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<< back to Media/Popular Culture 17 Things for Kids To Do Between 5 and 6 p.m. (Instead of Watching TV) The time between 5 and 6 p.m., when Mom is busy preparing dinner and the kids are tired and hungry, has been called "the arsenic hour." Families participating in the TV Tune-out may find this hour to be the most difficult to survive without the help of the TV set to distract the kids while Mom gets dinner on the table. However, there are alternatives! We polled parents and professionals throughout the community for ideas for non-TV activities. Here they are: 1. Have a drawer in the kitchen filled with art supplies for the children. Include paper, markers, hole punchers, rulers, tape, stencils, stamp pads, etc. Let the children use them only during this time of day. You might also put a few reference books on children's projects in that drawer to provide you with immediate ideas. 2. Fill the sink with soapy water and let your child wash pots, pans and utensils during dinner preparation. Add a few other items from the kitchen, such as a baster, measuring spoons and egg beater to keep things interesting. 3. The public library has collections of old radio shows like "Fibber McGee and Molly," "The Lone Ranger," and "The Cinnamon Bear." Put a story on the tape recorder and listen together as you prepare dinner. Or listen to books on tape. 4. Let your child call Grandma on the phone. 5. Walk to the train station and watch the trains. If Mom and/or Dad is riding home on the train, you can walk home together. 6. Make dinner early and spend the hour reading to your child. Here are two easy crock pot recipes:
7. Try some simple kitchen science experiments. See how long you can keep an ice cube from melting. Learn what happens when you combine baking soda and vinegar. Cut a celery stalk and place it in water colored with food coloring. Bring a cup of new snow into the warm kitchen a see what happens when it melts. 8. Let the kids help with dinner preparation. Many 4-year-olds can set the table. Fives can peel vegetables and wash lettuce. Six-year-olds can make instant pudding or hamburger patties. Sevens can learn to chop vegetables (under your supervision) and make a simple salad. Eight-year-olds can follow simple recipes for cookies and other desserts with you nearby. 9. Encourage older children to read to younger children. If there are no older siblings in the family, hire a neighborhood child to read or play with your children during the hour before dinner. As you will be there anyway, this is great babysitting training for a youngster who is not old enough be left in charge alone. 10. Create a noodle necklace. String different shape noodles on yarn. 11. Walk the dog. 12. Pull out some of those forgotten kitchen appliances, such as the pasta maker, fondue pot, crepe maker, ice cream maker or bread machine. Let your kids help you use them to create something new for dinner. 13. Bring out a very special toy, (such as a doll house or lego set) only in the hour before dinner (and then put it away). Or have a whole box or drawer of toys for use only at this time. 14. Make playdough. Cook together on low heat: 4 c flour, 4 c water, 1/2-1 c oil, 2 c salt, 1/4 c cream of tartar, food coloring. When playdough pulls away from pan, remove from heat and knead, Store in airtight bag. Give your children kitchen tools such as a rolling pin, spatula or cookie cutters and let them play while you prepare dinner. 15. Make "Ziploc Ice Cream." Fill a gallon Ziploc bag half full with ice and 6 T salt. Fill a quart Ziploc bag with 1 T sugar, 1/2 c milk and 1/4 t vanilla. (Can add chocolate, peaches or strawberries.) Place small bag inside of large bag. Pass back and forth for 5 minutes. Makes enough ice cream for 4 preschoolers. 16. Hold "clean up time." 15 minutes before dinner, stop all activity and have everyone help pick up toys, shoes, etc. around the house. The kids will be occupied and the house will look presentable at least once a day! 17. Eat dinner earlier. Experiment with a different schedule.
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