Cornucopia kids      

Syndicated column from The Parent Institute

[DEC. 22, 2005]  Q: My daughter has a room full of toys, but she complains that she's bored. She always wants the next new toy. She's a bright little girl but doesn't seem to put much effort into anything. How can I make her appreciate what she has?

A: Many of today's children are "cornucopia kids" -- they seem to have too much of everything! When children are given too much too easily, they often find it hard to learn the value of things. They may simply expect to have things provided to them. This is one reason they often get bored easily.

Here are some things you can do:

• Start in her room. Clear out some of the toys she has outgrown or has lost interest in. Do this together with your daughter. See if you can donate some toys to a local homeless shelter or a children's unit in a hospital. Your daughter will learn to share with others -- and also get a head start on keeping her room neat! You might even consider making this an annual December family project.

• Keep in mind that more is not necessarily better as you're choosing toys. Consider following a "one in, one out" rule. If you buy a toy, try putting another toy aside for your donation project.

• Think about classic toys. Toys advertised on TV are often less than they're cracked up to be. Experts have long maintained that the best toys for children are the simplest ones. Why? Because a child has to use her thinking skills to decide how she will play with them. Bikes, blocks, books and puzzles have been entertaining kids for ages!

• Spend time playing with your daughter. Research shows that most creative children have had adults who were involved in their play.

• Try turning off the television set during the week. Not only will this mean more time for reading, exercising and studying, but she'll also see fewer commercials and suggestions for the next new toy. Instead, suggest that she use her time for reading books, playing outside or spending time with you. Set aside time each day for talking, taking a walk or playing games.

• Take a break. Sometimes kids say, "I'm bored," when they really mean, "I'm tired." Make sure your daughter knows the value of just unwinding and daydreaming sometimes.

Finally, ask questions. Get to the bottom of what's really boring your daughter. Homework that's too tough? Not being challenged enough? Have a talk with her teacher to see what she has observed in class. Work together to find solutions.

[The Parent Institute]

For more information about helping children learn or to submit your own question, go to http://advisor.parent-institute.com. All questions will receive a prompt answer by e-mail.

Copyright 2005, The Parent Institute

"Ask the Learning Advisor -- Ideas for Raising Successful Children" is a free, syndicated column from the Parent Institute.

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