Make pint-size kites for wee ones

Do you have memories of kite-flying when you were young? A friend of mine admitted to me that when he was a little boy and his grandfather took him kite-flying, he was always afraid the kite might bear him up and away, and he'd never come back down. So for security's sake, he'd fill his pockets with shells and sand. Most of us, no matter our age, have our own "kite tales" because the love of kites spans generations. The thrill is always the same.

Kite-flying can start even with the wee ones in your family. Before you grab your own adult-size kites for an afternoon along the beach or at a wide-open park, make this pint-size version for your preschooler. When you get to your kite-flying spot, drink in the fresh spring air and get lots of exercise. Everyone will feel included in the fun when they harness the wind.

• Decorate a clean paper lunch bag. Use watercolors, crayons and markers. Add your favorite stickers. To make stickers, draw shapes on colorful adhesive shelf paper. Cut out the shapes, peel off the backing and stick them to the bag.

• Cut four 16-inch streamers or ribbons. Glue or tape them to the outside bottom corners of the bag.

• For a handle, cut a 20-inch length of string or yarn. Place the two ends of the string inside the bag, about 1 inch down from the edge of each of the side creases. Attach with masking tape.

Tip: If your child celebrates an April birthday, make the mini kites with young party guests. The kids will enjoy making the kites as they arrive at the party. It's a good mixer for those guests meeting for the first time. After presents and a treat, let the wiggles out and fly the mini kites outdoors.

Write Donna with your questions and ideas at www.donnasday.com. Donna's latest book, "Donna Erickson's Fabulous Funstuff for Families," is available in bookstores nationwide. © Donna Erickson, Dist. by King Features Syndicate