Book Details

"Maybe this weekend" or "Maybe later" are phrases that parents and others find themselves saying to children all too often. When a child wants to play catch or go camping or make a snack--and the adults are busy with chores or watching the news or are trying to take a "few minutes for themselves"--whose agenda should take precedence?

In the time it takes to check email, load the laundry or write a grocery list, you now have 115 fast, fabulous and fun things to do with your little ones. This book turns five minutes together into a treasury of new experiences neither of you will ever forget.

The Five Minute Parent isn't just another activity book. Colorful sidebars featuring jokes, trivia, riddles, facts and famous quotes are sure to arouse your child's curiosity.

This is not about keeping your child busy while you do something else. It's for anyone who wants to build strong bonds with their child and have fun doing it! So the next time your child asks, "Will you play with me?" open this book and say, "Sure!"

Not just for parents anymore!
Keep a copy handy for:

– grandparents
– aunts and uncles
– babysitters
– teachers and daycare workers

Anytime, Anywhere!
These activities are perfect for:

– play dates
– birthday parties
– holiday fun
– rainy days

List Starts Here

1. Construction Paper
2. Scissors
3. Glue

Awards:

Five Minute Parent Awards

The Five Minute Parent is proud to have been selected as a distinguished winner for the iParenting Media Award for most distinguished family educational publication in 2004.  Also acclaimed "Best New Product" for Outstanding Educational Resource by What's New Magazine for Family-Life Educators. Winner of Learning Magazine 2005 "Teacher's Choice Award" for the Family.

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Getting Organized: Creating a Craft Supply Station
Have the right supplies (and know where they are)!

Chapter 2: Adventures in Art
Add vibrant color to everything in your life!

Chapter 3: Weird & Wacky Science Experiments
Amaze friends and family with your scientific knowledge!

Chapter 4: Writing and Wishing You Were Here
Design your own bookmarks! Keep in touch with family and friends
with original postcards and letters!

Chapter 5: Games and Sports, of Sorts
Find new games to play, or enjoy some old favorites!

Chapter 6: Family Fun Time
Family togetherness doesn't stop at the dinner table!

Chapter 7: Easy Crafts for All Ages
She can do it; he can do it; you can do it too!

Chapter 8: Music, Movement and Mayhem
Dance, sing a song, or just act silly. It's up to you!

Chapter 9: Puppets, Critters and Creepy-Crawlies
These projects are just for fun--not for scaring your little sister!

Chapter 10: Celebrations Using Your Imagination
Make every day a holiday with party favors and hand-made gifts!

Chapter 11: Cooking & Munching in the Kitchen
Solve those after-school hunger and boredom blues!

Chapter 12: Outside Fun Guide
Put the remote control down and get ready for some real fun!

Appendix: Parent Information Centers by State
Index

Chapters

Introduction

I will never forget the day I decided to write this book. My 2 1/2-year-old son
and I were at home together, in the office. I sat at one end of the desk,
staring at the computer screen, watching the cursor race as my finger
tapped furiously on the backspace key, while my son sat at the opposite
end, watching the portable television. My latest parenting article was no
match for the dreaded Writer’s Block. “Mommy, I want to go camping," my
son interrupted.. Without taking my eyes from the screen, I answered, “Not
right now Sweetie. Mommy’s working now…maybe this weekend," and
continued typing.

“I want to go camping now Mommy!" he wailed. I turned to see
tears on the verge of spilling over his cheeks. He kept pointing at the
television, which featured a happy sitcom family enjoying a camping trip in
the woods. I looked at the tears again, then shot a glance at the computer
screen. “Finding Time for ‘Quality’ Time" was all that had survived the
backspace key.

That’s when it hit me: Don’t wait for the weekend! Five short minutes later,
my son and I transformed our living room into a sofa cushion and bed
sheet camping ground. He was thrilled, we had a ton of fun, and I
subsequently defeated Writer’s Block.

The Five Minute Parent is for parents, grandparents, teachers, caregivers
and families. Most of all, it is for children who want to see and experience
their world NOW, and for parents who catch themselves saying, “Maybe
this weekend". Have you ever noticed how many things in our lives get put
off until the weekend?

The Five Minute Parent is not only about finding more time to spend with
our children, but also finding more creative ways to spend the time we
already have.
The activities in The Five Minute Parent are ideal for play dates, rainy-day
blues busting, and overall family fun. Most of the projects call for materials
that you probably already have in your home. If not, use that as an excuse
to visit your favorite craft supply store.

At the back of this book, you will find a comprehensive index that lists the
activities by their names and also by their materials. The appendix offers a
directory of parent resource centers by state. Parent resource centers
provide support in the form of counseling, parent training classes, special
needs assistance, family literacy programs and much more.

I hope you enjoy this book, and remember: Don’t wait for the
weekend! No matter how hectic your schedule, you can create small
treasures and lasting memories with your children in just
minutes!