Boredom Busters for Kids

(ARA) - Have your kids been stuck in a rut or are they just plain old lazy? Get them off the couch and motivated to actually do something with some of these fun and affordable activities and crafts using household items and products under $5.

Chinese Jump Rope Game -- This jumping game is perfect for three to six children to play at the same time. Simply take a long piece of string and tie the two ends together in a knot. Remember, the longer the string, the more people that can play. Visit www.parentcenter.com for game instructions.

Paint the Tub Red -- Ever have the challenge of keeping your kids occupied in the tub while trying to give them a bath? These fun tub paints are easy to clean and a perfect and safe way for children to express their artistic talent right on your tub wall! Save money and make them at home by mixing liquid hand soap, cornstarch and food coloring in a bowl. Put each color of paint in “palettes” like old ice cube trays or egg cartons and let your child draw away.

Chalk It Up -- Instead of children using messy chalk to create masterpieces, they can try the new DayGlo Chalk-It spray chalk. Not only is it environmentally friendly and nonflammable, it has a kid-friendly spray trigger and is perfect for all types of mediums, including grass, glass, paper, sand and snow. Now the kids can spray hopscotch squares on the driveway or make a mural on the garage door! Don’t worry, Chalk-It is easy to cleanup on virtually any surface. Simply spray the area with water or use a wet rag to wipe. For more information or crafting tips using Chalk-It, visit www.dayglo.com or call (800) 4DAYGLO (432-9456).

Stick It To Me -- This is a great way to save money while also giving children the opportunity to choose and make their own stickers. Simply cut out pictures from old magazines, comic books or gift-wrap. Combine 2 teaspoons of gelatin and 5 teaspoons of boiling water. With a paintbrush, coat the backs of the cutouts with a think layer of the solution. Let dry and the stickers are ready to lick and stick.

Heavy Metal -- This quick and easy activity is perfect for using some of those old nuts and bolts that dad never uses. Simply thread the nuts and bolts onto leather cording and then tie the ends together. Voila! Now if only those jewels were real!

Not only are these entertaining activities educational and safe, they also provide perfect opportunities for parent/child interaction. And maybe, just maybe, mom and dad won’t have to hear how bored the kids are. Well, at least not this weekend.