76 boredom busters

14. Let your tot help with the washing. Show her how to sort the 'coloureds' from the 'whites', and then let her stuff them into the machine.

15. Give her water and a brush and let her 'paint' the patio.

16. Get out her plastic tea-set and a bowl of soapy water and let her wash up.

17. If it's a cold day, put some sand from the sand-pit in a washing-up bowl and hide mini treasures. A spoon makes a good-sized spade and a sieve's fun, too.

18. Make some playdough. Give your toddler biscuit cutters and a rolling-pin and show her how to cut out 'biscuits'. A garlic press is fun for making squiggly bits. In a pan, mix together 4 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, 4 cups of water, 4 tbsp of cooking oil and 1/2 cup of cream of tartar. Cook over a low heat until formed and not too sticky. Knead in some food colouring for interest.

19. Wrap up a few of her favourite toys for her to unwrap. Don't use too much tape or she'll need your help. See if she can guess what's inside.

20. Make a photo album together. Find some family shots and a notebook and help your toddler glue the pictures in.

21. Do some magic painting! Draw a simple design on paper with a white candle or crayon. Make up watery paint in a strong colour and let your tot paint the paper to reveal the lovely designs - she'll be amazed.

22. Play 'Follow my leader'. Your toddler has to copy everything you do, jump up and down, pat your tummy, sit down, stand up, walk up stairs, put your slippers on your head? The sillier the better! Once she's got the idea, let her lead you.

23. Trace a toddler using an old roll of lining wallpaper. Get your child to lie on it and trace her outline! Then let her colour or paint it (if you're feeling brave!).

24. Put on a lively piece of music and play musical bumps. Tell her she has to sit down as quickly as possible when the music stops.

25. Make a letterbox! Cover an old cereal box in red paint or paper. Cut out a slot for letters and make pretend envelopes. Your child can write on the envelopes, stick on pretend stamps and post them.

26. Dig out your old home videos. She'll love it if there are people she knows - more fun than watching endless Postman Pats!

27. Go to the park. Take a ball or a ride-along toy. You might find other mums to chat to.

28. Make up thick poster paint, then paint your toddler's hands. Get her to make handprints all over some paper. When they're dry you can make a special birthday card with them.

29. Slice some potatoes in half and cut a shape into each flat surface. Dip the potatoes into saucers of poster paint and let your toddler use them for printing.

30. Make a collage. Toddlers like sticking things. Use sweet wrappers, scraps of material, foil, cotton wool -anything really!