Let's Pretend
By Anita DeFrank, Fri Dec 9th

Children have amazing and wild imaginations. The next time youhear "I'm bored" or "What can we do", give them a few householditems, or let them make their own and watch them expand intoendless hours of fun and entertainment. The following are just afew ideas to get the fun started and be sure to use yourimagination too!

--->Make an Obstacle Course Obstacle courses can be a lot offun, spark creativity and also be great exercise for the littleones. These can be set up in and out of doors. Pillows, chairs,tires and stools are just a couple of things that can be used tobe climbed, jumped and skipped over, through, around and under.Time each child as they scramble their way through and have arace. Best thing about these is that once they've doneeverything they can think of with the first one, it can be torndown and set up again another way. Have each child take turns inchoosing the way it's set back up.

--->Let's Play Dress Up Don't give away all those old shoes,shirts, pants, hats, gloves and costume jewelry! Set aside aspecial drawer or box for these item to play dress up. Havechildren act out their favorite play, television show or put ona fashion show. You'd be surprised exactly how cute she reallylooks in your old high school prom gown. Be sure to take snapshots or keep the video camera rolling!

--->Kid's Café Set up old card

table and let the children playrestaurant. Have children make up or use play money and menus.Children that can't write yet can draw the food items on themenus. Give them some paper plates, cups, plastic silverware, alittle notebook and they're open for business. Take turns beingwaiter, customer and busboy (or girl ).

--->Go This too can be played in or out of doors and thepossibilities are endless. If you have a smaller pop-up tent, itcan be set up in the living room. If you're taking this activityoutdoors, you can hang an old sheet over a clothesline securingwith rocks at the bottom. Have children draw or cut out windowsif you're using an old sheet. (Remember to keep for the nextcamping trip.) Set up some lawn chairs around your faux fire andtell stories, sing songs, make smores in the microwave or anyother favorite activity. Go all the way and sleep theretonight!

--->Movie Night Go to your favorite video rental store and haveyour child help pick out a movie for the whole family. Havechildren make tickets for the show, play money, popcorn, baggiesof dried fruit, paper cups of juice or any other favoritesnacks. Set these items up for "sale" and have each familymember "purchase" their tickets and munchies. Then sit back andenjoy the show!

About the author:Anita DeFrank is a busy work at home mom who specializes inhelping others become successful home business owners. Visit hersite MommysHelperOnline.com for more information how you cantoo.