Here is a way to stimulate creativity for times when your child says, "There's nothing to do," or for when you need some time for work around the house or breathing space for yourself.

Materials:

• A shoebox in which you have collected "throw-aways" like the following:
• Used greeting cards
• Used wrapping paper and ribbons
• Yarn
• Plastic tops
• Stickers from junk mail
• Mail order catalogs
• Paper towel rolls
• Old calendar pages
• Child safety scissors
• Non-toxic glue or tape

Directions:

Prepare a space for your child to create on by putting newspapers or an old sheet on the floor or table where your child is working. After spending a little time getting your child started using these things, you might find your child can stay busy for a while, discovering the fun of creating collages.

It's helpful to stop while there's enough energy and time to work on putting things away. Before you begin an activity, it's a good idea to remind your child there will be clean-up time afterwards, so your child can know what's expected. Cleaning up the mess can be as much a part of the activity as making the mess, if we're conscious that both the making and the cleaning up are part of the whole project.

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