Standing in line got you on edge, kids ready to go crazy at any moment?  Try one of these ideas to make it fun while you get your errands finished:

  • Ask your child to make up a silly, outrageous story about why the waitress is taking so long to deliver the meal, or what caused the traffic jam.
  • Hold up an ordinary item such as a pencil or spoon. Have the child suggest unusual uses for the object.
  • Take turns singing as many songs as you know that have a color in the song. Example: Rudolf the RED nose reindeer, The YELLOW Rose of Texas, BLUE Suede shoes, etc.
  • Ask your child to close their eyes and describe what you are wearing.
  • Ask your child to list 10 things found in a dentist office, car repair shop, or bakery.
  • Thumb wrestle with your child.
  • Hum a song and have your child guess the title.
  • Give your child the name of a character in a book. They have to identify the book title.
  • Tell your child three unrelated items such as, a dirty sock, watermelon and a swing set. Ask them to tell you a story incorporating those items.

This list is from a booklet, The Camp Counselor Style of Parenting - Over 88 Ways to Be A Fun and Creative Parent by Silvana Clark. To order a copy, send $2 plus a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Silvana Clark, 2100 Birch Circle, Bellingham, WA 98226