How to Keep Boredom at Bay

Are your kids complaining they are bored and getting on your nerves with that time old line, "I'm Bored Mom! Can we do something Dad?"

Here are eight fun activities to keep boredom and fighting off their minds and out of your house! These are ideal activities for when you have to work and when you have free time to enjoy playing with your children.

1. Snowmen, Snow Ball Fights, Snow Castles

In the spirit of winter, don't let your kids sit around being bored. Gear them up in the proper winter attire and get out their with them. Nothing says I love you like building a replica snowman family, don't forget to make a little snow dog too or a mimic of your favorite pet in the family!

2. Pop On A Movie

Throw on a family favorite or try out a new blockbuster if your kids are getting sick and tired of being bored. Make a big bowl of popcorn to keep their mouth busy and dim the lights to get in the mood and turn that boredom into a night of enjoyment.

3. Board Games, Puzzles, Floor Mat Games and Imagination Games

From Monopoly to Twister to Clue to Hide and Seek every child loves playing a good game! If your busy get your kids to start playing without you and promise you will jump in after a few rounds of hide and seek. Make sure to keep your promise though or bored kids, will turn into whiny, unhappy kids. But with all the games in this world, your kids should never have to be bored. Sometimes they just need a little encouragement or an adult playmate to make the game a real hit!

4. Crafts

Search online for a selection of fun crafts or find an amazing variety on Associated Content. Do it yourself birdhouses to simple Popsicle sticks and macaroni crafts can turn a bored child into a happy camper! Pick up supplies from your local dollar store and save them for a snowy day for next time your kids get a case of "BORED!"

5. Sports

Most parents won't exactly let you play ball in the house, so try winter sports. Take your kids tobogganing, sledding, skidooing, skiing or for a friendly game of ice hockey. Nothing takes away a case of boredom like slapping on some old ice skates and heading down to a local lake or arena for an afternoon of fun!

6. Reading

Cuddle up on the couch with a mug of hot chocolate, a soft blanket and a good book. Reading to your children is an important part of their childhood and chances are, if they get cozy enough, they'll be snoozing in no time after a good story in your warm arms.

7. Computer Games

Find free online games like word twist and bingo or buy your child a copy of their favorite Barbie CD-Rom game or Bob the Builder computer game. You can find these at your local Wal-mart but don't discredit the hundreds of free and fun online games you can find too!

8. Printable Coloring Sheets

Are your kids sick and tired of the same old coloring books and pictures they are drawing? Bust out the markers and crayons and print off free outline pictures of their favorite cartoon characters to keep them from bored to busy.

Don't let boredom drag your family down this winter and be proactive by playing with your children and providing games and suggesting activities. Have fun with your children and keep them busy with fun and appropriate activities when you are too busy to play with them.

With their active imaginations, it's a wonder how they ever get bored in the first place!