I was home with my 3.5 year old and had 10 minutes left before a very important video conference call. If you have/had a 3 year old you know how big of a problem this can be.
I figured I had two options: 1. Turn on a cartoon for him. 2. Find a brilliant activity that would occupy him for at least 30 minutes.
Fast forward some brainstorming (after ditching the 1st option) I got the idea! I knew he was into things flying and shooting, so slingshot was a perfect match. But I had to make it FAST and make it SAFE enough for my toddler.
So here is what I came up with:
How to make a slingshot...
You will need:
- Paper
- Chair
- Big rubber bands
To make ammo (the paper folds that you shoot) use any kind of paper (old magazines). Fold it and cut it in half. Then roll up the piece of paper by folding it half an inch and repeating until completely folded. Again, fold it in half length wise.
To make instant GIANT slingshot flip your chair upside down (we placed it on the ottoman to have the same height as my son) and place a big rubber band on two of the legs. THAT'S IT.
Here is a short video to illustrate the process and the fun my son had. (Obviously, this was filmed after I had the meeting.)
Ways to Play with a Slingshot
It's not only hook and shoot. There are many fun ways on how to extend this activity.
1. Place a target to shoot at. It could be a pile of empty plastic bottles, towers of legos, blocks or soda cans. Something light, because those paper ammo things you made aren't strong to knock off heavier object.
2. Make it into a race with a sibling, by making two of the slingshots and deciding on the targets.
I know I didn't invent the wheel here, but I sure did come up with the an activity that occupied, entertained and made my toddler very content during my very important call. That's all a busy mom wanted that day to feel accomplished. A happy child playing.