United together to build strong families
Our family is planning a vacation to Wyoming and South Dakota this summer. So, why am I talking about homeschooling? Because we are doing unit studies and reading books about those two states and different places, people, animals, plants, etc. in preparation for our trip. We are learning a little history, geography, science, math and [...]
There is so much for our families to learn from being outside. Unfortunantly, since the early 80′s we have seen a dramatic change in where children spend their time. The “inside movement” (started because parents became deathly afraid of their children being kidnapped) and now, fostered by technology (and laziness), is keeping kids inside, in [...]
It’s that time of year. When we are working to organize our homes with lots of Spring Cleaning. But, our houses are not the only thing that needs whipped into shape. Our family relationships need organizing too. What better way to get our families on track, then to play together. This game is great for [...]
By Lynda Fassa for Green Goes Simple There are many fun things to do in the backyard with the kids: picnicking, jumping through the sprinkler and playing catch-and-release firefly competitions, to name a few. But the most memorable — and possibly the best brain-builder — is gardening. Scientists and pediatricians have learned that kids who [...]
Let’s face it, parents, sometimes television is easier. Sometimes it’s so much easier to just fire up Nick Jr. and let your children dance and prance the day away in front of the television. However, too much television – even wholesome and educational programs – is never a good thing, especially for growing minds. Sometimes [...]
In my world, kids eat too much candy. They need more candy like they need a hole in the head. Couple that with kids who have multiple food allergies, and Valentine’s Day can be a real bummer. To try to meet the demand for Valentines without adding to the sugar load, I have created a [...]
One of the best ways we can come closer together as families, is to have fun together. This doesn’t mean that we need to spend money to go out and participate in lavish expensive activities. There are so many ways we can have fun together at home, or driving in the car, or anywhere we [...]
One of my New Year’s resolutions was to start reading chapter books at bedtime to our sensitive 4 year old son and spunky 2 year old daughter. Okay, the 2 year old might have been a stretch, but we’ll try anyway. Yes, chances are that your preschoolers, too, can sit still enough to listen to [...]
The kitchen is often overlooked as a great place to spend some time with your kids. We often think of cooking as a chore, or an activity that takes us away from the family. But it can actually be fun for you and for them if you make it a special part of their day, [...]
Submitted on behalf of Primrose Schools: The Leader in Educational Day Care by Emily Patterson (@epatt1062) After a record-breaking summer, filled with scorching temperatures, the cooling fall season is rapidly approaching. Many children are now back in school, so they will typically have homework and other after school activities to keep them busy throughout the week. If [...]
Summer is here and you either have kids that are not yet in school…..or kids that are out of school. Trying to find great eco friendly activities for them to do? Here are some ideas for a wide variety of ages of children. Make a Homemade Bird Feeder Once you finish your milk, whether it [...]
I jumped at the chance to guest blog at A Nation of Moms because who doesn’t love the topics they cover, the principles they stand for and the great giveaways they host. Choosing what to write about actually wasn’t too complicated because Valerie asked for something crafty. Easy peasy! Or so I thought. I’m so [...]
The kids are out of school. That means they are now home ALL day, ready for some holiday fun. It is a great time of year to draw closer to one another, serve others and have some fun. It is not too late to fill your families days with activities together, all the way through [...]
We went to a Christmas party for my husband’s job earlier this week and I saw these cute little snowman s’mores ornaments, doubled as centerpieces, that they were giving out as party favors for the kids. They were so cute such a great idea for an easy and inexpensive craft that I just had to [...]
In an attempt to discover how gratitude affected our health, researchers at UC Davis conducted a study with three groups of volunteers. One group kept a daily log, writing down 5 hassles or complaints. The second group kept a daily log where they wrote down 5 ways they thought they were better off than their [...]
Have I shared with you my love for Montessori? If I haven’t, I apologize. I am completely engrossed in the entire idea and have started implementing and modeling our environment after these very principles. So where do I get my inspiration and ideas for Montessori activities for my 3 year old son? From three very [...]
. “Smart choices for the family” Top 3 Family Movies: 1. The Princess & The Frog A clasic family film with everything Disney used to be about…but with a twist. Entertaining for the whole family (some voo-doo magic and a little scary, but our 2 and 4-year olds loved it!). Clean, fun, romantic, suspenceful, and [...]
Those who know me might be surprised to see Kool-Aid in my pantry! I’ve been wanting to make homemade scented play dough with it since the days of the Kraft/All You magazine coupons, way back in 2008, when I ended up with stacks and stacks of the stuff. This recipe is fun, easy and [...]
It’s not your regular school – it’s fun school (aka all the activities that didn’t fit anywhere else or I had left out for some reason or another). This is also the last post in this series. What fun this has been for me to post! Science Grow a garden in a ziplock bag. [...]
Ever wonder what to do with all your old boxes, tubes, and containers? Well, wonder no more, and I’ll tell ya! Use old boxes to make vehicles (buses, trains, cars) for the kids to play in. Cut out appropriate holes and decorate with paint, wallpaper, wrapping paper, or construction paper. We made a train from [...]
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There are probably more than enough ways for your creative little artist to make a mess color in this post! 1. Pictures with colored glue: Use food coloring on regular Elmer’s glue and finger paint a picture. When painted on a plastic sheet, the picture can be peeled off when it dried. 2. Marble painting: [...]
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Frugal Family Fun Blog has another great idea (especially when it’s cold or rainy outside)… For more fun ideas in this series, click here. Designate an area in your home for your “beach” and start decorating (get the kids’ help, of course). Lay out towels and an umbrella. Put on your bathing suits and sunglasses. Turn on and [...]
Looking for ways to get the kids (or yourself) off the couch? Sixteen simple solutions ahead. Just one thing…don’t be a spectator. Immerse yourself in play! 1. Do yard work together. Rake the leaves (we call it “brushing grass hair”), water the lawn/plants, prune the branches from the bushes (kids can use pretend scissors or kid [...]
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Here are just a few things you can do with varieties of beans, rice or popcorn (all dry and uncooked/unpopped, of course!)… Empty coffee cans make great instruments when filled with beans, rice, or popcorn! So do paper plates. Decorate two paper plates, fill with beans, rice, and/or popcorn, and staple them together to make tambourines. Sorting exercise: [...]
Our next idea in the “Activity Series” comes from Valerie of Frugal Family Fun Blog, a fantastic blog packed-full of free or cheap craft and activity ideas for your kids. It’s a must-read! (Plus, I’m partial to her name!) First, you’ll need to find some sand for this activity… park, sand volleyball court, beach, etc.Second, you’ll need “fossils,” [...]
Are Maya-made ideas not THE BEST? I just can’t get enough of them in our Activities Series! Here’s a perfect, easy project for this windy spring weather! It’s so simple and takes only a few minutes to make. And it’s perfect for little kids as a first kite. Did I mention how easy it is to make? [...]
A post from Jessica at Boy Terrain. Looking for other fun ideas? Click here to find more in our “Activities Series.” I found this fantastic see-through blue container at the Dollar Tree as well as the plastic water animals. I washed those items really, really well before anything else Then the boys helped me make jello [...]
Abandon what your mother told you long ago about playing with your food. Next up in our Activities Series is fun with food. (Yep, it’s really okay to play with your food.) Hula hot dogs… Have the kids poke raw spaghetti through their hot dogs. Boil the decorated hot dogs. Voila! An entertaining lunch of hula-skirted hot dogs! You can also do this same method to make squid hot dogs (just cut the hot dogs into several small [...]
Another ingenious Maya-made idea… This is a fabulous way to reuse your old plastic yogurt containers. The kids can make and decorate these aqua viewers to observe underwater life in a nearby creek or pond (be sure to supervise young children well). Find the complete instructions at Maya-Made. Looking for other fun ideas? Click here to find [...]
Maya‘s idea for this simple summer pavilion is fabulous and inviting… All you need to make this is rope or twine, an old sheet, garden stakes or poles, rubber bands, blankets/cushions, and decorations. Couple the pavilion with these snacks, and the kids will feel like royalty! Get the complete, step-by-step instructions here. Looking for other fun ideas? Click here to find more in our “Activities Series.” Bookmark It Hide Sites
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