If you’ve been looking for fun craft recipes…this week’s blog for you!
Get your printer ready and print out my tried and tested recipes for fun stuff to do!

My Favorite Play-Dough Recipe
I used to make a batch of this play-dough once a month in the classroom. Changing the colors for the season; orange in October, red and green in December, pink in the spring etc. Although 20 little hands stayed busy shaping and molding, the play dough never dried out!
To whip up a batch of sweet smelling dough, use the un-sweetened Kool-Aid. You can even work a bit of very fine poly glitter into the dough for a fun winter batch.  Expect your child to eat a bite of the scented dough. However,  it usually only takes one bite to discover that  it doesn’t’ taste as good as it smells!

You'll need:
3 Cups Flour
1 1/2 Cups Salt
3 Cups Water
2 Tbls. Vegetable Oil
1 Tbls. Cream of Tartar
Food color or unsweetened "Kool-Aid" 1pkg. 
Mix dry ingredients. Add oil and water. Mix well.
Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until the dough comes away from the edges of the pan and it becomes difficult to move the spoon. Remove from heat. Cool until it can be handled.
Place on counter or wax paper knead 3-4 times.
Store the dough in an air tight container.
Kit’s tip: I’ve broken many wood spoons making this dough…so use a super strong spoon!

 

Bread and Glue Clay
This clay makes great refrigerator magnet animals or flowers, picture frames, Christmas ornaments and baskets!

You’ll Need :
8 slices of day-old white bread (Less expensive fluffy type)
1 /2 C. White Glue
Food color
Flour for work space
Wax paper

To Make:
Remove Crusts. Break bread into small pieces and put in mixing bowl. Pour glue over bread. Mix with one hand until  it becomes a sticky mass. Take the dough out of the bowl and form into a ball .With both hands keep patting into a smaller ball until it becomes just slightly tacky. Then, dust the  work surface with a small amount of flour and knead gently until it  becomes smoother and more pliable. Knead firmly at this time. Knead until texture is satiny, about 5 mins
Wrap tightly with plastic to store. Remember to seal the unused portion while working.
To color your dough ,pinch off the piece that you want colored. Flatten the piece and add color directly onto dough. Blend until satiny again. Add flour, if needed to achieve the proper texture.
Air dry the work of art when it’s complete. Drying times vary depending on thickness.
To speed up drying place on cookie sheet and leave overnight in an unlit gas oven. Paint with acrylic paints (optional) and seal with spray on finish.

Smells So Good Chocolate Play Clay
1 1/4 C Flour
1/2 C Unsweetened Cocoa
1/2 C Salt
1/2 Tbsp. Cream of Tartar
1 1/2 Tbsp. cooking oil
1 C Boiling Water

Mix dry ingredients in a large cooking pot. Add the oil and boiling water. Stir quickly to mix.
Cook over low heat (keep stirring) until dough forms a ball. When the dough is cool enough, knead it with your hands.
Store the dough in airtight container.

Best Bubbles Ever
1 C. Water
2 Tbls. Light Karo syrup OR 2 Tbls. Glycerin
4 tbls. Dishwashing liquid
Mix together and have fun!

Rainbow Craft Pasta or Rice
Colored rice and noodles are great for collages, textured flowers, beading
decorating frames and so much more.  I prefer the vinegar recipe but I’ve used both in my classrooms.

Colored Rice or Pasta #1
1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol
1 table spoon of food coloring of your choice
2 cups of pasta of your choice (bowties and rigatoni are favorites!)
1 Quart Zip Top plastic bags (one for each color)
Paper grocery bags
Pour alcohol and food coloring and pasta into the zip-top bags. Shake the bag until the rice or pasta
is evenly covered with color. Leave it on the table for about 30 mins. and then turn the bag over and leave it for another 30 mins.  Pour it out onto the paper bags. Let it dry over night.

Tip : Cover you work area or table when using food color.

Colored Rice or Pasta #2
You'll need:
uncooked white rice or pasta
 food coloring;
white vinegar
zip-top plastic bags or plastic storage containers.
Place the rice or pasta into the bags or storage containers.
Add 6 drops of food coloring (one color per container) then 1 tsp. vinegar to set the color.
Shake, shake, shake,  until the rice/noodles are completely colored. Spread rice flat onto
a baking sheet covered with foil or parchment paper. Bake at 200 degrees for 45 minutes to dry the rice.
You can make more than one color at the same time. Keep the colors separate and in one layer on the cookie sheet.
When the rice/noodles are dry and cool store them in a clean plastic bag or sealed container.
NOTE: This recipe may leave color on the fingertips when using. However, I prefer this method over the alcohol method.

Colored Art Glue
White School Glue
Food coloring
Bowl
Spoon
Funnel
Use a bowl to mix glue and food coloring together and then return the glue to its original container
using a funnel if necessary. Don’t add too much food color or the glue will become runny.
Start with a drop or two and don’t expect super vibrant colors. They will be a bit on the pastel side.
You can also add glitter to the glue and it will sparkle when it’s dry!

Flubber Recipe
A little science lesson mixes up some fun!

Solution A:
1 1/2 C. Warm Water
2 C. Elmers Glue
Food Coloring

Solution B:
4 tsp. Borax
1 1/3 C. Warm water
Mix solution A in one bowl, mix solution B in another bowl. Dissolve both well.
Then just pour solution A into solution B, DO NOT MIX OR STIR! Just lift it out of the bowl.
Store in zip top bags or tightly sealed plastic storage containers.

Visit AmazingMoms.com for more art projects and crafts kids love kids love >>

Until next week…
Keep life fun and festive!
Kit

Whether your kids are bounding about with back- to- school joy, hanging their heads with the blues,
or nervously anticipating the first day of school…an end of summer celebration is a great way to direct some of that energy and create family memories.
Need a little inspiration before begin planning?
Here are three of my favorite “end - of- summer” activities to get you started.

Just the Family
A few days before school begins. Wrap up your summer vacation with a special family night.
Fire up the grill, dive into a watermelon and enjoy a water-balloon toss or outdoor game.
Then take the fun indoors for some unique family time by collecting vacation photos, postcards, maps...any items that are reminiscent of the time you spent together over the summer. Maybe a piece of driftwood collected from a trip to the beach, a rock from your family hike or a summer camp tee shirt. It’s a little like show and tell, where everyone will discuss why they chose their particular memento, or what events from the summer they’ll remember most.  You can write a journal together, make a poster, and if you are really ambitious, pull out the photos and scrapbook supplies.

AmazingMoms visitor Terri Michaels from MD, came up with an easy scrap book solution.
"Not having the time or patience to create a wonderfully decorated scrapbook....instead our family spruced up a box for each vacation or family trip. Using contact paper, glue dots, stickers, crayons etc. Everyone participated, reflecting on the events of the summer. We are certainly gong ot do this year after year!”

Neighborhood Bash
Looking for something more exciting?
Then a neighborhood gathering or block party, will send the summer out with a bang!

Invite neighbors and friends to an outdoor BBQ and games party . A casual potluck will save you some time and stress. Include carnival games, water balloon games, old fashioned relay races, badminton, volleyball etc. to really enjoy your time together. For the artists in the crowd, supply everything required to design a  “Summer of 2008” tee-shirt or canvas bag.
You’ll need tee-shirts in various sizes or bags, fabric paint/pens and maybe die crayons.
Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with the instructions on the containers before the party.
Neighborhood carnival games kids love to play >>

Keep is Short and Sweet
This small celebration is the perfect solution for younger children with a case of back-to-school jitters.
Invite the kids who will be sharing your bus stop to a light lunch, fun game and a walk to the bus stop.
If it’s safe and reasonable you may even be able to enjoy a picnic at the stop itself.
Make simple brown bag lunches using kid-favorite sandwiches, fruit kabobs, juice boxes and cookies.
For an extra touch cut the sandwiches with a school bus or apple shaped cookie cutter.

Provide an easy  craft, such as decorating pencil boxes, or making bookmarks. 
Then, end the party with an apple hunt.  Simply hide several apples and send the children off to find the hidden items. 
Other school themed items will do as well such as pencils, erasers, stickers, glue sticks and crayons.

These Back-to-School party ideas will provide even more inspiration …
AmazingMoms.com back to school party fun >>
Kids Back to School Party from Kaboose >>

Until next week...
Keep life fun and festive!
Kit

As you’ve probably discovered, I’m a big fan of recyclable crafts. This underwater viewer
is a classic; a clean plastic milk or bleach jug, permanent markers and plastic wrap are all your kids will need to provide hours of entertainment and exploration on your next creek side camping trip or hike!



This is a fabulous home school project becuase it combines art and science. Scout troops will enjoy it as well!

What You’ll Need:
A clean plastic half gallon milk or bleach jug
Scissors and/or utility knife (adults only please)
Permanent markers
Acrylic paints and brushes (optional)
Clear plastic wrap
A large rubber band

How to Make It:
1. Use a permanent marker to draw your cutting lines.   Draw one on the top leaving the handle
  in place and about 1½ -2 inches of the bottom.
2. Carefully follow your lines to cut away the top and bottom of the jug.
3. Decorate the outside of the jug using permanent markers and/or acrylic paint ( I used both).
  Allow the paint to dry if needed. Acrylic paint dries pretty quickly.
4. Cut a piece of plastic wrap approximately 10X10 depending on the size of the jug.
5. Stretch the plastic wrap over the bottom of the jug and secure it with the rubber band.
  You may need to pull the wrap edges a little tighter to remove any wrinkles.
  A few wrinkles won’t hurt anything though.

   Now it’s time to use your viewer…
   Holding the viewer by the handle, gently place it in the water allowing a few inches of water to come up 
   along the sides, but not into it. Look into the cut-away hole at the top to see rocks, plants, shells and other 
   wonders on the water’s edge. The water will act as a bit of a magnifying glass to make this even more fun.  

A Little Extra: If your child is really into science they may even want to make a science log to record what 
they find, where it was located and any special notes. They can even draw the treasures and critters below just 
like a true naturalist.

I love it when a project is fun, crafty and educational -- makes me feel like an Amazing Mom!

Your kids still have a few still have a few more weeks of summer vacation to get crafty...
Find more fun to make kids crafts on AmazingMoms.com
and if course Kaboose is jam packed with fabulous summer crafts for kids >>

Until next week...
Keep life fun and festive!
Kit

What happens when a large family gets crafty..

.

For the past 12 years my entire family has gone to the California coast for a family reunion of sorts.
We spend a week relaxing, beachcombing, eating and a enjoying a place called The Sea Ranch.
Over the years, boyfriends have become husbands, bulging bellies have become babies and toddlers are now teens.
A less dramatic change is the addition of a family craft which we all, at our leisure, partake in throughout the week.
The broad age span  and artistic interest of the participants,  makes coming up with the craft a bit of a challenge; tile painting, beading and Shrinky-Dinks have been favorites.
This past trip included scrapbooking type of craft . I’m not a scrapbooker and neither are my family members.
But we all (ages 2-75) had a blast getting creative with some family photos and basic craft/scrapbook supplies. 
Throughout the week artists ( I use the term loosely) leisurely enjoyed cutting, gluing, painting and rummaging through old photos. We all went home with fun keepsakes to place on the ‘fridge.

You don't need to travel to the coast to make your craft...do this at home with your family vacation photos,
as a summer wrap-up activity,  or make gifts to give to relatives. -- 
Once you've made the craft...help inspire other moms by submitting your ideas and pictures to this blog!

What We UsedScrapbook paper, card stock paper
Scrapbook chip-board squares
Scrapbook acid-free stickers
Computer printed photos (reduced in size)
pop-up glue dots, regular glue dots and glue sticks
Fun edging scissors
Mod-Podge sealer
Acrylic paint
Paint brushes or sponge brushes
Adhesive backed magnetic strip
decorative options; ribbon, buttons, craft foam shapes, pom-poms, feathers...
the possibilities are endless!

   

DirectionsThere are no specific instructions, as the design is up to the creator.
However, a few basic steps are useful...
Cover the chipboard shape with decorative paper using a glue stick.
Attach the photo and other decorative items using glue dots, glue stick or craft glue for the larger heavier items such as shells, buttons etc.
You can even use the acrylic paint to add your own special design (see flower below).
Then, seal the entire artwork by applying the Mod-Podge with a sponge brush.
The last step is to attach a piece or two of magnet strip.

My TipI found it helpful to attach my photos first to cardstock paper using a glue stick and
then Mod-podge before cutting it out. This method created a firmer picture that
I could then apply to the covered chipboard with the pop-up glue dots. The effect added dimension to the magnet. When the Mod-Podge is dry, attach a piece or two of the magnetic strip.

Into scrapbooking?
Check out Two Peas in a Bucket  -- ideas for serious scrappers >>

Not really into scrapbooking but still want a few ideas?
Try the easy to make scrapbook ideas on Kaboose >>

Until next week...keep life fun and festive!

Kit

There’s nothing quite like a cool refreshing beverage on a steamy hot day!
Mom and Dad may enjoy  Margaritas, Mojitos and Daiquiris. 
As for the kids,  a frozen  fruit-filled beverage will satisfy their thirst and provide a fun activity!
Using fresh fruit, juice, ice cube trays and creativity, your kids will be able to invent their own 
signature drinks to enjoy on a hot summer day. 

Over the years, Bennett kid – concoctions have been titled…
“Blueberry Bubble Mania” , "Pineapple Pizzazz" and "Luscious Lemon Fizzle".
With summer fruit in season,  the possibilities are endless.
Kit’s Tip:  Because the process and preparation involves a little science discovery and making the drink names, will hone language skills…. this is one of those activities that’s fun and educational - 
I don't know about you, but I feel like such an Amazing Mom when that happens!

What You’ll Need:ice cube trays
fresh fruit
juice
flavored seltzer
Enlist your children in picking their own ingredients…
I used blueberries, raspberries, peaches, lemonade, cherry juice, orange juice, 
and  unsweetened flavored seltzer
You may want to try…watermelon, pineapple, banana, and other juice flavors.

How to Make ItThis is so simple – just have fun!
Wash and prepare the fruit. Place the fruit into the ice cube trays first and then add the juice.


Once the juice/fruit cubes are frozen the mixolgy begins -
Place several fruit filled cubes into a tall glass. Add nice cold seltzer and enjoy with a straw.
As the cubes melt they will flavor to the drink and leave tasty fruit at the bottom.

Variations:Kids may want to add a little lemonade or juice to the drink as well.
It’s also fun to make mixed up ice cubes by only pouring half of the juice into the tray. When it’s frozen add another flavor of juice on top and freeze again.

Once your children have discovered their favorite drink combinations, utilize this “teach-able” moment by encouraging them to create new names for their drinks and make a decorated recipe card to match.

Add your kids favorites drink recipes to this blog – I’d love to see them!

Include this activity in your next summer party...visit AmazingMoms.com for more summer party ideas;
like a kid's pool party that won't leave you all wet , or travel to the tropics with a fun-filled luau >>

Are your kids screaming for more summer fun? Kaboose has plenty of cool ideas for hot days >>

Until next time...
Keep life fun and festive!

Kit

When Sonya Harrison, an Amazing Mom from HOT Southern Oregon,
was given the task of providing kid-friendly entertainment for her summer family
reunion,  she came up with some fun-to-play water games.
"On a hot summer day, water is the best way to bring a smile to a child's face....even the adults loved the turkey baster relay."

I've added a few games to her fabulous ideas, creating a collection of unique ideas that will cool kids off during the Dog Days of Summer. Try these games at picnics, parties or right in your back yard when the thermometer rises.

Don't forget the sunscreen!

Paint with Water
Cool of your hot grumpy little ones with this harmless water activity.
Supply your child with a clean paint brush and bucket of water.
Let them paint the house, walkway, bikes, fence etc.

Water DiscoveryRound up PVC pipe pieces, cups, colanders, watering cans, old dish soap bottles, whatever strikes your fancy. 
These fun tools , your kids imaginations and water filled buckets, tubs or kiddie pool may actually keep your kids entertained long enough for you to enjoy a glass of ice tea and maybe a bit of peace!

Dribble, Dribble, Drench!This game is just like "Duck ,Duck, Goose ", except that as "IT" walks around the circle with a cup or pitcher of water. When they say dribble to each player they dribble a few drops of water on their head.
BUT...you know this is coming don't you?
When they say "Drench" that player gets the rest of the water on their head or back.
Then the wet player chases  "IT" and tries to tag her before she gets to the wet players place. 
Got that?...this is really fun with kids age seven or older on a very hot summer day. Younger children can play if they are not sensitive about being drenched.

Water Balloon Toss Variation
You'll Need
Empty Bleach Bottles – one per player
Water Balloons
Scissors
Cut the bottoms out of the bottles. Then, make the opening a bit bigger by cutting a sloped edge so that it resembles scoop. Take off the bottle top and discard.
To play, toss the water balloons back and forth between players, using the scoop instead of hands.
Play with as many players as there are jugs/scoops.

Splash TagYou'll Need:
A big, soft sponge, like the kind you use to wash the car, and buckets of water.
This version of the classic tag requires one person to be "IT".
 "IT" tries to tag running players with a wet sponge them.
Once tagged, that person becomes the new It.
There is no denying who's been tagged...The wet mark on their back is a dead give away!

Piggy FreezeGathering ice cubes and placing them in a bucket is not a difficult task....Unless you have to use your feet!

You'll need:
Child's wading pool, filled with water and lots of ice cubes.
A plastic bowl or bucket for each participant. Players use their toes to collect ice cubes. Include this game at your next summer party by using a timer while players collect ice cubes…Whoever has the most ice cubes is the winner.
Or, just play for fun without winners!

Mommy Polo
You'll need:
A swimming pool or lake, a group of kids and a group of moms or dads.
Kids and moms get into the pool, and each mom closes her eyes.
All the moms count to 10 in unison while the kids spread out in the water (shallow end only, unless the kids are all strong swimmers), with siblings grouped together. Moms search for their own children by listening to their voices. Kids call out "Mommy!" and the moms must respond "Polo!"
The first mom to touch her bunch of kids wins.

Don't be a Drip!A fun after dinner family activity on a hot day!

You'll need: 
Balloons, a safety pin and a faucet
Poke a hole in a balloon using a safety pin.
Then fill it with water and tie the end to create a time bomb with a slow leak. Players stand in a circle and toss the balloon around. The idea is not to be the one holding the balloon when it runs out of water.
The focus really isn't on winning or losing, it's on how much fun you have while cooling off!

Water  Balloon Volley BallYou'll need:
A volleyball or badminton net,
two old sheets and water balloons

Divide into two teams of four and stand on opposite sides of the net.
Each team holds one sheet (a person at each corner). Place a water balloon in the center of one team's sheet. 
The idea is to toss the balloon over the net, into the other team's sheet. It helps to do a countdown to the toss: "One, two, three...Up!"
TIP: This can be played with large beach towels and only two teams of two as well!

Ice Ball SurpriseKeep on hand for a quick solution to …."Mommy, I'm hot and bored"
Insert a small toy or piece of plastic jewelry into a balloon for each child, Fill the balloon with water, tie a knot and freeze solid over night. Cut away the balloon and place the frozen ball into a small pool or bucket of water. Young guests will have fun pushing their ice ball around until it melts enough to show their prize. You can also simply let the children hold the melting ball of ice or just watch it melt on a sidewalk.

This is a perfect party favor/game for summer birthdays!

Squirt Water RelayThis game has been a huge hit at all of our summer parties…
kids and adults enjoy the challenge.

You’ll Need:
Two buckets or tubs per team
A plastic turkey baster per team
To Play
Each team is given one full bucket of water at the “start line.
 Set the empty bucket some distance from the start line. The distance depends on the age of the players.
The challenge is to be the first team to transfer the water in the full bucket to the empty bucket, using only a turkey baster. Players take turns relay race style
Variation…
Use big sponges to transfer the water instead of basters.
An important note about water balloons...

IMPORTANT NOTE...Keep broken balloon pieces away from young children
 !!!They are a serious choking hazard!!!
On that same note... the broken pieces also pose a
threat to local wild life. Please do your part, thank you.

Until next week...
Keep life fun and festive!
Kit

Exercise and ice cream combine to make a fabulous treat!

My kids and I made this on warm summer days for years.  
Now, there is a toy that’s virtually the same idea… but you can save yourself a few bucks 
and look like the coolest mom on the block using this good old-fashioned idea!

You'll Need
1 cup very cold milk
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
4 tablespoons of chocolate syrup
Ice
2 empty, clean coffee cans (one larger than the other)
Rock salt

Mix together the milk, sugar, syrup and vanilla in a pitcher.
Pour the mix into the smaller can and cover it with the lid.
Place the sealed smaller can into the bigger can. Put ice and
rock salt around the smaller can. Now cover the larger can.

Here is the fun part. KICK the can around (not too hard) between friends or family,
just like if you were playing soccer. The more you roll it, the faster
it will become a tasty homemade ice-cream (soft serve of course)!
It takes approximately 30 minutes depending on the outside temperature and how well you tumble it.

Variations: Skip the chocolate and increase the vanilla a bit.
                      Skip the chocolate and add fresh fruit like berries or finely cut and peeled peaches ---yum!
 

For more tasty kids recipes and tips for cooking with kids, check out Amazingmoms.com
or right here on Kaboose you’ll find some fabulous treats kids love to make!

Until next week....keep life fun and festive!
Kit Bennett

Founder and Editor of AmazingMoms.com

Create Camping Memories

Family camping trips are the meat and potatoes of childhood memories.
But when the marshmallows run out, and the excitement of the great outdoors
ceases to entertain your kids…what’s a mom to do?
Try putting your kids' imaginations to the test with good old-fashioned family
fun like crafts and games.

Bring some glue, paper and scissors, for making nature collages.
Write the date and location of the trip on the collage.

Sing good old-fashioned campfire songs. Keep the portable DVD players
at home and practice your singing in the car. If you need to, buy a book
and CD to help-out.

Search the sky for constellations. Bring a pocket chart to refer to or
use markers, paper and flashlights to draw what you see.

Listen and identify night sounds.

At night in the tent, play flashlight tag. One person is "it". Players lay on their backs.
"It" moves their flashlight quickly around the tent, while the
other players use their flashlights to catch him.

Have a shadow puppet show in the tent.

Don't forget the special nighttime snacks, but follow the bear rules about food in the tent!

Bring a small box for collecting treasures like pinecones special stones etc.
Be sure to follow park rules when collecting items to take home.

Bring a book to help identify animal prints and birds.
Pack a deck of cards and/or small games like UNO, Mad Libs, checkers...

Provide children with their own disposable cameras.

Before you pack the tent, bug spray and flashlights...check out these
family camping tips and fun ideas from AmazingMoms.com >>

Happy Camping!

Until next week...keep life fun and festive!
Kit

Are you hosting friends, family or neighbors for a celebration?
Including these kid-friendly activities will help you create a memorable event!

 

Kitchen Fireworks
This is a fun project but NOT a recipe for drinking!

 

You’ll Need

 

Whole milk (must be whole milk)

A baking pan

Food coloring

Liquid dishwashing soap

Directions
Pour the milk into the baking pan.

 

Drop several different colors of food coloring  all around the milk.

Add a “squirt”, or two of the dishwashing liquid, and watch the colors burst and swirl.

The dishwashing liquid separates the fat from the other liquids in the milk.
If it slows down, just add another squirt of dishwashing liquid.

 

Fireworks Painting
Children of any age will enjoy this art discovery. 
Aim your straw at the paint and BLOW! 

You'll Need
Straws
Kids’ tempera paint
White glue

Fine poly glitter (craft store)
Paper

Patriotic Parade Batons
 Are you and your family enjoying a town Fourth of July parade?
 Make and take these batons to show your colors!

 
 You'll need:
 1/2 inch wood dowel cut 18 inches long
 red, white, blue or silver spray paint
 glitter glue
 red, white and blue ribbon
 red, white and blue chenille stems – the glitter type is great!
 Optional; add jingle bells to the chenille stems and
 plastic pony beads to the ribbons.
 
 Spray paint the wood dowels (grown-up job). When they are dry, apply
 the glitter glue with a sponge. You don't want too much glitter, as it will make holding the baton a messy prospect.
 
 Attach the chenille stems to the dowel and twist to secure.
 A dab of glue placed on the dowel first will add extra security. Pull the pieces upward so that that they create a "spray" on top of the baton.
 Then create the coil using a fat marker, or your fingers. If you are adding bells do so first, then make the coil.
 
 Tie several strips of ribbon around where you attached the chenille stems.
 Three pieces of ribbon in a variety of colors, make a patriotic display.
 You may want to add a dab of glue to the dowel, before tying the ribbons.

 

Fanatical about Fourth of July and Canada Day crafts? You’ll find more here on Kaboose >>

Until next week…
Keep life fun and festive!
Kit

Summer Vacation is here and you'll soon be hearing that familiar phrase, " I'm bored, and there's nothing to do!" Two or three months of unstructured time can become unbearable. Not for the children, but for you!

Battle summertime boredom and make this a summer of smiles with

This entertaining "Boredom Buster Box" solution!

A few days before school is released for the summer,

decorate a shoebox with your children. You can start

with wrapping paper and then use markers, stickers glitter etc.
for a fancier box.

Now write several suggestions for playtime on 3x5 cards; kids’ recipes

games, arts & crafts.  Place the cards in the box.

 

If you notice your children watching too much TV, playing video games

or complaining of boredom, send them to "Boredom Buster Box".

They'll pick a card and be on their way to fun!

 

Quick ideas for your Boredom Box:

On a hot day paint the back fence or house with

a clean - NEW paintbrush and a bucket of water.

Make popsicles with juice and paper cups. Make your own sidewalk chalk - recipe below. Paint rocks for your garden. Paint your faces - recipe below. Make sock beanbags then toss into a bucket or laundry basket. Use discarded cereal boxes, paper, glue stick and markers,
 to make a city. Create animals with pipe-cleaners. Use clean shampoo, dish soap, chocolate syrup

           Containers for fun water play.

Make fun sandwiches with cookie cutters.

 

 

Sidewalk Chalk Recipe

You'll Need

Wax coated paper cups

2 Cups cold water

2 Cups plaster of Paris

2 TBS. powdered tempera paint

Using a bucket mix all of the ingredients together.

Pour into cups and let stand until semi firm.
Peel off cup sides and let it dry completely.
Ready to use in 1-2 hours.

**DO NOT DISCARD remaining plaster down any plumbing!
Scrape or pour it out into a box and throw it away.

 

Face Paint Recipe

1 tsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. water
1/2 tsp. cold cream
2 drops food coloring
In a small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, mix well.
Apply with small paintbrushes or cotton swabs.

 

 

Directions
Mix the paint and glue until you’ve reach the proper consistency
for the paint to move easily.
Pour small puddles of the paint/glue mixture  onto the paper.
Use the straws to blow the paint.
Sprinkle glitter on top and dry.

 

 

Need great ideas to include in your boredom box?
Find summer fun ideas, kids’ recipes, crafts and more on AmazingMoms.com
URL: http://www.amazingmoms.com

 Need even more summer boredom busters…
You’ll find some right here on Kaboose