by Licia Morrow

Created on: November 11, 2008   Last Updated: December 11, 2008

Every parent has experienced the end-of-the-day blues, especially with a small child who does not yet have the activities of school and homework occupying their time. Parents must continuously stay one step ahead of these little dynamos! Once the play dates are over for the day, blocks have been built, pictures have been painted, and every toy in the house has been utilized, it's time to get creative. Don't put those little ones in front of the t.v. This will limit their creativity and imagination instead of inspiring them to play independently! Instead, try one of these time-tested activities that cost little or no money.

Bucket of Rocks

Small children love hands on learning and it actually increases their brain functions! Go out to the back yard or porch and fill up a bucket with a bunch of stones. Small children love to empty, then fill containers. Many kids also like to line things up. Cleaning the rocks with a brush and a bit of water is also fun.

Sink of Soapy Water

The sensations and movements of liquid are welcome ones to children. This is why they blow bubbles in their milk, jump into puddles, and love finger painting. The strategy is easy. Simply put a stool up to the bathroom or kitchen sink, fill it with soapy water, and provide a few small plastic toys, cups, and spoons. Your little ones will love scooping and dumping water, stirring soap bubbles, and sending their action figure to the bottom of the "ocean." Bonus: Clean hands and fingernails!

Fabric

When given the chance, children can be very imaginative and creative. Many toys are utilized for a specific purpose which becomes boring after a few minutes. Fabric, on the other hand, can send your child into a make-believe land of their own choosing. Provide a few larger pieces of fabric or scarves and let your child go to work. They can wear the fabric tucked into their clothing, cover dolls with the fabric, and even do a fabric dance, swinging the fabric around while they twirl. A piece of sequined fabric, easily purchased at a fabric store and placed in front of a sunny window can also send beautiful light rays all over the walls and ceiling of your room.

Little Kitchen Helper

Is it time to make dinner and you can't seem to keep the kids occupied while you slave over the hot stove? Put them to work with you! Even toddlers can help with transferring broccoli from a bag into a salad bowl. Children of all ages can help put the silverware on the table for dinner and lay out napkins. It doesn't matter if the

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