boredom with her two awesome daughters. www.katieclarkbooks.webs.com

Thank you, Katie for this great idea!

Kaleidoscope Crayon Melting Art

If your kids are like mine, they refuse to use the little leftover nibs of broken crayons. And if you're like me, you refuse to throw them out. Well, a few weeks ago we posted a fun recipe for Broken Crayon Muffins that was one great use for those little buggers. Here's another.

Have on Hand:
Wax paper
Iron
Crayon scraps
Cotton fabric, pillowcase or towel

Boredom Buster Description:

1. Peel paper from crayons.
2. Combine crayon crumbs in interesting color patterns on a sheet of wax paper.
3. Cover with another sheet of wax paper of the same size.
4. Place this wax paper/crayon/wax paper sandwich between two pieces of cotton fabric and press with a hot iron.
5. Allow to cool and unveil your crayon melt masterpiece.

Make a Big Noise!

Have on Hand: Pots and pans and spoons!

Boredom Buster Description: When my son was young, one of our favorite boredom busters was simply to hand him some pots and pans and plastic ware and a wooden spoon. Instant drum set! He loved experimenting with what kinds of different sounds he could make, and, of course, he loved having permission to be LOUD!

Boredom Buster Bio:  Laurie Thompson is a children's book author who specializes in nonfiction about social issues, math, and science. You can find her on Twitter (@LaurieThompson) or on the web (http://lauriethompson.com).

Thank you, Laurie Thompson, for this great idea!

Cardboard Dollhouse

Have on Hand:  Home catalogs or magazines, cardboard or cardboard box, scissors, glue or glue stick.

Boredom Buster Description:  My mom gave me this idea when I was young.I had a large piece of cardboard from a box, probably 3ft by 3ft. I divided it into rooms and them pasted furniture for each type room in the box. A flat dollhouse if you will, with sofas for the living room and rugs and end tables and lamps, baby furniture, etc. I loved playing with it.

Boredom Buster Bio:  I love doing crafts with my 4-year-old granddaughter. Whenever I was bored as a kid, my mother always said, "You could go clean your room!" Some how I always managed to go find something else to do.  Good advice from Mom!

Thank you,  Pat Golding, for your great idea!