Radio Iowa, IA
02-28-07
Help the kids learn to entertain themselves while couped up by Bob fisher, KRIB, Mason City
With many schools canceling classes and the recent winter weather forcing kids indoors, many parents might hear the kids say "I'm bored." Iowa State
University Extension Family Life Specialist Donna Andrusyk says parents should not feel that they have to entertain their children.
Andrusyk says parents shouldn't need to feel they have to find something to relieve their child's boredom. Andrusyk says instead of trying to entertain the kids, you should try to help the kids entertain themselves. Andrusyk says that letting your children entertain themselves will help build their problem-solving skills.
Andrusyk says you can help your kids develop their creativity by not always giving them the solution to boredom, but by helping them find the solution.
Andrusyk says that making activities available to your child will not allow them to use the boredom excuse as often.
Andrusyk says if you have a child who likes art, keep art supplies on hand so the kid can do a project. She says you want to avoid getting involved in a "power struggle" with your kids, and let them decide what they should do to keep from getting bored. For more information about relieve your children's boredom, contact the Iowa State University Extension service or go on-line to: www.extension.iastate.edu.