How to Boost Your Child's Imagination

Schools out for Summer – 10 cheap boredom busting ideas

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That’s it, Summers here!
For us, school has already finished, and the job of keeping the “I’m bored” remarks at bay has begun.
Here is a list of 10 cheap boredom busting ideas to keep the children’s boredom at bay.

1. Make playdough.

We do this often and have a very simple recipe here.  The kids love to help with this and have just as much fun making it as they do then playing with it.  Try jazzing up with flavourings and/or glitter.

 

PlayDough

2. Workbooks

Doing a page a day doesn’t feel like a chore, and it will help your child’s continued learning throughout the holidays. There are so many available depending on your child’s age and ability. We are currently working through a maths book with Emmy.

3. Drawing

If they are fed up with colouring books etc. Why not get hold of a cheap clear shower curtain (Poundland, home bargains, or even your local market are good for finding these), tape it to the floor and let your child’s imagination run wild? How about making a race track for cars or even a fairy palace?
shower curtain drawing

4. Dressing up

Raid your own wardrobe for old scarves,  wraps, hats, bags etc. Kids love these jumpsuits as much as princesses and TV characters’ dress-up outfits.
You don’t have to buy dressing up clothes for the kids to wear, they are always happy with old custom jewellery, some of your old clothes, bags and accessories can provide hours of entertainment.
This also goes for school dress up days for world book day etc. Here are some Quick and Easy no Spend Roald Dahl Costume Ideas.

5. Baking

Making cakes and biscuits is always a hit in this house; not only do they like making them, but eating them afterwards is always fun.  If you’re not the greatest baker, you can always decorate shop-bought biscuits – try making faces with icing and various sweets.

A few of our favourite things to bake with the kids are:

6. A nature walk

Take a bag or a basket with you and head out for a nature walk. Let the kids collect anything of interest and pop it into their bags (within reason obviously…no glass but leaves, twigs, flowers and stones are fine)
We love heading off on a nature walk, not only is it free family fun but it can also provide lots of educational opportunities while you are outside.

7. A nature picture

Using your collection from your nature walk, create a nice picture using a card, paper and glue to stick it all together.

8. Salt dough necklaces

Salt dough is easy to make; we have a salt dough recipe here. Make beads and add holes through with a straw/cocktail stick. Cook in the oven. Once the paint is cooled, allow it to dry and then thread it onto a length of wool/cord.

9. Water beads

We love these. You can get them cheaply on Amazon (I’ve just bought 18 packs for under £5). Open a pack and soak in water for 4 hours. The tiny beads absorb the water and swell.  Let the kids play. They feel very strange and squishy to touch. Add animals, boats etc and have fun.
Aqua Beads 8

 

Aqua Beads 7

10. Complete the library challenge

Your local library will have a reading challenge on for the kids. Younger children have to read (or listen to) 6 books over the holidays. You then need to talk to the librarian about these books. For each book read, you then receive a sticker; when you’ve collected all 6 stickers you will receive a certificate and a medal at the end of the holidays
How will you be saving money and stopping boredom over the holidays?

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Clare

Hi, I'm Clare (Emmy's Mummy). A former Nanny and Mother of 2 - Emmy (born February 2010) and Harry (born October 2012). We are Essex based and share our adventures and misadventures of a busy crazy life.

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