You're on your way to an out-of-town vacation. You are excitedly watching the passing scenery and all of a sudden, your child starts throwing a tantrum. You are curiously comparing prices at the supermarket when your child pulls at your skirt wanting to go home. Or perhaps you have your hands full in the kitchen and your child complains of boredom and wants to play outside. Young kids easily get bored.
There are few tricks that you can try to enable your kids to fight boredom.
Here are tips from the expert:
At the supermarket, the older kids can practice their arithmetic by mentally adding the prices of items you pick. The one who gets the closest tally at the cashier gets a small prize.
Still at the supermarket, you can take away boredom by asking your kids to "baptize" the items you put in your cart. For instance, kitty lettuce, Susie cucumber, Rosie Sardines, and so on...
While relaxing at the mall benches, played the "Characterization Game." Focus on a person who passes by. Then think of what and who the person is. When a guy passes by, the first child will give the guy an imaginary name and other kids will think of what the person is, how old he is, where he is going, and so on. If the kids think of funny names or occupations it will be more fun.
If you have an extra coins, let the kids enjoy the kiddie rides at the mall while you are waiting for someone or something. They'll even hope the waiting time would be longer and really they will have so much fun.
Let them "count sheep." Instead of sheep though, they can count specified objects or persons- for example, let them count how many babies in strollers they can see. The one who counts the most wins a candy bar.
Explore the scene. You can take away your kid's boredom by exploring the place whether you're in a park, mall, a hospital or elsewhere. Accompany them as you visit each floor from south to north, west to east. Exploring is a form of exercise says a child psychologist.
Bring some action toys for kids during long trips. Nothing beats boredom than a child's favorite toy.
Resource: CHIC Magazine