It's My Life . Family . Home Alone

Home Alone: Have Fun Alone!

So your folks have you on a strict TV limit, you're sick of listening to the same old CD's over and over again, and you've read every magazine in the house. Looking for something else to do? Here are a few ideas!

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.

Related Websites:

FEMA's "Talking About Disaster"
http://www.fema.gov/pte/talkdiz/family.htm
Lots of information on creating a family disaster plan in the event of a major emergency or natural disaster.

KidsHealth First Aid
http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe
Learn how to handle all kinds of first aid situations.

Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/services/youth
Find information on how to handle situations where you may need first aid skills and type in your zip code to find your local Red Cross.

CPR Directory
http://www.cprdirectory.com
A national directory of First Aid and CPR courses.