Mystery Super Sleuth Kids Adventure

Super Sleuth
Who doesn't like a good mystery? Finding and solving clues is a great way to kill some time on
a dreary, rainy afternoon and it only takes a little advance planning and a few minutes to
setup. You'll need to pick up an objective or prize at some point. We recommend getting
several and keeping the extras stashed away for future detective work. You might get a
plastic tiara, a teddy bear, maybe some plastic coins or fake gems; it really doesn't matter as
long as it will have some value to your child when she finally finds it. You should also order
some brochures from a local museum or pick some up from a jewelry store.

Find a few minutes without little Susie around and write a quick letter detailing the theft of the
precious item you've purchased and soliciting the aid of your world-famous detective daughter
in finding it. Make some fake letterhead from the same local museum/jewelry store from which
you've secured brochures.

Now for the setup. First decide on your suspects. Dad, Susan's brother, the dog, etc. Let's
assume Dad is the culprit (though only you know that at this point). Settle on a final hiding
place in your house or yard and, working backwards from there, think of clues that will lead to
the final destination.

For example, you might hide the tiara in Dad's coat pocket in the hall closet. Leave it hanging
out just a little bit. Drop a few fake, plastic jewels at the base of the closet door (not too
visible). Set out a black knit cap and some men's gloves at your next location someplace near
the coat closet. If you like, you can use an excess of carpet freshener leading to the closet
and stamp footprints in it using a pair of Dad's shoes. Another clue in another location might
consist of a to-do list including such tell-tale items as "throw away gloves and cap to get
them off my trail." Just keep working back from there. Maybe stick a mailing label with dad's
name on it on the brochure or disguise your voice and leave a message on the answering
machine from Natasha advising that you have an interested buyer for the "item." You get the
point.

When everything is in place, go find your child (most likely in front of the tv) and hand her the
letter saying it just arrived by urgent delivery and let the fun begin. Follow her progress and
help out a little when she seems to get stuck until she finds the prize. And when Dad gets
home from the store or work, she has the final pleasure of arresting him and making him sit in
the corner.

Taking the time to plan adventures for your child will pay dividends in memories, affection and
dinner conversations that involve more than the latest trend on TV. It may be tough to find
the time, but you'll all feel it was worth it in the end. You could even extend off this adventure
and have your daughter invited to a royal gala in her honor (a chance to wear the tiara she
recovered and receive the thanks she's earned for her hard work!)