Toddler Boredom Busters

White Mud

2012-02-02T05:43:00.000-08:00

Here is what you need:

A bar of soap

A grater

A tub/pan

Loose toilet paper

Start by grating 1/2 a bar of soap.

Then tear the toilet paper up

Then add soap.

Then add water.

Let the kids squeeze, manipulate, and play with their mud as long as they like.

The more they play with it, the better it will be.

Good Clean Fun!

Mummy Wrap!

2012-01-31T08:55:00.000-08:00

Toilet Paper fun for toddlers!

This week I am making the most of our frigid temps and doing fun random stuff inside!

Toilet Paper, Imagination, and giggles, check!

I saved the remnants for tomorrow's activity.

So fun, and easy clean up!

Ebeanstalk.com's WINNERS!

2012-01-27T12:31:00.000-08:00

I suppose you would like to know who won?

using random.org here are the winners!

First Prize!

Comment #55

53missyfitsJan 23, 2012 10:14 AM

POSTED ON FB

Second Prize!

Comment #111

MarieJan 24, 2012 03:23 PM

I am a follower!

This Marie is the email address mariegriggs at aol....

Thanks for entering. The next giveaway is in April! :) See you all back then!

January's Sweet Giveaway!

2012-01-23T05:12:00.000-08:00

This quarter's sponsor is ebeanstalk.com!

Have you heard about them before?

They are the Parents TOYSTORE!!!

First Prize is $100 egiftcard to ebanstalk.com!

I picked out the Second Prize...

Early Melodies Pound and Tap Bench.

Found HERE

AND

Tobbles

Found Here

So what do you have to do?

1 - Leave a comment - It can be just your name or an adoring one, either is fine. :)

2 - If you are a follower leave a comment and tell me you are a FOLLOWER.

(its an extra entry!!)

3 - Leaving a comment on Facebook/posting it on Facebook

Contest starts at 6am Pacific Time Monday January 23rd and ends Wednesday January 25th - 8pm Pacific Time. Winner will be announced Friday January 27th at 12 NOON.

Tell your friends and GOOD LUCK!!

Back for the Giveaway

2012-01-13T06:56:00.000-08:00

January 23rd is the next SWEET giveaway.

My preemie got to come home so I will be adjusting to 5 kids at home next week. :)

Thanks for the kind words and hilarious emails. :)

He was 3lbs 10oz at birth and came home 5 weeks later at 6lbs 6oz! Not to shabby!

Grow baby, Grow!

Snow Man Pancakes!

2012-01-12T06:31:00.000-08:00

Found originally here

We had pancakes for lunch because I needed a break up in the lunch routine.

It was snowing, and seemed like a perfect, "You're the coolest mommy EVER" moment, so...we went with it!

Pancakes are my friend Hilary's recipe:

2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup oats

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

1 cup milk

1 cup water.

1/4 cup batter yields 16-18 pancakes

After I made them, I added a bacon scarf, chocolate chip eyes, nose and buttons and marshmallow snowballs. I saved the extras for breakfast tomorrow. I'll just pop them in the toaster and we will be good to go!

In the words of MY favorite show YGG

"Try it! You'll like it!"

Winter Break Activity #4 - Book Making!

2012-01-04T07:08:00.000-08:00

Print THIS from Playing with Words 365.

And let the kids go to town. Each kid can cut, glue and put the book together all by themselves. It is a perfect activity for those winter days when you can't go outside!

Another option for older kids is to draw in the pictures.

The instructions for this book are on page 10.

This is so cute, you won't be disappointed.

You decide. This is a great activity that takes 30 minutes! :)

MIA

2012-01-03T08:12:00.000-08:00

Sorry about being MIA - I had my baby.

He is a preemie and in the NICU so, I spent every moment with him that I could.

He is doing great and so am I, don't worry! :)

Here is a little picture of him:

He is a month old and just learning how to feed and grow.

He was born at 3lbs 10 oz and is already 5lbs 4 oz!!!

This picture makes him look huge but I assure you he is teeny. :)

I will be back tomorrow with some fun winter activities. :)

Hope you all had a great holiday and break and best wishes for the new year!

Winter Break Activity #3 - ART - Torn Candy Canes

2011-12-23T07:46:00.000-08:00

We had some friends over and decided to do our art project with them. Each kid tore red and white paper and then glued them into candy cane shapes. We did this while my husband was making lunch (it was a snow day)

aaaaaand here they are!

Just something simple and fun and stress free to break up the break. Another option would be to do finger prints in lieu of torn paper. We had 6 kids here so I stayed away from the paint, but you totally could use paint!

Winter Break Activity #2 - SCIENCE - Borax Snowflakes

2011-12-20T08:20:00.000-08:00

mason jar

pencil

pipe cleaners

string/yarn

borax

boiling hot water

Directions

1. Form your pipe cleaners into a snowflake shape or whatever shape you desire, while you boil water.

2. Add water to your mason jars.

3. Mix in borax. Stir it but don't worry if it isn't completely dissolved.

4. Attach your pipe cleaner shape to the string and hang it from the pen/pencil while submerging it in your jar.

5. Let it sit overnight, or do this at breakfast and check on it obsessively all day and right before bed pull them out. (that is what my 5 year old did.) We made a bunch of these - I had about 15 different mason jars lined up they looked like this...

but imagine my whole table lined up!

Here are the finished products....

Hang them on your tree or pick them apart to see how it happened, again my 5 year old did this. :)

PS - If you do it with white pipe cleaners here is the result:

Both are cool. :P

Winter Break Activity #1 - COOKING - Cracked Snowballs

2011-12-19T17:36:00.000-08:00

4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 pound cream cheese
2 sticks unsalted butter
3 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Confectioner’s sugar for rolling and dusting

Stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the cream cheese, butter, and sugar together until fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract.

Incorporate the flour mixture.
Chill for at least 30 minutes.
Scoop roughly 1-ounce balls and toss in the confectioner’s sugar.
Place on a baking sheet, lined with parchment, a couple of inches apart.
Bake at 325° F until they spread and puff slightly, about 12-16 minutes.
They will be really soft in the center. If they start to brown, they’ve gone too far. Cool to room temperature.

From this point, we usually refrigerate them on the tray because as the cream cheese and butter get cold, they’re easier to pick up. It is a good tip. (matthew rice suggests this) Dust with more confectioner’s sugar before serving.

Our family usually serves these cookies straight from the fridge. They taste different warm. Store these in the fridge and you can serve them cold/cool.

These will keep for up to a week in the fridge. We are sending them out in the morning with Daddy. :)

They are gooey inside almost under baked but so rich and good!

Printable Christmas Tags!

2011-12-15T06:12:00.000-08:00

My kids love to color, so the gifts that they exchange for each other gets "original" coloring artwork with the package! Sure it gets tossed with the wrap, but it is a perfect quiet activity while you are counting down the days till present time! :)

HERE is the TAGS

HERE is a fun Christmas Coloring Book

Have fun!

Snow Day Activity - Balloon Butt Pop!

2011-12-12T06:53:00.000-08:00

My daughter had a mermaid party for her 4th birthday. One of the activities was popping bubbles with your butt! They had a fantastic time and thought - hey lets do this again when it's snowy and we can't go out!

You don't have to be dressed like a mermaid to do this activity.

Haha.

Some other variations I would do with this particular game is play music and when they heard the chorus try and pop it.

Play the ABC's on repeat and they have to try and pop it on their letter.

The possibilities are endless AND the giggles are contagious.

So fun!

Holiday Tradtitions - Elf on the Shelf

2011-12-02T06:21:00.000-08:00

I am sure you have heard of this book -

This is our 3rd year of doing Elf on the Shelf. I started when my oldest was 3 and understood the concept.

We usually start this after Thanksgiving. Zeke is our Elf's name and where the kids need a little boost of encouragement in the behavior department is where Zeke usually shows up the next day. For instance - if they had a rough night during bathtime...Zeke is there in the morning. Haha.

We do Santa a little differently in my house. Santa only brings items we need (socks, etc) and one special toy in the stocking. Partly because my husband wants credit for the big under the tree items and partly because we aren't heavy Santa believers. Sure we partake in the fun but we make sure our kids know the real reason for the season.

Here are some places Zeke has shown up...

Sometimes he is in boring places like on a shelf and sometimes he is a bit of a rascal.

Have fun with it!

Quiet Activity - Bracelet Making

2011-11-30T06:10:00.000-08:00

As promised, no more fuzzy ball activities - but they may come back! ;)

Here is what you need for this activity: Pipe Cleaners, Straws, and a pair of scissors.

Take the scissors and cut the straws into several different sizes. I had the kids do this.

Use the pipe cleaner to be the string for the bracelet.

Hook one end, although you don't need to because the fuzz on the pipe cleaner prevents sliding.

Then go to town and string your straw beads!

Wrap the end around the hook and make a bracelet.

Perfect for birthday parties, friends on a play date, Friendship bracelets...the possibilities are as endless as your supply!

This can also be done with string and straw beads!

Something fun and easy and quiet!

Quiet Activity - Sock-er Balls!

2011-11-28T07:08:00.000-08:00

More Fuzzy Balls! I promise this is the last one for awhile!

I am just a fan of quiet non messy games while I am confined to the bed. Haha.

Fill the socks with balls, then tie the top like a knot.

Then give them to the kids to untie, and pull the balls out to sort.

It's great for little hands because it takes patience, concentration and small motor skills.

Its great for bigger hands because they can classify the balls.

We sorted, counted and then did it again. They switched socks the next time.

30 minutes of fun, quiet and ... no mess!

Thanksgiving Fun!

2011-11-23T06:11:00.000-08:00

This is a quick activity to do on Turkey Day with little ones.

I have received a few FB messages about posting fun crafts for Thanksgiving with kids.

Here is what we made this week:

My son made his at school, so of course I had to make more for the rest of them. Draw the turkey head and fold in half so you have 2 sides, then fold and cut once. Click on the top pic and you can see how its glued. He cut the whole thing himself.

My daughter's is just triangle scraps attached to a headband and some feathers. All cut by her.

For smaller toddlers I would pre cut everything have them glue and then wear.

Thanksgiving Treats. Here is what we made last year:

Here is what we are making this year: HERE

Good Luck and see ya next week! :)

Quiet Activity - Fuzzy Balls 2!

2011-11-22T06:23:00.000-08:00

Grab an empty formula can, a butter tub, an ice cream tub, anything with a lid.

With a sharp knife slice x's through the lid. If you have a smaller kid cut complete o's.'

Give the kids some fuzzy balls and put them in the can.

Then make it harder, open the lid and dump them out. Only the red ones! Only the green ones!

Here is a closer look at the slits that were cut.

Super fun AND easy using recycled materials!

Winners of Epic Holiday Giveaway!

2011-11-20T12:04:00.000-08:00

Using Random.org here are the 3 winners!!!!

Comment #88 Wins the first $250 to Lakeshore

Bugsy said...

I love everything! It is so nice to have everything on hand instead of having to go back to the store to do go get what I need.

November 17, 2011 6:08 AM

Comment #103 wins the 2nd Lakeshore Giftcard.

Mia said...

I really enjoy your humor and honesty. I think about you often, and find you an inspiration as a mother and educator.

I would like more themed activities.

November 17, 2011 7:12 AM

Comment 51 Wins the $150 to Amazon

championswimmer said...

I follow the blog, facebook, and posetd it!

November 16, 2011 10:24 AM

Thanks for all the support, Facbook love and awesome comments!

I can't wait to get to work on the suggestions.

Next giveaway is in January!

Winners please email me your email/mailing address! :)

EPIC HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-11-16T05:53:00.000-08:00

It is time!

3 winners this time. The winners win BIG too!

Lakeshore is giving away 2...yes...2 - $250 gift cards.

Free Shipping on everything! Never Expires!

I also have a $150 gift card to Amazon!

To spend on ANYTHING you want!

So what do you have to do?

1 - Leave a comment telling me what you like most about this site and what you want to see more of.

2 - If you are a follower leave a comment and tell me you are a FOLLOWER.

(its an extra entry!!)

3 - 3rd entry can be by following us on Facebook!

HERE

4 - For your FINAL entry - post this giveaway on Facebook/your blog and leave a comment telling me you did this.

Contest starts at 6am Pacific Time Wednesday Nov 16th and ends FRIDAY Nov 18th - 8pm Pacific Time. Winner will be announced Sunday Nov 20th at 12 NOON.

Tell your friends and GOOD LUCK!!

Awesome News!

2011-11-14T06:11:00.000-08:00

Me with Baby #5 - the troublemaker

We are now on Facebook!

So Thumbs Up/Like us!

There is a huge giveaway this Wednesday and Liking us on Facebook and Following us on the Blog give you extra entries!

I have been catching up on emails, and for those who have requested printouts, you should get them by tonight!

HERE IS THE FACEBOOK LINK

Thanks for the awesome words of encouragement and support!

High Fives to moms helping moms too!

Quiet Activity - Fuzzy Balls!

2011-11-11T06:08:00.000-08:00

My 8 month old is super interested in doing what everyone else is doing.

So I grabbed a mason jar and some fuzzy balls and showed her how to put them in and take them out.

She immediately tried to do it, every other one went in her mouth, BUT I would just take them out and point to the jar and she would put them in, and then take them out!

It was fun for her to do something and she loved the feeling of the balls and the jar.

I had both items at home so this was free!

Quiet Activity - Stacking!

2011-11-10T05:58:00.000-08:00

Here is another perfect toddler activity that is quiet and fun!

Spaghetti Noodles, PlayDoh and Cheerios!

Playdoh on table. Stick Spaghetti Noodles, then stack the Cheerios!

They did this over and over until the cheerios disappeared...in their tummies.

They counted them, they stacked them, they did all sorts of things.

I picked Cheerios over Fruit Loops because the holes on the inside are smaller so they actually had to focus and get them on the noodles.

Quiet Activity - Pipe Cleaners!

2011-11-09T07:12:00.000-08:00

Since I am on bed rest I have had to come up with a few more quiet activities than I usually do.

Here is one that we used to do in the schools, and I forgot how much toddlers love it!

Here is what you need:

A handful of pipe cleaners and a strainer! That's it!

even my 8 month old was into this activity!

In the holes the pipe cleaners go!

This was perfect for what I needed it to be...20-30 minutes of pure concentration, quiet time and fine motor building.

So easy, and fun. I will be bringing this out again!

Rectangle Lunch

2011-10-31T06:36:00.000-07:00

For those lucky enough to know me in real life...(haha j/k) you know that I am now on bed rest. The first time I have ever had issues with a pregnancy in my life and I am finding it VERY difficult to be the best mom I can be...

but my son (my so helpful and smart son), insisted on making lunch for his sissies.

So, here is what he came up with...

Cheese Sticks (string cheese) Pretzel Sticks and Ants on a log...he did pretty a pretty good job too...all 5 food groups are on the plate!

The kids LOOOOOOVED their non-sandwich lunch. Just something different.

Operation Binky Removal

2011-10-29T06:07:00.000-07:00

I have had several questions about the bink, the paci, the plug...whatever you call it. :)

When to get rid of it?

My kids are 15 months apart. I try to get rid of it before then.

I have gone as late as 18 months, but never after that.

How did you get rid of it?

My kids after 1yr only got it at night. So when they woke up it went in a basket.

The day I decided to get rid of it I cut ALL the tips off and put them back in the basket.

When it was time to get the binky for bed my daughters (b/c my son never had one) would go to the basket and discover they were broken! I made THEM throw them out.

I also strategically hid some in the usual spots broken too, so if they were found...in the trash they went.

Sure the girls cried, but I would just remind them that they were broken and that they were in the trash.

It took maybe 2 days of whimpering and then they were gone!

I didn't want my kids to have them after 18 months because I felt like once they got to go to the nursery at church it was time to let it go. They were big kids now. :)

Do you know of other things that have worked?

I know of friends who have just thrown them out and told their kids that they are lost.

I know of people who have mailed their binky's to a new baby in the family.

Things to remember:

Stay strong! If you decide its time...It's time. Don't give in!

The best time to do it is not during a move, or a big event like a new baby or something like that.

I have a friend who did it the week the new baby came and her toddler resented the new baby and would steal the babies pacifier. I would have done it before, or a while after and convinced the toddler that they were a big kid and didn't need the paci anymore.

As always feel free to email me with any questions and I will answer them as soon as I can! :)

Scheduling Toddlers/Toddler Tips/Potty Training

2011-10-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

Poop.

sorry I couldn't resist!

Lets talk about poop shall we?

I have talked about it here, more in depth HERE but let's talk about other issues with the big B-M.

I have a BUNCH of new followers! 239 is AWESOME! Since then I have received several emails about doing the dirty business.

If your child is great at #1 on the toilet but still having issues with #2 here are a few suggestions:

Talk to your kid about the situation, address your concerns or the problem you have.

Is the problem beyond their control? Constipated, Diarrhea? or is it "That they don't want to?"

Talk to your little cutie:

"Jenny you do such a great job going pee in the toilet, I bet you can do just as well going poop."

"Tommy, I am so proud of you for going all day in the potty but you know poop goes in the toilet too!"

"Sam, where does pee go? Where does poop go?"

"Sarah, we are all done with diapers which means you need to use the toilet for pees and poos"

If you talk to them like big kids, they might surprise you and actually understand you better. As long as you aren't yelling or frustrated when these talks are going on, you should have success.

Come up with a poop plan. Do a potty chart just for poop.

Another thing that has worked for me with kids I have trained in the past is explaining what poop is. Explaining that it is the stuff our bodies don't need anymore, so we have to poop it out to make room for the new waste.

This is one of the harder things with potty training, because when they have been in a diaper 20+ months pooping isn't even thought about. It just naturally comes out and it's done. We are asking kids to think about it, recognize the signs and then take the appropriate action. It becomes very hard to rewire that part of the thought process for some.

As always your input is welcome, friendly responses or stories please.

I am here ready to answer any more questions you may have, and thanks again for the support!

Pumpkin Flash Cards

2011-10-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Theme Activities for Kids.

Cut up paper into card shapes.

Write the number at the bottom and draw the appropriate number of stems.

Then let the kids thumbprint/finger print the corresponding amount of "pumpkins"

Once dry, laminate and use for anything!

We are going to use them for church...on the way, for quiet activities and for counting.

Simple easy and made by your toddler!

Scheduling Toddlers/Toddler Tips/Potty Training

2011-10-15T06:37:00.000-07:00

One more post in this series. I know you are all so thrilled. :)

I have had over 10,000 hit on my potty training tips! That is an all time record! :) I love to potty train, and help others do it.

I know there are stories out there on "how I tricked my son to potty train" or "bribing my kid to potty in 2 days" but lets face it, those stories could only work if the kid was older than 3 and if they had been introduced to toilet training before. Those stories couldn't have worked with a barely 2 year old who has never sat on the toilet in their life. They also don't guarantee longevity in keeping them trained because - they weren't trained to go. Okay off soap box.

I have had about 15 emails and comments on how to deal with potty training regression. So I am going to address that right now.

Regression in Potty Training:

Remember that Potty Training for some kids takes time. You should never rush this process.

Every kid is so different that one technique might not work for another, as I have found in my 3 older kids. The ultimate goal of potty training is independence. You want them to go when you remind them, and completely on their own.

Once they are potty trained...some kids regress. Why does this happen?

Stress of moving, new baby, new job, really there is a myriad of things that can trigger regression. Its not that the child "forgets" its that the child can now control the one thing that had your full attention.

I had an email from a mother who had a kindergartner and so she went back to work and the kindergartner regressed. My advice to her was that the Kindergartner needed more attention. So instead of punishing her or having a negative reaction to the wetting the child would get rewarded for staying dry at school, then another one for staying dry at day care etc. We also adjusted her home time schedule to include EXTRA mommy time.

Sometimes kids subconsciously use accidents as their trigger to get what they want, I am not going to lie though in my experiences when potty training other peoples kids - they do it deliberately also.

If you suspect this is happening in your home - ignore it and make them take care of it themselves. "Fine, you need to take care of it. Put your wet clothes in the hamper and get clean ones." This will show them that they aren't gaining anything by having an accident. If they are doing it deliberately - still give them extra attention WITHOUT mentioning accidents. Its hard, but it works.

Also - lay out their responsibility as a potty trained member in the house. My kids in my house get a little extra responsibility or chore because they are potty trained. Like they have reached this right of passage...and get to be semi-grownup now. If they choose to neglect their responsibility there are consequences.

One of my daughters kept getting distracted and not getting to the potty in time and would "pittle" you know "pee a little" in her undies. I told her that she couldn't go to the store with me that day because I was worried she wouldn't make it to the bathroom at the store. She then said she would and proved it to me and has done so ever since.

The key to stopping the regression in a child that was already fully toilet trained is to avoid negative reactions, learn why this has started, discuss responsibility and consequences, decide whether they were ready in the first place...do they need to go back to diapers?, is it something else like a UTI or something else that they can't control?, and to keep your cool.

Punishing is not recommended for potty training. This is supposed to be a "positive" experience. If at anytime the child feels discouraged it will be 10x harder to get results.

If I can help more please let me know! Leave a comment or email me! :)

Pumpkin Books

2011-10-13T06:09:00.000-07:00

Here are the books we are reading right now for this unit....

The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by: Steven Kroll

It's Pumpkin Time by:Zoe Hall

The Littlest Pumpkin by: R.A. Herman

The Three Friends and the Pumpkins by: Tomie dePaola (8 pages they are going to memorize)

From Seed to Pumpkin by: Wendy Pfeffer
(my favorite)

We are also going to listen to Pumpkin Soup by: Helen Cooper

And since I am catering to girls I couldn't resist Pinkalicious and the pink pumpkin by: Victoria Kann

Life Cycle of a Pumpkin

2011-10-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

Toddler Pumpkin Theme Ideas

Print this Life Cycle Chart

We cut this out then glued it in the right order. Then we matched up the left over cards to our diagram.

The girls suddenly figured it all out, since we grew pumpkins in our yard this year and they remembered seeing each step.

Umm Okay?

2011-10-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

I forgot to let you all know I am having #5 in 2012.

The kids are excited as can be.

#1- 5years, #2 - almost 4years, #3 - 2.7years, #4 - 7months

That is what I have been up to. There have been SEVERAL complications with this little baby inside but we are hopeful that all the potential issues and problems are in the past.

Thanks for the kind words.

Pumpkin Ideas

2011-10-10T07:14:00.001-07:00

So far -
HERE is what we have done in the past.

The next 2 weeks will be devoted to pumpkins. :)

Thanks for the emails and comments! We are expecting #5 and have had a bumpy road along the way. If you are the praying kind please keep our wee one and me in your prayers, at this point - anything will help. :)

See ya tomorrow!

A note

2011-09-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

Our family is going through something right now and I need to take a break from this blog.

It will only be for a short time and then I can fill ya'll in.

If you are the praying kind, our family could really use a little extra love right now.

If your not just think good thoughts.

thanks for following and I will keep you posted. be back in a week or so.

Thanks for the emails and love we have already received. :)

Sponge Towers

2011-09-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

I have seen this a few times and thought my kids would love it. I knew I would love it more because it is QUIET!

Here is what you need..

Sponges, and scissors (for the grown ups)

Cut them Long ways and Short ways...everyone wants an option. :)

Then build.

this kept the girls occupied for an hour! I only cut up 8 sponges, but I will probably add to the sponge box as we go on. The best part is that we can use the sponges for other projects in the future.

This boredom buster only cost $2.50 because I found the packages of sponges for $1 at Dollar Tree. Awesome!

Apple Lab

2011-09-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

Print my Lab Sheet HERE

Pick up a few apples of different colors...

Color the color of the apples and then use one color marker for the prediction, and another for the actual results.

Then go to town! Taste, Smell, etc...

Then discuss the findings.

Apple Nomenclature Cards

2011-09-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

Print these HERE

I cut them out and then spread them out on the table...in a random order.

cut an apple and figure out what parts are what.

very scientific.

then draw your own!

The 2 year old's version of an apple.

The 5 year old's version of an apple.

This is an awesome snack time project!

Apple Lacing

2011-09-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

I grabbed some Apple Jacks and yarn and the lacing needles I had in the lacing card bin.

Let the girls at it while I did the dishes.

A totally simple project but it takes time and the best part is eating it while they walk with me to pick up brother at school.

Applesauce Painting

2011-08-31T05:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I forget that I have a 6 month old at home too.

Its because she is so good and usually is asleep or sitting in her seat watching the other girls do their thing.

Well, this time it was time to get her involved too!

I put small dabs of applesauce on the tray and let her "paint" with it.

This is really great for this age because it helps them release their fists and although it is messy they like that they can eat it too.

I just dabbed more and more and she kept playing and fisting the applesauce in her mouth.

It wasn't as messy as you would think.

She kept most of it on the tray and her chin! :)

For the other 2 girls I gave them a cookie sheet and a 1/2 cup of applesauce and told them FINGERS only.

This was fun for them too!

Apple Cycle Sequencing

2011-08-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

Read THE TINY SEED - by Eric Carle

Print this page HERE

Let the kids color them.

Cut them out.

And glue in the correct order.

Then discuss. Its so fun listening to the reasoning of their order choices. :)

It is a fun quick project...that takes some time cutting and gluing but educational too!

Apple Books

2011-08-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

The Seasons of Arnold's Apple Tree

Ten Apples Up on Top

I love this book.

Autumn is for Apples

my kids love this one.

Apple Picking Time

How do Apples Grow?

I also grabbed this from the library

American Legends

There is a whole segment on Johnny Appleseed!

There are so many books about apples. These are just the ones I picked.

For the next two weeks we will be continuing on the APPLE theme.

Apple Puzzles

2011-08-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

Print one of these out...HERE

Then color it.

Then cut it out.

I cut out the big shape and then they followed the lines.

Then, mix it up and put it together.

Perfect little activity to work on scissor skills. And it fits with the theme, SCORE!

Apple Treats

2011-08-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

We made a fun back to school snack...

Here is what you need:
6 cups of Rice Krispies
4 TBSP Butter
1 pkg Mini Marshmallows
1 3oz package of RED jello...we did Cherry
Tootsie Rolls
Tablespoon of Frosting
Key Lime Pie Gum

Melt the butter, marshmallows in a pan once its smooth add the jello.
Mix in the rice krispies and then stir.
Let sit for 3 minutes.
Grease the kids hands with cooking spray.
Form into balls
Let sit for 3 minutes, then add the tootsie rolls.

Have the kids use scissors to cut the leaves out of gum and then stick on with frosting.

I made 20, and there was plenty left in the pot so I made mini balls for snacks - like for the park etc...

These were tart and so good. The mini balls were perfect for a quick bite of sweetness. :)

Thanks to GourmetMom on the Go for the idea!

Quick Note

2011-08-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

This is the last week before school starts for 2 of my kiddos. So I will be doing basic and fun stuff with them before we have to start life again. Boo Hiss.

Here is what we will be doing this week...

Toothpick Sculptures

Box Robots

Musical Xylophones

Apple Sushi

and...Ice Treasures

Boy have my kids grown! Most of those posts are from 2008 and 2009. Crazy. Have a great week and I am so excited for the new adventure my family is about to start. There are going to be lots of posts coming up so don't fret! :)

Ball Drop

2011-08-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

3 cups, 3 different sizes and a chair.

I ended using 2 sized chairs.

We had everyone do the small cup, then the medium cup, then the large cup. Then we switched chairs and did it again. We kept score. How ever many balls made it in, that's how many jellybeans you got. They played it over and over again and it has been requested a few times to play again.

About me

2011-08-08T06:30:00.000-07:00

I do this blog for fun. I don't get paid, I don't get anything to do this blog.

I do it because I really like being a mom. I really like to provide fun and educational activities for my children. I love to have playdates and try things with other kids in the house.

I have a million ideas and have tried some things people have suggested.

I post it all here so people aren't looking at my family blog and so its all in one place.

I will be sad when I don't have toddlers anymore, but will somehow find a way to keep having fun.

I have learned over the years that I am really good at this toddler stage and so I do this blog to help others.

Okay. I have said my peace. :)

Scheduling Toddlers/Toddler Tips/Potty Training

2011-08-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

#5 Be consistent.

If after a week of constant accidents. Take a break and try again later.

There is no perfect time to be potty trained. If it isn't working or you feel defeated. Stop.
Try again in a few weeks.

Maybe the break will give them the time to let it soak in. You might be surprised that after the "break" they will be the ones who start initiating potty talk and potty time.

If there are any more questions please feel free to email me or leave a comment! :)

Road Trip Games

2011-07-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

I was recovering from road trip clean up so excuse last week. :)

Here are some things that I did with my kids to make the 19 hour drive bearable.

1) Every time we stopped for gas I switched car seats around. This gave everyone enough breathing room to stretch relax and when it was time to get back in they had a new perspective on the drive.

2) When we stopped for gas I drew something out of the EXERCISE BAG. I made a bag (like a ziploc) Put 12 different things in it, and when we stopped they had to get that blood flowin!
some examples are : 15 jumping jacks, 10 toe taps, 10 reaches to the sky and then touch the ground, Run around the Yukon 5 times, Sing your favorite song in a whisper, Spin in a circle 4 times, Jump in place while flying like a bird, etc...

3) I was very big on NOT letting them watch movies the ENTIRE trip, so some of the way we listened to a book on tape. We got through half of Indian in the Cupboard. They then "got to" draw pictures of what they were listening to.

4) Snacks. I didn't want them eating or drinking for 19 hours straight so we had special times that we would eat. Our Road Trip Food consisted of:
Trail Mix, Fruit Snacks, Whole Apples, Freeze Dried Yogurt, Dry Cereal like Kix, and the Dora Cereal Stars. I tried to mix it up on the way back so we didn't have the same food. Licorice, Beef Jerkey Bites, Carrot Sticks, and Pringles.

5) Games. I had a lot stuff prepared and ready to play. Here is one of our favorite games.

I printed 6 and laminated them.

Here is ROAD TRIP BINGO and on the other side I printed CARS BINGO

And instead of making bingo chips - every time someone found a sign they got a starburst.

First one to 10 won a mini crunch bar!

Another Game is HERE we loved "write on the road."

6) The last thing I did was buy Coloring Books and cut the spine out.(Kinkos will do this for you for $1.50) And then put the sheets in a folder. I bought clip boards from the Dollar Spot at Target and then when they were ready to color they got a sheet on their clip board.

My husband teases me that I over prepared, but we didn't have any crying or unneccessary stopping or even fighting on this whole trip. Which in my book with 4 kids 4 and under is a success!

Scheduling Toddlers/Toddler Tips/Potty Training

2011-07-25T05:55:00.001-07:00

Before I wrap up this series of Potty Training Tips - today I am leaving it up to questions and answers.

Leave a comment with the question and I will post the answer on this post.

Scheduling Toddlers/Toddler Tips/Potty Training

2011-07-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

We are back from our 17 day road trip to California. Whew!

Potty Training Continued.

1- Make sure your child is ready.

Make sure you are following the right cues. Push it and you will have to start all over. If they are showing interest - then go ahead and start

2 - Have the right equipment for YOU and your KID.

Potty Seat vs Potty Chair and Underwear.

3. Decide what is going to work for your Child.

Sticker Charts, Treats, Rewards, Praise, etc.

4. Poop Training.

Most children are quick to urine train. Its easy fast and not that messy. (depending on the kid) Poop is a lot harder for toddlers. For some kids Bowel Movements feel like they are losing a part of them selves. They are afraid to watch it flush and it is scary for them. For others they are just lazy and would rather do it in their diaper. Another thing is that they don't know when they need to do it until they are squeezing it out.

If you have a child who goes to a certain place to poop or has a certain time they do it - you are one step ahead. If you notice they are running to their "spot" pick them up in the squatting position and sit them on the potty while the diaper is on. Have them go through the motions of pooping on the toilet WHILE the diaper is on. So they mentally move their "spot" to the bathroom. Then slowly coax them to take it off - over time of course.

My kids have gotten double the candy reward for BMs. This was an incentive that worked for them.

Another thing that has worked for me in the past (with older children) is show them the digestive tract. Explain that the food they eat goes down, gets processed and then the "waste" - "poop" needs to come out.

For analytical children it helps them get the process.

image via google images

Remember that poo takes time. If you need to read a story to them while they take care of business too. Don't rush it. Even adults have a hard time "getting it out." If you suspect they might be constipated increase the fluid intake and give them more fiber. It will soften them up and help it slide right out.

Don't get frustrated. This is all part of development. Just keep going and eventually it will happen. There are worse things in the world than a poop accident.

Good Luck and as always I hope this helps! This as always is a post to help give you ideas or help with situations. Not a post telling you WHAT to do...because every kid is different! :)

Pattern Power (2)

2011-07-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

So you need to print these puppies out...

PRINTABLE

Then get to work!

Leave some blank and then color some clothes pins.

Then color different patterns on the sheets.

Then laminate them. If you don't have a laminator these are just as awesome...

Then play!

Here is my daughter following the pattern.

Store in a plastic bag. Then in a gallon size.

Perfect for travel, or in this case church. Sssh!

My son made his own pattern!

We are going on a 20+ hour road trip for the first time next week and I have been working hard on different things to do on the road. I don't want my kids stuck watching movies or playing on their leapsters or any other electronic device the whole time. That isn't the point of a road trip. They are going to enjoy what they see and have fun and talk and learn things...crossing fingers.

We will be gone for 2.5 weeks, so when we get back I will post what worked and what didn't!

Have a safe 4th of July!

Pattern Power (1)

2011-06-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a great quiet game for the kids.

First you need to print these...

HERE is the PRINTABLE!
Finally no more EMAILING!

Then cut and laminate.
I printed 3 - that made 9.

Then grab a few items to snack on.
I picked animal crackers, craisins and goldfish.
You could do fruit snacks, m&m's, and cheeze-its.
Really you could do anything that is small enough.

Then you make your own patterns and EAT!
We brought this project to a friends house.
Those cute blondies are moving away and it makes me so sad.

This is great for church, quiet time, snack time, traveling...ANYTHING!
Print a few and tell me what you think!

Scheduling Toddlers/Toddler Tips/Potty Training

2011-06-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

Potty Training Continued.

1- Make sure your child is ready.
2 - Have the right equipment for YOU and your KID.
3 - Decide what is going to work for your Child.

4 - Day vs Night Training and When to do it!

If you have decided to start please don't start during a major change. Moving, a new sibling, switching a major routine change, etc. Doing this causes stress and will actually set your child back in potty training. Stress can make it harder for a child to demonstrate a skill that they have yet to master. This is why most kids revert back or regress - it makes them remember a time when they were more comfortable.

Day vs. Night
I am an all or nothing girl. When we potty train we never go back to underwear. But - having said that kids can go ALL day without an accident waaaay before they are actually ready to get through the night. It is actually common and natural to wet the bed until a kid is 5 years old. It can be so frustrating I'm sure when you can have a kid last ALL day and then at night it becomes a huge problem.

If you are all ready experiencing this it could be for many reasons. Does your child sleep so soundly that they don't wake up? Does your child have nocturnal eneuresis?

Bed wetting is involuntary. It (from my research and training) is just a slight developmental delay, not anything emotional or physical, and only a small percentage of bed wetting cases are caused by specific medical problems. Did you know bed wetting is often associated with a family history of said condition? It is. So feel free to blame your spouses side. Haha. Just Kidding.

If you are just starting to seriously train bed wetting is something you need to think about. Most kids slowly stop wetting as part of their natural development. If your child wakes up wet in a diaper - do night training slowly. Get them trained through the day and then talk with them about getting rid of it at night. Try it for two weeks and if the number of dry nights decrease you know they are golden. If they increase return to the diaper and gradually make your way back to trying to go at night diaper free.

If you child is past 3.5 you could try intervening with the bed wetting alarm. I have never used it, but have heard great things about it. That is something you talk to the pedi about. You can also talk to the pedi about food allergies. Bed wetting can be linked to food allergies. Weird but sometimes true. I have also heard in my training that sometimes, in larger families the child wetting just needs a little extra special time. Take them to the bathroom 30 minutes before bed and then give them 20 minutes of undivided personal attention. Then take them again right before bed. Sometimes, that extra special time can reduce any stress or discomfort and relax them enough to let it all out.

In my own personal experiences I have just monitored when I notice my kid showing me the signs. I make sure they don't drink an hour before bedtime...at the beginning. Then I make sure they go potty right before bed and haven't had a problem. I have had one of my children who has been potty trained for awhile wet the bed, and it was their responsibility to take the sheets off and put them in the hamper. They had to change their jammies and be responsible about it. It wasn't deliberate and therefore they weren't "punished" but they needed to take care of it. In our house being in underwear is a big deal - it is when you start being held accountable and need to express what you want or need with your words. Just like using the words "I need to go potty" and then actually doing it. It is an expectation we have set and so we let them know part of potty training/being in underwear means growing up. Its time to end the crying and the fits and start getting ready for the real world/school.

If I had a child that had nightime issues I would explain to them that their muscles inside are still learning how to hold it. Its okay and if it happens we need to learn how to take care of it. No punishment is needed its just something that some kids have to deal with.

Ultimately you need to do what is going to work for you. You need to devote sometime to actually potty train and make sure you have what is going to work for you. For me the potty seat is better because I never have to transition to "big potties" and stores and other places are not scary since they only know how to use the "big ones."

Good Luck and as always I hope this helps! This as always is a post to help give you ideas or help with situations. Not a post telling you WHAT to do...because every kid is different! :)

Noodle Building!

2011-06-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

Cut the noodles in half, then in random lengths. Grab a box of toothpicks and have at it...

You can store them in a trash bag and put the toothpicks back in the box for another building day.

Everyone loved this project!

Noodle Racing!

2011-06-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

I saw this in Family Fun and thought we would give it a try. Except instead of racing marbles we raced - Whoppers. I love food and I am terrified that someone will swallow one, or forget to put them away and I will slip on one so we raced Whoppers and then ate them. There is no way they would forget to eat them or leave them around! Haha.

First you cut a pool noodle. I did this with a bread slicer - gasp - I know, I know.

Then you use toothpicks to stick them together.

Then you get a box to "catch" the precious Whopper Candies. And then races are go for launch.

You can make checkered flags and other decorations etc. We didn't but you totally could.

Instead we tried different inclines.

After that we tried to see if they would race at a diagonal, or straight. We tried all sorts of things which just meant MORE Whoppers! It was very scientific! Haha.

Try it! Noodles are cheap and Whoppers are too. Its hours of fun and tasty too!

Scheduling Toddlers/Toddler Tips/Potty Training

2011-06-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

Potty Training Continued.

1- Make sure your child is ready.
Adding to what I wrote last week - make sure you are following the right cues. Push it and you will have to start all over. If they are showing interest - then go ahead and start.

2 - Have the right equipment for YOU and your KID.

Potty Seat vs Potty Chair and Underwear.

3. Decide what is going to work for your Child. Most kids love hugs, kisses and high fives for praise and motivation. But for some they need a little more. Potty Chart and Rewards worked for 2 of the 3 kids in my house. My youngest just wasn't interested in charts. So I skipped them. For my oldest - we used Jelly Beans. For my second I used M&Ms and my third I used Gummi Bears.

Print one of THESE potty charts and take your child to the store. My kids got to pick a special Potty Reward. I bought it then and took it home. Once they filled up the chart they got the toy. If the accidents started to come again, they lost the toy and had to start again with a new chart. The consequence for not going potty is losing the potty reward.

Remember to emphasize the pottying NOT the reward.

Every child got 1 candy reward for EVERY urination and 2 candy rewards for EVERY bowel movement.
Slowly I stopped giving rewards for urine but kept up the bowel rewards until they slowly forgot about them. (the reward)

March 2009 - Kid #2

Please remember that Potty Training is a process of development, it happens at different times in children's lives. For some its at 2 and some its right after 3. There is not a specific "perfect time" to potty train. Just because YOU want your child potty trained doesn't mean THEY are ready. If you do it before they are ready the only person you are training is yourself. Children feed off of your frustration, and trust me having accidents is frustrating and hard. Wait and your life and potty training period will be soooooo much easier!

Ultimately you need to do what is going to work for you. You need to devote sometime to actually potty train and make sure you have what is going to work for you. For me the potty seat is better because I never have to transition to "big potties" and stores and other places are not scary since they only know how to use the "big ones."

Good Luck and as always I hope this helps! This as always is a post to help give you ideas or help with situations. Not a post telling you WHAT to do...because every kid is different! :)

Pop Rocks

2011-06-17T06:09:00.000-07:00

My son picked "try a new candy" for one of our summer fun things this summer.

So Pop Rocks was it! I had never had them, and the kids had never had them either.

After we had them we put them in water and then in a small amount of soda. The kids went wild!

Just a fun weird activity to do in the afternoon. :)

Math Ring Toss

2011-06-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

We had some friends over for some fun. First we painted paper plates...

I asked them to paint the bumpy outer rim, but they ended up painting the whole plate...oh well.

Once I blowdried them dry I cut the centers out.

While the popcorn was popping I made the stands.

I cut a wrapping paper tube into 3 unequal sizes so there would be a challenge. You could cut them all the same size, or use paper towel tubes...there is no right or wrong way here.

Then you cut them and tape them on a unpainted plate.

Then I grabbed the popcorn and headed out to the jungle. I mean the front yard.

I chose to do math problems. If it landed on 5-2 they got 3 pieces of popcorn.

If they landed on 2+2 they got 4 pieces of popcorn.

If you are going to do this with younger kids just write the number or draw the number with shapes like 4 squares to determine how many pieces of popcorn they get.

The kids had a blast and then went crazy and took over the popcorn bowl.

Something fun for the summer that still requires some brains to do! Hahaha.

Try it! Its cheap and fun but most importantly educational!

Scheduling Toddlers/Toddler Tips/Potty Training

2011-06-13T05:44:00.000-07:00

Potty Chair vs Potty Seat.

I don't use a potty chair, because I have had experiences where the kid will ONLY use the little chair and the transition to the "big toilets" is scary. Plus cleaning it out grosses me out. :) I buy a potty seat and a stool and teach them how to get up and get on all by themselves BEFORE I even get into doing their "business" in the toilet.

I also have them practice over and over pulling down and getting up and getting on, pulling everything back up and closing the lid and flushing the toilet and washing their hands too. (Think Karate Kid and the water drip thing)

To me going through the motions is better because when the time is right - they know what to do. Having them sit on a potty in front of a TV or something else is not potty training. They need to know what to do when the urge comes - which is RUN(jk) to the bathroom pull down your pants, get on the potty and go. *Wipe* and then pull everything up, lid down, flush and wash those hands.

Ultimately you need to do what is going to work for you. You need to devote sometime to actually potty train and make sure you have what is going to work for you. For me the potty seat is better because I never have to transition to "big potties" and stores and other places are not scary since they only know how to use the "big ones."

Good Luck and as always I hope this helps! This as always is a post to help give you ideas or help with situations. Not a post telling you WHAT to do...because every kid is different! :)

Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest

2011-06-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

We had some friends over while their parents were closing on their new house.

Something on our summer TO-Do list is have a watermelon seed spitting contest!

So first you need WATERMELON!

Then you eat some! We talked about the seeds and how some are white and some are black and what each kind means.

Then we tried them with salt.

Mmmm.

Now the 2 lonely seeds at the bottom are the only ACTUAL seeds in the seedless watermelon, so I used raisins to simulate "seeds"

Then we got technical.

Then we spit!

go go go!

You can do it!

Then we measured and recorded on our chart.

Eat some more and do it again!

here is how we marked too.

It was a fun morning and the kids used math to figure out who went the farthest!

Try it on a hot summer day. It totally beats sitting in front of the TV!

3D Chalk!

2011-06-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

We used these awhile ago and they are still a summer staple around here...

The kids got this for Christmas, and we love them.

There are different things you can do with them. There is an info packet inside like how to layer colors etc..

Then you put the glasses on!

I tried it and it really WORKS!

They are hard to break since they are big which is nice. Everyone asks to pull them out and play with them!

Love this for the summer!

Scheduling Toddlers/Toddler Tips

2011-06-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

I am hesitant to post about this but my facebook friends have asked me to post about this so I will. Please remember only nice and helpful comments will be allowed.

Potty Training. I am certified through the state of Colorado in Toilet Training. I used to teach and speak at parenting conferences about potty training and at my old job (before I became a mommy) I would go to daycares and train the teachers how to help potty train the 2.5 -3 year olds.

So here are the top 5 things you need to know BEFORE you even think about potty training.

1- Make sure your child is ready. There is no certain age or time when a toddler should be potty trained. If you do it on your own you will not have success. Every kid is different too. My oldest potty trained at 2.6 years, my middle at 2.4 and my youngest at 2.2. Their process and motivations were all different and I waited until they were ready.

How do I know if my child is ready?
----Can he stay dry for several hours?
----Does he have regular predictable bowel movements?
----Does he know when he NEEDS a diaper change?
----Does he say pee or poo or know what he is doing when he is doing it?
----Does he understand logic and reasoning...cause and effect?

I will post more next week about the next thing you need to know. If you are at this stage with your toddler now, keep talking about it, keep sitting on the potty and talking about what is happening.

Hope that helps!

Community Helpers - 8

2011-06-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

What do they do, what to they use, what to they drive, where do they work game.

Game Printouts found HERE

Here is another game we played.

Mailman, Mailman where's the mail?
This is a fun game that my 4 and 5 yr olds love. Get an envelope and write on it to make it look like a letter. Choose one child to be the mailman..he or she must figure out which child has the "mail". The mailman must face away from the others and close his eyes while you hand off the mail. Line the children against the wall and quietly give the envelope to one child who must hide it behind his back. All of the children must keep their hands behind their back as well. The children say "mailman mailman where's the mail?" The mailman turns around ands gets three chances to pick which child is hiding the mail.

Community Helpers - 7

2011-05-31T06:54:00.000-07:00

I have a son who is OBSESSED with community helpers. So of course we have dress ups AND vehicles for each job.

So we talked about the vehicles and who uses them and what they do. Luckily we have all of the toold and gear for each vehicle.

Thanks to Imaginext - the coolest boy toys EVER!!

Not pictured is the mail truck, police motorcycle and trash truck.

Love this unit!

Community Helpers - 6

2011-05-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

I made Community Helper Puppets.

Then I let the kids act out some scenarios that might include community helpers.

You can find some to print out HERE

Easy and fun! I laminated mine and each kid got a set to take home.

Community Helpers - 5

2011-05-25T06:29:00.000-07:00

Another FUN community helper themed snack for Toddlers...

We made and ate MAIL!

Frost the Graham Crackers, Cheese It Stamps and Gummy Letters for the Address!

Super delish and fun!

Every kid made 2 and ate 2.

Scheduling Toddlers/Toddler Tips

2011-05-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

Redirection and Disciplining Babies
Babies are little people that look to their parents and caregivers for guidance and boundaries. Any child needs boundaries. Boundaries define the limits of appropriate actions for the child. A child does not feel safe unless they have safe limits shown to them.

1. Babies are not born knowing how to redirect themselves. The child has the need to be shown from infancy on into their teen years how to redirect their actions and behaviors toward outlets that are safe for them.

When a baby is doing something that is dangerous to them, or playing with something that they are not supposed to get into, redirect them to a safer activity, or toy.

2. Help them with the appropriate activity or toy for ten seconds.

3. This is the amount of time a baby usually needs to forget the inappropriate toy or activity that they were doing.

4. Then you may walk away.

5. The baby has thus been successfully redirected!

This action will need to be repeated several times a day until the baby understands that certain things are off-limits. It may take only once with some babies, but more often than not the redirection will need to be done several times a day for each inappropriate activity or object the baby desires. It takes more effort to redirect a baby, than it does to smack their hands, but the rewards are greater with the redirection. Not only does the baby then experience no physical pain, but they also will learn something that will be very valuable to them the rest of their lives. They will eventually learn to redirect themselves and will not need intervention on the part of the parent or caregiver quite as often, and will be easier to deal with than the child who has had their hands smacked. Smacking a child’s hands is just suppression of behavior, redirection makes a child think.

Source: Essortment Home

Community Helpers - 4

2011-05-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

I tried posting this last week 3x but Blogger was all over the place so here it is...

Community Helper Snack!

We talked about Policemen and then had their favorite snack!

Milk and Donuts!

I used this time to teach them through the stick puppets I made and reading the books more about the community helpers! Toddlers love Community Helpers!

Scheduling Toddlers/Toddler Tips

2011-05-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

Disciplining the 3 year old. I don't like the term "spirited" because it means bad. My 3 year old isn't bad, she is just different. She is wired differently than the rest of us. For the most part she needs things explained differently for things to work for her. She is less obedient then my 4 year old and 2 year old. But---she is starting to make the change.

What works for me is the fuzzy ball system.

Every time she does something good or something without asking she gets a ball in her box. Once she gets 10 balls she gets to pick a piece of paper from the bag. I don't believe she should get a toy or something like that EVERY TIME she is good. She has to earn her special reward for the day.

Some examples of the paper rewards are stay up 10 minutes past bedtime, or a special treat. I have 15 different things to choose from. Each day is different. She doesn't always get 10 balls and sometimes when she is sooooo close she will ask if there is something SHE can do to earn more balls.

Instead of focusing on her bad behavior I have rewarded good behavior. She gets a ball for sharing or playing nicely etc. Chores completed without help or reminder get balls too. I have seen such a change in her behavior because she is getting MORE attention because she is good.

If she is not being good or is having a hard day she loses balls. At the end of the day when we count them she will tell her daddy what she got them for. "I got the red one for following directions the first time" etc.

It is so easy and fun for her and I don't have to fight her anymore. The other kids cheer her on...its pretty funny.

Community Helpers - 3

2011-05-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

Our library has a bunch of Rebus books.

Rebus means words for pictures.

or word puzzles.

Here is an example...

Our library has a whole section on rebus books. I grabbed a bunch on Community Helpers.

It was fun to read to the kids and have them "read" me the parts of the book that they know. A Policeman rides a Horse. etc..

Super fun and Quiet one on one time!

Scheduling Toddlers/Toddler Tips

2011-05-09T06:10:00.000-07:00

Discipling Toddlers---2

The 4 year old in my home is VERY obedient. He often cries because he feels like he isn't doing enough or that he knows what he was doing/did was wrong. So for him it's not so much discipline more explaining things to him.

I lay out the rules for him and he pretty much follows directions. If he needs a time-out I usually send him to his room for a cooling off period. For him - he needs consistency. If I find that he needs something other than 5 minutes in his room I will give him a task to complete.

Here is a typical convo:

Me - L please stop yelling at your sisters

L - I wasn't yelling.

Me - Are you yelling at me now?

L - Yes.

Me - Okay, you need to go to your room for 5 minutes to cool off.

L - I don't want to go to my room.

Me - I don't want you to yell and you did. The consequence for that is time in your room.

L - Okay.

If there is a fit I usually will ask him to go to his room and clean it up and when he is done he may come out.

My kids don't have toys in their rooms so they can't go up to play they have to sit on their bed and literally cool off.

This form of discipline only works on him and my 2 year old. She seems to be a lot like him in temperment and demeanor.

When my 2 year old is "naughty" I send her to her room and she goes --- she cries the entire time but she goes. I also give them a warning. "If you keep throwing your toys you will have to go to your room"

That usually gets them to stop. Also taking the toy away works too.

In our house we also have a Toy Jail.

If a toy gets taken away for not sharing or because they weren't playing with it correctly it gets taken away to toy jail. It is in there for the rest of the day and the next day can be earned back by doing an extra chore or something we talk about together.

With the 4 year old and the 2 year old ---Warning them one time with a notification of the consequence gets them to stop USUALLY.

Next week - discipling ~~TROUBLE~~, I mean the 3 year old. :)

What is something you do in your home? Lets get the chat going!

Community Helpers - 2

2011-05-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

Trash vs Recycle Game

So I had clip art - which you can find too in word of things that are recyclable and things that are trash.

We sorted them accordingly.

After that we looked at things that can be recycled. How can we tell? What does the symbol look like?

Then we looked throughout the kitchen for things with the recycle symbol.

It was fun and we still look at things today that can be recycled!

Community Helpers - 1

2011-05-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

This month we are talking about my family's FAVORITE topic - Community Helpers.

I am totally serious. I showed the "class" what I was talking about and as you can see...MY KID is thrilled!

Today we dressed up as Community Helpers.

From the top. Trash Man, Postal Worker.

Middle: Nurse, Doctor, Nurse

Bottom: Policeman and Fireman

Then we talked about what each of the helpers do.

Because my family loves them so much, I had all of the appropriate tools that correspond with each helper.

This was fun for everyone and it is good to role play/dress up every once in a while.

Winners of the Crayola Giveaway!

2011-05-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the comments and feedback.

I have lots of ideas for the next few months!

Now on to BUSINESS

FIRST PLACE!!!!

All Items PLUS All Items for a FRIEND

# 103

Natalie said...

I like the simpleness of the crafts, and that you let them be kid made.

April 29, 2011 6:23 PM

_______________________________________

SECOND PLACE!!!!

ONE item PLUS another ONE item for a friend

#45

*jess* said...

I love all the projects that YOUNGER kids can participate in...like 12-18 months. More, please! :)

April 27, 2011 7:56 PM

___________________________________

And because we went over 100 comments a THIRD PLACE goes to

#21

kryssy said...

Awesome! I am so inspired by all that you do

April 27, 2011 12:20 PM

PLEASE EMAIL itty_bitty_wittes@yahoo with your address!

Congrats to the winners and REMEMBER the next giveaway is a LeapFrog GIVEAWAY!!!!

Crayola Giveaway!!!

2011-04-27T06:52:00.000-07:00

Its the first GIVEAWAY of the year and its a GREAT one!!!

Crayola is giving away to Toddler Boredom Buster Fans the following items

to KICK off THE SUMMER!!!!

Washable Colored Bubbles

Rainbow Rake

Spira-Chalk Blaster

3D Outdoor Deluxe Set

AND

the Crayola Glow Station.

The best part is that the FIRST winner will get another set for their friend!

The second winner will get to pick 1 item from the list and another for their friend!

All you have to do is...

1 - Leave a comment telling me what you like most about this site and what you want to see more of.

2 - If you are a follower leave a comment and tell me you are a FOLLOWER.

(its an extra entry!!)

3 - For another entry post this giveaway on Facebook/your blog and leave a comment.

Contest starts at 6am Pacific Time and ends FRIDAY 8pm Pacific Time. Winner will be announced Sunday at 12 NOON.

Good Luck!

This is over $200 worth of Prizes

Handmade/Kidmade Flowers - Daisies 1

2011-04-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

I used to do this all the time when I was a kid. Did you?

Skittle Smashing?

Mmm this one looks like a poppy!

Fun Fun for everyone!

It is so easy and super fun!

There is so much concentration in this activity.

PUSH PUSH PUSH

UGH!

TaDa!

Good and they taste the same.

But different nonetheless.

Its a Smashing Good Time!

Toddler Tip - Easter

2011-04-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Egg Dying Tip -

I am sure you have heard this before but if not...these are your friends if you have toddlers who like to make messes...

Happy Easter and Egg Dying!

Scheduling Toddlers/Toddler Tips

2011-04-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

So...

If you want to see my schedule for toddlers or any of the printable click HERE and leave comment with your email!

reader question:

How do you schedule/plan your meals?

Do you plan ahead snacks too?

Here is the LUNCH plan

I am a planner. I plan everything.

I made up these Grocery sheets so I could plan everything out in advance. I only shop 2x a month so here is how I do it.

If you want a copy of this leave me a comment with your email and I will send it to you.

I plan snacks, lunch, breakfast dinner all so there is variety and so I can look at it all at one time in one place.

It also helps because my kids ask "What's on the chart for lunch today?" Breakfast too!

Its awesome and there is no fight on what we are having since I try to make a variety in the 2 weeks I plan out.

Hope that helps!

Handmade/Kidmade Flowers - Tulips 2

2011-04-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

Whaaaaa? Another Egg Carton Craft? YES!

This is so much fun! I have loved the emails on these flowers.

Okay Parents: cut the cartons like this...

Ignore my nails, I am a nail biter.

yikes, apparently I don't believe in lotion either!

Okay pre-poke the holes with a wooden skewer.

Found these green straws at WM for a buck.

The bendy part of the straw is where the neck of the stem will go.

Now have the kiddos paint the cut cartons.

Both sides, Then let dry.

Then cut tissue paper in 2x2 squares and find a mini muffin liner. This is optional, as I liked it with or without.

Then stack the tissue in the dried cups.

Muffin Liner on the top.

then use the skewer to poke through again.

Then slide the straw right in.

So cute!

Here they are alone.

Here they are in my daffodil pot.

You can find the Daffodil Craft HERE

That's it! Kidmade flowers!

Handmade/Kidmade Flowers - Tulips 1

2011-04-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

I love tulips, they aren't my favorite flowers but I do love them. I especially love that the previous owners of my house planted over 50 bulbs 6 years ago and ever since we moved in (6 years ago) They keep on keepin on!

So lets learn about Tulips. :)

Now the Prang Watercolors I got at the dollar store and I like them better than Crayola's...I will show you why later...

Start by painting the entire paper.

Then let dry. The colors from the crayola set are in the middle. MUCH more watery looking.

Then using a thick card stock (I used index cards cut out a leaf shape.

Have the kids use this as a pattern to trace.

Sticking out your tongue is not a requirement! LOL

Then cut out leaf shapes.

then glue together.

It is so very fun.

Ta Da!

They all look different and pretty...just like the real thing!