There's fun to be had in the kitchen. Utensils make great musical instruments, join in for a noisy band. Here is one of our very favourite songs:

Or, for a more peaceful kitchen playtime, there's always good old playdough, easy to make, and fun to use. Just add a rolling pin, plastic cups, cookie cutters, patty pans... whatever's handy.

Home-made playdough

• 1 cup of plain flour
• 1 cup of water
• ½ cup of salt
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• a few drops of food colouring

Mix together all ingredients and cook over a medium heat in a very well greased saucepan. Keep turning in the centre. The mixture is cooked when it forms one springy mass. Remove it from the saucepan and, when cool enough, knead the mixture until the right texture is achieved.  To add colours roll lumps into balls, poke a hole with your thumb and add a few drops of food colouring.  Knead to spread through the ball. You might also add some glitter, scented oil, texture (eg. sand, rice). Playdough will keep for several months in an airtight container in the fridge.