13 of 25

Write now Article Tools

When the five-year old starts following you around and whining that she's bored, what are you going to do? Turning on the television is too easy. You're a creative parent who wants to teach your child to use her imagination, so you're going to do these three things.
First, get down to your child's eye level, look her in the eye, and tell her you love her. Give her a squeeze, and say something like, "What are you going to do to fix being bored?" Take her by the hand, and lead her into her favorite playing area. It may be the living room, or a designated playroom.

Second, instead of looking around and suggesting different toys, open her mind to an exciting adventure. Say, "I see the princess' castle beyond the purple mountains! All of the people want their princess to return, but the journey is long and hard!" Start describing the play room to her. "There is a sparkling brook filled with magic fish." You might get down on hands and knees and crawl for a bit. Perhaps your child will look at you in amazement, as her usually mature parent is acting like a child. That's okay! Continue describing the setting until your child is enveloped in the fantasy. "The little woodland fairies have brought twigs to comb your hair and get you ready to return to the castle!"
Third, involve yourself in the activity only to the extent that you are able. If you are in the middle of an important project, you might assign yourself the role of fairy godparent. Tell your child that you have to work in the other room, but you will appear when she most needs you, in ten minutes, or whatever time frame you decide. Set the timer and do what you said you would do. Many times, the child will accept that you are 'a magical wizard', and you are typing up potions on your computer.
You did it! You led your child on a rainy-day adventure that will stimulate her imagination, and you did it without turning on the television.

Learn more about this author, Victoria Holt.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Good rainy-day activities for children?
We want to hear your view. Write now!