The Feeling Game (Or, How to Boost Your Kid's EQ!)

Have on Hand:    Nothing!

Boredom Buster Description:      This one doesn't last long, but it's great in a pinch because you don't need any supplies, AND it helps teach emotional intelligence, plus it's just darn cute to watch, especially with toddlers (or drama-inclined teenagers!). Have your child do the acting, or take turns by having one of you name an emotion, and then the other acts it out. Start with simple ones like angry, happy, sad. Once they've mastered those, move on to slightly harder ones like sleepy, surprised, or scared. After that, you can start getting more creative and challenging with things like disappointed, perplexed, indignant, repulsed, etc.

Boredom Buster Bio:      Motherhood transformed Laurie Thompson from a mild-mannered, dissatisfied software engineer into a passionate, fulfilled writer. She now strives to create nonfiction that will educate, entertain, and inspire young readers. Laurie’s articles have appeared in ParentMap, Odyssey, Faces, Know, and others, and she is currently working on several nonfiction book manuscripts for various ages. You can read more about Laurie and her work at http://lauriethompson.com.

Thank you, Laurie Thompson for this great idea!

Skittle! Road Trip Game

Have on Hand:   A road trip and a handful of pennies

Boredom Buster Description:  Every parent knows road trips can turn on a dime when bored kids get fidgety and restless.  My daughter learned the "Skittle" game on a trip with friends and it has been a fun family distraction for trips both long and short.  While riding, everyone keeps an eye out for yellow cars.  The first to spot a yellow car yells "Skittle!" and earns a penny.  We have a family rule that disallows school buses, construction vehicles and taxis, but you can choose a different color and make different rules.

Boredom Buster Bio:      Cathy Mealey is a left-handed mom to two awesome kids and a lifelong Massachusetts resident.  She is a prepublished children's book author and writes at her blog www.bildebok.wordpress.com.

Thank you, Cathy Mealey, for this great idea!

Road Trip!

 

Have on Hand:  A good memory and a sense of humor

Boredom Buster Description:    Roadtrip is played this way: The first person states: I'm going on a roadtrip and I'm bringing a/an: (item must begin with an A). The next player then states: I'm going on a roadtrip and I'm bringing: (item first person shared + item that begins with a B). The goal is to make it through the entire alphabet with a list of items for this roadtrip. The fun is in trying to remember all of the items in order, especially when some of the items get a little strange/odd. The game is typically played with 2 people but could easily be done with 3 or more. My two oldest daughters (11 and 8) really enjoy playing (+ they've got me hooked).

Boredom Buster Bio:      I am a writer wannabe! In my real life, I am an elementary school principal in Texas. I love to read middle grade novels and just about anything humorous. My awesome daughters, all 3 of them, are avid readers. More than that, they're just awesome people!

Thank you, Larry Haynes, for this great idea!

A Photography Walk

Have on Hand:   Camera

Boredom Buster Description:   Give your child a disposable camera and go for a walk around the house or around the neighborhood.  S/he will look at things differently when looking for the next great photo op.

Boredom Buster Bio:  I hope my funny books for middle grade readers from Random House keep boredom at bay. www.donnagephart.com

Thank you, Donna Gephart, for this great idea!