A child who is bored is a child about to invent something.
Grandpa Wise says
You don't have to fill every minute. That restless, whiny feeling before they settle is the sound of imagination warming up. Your only job is to hand them a beginning — they'll take it from there.
The Sock Post Office
Time10 minutes
You'll needOdd socks, a shoebox or basket, a marker
Cut a letter-slot in a shoebox lid — that's the post office. Every sock is a parcel. Give your little one a stack and let them 'post' each one, then be the postie who delivers them around the house to teddies and family. Bonus: they knock on doors and announce each delivery.
Why it works: Pretend play, sorting, and the first idea of sending something to someone.