Boredom Busters

Photo by Allen Taylor on Unsplash

Leave it to grandchildren to think of ways to entertain themselves and us during this time of social isolation.

It began when our daughter was called away for two weeks. We became the caretakers of two creative grandchildren during a shutdown of unprecedented dimensions.

At the beginning of week two, our granddaughter said she thought we should have a different theme each night for dinner. (Where we come from they call it supper.) She said we should all dress up to fit a theme. Here is her list:

Family Dinner Themes

Occupations Drivers

Amish Flowers or trees

Food Bible characters

Family Members Famous people

The Family Dog

The first night they dressed like us, the grandparents, and we dressed like them, the grandkids (with a little moderation, of course). I put my hair in a ponytail on top of my head and borrowed one of our granddaughter’s shirts. Their grandpa borrowed our grandson’s sweatpants and long-sleeve t-shirt and messed up his hair to resemble the grandson who thinks he’s allergic to combs. We laughed until our sides ached.

The grandson, then Grandpa, made male noises at the table (coughs, burps) and the granddaughter, then Grandma, walked around wiping off counter tops, and blowing her nose (think allergies). It added a fun dimension to our time together, seeing who could imitate their character the best.

The second night we dressed like people of different occupations. (See picture below.)

Grandpa as a soldier, granddaughter as a lawyer, I was a nurse and grandson as a WW II flying ace, the Red Baron.

Not to be outdone for entertainment yesterday, their hyperactive grandfather (who doesn’t realize his age) helped them climb trees.

So what does one do the rest of the time? You make homemade play dough! We used to make this when our own children were small. You can use kitchen paraphernalia for cookie cutters. My children using measuring cups, the rings from canning jars, small plastic containers which held leftovers, just anything to make cut-out shapes.

Homemade Play Dough

1 cup flour

½ cup salt

2 tsp. cream of tartar

1 cup water

1 TBSP. salad oil

Food coloring (add to water)

Combine dry ingredients in saucepan. Add water, food coloring and oil. Cook until mixture pulls away from pan. Knead as soon as you can handle mixture comfortably. Double this recipe fills large Cool Whip container. Store in airtight container.

*The oil keeps this pliable.

*Don’t skip using the cream of tartar. You will end up with a gooey mess.

If you find yourself at wit’s end keeping your young ones busy, try a few of these boredom busters. They worked for us; they will work for you.

How about you? Any suggestions on fighting boredom for kids OR adults? Please comment below.