Sick or exhausted parents can always take advantage of a short break. This is your opportunity to participate and make a difference. Offer to spend an hour or two with the children.

Here are ten quick and easy things you can do with kids.:

1. Watermelon seed spitting contest. Just cut that watermelon, mark the starting line with string or tape, and see how far the seeds will fly. To add more fun, use a tape measure to keep track of each attempt. Take lots of photos. Even better, shoot a video. This is perfect for anyone, but it is also great for children who are undergoing medical treatments and want to go out and have fun.
2. Rock art. Take a short walk and look for interesting rocks of all shapes and sizes. Be sure to bring a pack or purse to make it easier to bring them home. Wash the rocks and let them dry in the sun. Get out some brushes, acrylic paint, and get creative! After the painted rocks have dried, add them to the garden or line a sidewalk or path. Painted rocks make FABULOUS gifts!
3. Chalk art. Turn an ordinary sidewalk into an artistic spectacle. Use colorful sidewalk chalk and let the kids loosen up! When the rain washes the sidewalk clean, just start over.
4. Picnic. It doesn’t take much to make a few sandwiches, fries, fruit, and a drink. Find a blanket to sit on and enjoy your picnic outside.
5. Face painting. You don’t need talent! The internet is full of face painting ideas that even children can make. Just provide the paint and brushes and be willing to donate your face too!
6. Bubbles. You can make the bubble mix or pick it up at the store. Some containers come with the wands or you can just use household items like a clean fly swatter, hanger, strainer, slotted spoon, kitchen string, or 6-pack of plastic can ring. Look online for bubble recipes and wand instructions.
7. Finger painting. Messy and perfect for the outdoors. Provide paper, old shirts to cover clothes, some paints, and enjoy! This light activity is sure to add a smile to any child’s face.
8. Go for a walk. Even a walk around the block gives a change of scenery. Bring a bag and let the children collect interesting things that they discover.
9. I spy. Do you remember that great old game? Only two people are needed. To play I See, I See, a person silently chooses something that the other players can see. Then each person has to guess what the object is. It can give clues if no one can guess. The person who guesses correctly chooses the next object.
10. Read a book together. Bring a new one to share or ask the child to pick an old favorite from the shelf.

Are you feeling out of your element? Use this list to get started, or search online for “simple things to do with kids.” Donating a couple of hours of your time to an exhausted parent not only brings relief to the tired, but adds a fun moment to the child’s day.

Copyright 2014 Allidah Hicks and Bonnie Knuti. All rights reserved.