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So you have a houseful of kids, men on the couch talking football and a million cooking chores to complete by Thanksgiving dinner time. If you are trying to find a way to keep your sanity in this situation, here are few frugal ideas to keep the rugrats out from underfoot. The Movie This is a classic idea that has been done for years. Try to find a dvd that has just come out and if you have a set in a bedroom with a dvd player set the kids up in there on an old blanket on the floor. If you think there might be a child who will not make it all the way through, let them bring a toy to play with on the blanket. The Puzzle Put a jigsaw puzzle out on a card table. Don't use a 1000 piece puzzle but a 100 to 500 so they will enjoy completing it. The Playdough Using a card table get out some play dough and any accessories you might have for it. If you don't have any special squishers from the store, try using cookie cutters. Here is a recipe for homemade playdough. Play Dough Recipe 2 cups flour 1 cup salt 1 cup water 1 tablespoon cooking oil Food Color Mix the flour, salt, and water in a bowl. Add a small amount of oil (this keeps the dough from hardening). Knead the play dough and store in an airtight container. The Craft You have to be oh so careful with choosing this one because it has to be a craft that you do not have to help with. If you have a relative willing to pitch in then you can choose a tougher craft, but if it is just you-yikes. Try these ideas: Coloring Books Sticker Books Cut and paste crafts like you find at DLTK Kids Give them some pipe cleaners and tell them to form...something. Outdoor Games If it is not cold, snowy, rainy, set up your backyard or driveway for an outdoor game. Football Kickball Sidewalk Chalk /Hopscotch Volleyball Basketball OK so get that gravy stirring, chop the onions for the stuffing and oh what is that burning??? Good luck! © Tightwad Tess 2009 |