September 08, 2010

While I stole some time writing that post on an activity to keep toddlers & pre-schoolers busy my own kids got busy with an activity of their own.  They found some empty boxes and taped them to their bedroom doors - "mailboxes" they were!  My oldest posted a sign declaring "Do not desterd when door is closed - leave a note in mailbox".  (let's skip the  "desterd" Vs. "disturb" - child goes to French school - I'm amazed she can write anything in English).  

So each of the kids' got a stash of envelopes and spare paper (you know the spare paper left over from when you print an e-mail and one page gets the footer?  That dumb footer page?  That waste of paper because of the darn footer?!  Well, that's what the kids found - #recycling).

And, with their stash of Crayola markers - they busied themselves writing letters...putting letters in mailboxes...replying to letters.  And I had all the time I needed to write that post. 

And then they found the play phones (I know you have play phones too - everyone has play phones).  And they text messaged.  And checked e-mails.  And I think they talked with Justin Beaver.

Brilliant Activity Alert!: Playing Work at Home Office*  

Supplies:

Paper, markers, envelopes, play phones, tissue box (the mailbox of course!), keyboard image (for their pretend laptop), stamps, stickers, post-it notes, desk, chair...business suit and tie optional (ask Sharon where to get a child size tie).

Kids can "work at home" alone or with a sibling.  All while #WAHM works herself. 

(*we can say this activity promotes role playing, decision making and communication skills...but we all know...really it keeps the kids busy while you write blog posts and e-mails). 

Labels/Tags: Caroline Fernandez, Nick of Time, Kids, Activities, WAHM, Crayola, Recycling

Posted by CarolineF at 13:13:12 View Comments | Click Here to Comment

September 06, 2010

What to do with the kids who are not going back to school?  The toddlers and pre-schoolers and half day kindergartners who stay at home...with mom or dad or other caregiver...and need activities and entertaining.  Kids' CBC is great for kids (and parents too!).

What I like about Kids' CBC is that it is age-appropriate yet entertaining (and Canadian eh!) Mom or Dad can turn on Kids CBC and work for half an hour knowing our younger kids are entertained and learning - both at the same time!  I have, on the occasion of a kid sick day, turned on The Doodlebops for said sick child, so I could grab some time to clear my in-box.  (And between you and me, I happen to enjoy hearing my child sing along with Doodlebobs music while I work.)

When offered the chance to get a sneak peak of the Caboose (Kids' CBC new "studio") I jumped at the opportunity.  Not just because it was a cool experience (well, it was)...but because I truly support kids' programming which encourages positivity, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving. And getting to see, in person, the kid-world-famous Patty?...well that was a bonus.  (Actually, I've met Patty a few times at various events and she is as dynamic, nice and fun in person as she is on-air). 

On-line you and your kids can check out fun videos, engaging games and meet friends like Saumon de Champlain, Mamma Yamma (she's a yam - so my kids' tell me) and Captain Claw.

And for a whole-family activity - enter the Kids' CBC Caboose Crazy Cross-Canada Postcard Contest because you’ll have a chance to win some awesome prizes.  Running Sept 6 to Nov 5.  Kids can make or buy a postcard of their town and city and mail them to Kids CBC.  (Hello?  Teachable Moment here!  Literacy and posting mail - even big kids would enjoy this activity).

Kids CBC is a good thing for Canadian families - like bacon, maple syrup and our Yummy Mummy Club ;-)

Labels/Tags: Caroline Fernandez, Nick of Time, Kids, Activities, Pre-schoolers, Kids CBC, Entertainment, Doodlebops

Posted by CarolineF at 14:13:49 View Comments | Click Here to Comment

• PAGE
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• 10
• 11
• 12
• 13
• 14
• 15
• 16
• 17
• 18
• 19
• 20
• 21
• 22