• Update your photo albums or scrapbook
  Photos and keepsakes pile up fast, especially if you're stashing them in a shoebox somewhere. Update an existing album-- or start a new one-- and take some time to write down comments about what you're putting in.

• Plan an adventure
  Maybe your family's been thinking about getting out of town for a day, a weekend, or longer...but hasn't had the time to plan something. Contact local state parks, museums, theme parks and other fun destinations for more information.

• Make a bird feeder
  String raisins or popcorn together on a thread. You can also get a pinecone and fill in the petals with peanut butter and birdseed. When an adult gets home, hang your feeder on a branch outside a window...so you can watch the birds enjoy their meal!

  

• Create your own greeting cards
  There are lots of great computer software programs that help you create your own cards. If you don't have a computer at home, make cards using a collage of paper, magazine images, markers, crayons or paints to create different sets of cards for birthdays, holidays, or just friendship cards.

• Write a letter to the president
  If you've got a question or comment for the president, shout out to him! You can write or fax your letter to:
  The White House
  1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
  Washington, DC 20500
  Fax: 202-456-7705

• Write in a journal
  Get a special notebook or staple some paper together and write about the events of your day.

• Act out commercials or TV shows
  Get permission to use a video or tape recorder and record your voice doing your favorite commercials or TV shows. Create your own talk show and interview your siblings, toys, or pets.

Thanks to the following experts for their contribution to this topic: Los Angeles Police Officer Tanya Hanamaikai, and Anshu Batra, M.D.

Read advice and stories from the IML mentors.