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Do you know that feeling when the child tells you that he is bored and you have no idea what activity to do with him? Even if you have several Pinterest boards full of activity ideas, at that moment nothing comes to your mind! I’ve gone through this over and over again until I found a very nice idea: the bored jar!
If you go through the same struggle with your child, here is how to create a bored jar for young kids.
How to create a bored jar for young kids: Make a list of activities
The first step is to decide what activities are suitable for you and your child. You can get some inspiration from my list or from other lists on Pinterest. Then you can add your own activities, depending on your child’s age and preferences.
The best way to add your personalized activities to the list is to monitor your activities for two weeks. Write down all the things that your child likes and all the activities that keep him busy. In the end, you’ll certainly have a lot of ideas on your list!
I have split my list into 4 categories:
– independent play (activities that only need my surveillance but not my involvement)
– parent and child activities (activities that we can do together)
– outside play (activities that require going out)
– weekend activities (more complex activities that we usually do during weekends).
Each category has a different color. This helps me pick the appropriate activity from the list depending on the moment and on my availability to get involved in the activities.
Sometimes I am tired and I prefer an activity that Bogdan can do alone. Other times, I feel playful and we play together or even go outside to do something nice.
How to create a bored jar for young kids: Fill the jar with ideas
There are two ways to implement this bored jar in your home.
The first way to do it is by following these steps:
– print the list of activities at the end of the article (or create your own)
– cut it out
– place all the activities in the jar.
If you want to have different categories it’s easier to print each list on a different color of paper.
photo credit: nata3081.gmail.com / depositphotos.com
The second method is the one that we use. Here is what you will need:
– a jar (I bought mine from Safeway)
– craft sticks (in 4 different colors)
– markers.
You just need to write each activity on a craft stick with a marker. Each category of activities has its own color to make them easy to differentiate.
In the end, you place all the craft sticks in the jar and you’ll have the perfect inspiration for fighting boredom!
I hope that you and your kids will enjoy the activities!
More from Playful Notes
- How to create an effective morning routine for kids {+ printable morning routine checklist}
- 52 awesome date ideas that will make kids happy
- How I find time for me (and work) as a stay-at-home mom
>> Click here to save this idea to your favorite Pinterest board
photo credit: Yuganov Konstantin / shutterstock.com
When my kids were young and told me they were bored, I told them if they didn’t get “un-bored” I’d find a chore for them to do. Worked like a charm. But I was kind of a one-trick pony. This is a great idea. Pinning it.
Thank you, Alexandra!
Great idea in order to have a bank of things for kids to do. I think I could use one for myself on a few rainy days as well! lol
Fantastic idea! This would be good for adults too, haha!
Yes, it’s great for adults too! 🙂
Excelente idei!
Ma bucur ca iti plac! 🙂