The Idea Jar

“Mom.... I bored!…”

Have you heard it yet this summer?... I have.

One day while my children were happily playing, I used the time to brainstorm a list of things I thought they’d enjoy doing. Later, I wrote these ideas on colorful strips of paper, folded them, and placed them in a glass jar which has become known in our family as the “Idea Jar.”

There are two rules to the Idea Jar. Rule 1 -- if you complain, “I’m bored,” then Mom gets to assign you a job. But if you have searched for your own ideas first and still found the fun beginning to lag, then you can draw a card from the Idea Jar. Just remember Rule 2 -- you HAVE to do whatever your card says.

Some of our cards are purely fun.
1.    Create a “car wash” for bikes.
2.    Design an obstacle course. Try using a stop watch to see who can finish in the shortest time.
3.    Use a box or jar to create a home for bugs. Now find at least 3 bugs to live in it.

One color is specifically designed for rainy-day fun.
1.    Ask Mom for blue painter’s tape to make an indoor hopscotch board.
2.    Go for a swim in the bathtub. Don’t forget your goggles!
3.    Do two puzzles. Want to do more? Try creating a gallery.

Some offer an academic twist.
1.    Read for 15 minutes – try finding an interesting, new reading place.
2.    Write a story – ask Mom or Dad for an idea.
3.    Write a note or make a card. Now mail it.

And others mostly benefit Mom!
1.    Get to work – ask Mom or Dad for a job.
2.    Turn up your music and clean your room.
3.    Spend 15 minutes of quiet time in your room.

These ideas were designed for my young daughters, but with a little thought, the selection could be tailored to fit the ages and interests of any child. Perhaps if you create your own jar, you’ll find like I have that once kids get started on one of the ideas, they typically go beyond the instructions to add their own creative flair. Then before they realize it, 15 minutes of fun has turned into an hour or more of play time!