Works For Me: The "Mom, I'm Bored" Edition

Oh, sweet friends, we are only on the fourth full day of summer, and I already find myself up to my knees in bugspray, sunscreen, chlorine and grass clippings.  Summer has exploded into my house with a vengeance, and I couldn't be any happier about it.

As much as I love the break from the school-year rat race, though, you and I both know that all the home time occasionally presents a challenge.  In particular, there's that word my kids use, the word that makes me cringe like crazy:

BORED.

"If you're bored, you're boring!" I shout back cheerfully. They just love that. 

In today's themed edition, I'd love to hear from you alll about how you combat this issue in your home.  Give us all your general outlook on the subject, or provide us with a list of specific modes of entertainment you use--whatever you'd like.

Around here, I've written before that we keep a list posted all summer.  It's a list of every imaginable non-electronic diversion the kids and I can think of.  We list out every toy, every board game, all imaginary play, EVERYthing, so that when the kids get twitchy I can point them to the list.

This year, I'm adding another list.  *wicked laugh*

If the first list doesn't get them, then we go to Mom's List Of Things You Can Do To So You Won't Be Bored.  They include things like folding towels, picking up your room, scrubbing the shower, washing the floor of the garage with a toothbrush, etc.

Oh, yes ma'am.

What are your best tips for helping the kids engaged and busy and happy over the summer?  I can't wait to read your ideas.  I may print them all out and wallpaper the kitchen with them.

Leave your link below.  First-timers, please read through the guidelines. 

Was your link deleted?  Click here.

1. Blue Castle 2. Capturing Today (Summer with 3 little girls) 3. MG (Cheap Everyday Fun) 4. The Diaper Diaries 5. Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers (WooHoo for Summer!) 6. Joy @ Five J\'s (Inside fun!) 7. We are THAT family 8. The Diaper Diaries (road trip) 9. Deb (wading pool) 10. Life At The Circus(car rides) 11. Land of Lovings - Art Direction 12. The Bargain Shopper Lady (Using Water Activities) 13. Org Junkie (beach the easy way!) 14. Domestic Spaz (Geocaching and more!) 15. Shanda (narnia, nim, winn dixie,and more) 16. For Cheap Sake (Summer Movies) 17. Smellyann (entertaining the kids) 18. Becky (Free Entertainment) 19. BundyMum (Start Here!) 20. Liftime Typepad Discount- Fussy 21. Many Little Blessings (Painting Canvas Bags) 22. little princess chronicles (a whole summer of fun) 23. Stretch Mark Mama (Geek List) 24. Lady Why (Homemade Bible School, Frogs, and more!) 25. Happy to be at Home (Life Skills Fun!) 26. Blissfully Domestic (Summer Playgroups) 27. NerdMom 28. Daily Mish Mash (Ultimate Boredom Buster) 29. Annette @ More Lucy Than June (Preschooler Summer Fun) 30. What About Mom? (Encouragement for Hillary Clinton) 31. The Happy Housewife (Curing Summer Boredom) 32. Untraditional home (work they want to do) 33. TongguMomma (Dogs, Kids: Boredom Same) 34. Staci at Writing and Living (Dangerous Book for Boys, Daring Book for Girls) 35. A Simple Walk (Boredom-Busting Blogging) 36. Dawn-Sweet Pea cakes, etc. Blog (lots of entertainment) 37. NerdFamily Things 38. Cyndy ("Working" at character) 39. Blog Fresno 40. Mrs Fussypants Frump Fighting Manifesto! 41. Mrs. Organic (resources) 42. Wooden Porch (Crafts/Summer Activities!) 43. Karla (Easy Decorative painting for your walls) 44. Lisa-BlessedwithGrace(fun with water) 45. Kerri (Idea for girls) 46. Nicol (3 months worth of ideas) 47. Jinxy (Indoor Fun) 48. Beth @ The Natural Mommy (Make-shift Whiteboard) 49. jen (field trips & routine) 50. Christa @ No End in Site (multi-tasking / no more boredom jar) 51. Suzanne :: Adventures in Daily Living :: 52. Britni (What To Do In a Car Accident) 53. Amy @ Jonathan\'s Journey (long list for young kids) 54. Cindy (create a new chore) 55. Duckabush Blog (A silly list) 56. PASS THE TORCH (boredom busters) 57. Melanie @ One La Costa Mom (Cheap model kits for boys) 58. nottryingforaboy (run some laps!) 59. A juggling Mum (Foam Shapes) 60. Homemaker\'s Cottage- a corny way to cure the boredom blues 61. LaRee @ Broad Horizons 62. citystreams (Air Tents) 63. Shanda (our "green" summer) 64. Green Baby Guide (Homemade Finger Paint) 65. Hotomom (Homemade Bubble Blower) 66. sara l (baking powder in a pinch) 67. Amy (Letterboxing) 68. Smockity Frocks (Pack It All In) 69. Julie (2-Liter Treasure Hunt) 70. Moriah @ Please Pass the Salt (Coloring book alternative/keeping preschool kids 71. The Apron Queen (Free Hula Lessons!) 72. Margalit (Slip-n-Slide) 73. Just Pure Lovely (photos of my suggestions) 74. Michelle at Scribbit 75. OW (list of activities for small children) 76. Andrea (movie snacks) 77. Amy @ Because I Must... (Improving Your Life-Drawing Skills) 78. Pufferfish Diaries (summer camp, only at HOME!) 79. Sarah (Summer Disipline Consistancy Help) 80. Robin (scavenger hunt) 81. The I\'m Bored Chore List (SheMom) 82. Joanna @ OneKrustyMama (Outside Play) 83. Amber - Bringing Good Home (10 Things To Do) 84. Karla 85. Dawn 86. Lori ~ Simple Life at Home (50 Ideas for Family Fun!) 87. The Pumkin Patch (Games and Crafts) 88. Annette\'s Birthday is Today!-MoreLucyThanJune 89. Building project w/ pretzels 90. Runningamuck (bustin\' out da big guns of boredom) 91. Sarah (Arts & Crafts) 92. Elizabeth (fun list) 93. Garibay Soup (Picture Scavenger Hunt) 94. Audra Krell (Bored Games) 95. col @ gigablonde (teach the kids to do an indian head massage on you!) 96. Char (Oops, I didn\'t know there was a theme!) 97. Lori ~ Simple Life at Home (50 Ideas for Family Fun!) Correct Link!!! 98. Julie (Digital I Spy) 99. Lee (ABC activity) 100. Marina Berryman (boredom is contagious) 101. The Pile I\'m Standing In ("painting" the house) 102. Owlhaven (summer journal) 103. Proud SAHM 104. Happy Momma (Homemade Fun) 105. Kirsty @ Momedy -how to ORGANIZE all the fun ideas 106. Homemaker Barbi (What to do with kids\' art) 107. Tina in Thailand( TV-less fun) 108. "Mom, I\'m Bored" Website! 109. Motherhood For Dummies 110. Donna 111. Laane (housecleaning and art) 112. Horatio Hornblower 113. The Crafty Pumpkin ( Chalk Games) 114. Janet (keeping the kids BUSY so you can cook DINNER) 115. Simple Mom (Homemade Play Doh) 116. Top Ten list of FREE activities to do with TODDLERS 117. Beth/Mom2TwoVikings (repost re: homemade sidewalk paint) 118. Will at Home (Get a job as a hacker) 119. jennwa (summer snack for kids) 120. Brenda (theme weeks) 121. Shalee - Putting Kids in their Happy Place 122. Piseco (Make Magical Mystical Bracelets) 123. Laura (advice for working wives & moms) 124. Angela- Summer Break activities 125. jodi (splish, splash & measure) 126. Mothers Precious Gems (How to make cute card stock gift box) 127. Julie (Summer Days Countdown) 128. Like I Was Saying (101 Ideas) 129. Stephanie (Planning Projects Reduces Boredom) 130. Joyful Days (Make Sure What Is Really Being Said) 131. Trixie @ Farmhomelife (10 fun things!) 132. Judy (50 Days Of Summer Fun) 133. Jen (A Good Cup of Coffee) 134. Penny Raine fighting summer boredom 135. The Apron Queen **Splashes of Fun!** 136. Joy of Frugal Living (library summer reading programs) 137. Lori (Regal Movies) 138. WORKING MOM SOLUTIONS! 139. Mary@notbefore7 (picnic basket) 140. Teresa @ A Life At Home (Summer family project time!) 141. Elle--A Complete Thought 142. Mrs. Happy Housewife (Boredom-free Zone) 143. Miche@Coordinated Chaos(no more "Im bored" rainy day activity) 144. Kim (Park Days)

145. Robin @ HOW (Splinter Removal) 146. FishMama (Camp Wannalaffalotta Summer Playday) 147. GettysburgMom- Alpacas 148. Vickie@PursuingSimplicity 149. Mother Hen (Inexpensinve Math Instruction) 150. Kim (Motivation advice needed) 151. Tara (schedule and list) 152. Lisa K 153. emily (books & fireworks) 154. Sheila ~ To Love, Honor and Vacuum 155. Mommin\' It Up! (water play!) 156. a suburban housewife (I\'m bored!) 157. Tanna (son swiffers) 158. Mother Hen (Treasure Hunt) 159. Ames (bugs, books, and mud) 160. Lisa (Blow Up Pools) 161. MrsScotsman (Free Movies at Regal Cinemas) 162. Abby (math fun@ the pool) 163. Building The Ark (On the Air!) 164. Brandi (House Points) 165. Tons of Sons ~ at home sanity with 5 blessings 166. Frills Fluff and Trucks (hunting for TREASURE!) 167. Colleen (make your own stickers) 168. Kim @ Sprinkles on My Ice Cream (Chalkboard) 169. Stacy (Cloth diapers) 170. The Not Quite Crunchy Parent ( Kid friendly garden) 171. Mandy (Old School Summer Fun) 172. Val - Punishment Essays 173. IfOnlyIHadSuperPowers (roll up chalk boards) 174. Thia (assorted) 175. Christine (killing a summer - knock its bloody head off!) 176. Cyndi (Kid Concoctions) 177. Candace @ A Garden of Blessings (cloth diapers) 178. Kisses of Sunshine: 7 FREE things to do for Summer Fun 179. Jenny (Physical Labor) 180. Martie\'s House (INEXPENSIVE ideas from Mom of 9) 181. Katie (not licking dog ears!) 182. Mom24--magic cure 183. LFTV-(No Fail Solution) 184. Jeni (picnic "blanket") 185. Llama Momma (Storybook stew) 186. Nichole (the power of distraction) 187. Semicolon (June Celebrations Links and Birthdays) 188. anya* (kids cookin\') 189. Valerie at Home (The List and The Art) 190. Tiffany (summer reading program) 191. Nichole @ A Call to Higher Places (Makin your own goo, ediable play dough, and f 192. Elisa (Being Free) 193. Elena (movie list and summer homeschool) 194. April(check locally for activities) 195. Wani (tumbling mats) 196. Kirstin: a few ideas and a recipe 197. Ginny 198. Millicent--Free Entertainment! 199. Janelle (googly eyes) 200. Jill (Make-a-Kitchen) 201. 3cookieday 202. {Simply A Musing Blog} - Cheap Digital Fun! 203. La Vida Dulce (Photography Project) 204. AMusingMom (Super Summer Challenge) 205. Andrea (help outside) 206. GP in Montana 207. Mamacita (10 fun activities) 208. three time mommy (academic activities) 209. Marlo (Berry Picking with pictures) 210. Jenn (picture list) 211. Tara@Not So Perfect (learningcards) 212. De\'Etta @Choosing Joy 213. Becky P (Library Fun & Bonus Tip) 214. Jenn (picture list, fixed link) 215. Amyswandering (watermelon fun, scavenger hunt) 216. Marcy-The Glamorous Life 217. SAHMmy Says (Free Summer Fun!) 218. Sonshine(boredom cure jar) 219. Jacquelyn@Because I Said So! (CONTEST to cure summer boredom!) 220. Sandy@Jesus and Dark Chocolate(LOTS of FUN ideas!) 221. Stop and Smell the Chocolates (Summer Reading and more) 222. Family Focused Fun (Fun Camp at Home Ideas!) 223. Kristin("part of the solution") 224. World\'sGreatestMommy (Kid Centers At Home) 225. Momof11 (Keeping Track of Keeping Busy) 226. Motherhood For Dummies - Movie Series 227. Abbi@Proverbs31Living (Mom I\'m bored edition) 228. AreWeThereYetMom(Science,Spanish, and Reading) 229. Mommy Menagerie (fun and free boring busters) 230. Luanne (boredom? Advanced Eye Application) 231. Amanda (too much TV; TV whiners?) 232. Nina (scrapbooks) 233. Fiddledeedee (TULLE: So pretty, versatile, and cheap!) 234. Franticallysimple (treasure hunting) 235. diXymiss (play w/ food!) 236. Trying Traditional (photo list of fun) 237. Rebekah (play-doh goodness) 238. Fuschia (Simple Summer) 239. Christine (Lily of the Valley) $1 Father\'s Day Gift 240. Aunt LoLo 241. Tips & Treasures (Water) 242. Amy Beth (Amazing Spa Kits for Girls of All Ages!) 243. Who Needs McDreamy 244. Megret 245. Erica Burgan (breakfast on the go) 246. Jami (outdoor fun) 247. Mama Looking Up (Duct Tape Bonanza) 248. Kris 249. Free 2 Be Frugal (have I got a site for you!) 250. Motherhood and Potatoes (Banana Boats) 251. Texastanya (Keep Em Busy) 252. KD @ A Bit Squirrelly Free Water Fun 253. Amnda (Straws & Masking Tape) 254. Carly (Reading Fun) 255. Melanie @ build wisely (whistle while you work) 256. Lynley (Summer Fun for Toddlers) 257. Alyssa @ Keeping the Kingdom First (Baking!) 258. Amy at Prettybabies 259. Kim Priestap (put him to work) 260. Rhen @ YESTHEYAREALLMINE 261. Lisa (shaving cream prints) 262. Ann Kroeker (philosophy of boredom & several summer solutions) 263. 3 P\'s in a Pod ~ Cheap Help & Camp 264. Dani (let them cut coupons!) 265. Queen of the Click (15 things to do this summer) 266. Amy Halleran (Finding Motivation to Run) 267. Carly (Reading Fun) 268. Amanda (Scavenger Hunt) 269. Ang(Shaving Cream Fun) 270. Kara (garden fun) 271. The Thrifty Blogger (free movies and more!) 272. Kristen M. (construction paper puppets) 273. Jen (summer sanity savers) 274. Amy (worry-free slime) 275. aunt mommy (holiday gifts during hurricanes?) 276. Beverly 277. Kari (My Handy Activities List) 278. Katie (Advice from a Teacher) 279. Bahama Shores Mama (Kids Rule Week) 280. CarolinaMama ("Summer Centers") 281. Loral (4 ideas) 282. PurpleFrangipani (EasyCraftStamps) 283. Heidi ( Writing a Family Story) 284. Julie Stiles Mills (redneck pool) 285. Lyn @Frugal Weight Watcher (Earning "screen" time) 286. sara m. (Letting Daddy Do It!) 287. Lana (Grow Something)

Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.

Links are now closed to prevent the spammers from ruining our fun. Thanks for playing along--please join us again next week!

Comments

[Crystal]

I don't see the Mr Linky... am I missing it?

[Becky]

I was wondering the same thing : )

[Andrea]

Great topic!

[Jenna]

okay, so I was totally thinking it was my browser...glad to know I'm not the only one missing it!

[BundyMum (Donna @ Thirsty?)]

Thats a great idea! Im putting that list on the fridge too! Thanks!

[Kelly @ Pass the Torch]

Hmmm, not seeing Mr. Linky. Here's my link: http://2passthetorch.com/2008/06/03/summer-boredom-is-not-an-option/ . Great topic!

[Smockity Frocks]

I tell my kids that too. ("If you're bored, you're boring!") Then they give me The Stink Eye.

[Joy @ Five Js]

I guess we do this the old fashioned way? Here's my link:

http://fivejs.wordpress.com/2008/06/03/wfmw-mom-im-bored/

[Jill]

Here is my link

http://thediaperdiaries.wordpress.com/2008/06/03/works-for-me-wednesday-the-mom-im-bored-edition/

[Lady Why]

Mr. Linky is apparently bored with summer already! Ha! Here's my link...

http://kudzugrows.blogspot.com/2008/06/summer-fun.html

[Kelly @ Pass the Torch]

And your wicked list is oh so excellent!

[De'Etta @ Choosing Joy]

I thought I'd check back again and see if Mr. Linky was up- he's not....here's a link and I'll check back in the a.m. LOL
http://not2many.blogspot.com/2008/06/mom-im-bored-this-week-we-are-asked-to.html

[Laura@heavenlyhomemakers]

Where, oh where is Mr. Linky (repeat twice)
Where could Mr. Linky be?

Okay...hopefully my post is better than that song I just wrote. (maybe?)

http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/blog/woohoosummer-with-the-kids

[We are THAT family]

Yeah, here's mine

http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2008/06/reserve-for-boring-summer-day.html

I love the list idea!

[Crystal]

Here is my link: http://lifeatthecircus.com/2008/06/03/are-we-there-yet/

[Alli ~Mrs. Fussypants]

http://www.blissfullydomestic.com/2008/05/summer-playgrou.html

[Domestic Spaz]

I guess I'll post my link here, too! :)

http://slackermomof3.blogspot.com/2008/06/wfmw-mom-im-bored-edition.html

I love that list idea... I think I'll start making mine tomorrow. :)

[Deb]

Here's my link for this week!

Love your lists... :)

http://momstakeonthings.com/?p=80

[Andrea]

Here's my link just in case - cheaper solution for movieshttp://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=755925335053266893&postID=481717299933974359

[Alli ~Mrs. Fussypants]

summer playgroups

http://www.blissfullydomestic.com/2008/05/summer-playgrou.html

[Amy]

Here's my link:

http://2passthetorch.com/2008/06/03/summer-boredom-is-not-an-option/

[Becky]

Here's mine:

http://everydaybecky.blogspot.com/2008/06/schools-outnow-what.html

I'm glad to know it's not my computer.

[Jenna]

here's my link: http://atlantalovings.blogspot.com/2008/06/works-for-me-wednesday.html

[MamaGeek]

Here is mine:
http://whatworksforus.blogspot.com/2007/09/class-is-in-session.html

[BundyMum (Donna @ Thirsty?)]

Looks like Mr Linky has taken a summer vacation!

BundyMum (AWESOME Devotional Site)
http://bundymum.blogspot.com/2008/06/faith-lifts-works-for-me.html

[Angie @ Many Little Blessings]

Here's mine until Mr. Linky is up:

http://randomangie.blogspot.com/2008/06/art-project-for-kids-painting-on-canvas_03.html

Decorating canvas bags -- fun art project that you can hold on to for gifts!

[Dawn- Sweet Pea Cakes, etc. Blog]

No Mr. Linky? Here is my link:
http://sweetpeacakesetc.blogspot.com/2008/06/works-for-me-wednesday-mom-im-bored.html

[Amy]

Okay - I'm a big dope. The link I posted before is the post I was just reading from somebody else (It's good by the way!). My link is:

http://adayinthelife-amy.blogspot.com/2008/06/wfmw-letterboxing.html

[Blue Castle]

Okay, I'm tired. Hubby is waiting for me, so I'll just post my link now and check back later.

Great ideas, Shannon! I like the - if you're bored, you're boring - reasoning. :)

My link: http://www.sarahsbluecastle.com/blue_castle/2008/06/works-for-me-we.html

[citystreams]

here's mine:

http://citystreams.wordpress.com/2008/05/29/grand-opening-giveaway/

[Janet]

Keep the kids OCCUPIED so you can make dinner!

http://ajshumway.blogspot.com/2008/03/dinnertime.html

[Smellyann]

Here's mine:

http://smellyann.typepad.com/you_and_me_against_the_wo/2008/06/wfmw-entertaining-the-kids-this-summer.html

Great idea to post a list!

[Alli ~Mrs. Fussypants]

Lifetime Typepad discount! ;)

http://www.mrsfussypants.com/whatsmartmommiesknow/2008/06/fussys-gift--a.html

[Tonggu Momma]

Here's mine --

http://ourlittletongginator.blogspot.com/2008/06/nipping-away-at-boredom.html

[citystreams]

wrong one! man, i'm sleepy!

http://citystreams.wordpress.com/2008/06/03/worked-for-us-air-tents/

[Alli ~Mrs. Fussypants]

Frugal, pretty artwork for your walls

http://www.blissfullydomestic.com/2008/05/more-inexpensiv.html

[Yvie]

I don't hear my son say "boring", though I can see that he through his actions he is. He's in his 18-months, so I suppose his way of saying he's bored is he's crying and looking for something new to do. :)

[For Cheap Sake]

Here's my link.

I love this site, I have gotten so many wonderful ideas from here.

[Kate]

Here is my link:

http://asimplewalk.blogspot.com/2008/06/wfmw-boredom-busting-blogging-for-kids.html

Topic: (Boredom-Busting Blogging)

[Lisa-BlessedwithGrace]

The fun with water http://blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com/2008/06/works-for-me-wednesday-mom-im-bored.html

[Lisa-BlessedwithGrace]

Topic: Fun with water in the yard.

http://blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com/2008/06/works-for-me-wednesday-mom-im-bored.html

[Shanda]

Poor Mr. Linky.
http://embracingandbeingembraced.blogspot.com/2008/05/narnia-nims-island-winn-dixie-and-more.html

[The Happy Housewife]

Here is my link for (lots of summertime tips)

http://thehappyhousewife.com/curing-the-summer-boredom-blues/

[Heather Young]

Wow, you people are fast. No linky, oh well.

We don't do the bored boring thing though the kids have a list memorized and know better than to ask. Then again they are home with me 24/7 so in our house it isn't just summer that mom refuses to entertain them.:)

Mine is up here: http://untraditionalhome.com/?p=728

[The Bargain Shopper Lady]

Thanks Rocks!

[Heather Young]

Wow, you people are fast. No linky, oh well.

We don't do the bored boring thing though the kids have a list memorized and know better than to ask. Then again they are home with me 24/7 so in our house it isn't just summer that mom refuses to entertain them.:)

Mine is up here: http://untraditionalhome.com/?p=728

[Happy To Be At Home]

I hope Mr. Linky is feeling better soon! Here is my link for (teaching life skills):

http://happytobeathome.net/life-skills-for-kids/

[Twenty Four At Heart]

Mr. Linky showed up for me! Yay me!

[Amy]

Hi Shannon,

In my excitement to post my link, I royally messed up in two ways (can you fix them??)

1. Link 27 is me except somehow I linked to someone else's blog - BRILLIANT!

2. I attempted again to post mine (which I did on link 37) but forgot to put a description next to my name. It should be (Letterboxing).

Hiding my head in shame over here.

[Lori P]

Thanks so much-I had forgotten there was a theme, but it turned out my kids are ahead of me!
www.katymom.com

[Suzanne :: Adventures in Daily Living ::]

Bored = Chores

[Playful Professional]

Sorry I don't have any kids so this topic didn't really pertain to me... so I wrote one of my own. I'll definitely join in on the next theme session though!

[Org Junkie]

I haven't participated in awhile Shannon but I thought I'd share my organized way of going to the beach.

Laura

[Joanna]

great idea! I need all the ideas we can get!

[Amber (Bringing Good Home)]

LOL. You're a funny woman. :) I like your list idea - both of them. We home school, so we already have to deal with being home all day. And we home school year round so our summer vacation is only a few weeks in August. Still we have frequent days off and we have to deal with boredom quite a bit. I was already thinking about making a list of activities that we want to get accomplished over the course of the summer. I think it's a great idea. :)

[Runningamuck]

Ooo! I'm likin' your second list! That's golden my friend. We write up a big list of summer ideas too. Because my brain just doesn't work like it used to...

[Col @ gigablonde :: things to do in ny when you're [ alive ]]

Wow, everybody is coming up with some greeeeeat ideas, I am taking notes!

[Kirsty]

Lifesaving topic! Thank you!!

[Shannon]

I couldn't help but snort when I heard you have a Mom's List Of Things You Can Do To So You Won't Be Bored. My mom always had one of those too. I'm betting it's one of those mom requirements.

[Laane]

Great item,.
I'm looking forward to all the answers.

Now I need some good advice to get that fly so motivated he leaves this house, NOW!

Bye!

[Christina]

Perfect timing! I need to get my kids together and make a similiar kind of list.

[Joyful Days]

Sometimes we say one thing and mean another--our kids too. I took a bit different approach. Actually I wrote it before I knew about the theme. Just a happy accident that it fit.

Blessings,

Julie

[Michelle@Life with Three]

Your first list is a great idea. But the second list...well, that's downright brilliant! :)

[Lori]

I can't wait to take a look at all of the ideas when I get home later!
Blessings!

[Jeni]

I have a toddler, so this topic isn't really for me, but I definitely remember summers growing up...if we so much as uttered the word "bored" in mom's presence, we were promptly handed a broom, dustcloth, scrub brush, etc. Cured us pretty quickly.

[Kim]

Great topic! Moms everywhere will thank you :-)

[katy (aka funny girl)]

At 7:37 this morning there are already 147 links...holy cow, girlfriend!!

I was planning on doing summer reading at the library, but #137 beat me to it.

I'll be back to read through all the fabulous ideas!

[Lisa K]

Off to read some ideas. My DD is done today, DS not until the 26th. I'm sure I'll be needing some helpful tips to keep MY sanity!!!

[a suburban housewife]

Great info! I wonder if I have enough printer paper...

[Colleen]

Love the list ideas! Listing toys is also a good way to take inventory for when birthdays roll around and relatives ask what to get for the kids.

[Jenny]

Great topic! I'll be trying some of these ideas this summer.

[Brandi]

I read your post after I linked my post and it looks like we've been thinkin' the same thing!! The bored list is a must!!!

[Llama Momma]

What a fun WFMW! I can't wait to peruse all of the good ideas!

[anya]

this is my first MFMW, but i have enjoyed this carnival for awhile! thanks for hosting, and what a great theme!

[Lara]

What a great idea for Works for Me! Thanks for doing this.

[Marlo]

I hope this works- this is my first WFMW! :)

I have enjoyed lurking for too long...I hope to start adding some myself now.
And I'm going to LOVE these tips. "Bored" is a bad word at our house.

[Jenn]

My first WFMW! I hope it's okay that I just piggybacked off of your list idea! I think adapting it for our house will work great!

[Lisa]

There are so many great ideas. Thanks for having this special edition!

[Jenna]

I don't have children yet... but my mother was never as kind as you. There was not fun list first. If you said you were bored, you were immediately given a chore (she used a card system so we generally got to choose our poison... oh the fights my sister and I would have over who got to water the plants!). Not surprisingly, we very rarely said that we were bored.

[Jenna]

I don't have children yet... but my mother was never as kind as you. There was no fun list first. If you said you were bored, you were immediately given a chore (she used a card system so we generally got to choose our poison... oh the fights my sister and I would have over who got to water the plants!). Not surprisingly, we very rarely said that we were bored.

[Lisa P.]

Thanks for doing this theme...I'm having so much fun looking through all the great ideas!

[Trying Traditional]

I've always enjoyed lists like this and decided it was time to play along. So my shiny new blog now has a photo listing of 16 fun things to do this summer for kids!

http://tryingtraditional.wordpress.com/2008/06/04/6/

[World's Greatest Mommy]

This is seriously the best thing ever. I'm getting tons of ideas. I was scared, 'cause tomorrow's the last day, but I'm totally set!

[Jami]

Hey Shannon - I am first timer to works for me wednesday! Great topic!

I'll be at She Speaks this year and look forward to meeting you and gleaning some blogging wisdom from you! :)

See you soon! :)

[Mama Looking Up]

I am loving the chores list (especially chores involving toothbrush use). Will file that one away for when my own kiddos are bigger!

[Eryn]

My Dad used to say "if you're bored, imagine how others feel when they're with you." (ooooooh...burn.)

[Lisa C.]

My first contribution to WFMW! And great timing, since today was DD's last day of school. Thanks!

[Nodins Nest]

I don't have a list yet, mines only 3 1/2 so he's still pretty easy to entertain. The only things is, you have to do everything with him!

[Dani]

I am WAY late this week, but mine is up!

[BeThisWay]

My Dad used to make us come up with our own lists of things to do. If all else failed he sent us out to weed. My son is too young to give me the "I'm bored!", but I'll be taking notes for future use, people!

[Jen]

I love the idea of the list on the fridge! I'll have to try that one.

[Beverly Dixon]

This was a great idea. Loved looking at everyones ideas. We should have plenty to do so the kids will not get bored.

[Bahama Shores Mama]

I can't wait to read all these!

[CarolinaMama]

Here's my link http://carolinamama1.blogspot.com/2008/06/works-for-me-wednesday-battling-boredom.html

Look forward to implementing some of these WFMW's this summer.

If you're really bored, you can come over and sign up for my "Win It Wednesday!" giveaway. ;) http://carolinamama1.blogspot.com
Warmly,
CarolinaMama

[Gego]

I have no suggestions except, send them to the Grand Parents one at at a time. Two Grands leaves the harried Mom with only two with which to contend.
Now, granted, the spoilage factor should never be discussed. Grandparents are delighted to spoil the best children ever born and apologize profusely for for the spoilage - on a good day with lots of encouragement.
As Grandparents, we appreciate the fact that one of our offspring has actually fathered/mothered the most perfect children ever born!
GRANDS are so precious. They are the GRANDS!!!!!! Parents are the only ones who might feel some discomfort when we give them those final hugs and kisses and deliver them back to you.
Please remember that you are my child, your mother's child and GRANDS are the blessings of the union of you and your husband/wife.
As a former teacher, summer time allowed me time to play, away from school. Precious.wonderful time with my kids.
Young mothers, celebrate the time . Time is fleeting. Turn around and they are two, turn around they are four, turn around and they are parents, turn around and you are a Grandparent. Then you get to spoil the kids and send them back for the parents to correct the chaos you have corrected!
GRANDS RULE!!!!!

[Gego]

I have no suggestions except, send them to the Grand Parents one at at a time. Two Grands leaves the harried Mom with only two with which to contend.
Now, granted, the spoilage factor should never be discussed. Grandparents are delighted to spoil the best children ever born and apologize profusely for for the spoilage - on a good day with lots of encouragement. orrect
As Grandparents, we appreciate the fact that one of our offspring has actually fathered/mothered the most perfect children ever born!
GRANDS are so precious. They are the GRANDS!!!!!! Parents are the only ones who might feel some discomfort when we give them those final hugs and kisses and deliver them back to you.
Please remember that you are my child, your mother's child and GRANDS are the blessings of the union of you and your husband/wife.
As a former teacher, summer time allowed me time to play, away from school. Precious.wonderful time with my kids.
Young mothers, celebrate the time . Time is fleeting. Turn around and they are two, turn around they are four, turn around and they are parents, turn around and you are a Grandparent. Then you get to spoil the kids and send them back for the parents to correct the chaos you have created.
GRANDS RULE!!!!!

[Gego]

My apologies for misspellings and double posting. Fingers type faster than mind can keep up. Gego

[Susan]

I'm sorry I missed being able to post with Mr Linky.

Here's my idea: using BINGO for learning fun, chore enjoyment, and getting to know each other.

http://fruitfulwords.wordpress.com/2008/06/04/bingo-your-way-to-knowing-each-other-better-wfmw/

[Rachel R.]

I'm a bit late getting mine up - as it isn't even Wednesday anymore. But here's the link, anyway: http://blog.titus2homemaker.com/archives/367 (monitoring TV time)

[Marilyn]

LOL! Yeah, Shannon the work list will solve much. We live on a farm, so I know that work opportunities solves this problem. In 24 years, I've not heard the bored line around here. LOL!