It might be to build a Lego boat that will actually float or to create a bridge from paper between two tables that their Matchbox cars can drive across without falling off. Or good old fashioned fun like building a domino track or a house from a deck of playing cards. Again, start with what interests your child and create a problem for them to solve. 2. Get them outside Even if it means taking your cup of tea and quiet time outside too, giving your children time and space to run, jump or dig will hopefully divert their attention sufficiently for you to sit in the corner and  breathe the fresh air. If you feel they need a little more direction, why not take a few minutes to create a simple treasure hunt. Try this idea from Picklebums or one of these from Playopedia . 3. Big drawings I love the rolls of paper you can buy at Ikea. Immy really enjoys it when I set out a long length of paper (on the floor or taped to the wall or a sliding door) with textas/felt markers, oil pastels or watercolours (each of which make clean up relatively painless) for creative fun. Or lay them down on the paper and trace around their body to make a canvas for one of these body outline creative activities . 4. Washing windows and dusting shelves Does your child have a chore that they actually like to do? For Immy it is