Lost child

It's raining outside and you're bored today. Actually you aren't so bored, but you are really tired of hearing how bored your kids are. They whine, they cry, they sulk, and you're losing it. Why not turn off the television and try something a little out of the ordinary if your family has the rainy day blues?

1. Discover new toys. If your kids are like mine, they have a room bursting with toys that don't seem to get enough play time. Perhaps they have forgotten how much fun Barbie or GI Joe can be, or just can't get creative anymore with blocks. If you sit down with your kids and show them just how much fun it can be to combine toys or find new things to do with old toys, you'll be the hero of the day.

For example, try using the blocks to outline a house for Barbie on the floor. Let your imagination soar as you make rooms together and play house. When you're tired of one arrangement, try another! Dig through the closet and find thing that haven't seen the light of day in a few months or years. If nothing in the toy closet has great appeal, make new toys. A few blankets and a card table can make a terrific fort. A towel and a great imagination make a nice magic carpet. Be creative!

2. Play online. There are lots of things to do on the computer that don't require constant supervision like many of the traditional games might. Pull up a website like TheDollPalace.com and let your kids explore. The coloring pages on the site can inspire creativity. Online coloring pages are made from many of the fun and fashionable dolls created on the site, so they are more interesting and exciting than traditional coloring pages.

After trying out the coloring pages, play with doll makers on that site and try out different educational websites. There are tons of websites provided that teach various things or involve games that are educational rather than edgy and inappropriate. The best part of all is that they are free!

3. Bake up a storm. Kids love to help bake things. Dig in the pantry for some sugar cookies or cake mix and whip up a batch. Let the kids help stir, and as the cookies or cupcakes cool, bring out all the sprinkles, food coloring and candy you can find. Let the kids frost the creations and add all the decorative elements. When the masterpieces are finished, everyone can indulge!

4. Play a game together. Most people agree that board games, or even video games, are a terrific way to spend time together, but they can be a bit hard to get started. If you pull out the Monopoly or Candyland board for everyone and get the kids motivated, you'll be on your way to a less stressful afternoon.

Not only will your kids be having fun as they count spaces and make wise real estate investments, they will have something to do that challenges the brain a bit. Throw in a bit of popcorn and juice and you'll have a regular party!

5. Invite friends over. Just because you can't go outside to play doesn't mean friends can't come over to the house to play. Inviting friends over is one of the easiest ways to break a kid's boredom. A friend brings exciting new prospects and makes even the most played video game exciting again.

Let your kids pick up the phone and call a friend. A quick drive in the car to pick him up may just help you keep your sanity and give your child a chance to play with someone they haven't seen in a while.