More Cheap Entertainment

If you need to entertain your kids, but you have limited income resources, thes ideas are perfect.

It doesn't take much to entertain young children. Usually all they need is something new and unique to play with in order to have hours of fun. There are many ways you can accomplish active play without spending a fortune. Here are a few ideas:

1) Gather all the cushions, pillows, and blankets from around the house. Pile the cushions, pillows and blankets in an arrangement directly in front of your sofa. Make sure the pile is very thick and cushioned and covers a large area of the floor. After you've prepared the floor area, direct your children to climb upon the sofa and jump into the 'jumping pit'. Not only will they be entertained by the novelty of being allowed to jump in the house, but the activity will help to wear them out so that they sleep well in the evening.

2) Buy a pack of balloons and blow them up. Toss the balloons in the air so they fall wherever they may. Then sit back and watch as your children create their own games using this new toy. The balloons will last for a couple of days as long as you buy quality balloons that won't pop easily. Get a variety of colors, too, to make the fun even better.

3) The most time tested selection of toys can be found right in you kitchen. Drag out your pots and pans. Drag out a large selection of spoons and measuring cups and whatever else may be used to make noise. Set the pots and pans out for the kids to enjoy. **BE SURE TO INSTALL YOUR EARPLUGS BEFORE YOU HAND OVER THE GOODS!**  Pots and pans will entertain most children. Your teenagers may not be likely to fall for this cheap trick, but up until your child is 8 or 9, you can continue to get away with this.

4) If you're looking for a less noisy use for those pots and pans, set the kids up in the bathroom with pots, pans, and bowls of various sizes. Be sure to spread out a few towels before you begin to help minimize the mess. Provide your kids with a few ground rules (no throwing the water) and a few cups and spoons of various sizes. A strainer or two is also a good addition to this game. For younger children, give them a few cups of water to play with. For older children, give them permission to use the faucet in the bathtub to obtain their water. The kids will enjoy getting their own water in the amounts that they determine will be appropriate for their tasks at hand.

You may end up with a mess to clean, but your kids will be so happy with their entertainment that they might even offer to HELP with the clean up. Of course, even if they don't offer to help, you will have accomplished a length of quiet time. And we all know that quiet time is PRICELESS!