Review: Great book for keeping kids occupied!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 13, 2014
Boredom Busters!Eileen McAree has identified an area that most parents can certainly identify with: how do you keep your kids busy while you try to do housework or drive the car on a long road trip? In a humorous way, McAree points out that when boredom sets in, "That's when bickering can sometimes appear, followed by its friends whining and complaining." Parents dread these playmates, and can sometimes be tempted to just put their children in front of the TV or another electronic device, but these entertainments do little to provide children with socialization or learning opportunities. That's where this book comes in.McAree provides you, the parent, with a toolbox full of games, activities, and crafts you can set your children to doing when you need that extra uninterrupted time to finish what you're working on. The descriptions are very vivid, and describe what your child might gain from the activity besides fun and entertainment. The activities range from the tried and true (hopscotch, the alphabet game in the car, etc.) to new takes on old standbys and even some ideas I’d never heard of before.Each chapter is thoughtfully divided into activities that run along a particular theme, such as sidewalk games, jump rope rhymes, backyard games, ball games, travel games, and crafts & activities. McAree’s tips and ideas will help you keep your children occupied while also promoting good physical and mental health.The only reason I’ve given this book 4 stars instead of 5 is the lack of illustration. Some of the games and activities are very well described, but could do with a bit of illustration for how to lay things out. I’m sure, though, that you can find more information about these from the Internet—that’s one of McAree’s sources, after all! Don’t hesitate…if you have children, buy this wonderful book to get some new ideas on how to keep them entertained and healthy.