Headed to a warm sunny beach this Spring Break? No, me neither. *sighs*. Whether you are doing March Break in Ontario or April Break in Newfoundland, we can all use the same family-friendly tips on Spring Break activities. A bit of organization and we can totally survive this March Break With Kids thing. Now where to go, what to do?
Snow days, rainy days, days I just have to do laundry—we've had a lot of inside time lately. I have been getting creative with my 2-year-old and finding lots of inside fun ideas. From pots and wooden spoons to milk jug bowling—there has been tons of easy fun.
Here are 9 great indoor activities to entertain your toddler:
My daughter, recently, had her group project peeps over at our house for a work session and the 12-year-olds (a boy and a girl) both had cell phones with them. When the three kids went off to walk to the library, my husband insisted our daughter take his cell phone with her for security. My take: Really? Is 12 the right age to have a cell phone?
How often do you spend time on Google adding things to our virtual carts and researching the next "cool" toy which will entertain our kids. I have been absolutely guilty of this insanity. But now...no more. The best gift I will be giving my kids this month is my time. My presence. Myself. Because what do kids really want?...
What to give 22 classmates for Valentine's Day? This question is on the mind of many parents this week. Whether it's a simple Valentine's Day card or a bigger treat—it's time to get your Valentine's on. I have a few nut-free Valentine's Day classmate suggestions to help guide you through the heartful giving.
Need some Valentine's Day inspiration when it comes to buying budget-friendly gifts for your kids? Look no further! Here are my top five recommendations for Valentine's Day gifts, which treat the ones you love without breaking the bank. Oh, and you can buy most of them online and have them shipped (which is love-ly for YOU).
I have been burning the candle at both ends (and getting fried while doing it). I am the full-time, main caregiver, and mom to three beautiful children. I am also a freelance writer who works inside the home. Kids, groceries, sports, errands, assignments—there are never enough hours in the day—or time for me.
I used to laugh at my mom friends who had their boys running them in circles. "Just give them some paper and a box of crayons" I would advise with my Activity Mummy expertise. It wasn't until I had a boy (after two girls) that I realized how delusional this advice was...boys don't sit still. Ever. Boys VS Girls—is it nature or nurture?
Twitter teen girls started a hashtag #CuttingForBieber (and as it is gaining momentum, they have added #cutforbieber and #cut4bieber as well) to get Canadian pop sensation Justin Bieber's attention to stop smoking weed. The pictures are graphic and the tweets are unbelievable. This is obvious self-mutilation. As a parent, this scares the hell out of me.
Between my first child and second child—there is a two-year gap. Between my first child and third child—there is a ten-year gap age gap. Is there a "right" age gap for siblings? Is there a "magic" spacing gap that makes life easier? I have both a small sibling age gap and spaced age gap in the house and I can tell you...there is no "right" or "magic."
With overflowing toy boxes and bookcases filled to the brim we often hear "There is NOTHING to do!" from our kids over winter school break. Really kids?! Time to break the kids' boredom with these five tips to survive winter school break...
My grandmother's death was the first experience my kids had with death. From explaining what dying was to preparing them for what they would experience at her funeral, I was completely inexperienced and unready. So, I went to the library and looked through the shelves for kids' books that would explain what I couldn't. Unfortunately, always timely, here are some books you may find helpful when met with having to discuss death with your kids:
SHOP 9a.m.-11a.m.: Kids are well rested in the morning, and there are less people in stores—take advantage of both by shopping early. Stick to getting out by 11a.m., when the stores get more crowded.
TAKE SNACKS: One of the best ways to keep kids occupied while you shop is to feed them.
This is my favourite gift that my kids can make by themselves. Little mess, easy to make, and a lovely present for teachers, caregivers, grandparents . . . or even me! Cinnamon clay brings the festive scent of cinnamon and the fun activity of playing with clay to a whole new level.
This recipe makes enough dough for your kids to make holiday decorations for everyone on their gift-giving list:
Shocker: I caught my daughter in a lie. Has all innocence been shattered?! We raise our kids to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth...but somewhere along the way (probably from us)...they learn how to lie. We all lie sometimes (tell the truth!) so why is it so surprising when a kid lies? My daughter's lie feels a lot like my fault.
What was this shocker lie you ask? That she ate lunch yesterday.
"She went to bed with it!" was the e-mail I received, along with a picture of an ecstatic toddler girl in her little bed, hugging an Abby Cadabby doll. It was a new-in-the-box toy, which I had donated earlier that week. CALL TO ACTION DEAR READERS: donate a toy this holiday season—it will change a child's day, and your own.
What is open-ended play? It's a pretty hot topic in the world of early childhood education. Basically, it's any activity that doesn't have a set outcome. Painting, cardboard tubes, and blocks are all examples of open-ended activities because you can play with each of them in a number of ways with no set outcome.
It is no secret, I love crafting. My girls (the big kids) also love crafting. It is a creative and productive activity. Any birthday party we host, a craft activity is part of the entertainment and you will take that craft home in the loot bag! This week's dream catcher DIY craft re-purposes things around the house, making it both creative and eco-friendly. Easy and unique—this craft is gift-worthy.
You've tricked. You've treated. Now, what to do with all that Halloween Candy?! We have a long tradition of trading in Halloween candy which helps control how much candy the kids eat over the next few weeks. Halloween night, after I have checked through the loot (for razors, opened packages, "God Loves You" pamphlets*) we let the kids eat two of whatever they like. The next day...we start the trading.
Hobo bags are a tween trend these days. From a school bag to activity bag to purse the hobo is a hit. Also, it's a great birthday party activity—as it is hands-on, practical and makes a great loot bag. In under 20 minutes, you too (or your tween) can DIY a hobo bag.
Here's how!
Get a clean t-shirt (here we are re-using one of Dad's basic white ts)
