Entertaining Kids for a Dollar or Less -- Without the TV

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Dr. Mercola
August 16 2007

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Entertaining Kids for a Dollar or Less -- Without the TV

Kids today are so enamored with TV, video games, and computers that they’re -- at best -- missing out on many of the simple joys of childhood, and at worst are increasing their risk of at least 15 different side effects, including obesity, cancer, diabetes, aggressive behavior, and more.

There’s absolutely no reason for your children to be watching two hours of TV a day -- as 83 percent of kids 6 and under do. Even 90 percent of kids under the age of 2 watch TV, even though it can interfere with their rapidly developing brains, which need back-and-forth interaction during this crucial period.

If you need some simple ideas to have fun with your kids, with no TV involved, this LifeHack article has 10 great ones that cost $1 or less, such as:

Using large cardboard boxes to make houses and castles
Planting something in your garden
Letting kids run through a water sprinkler
Making paper airplanes
A telephone made from tin cans and string

Looking for even more fun activities for you and your children? Be sure to read this past article, 20 Activities to do With Your Kids Other Than Watch TV.

Lifehack.org July 29, 2007

Related Links:

Keep That TV Away From Your Baby!

TV and Eating Out Makes Kids Fat

Why Are American Kids Addicted to TV?

Spending Time with Nature, a Natural Remedy for ADHD

Community Comments (19)

Posted On Jul 31, 2007

Bed sheets and blankets for indoor tents, or forts, on rainy days, was a favorite of my childhood. The entertainment was in the improvising and building, not the net result. Such activities prompt creativity and engineering skills.

KILL YOUR TV and disallow the use of video games!

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Russ Bianchi

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Posted On Aug 16, 2007

We used to love to make mud pies. There were all kinds of creative dishes we made from mud. And when the corn was at a certain stage we made corn silk dolls. During rainy season the fields would fill up with water and it was fun to swim in it but Mom wouldn't let us in the house we were so muddy.

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Lelia

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Posted On Jul 31, 2007

Great ideas for children of all ages. One more suggestion, metal pot lids and a wooden spoon. You have the beginnings of an orchestra.

Mary

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mmc88121

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Posted On Jul 31, 2007

Oh boy, does this bring back memories. Wow, I have not thought of this for mega years.

One of the most memerable things we did when we were growing-up was ---

We put on theatrical shows. Singing, dancing, poems, plays,and musical numbers. We learned to work together and form a great team. We learned to choreoghraph, build sets, sew, knit, write scrips advertise, work behind the sets, direct, produce and many other facets, pertaining to show business and the public.

We also had to read a lot in order to accomplish our goals.

Our shows were a success and we loved every moment of the full process, even when we did not agree.

As far as the cost was concerned, we used what we already had, and asked our neighbors for materials that were throw aways.

Thank you Dr. Mercola for this very found memory.

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annapavlova42

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Bridestein

Savvy User Joined On 12/2006

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Posted On Aug 02, 2007

Donna, have you ever been on a hayride? That's some prickly stuff!

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Msterra34

Novice User Joined On 8/2007

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Posted On Aug 16, 2007

I like to turn off the TV and turn on the radio...in just a few minutes the girls and me are dancing and having a blast!

My kids and my nephews and neices also like to play games such as Simon Says and Duck Duck Goose!

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Posted On Jul 31, 2007

One of our favorite things to do as kids was sliding down steep grassy hills on cardboard. It's pretty entertaining to watch the drunk adults do it at the local Harley Run, too. ^_^

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Bridestein

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cheftodd

Savvy User Joined On 4/2007

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Posted On Aug 01, 2007

you should take video of that!

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