Sensory : Seeing with our Ears

Have you ever taken your kids on a blindfolded walk?

You should try it!

The sights, sounds, and smells, are such an experience for those little minds.

I took my kids to the local nature reserve.

The rule was one blindfolded person, and one guide.

The 3 year old didn't like this. But, she is 3 and 3 year olds don't like anything.

The other kids loved it!

We stopped, listened and observed.

It was cold, but so peaceful and quiet.

When we got home, we took notes of our observations and drew pictures of what we 

heard but couldn't see.

I love being outside, even if it is fall/winter.

There are less people out, and the kids have more room to enjoy.

You should try it!

Growing : Plant Pansies

Did you know Pansies are great winter flowers?

The best part is that they are cheap!

So, if they die (early)...no biggie!

Hehehe.

We took advantage of our last nice afternoon before we start hitting 50 degrees.

It is amazing how much children love to be outside and touch real living things.

My kids jump at the chance to plant, get dirty and make/do.

Even the babies love it.

We chose halloween colors. :)

Children are curious, they learn by doing, and most of them love playing in dirt.

Working, cultivating, and experiencing what comes with gardening, helps children learn about the satisfaction that comes from caring for something over time.

Gardening gives kids a chance to learn important life skills and teaches environmental awareness by exploration.

It is so fun, and anything outside is worth the time, in my book. :)

Life Cycle of a Pumpkin

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.

Scheduling Toddlers/Toddler Tips/Potty Training

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! :) 

Family Rules

Back in July my family had a little meeting. We discussed our family rules, decided what they would be and then colored the picture so we wouldn't forget.

Watch out ladies he is taken! LOL

So here we are gluing the pictures on the pages.

So I drew the pictures and the kids colored them

Here it is completed

Here is a closer look.

So I came up with the rule and they came up with the explanation.

It has worked in our home since July because they "helped" with the family rules. If there is a discussion we always refer back to it.  The consequence for breaking the rule is also enforced so there is no question that these are serious rules.

Earth Day Activity #1 - Planting Flowers

I am totally getting this idea from my friend CC who started me thinking about Earth Week...Every idea this week will be for Earth Week.

Today we planted flowers.

The kids got to pick what they wanted to plant.

My son made sure he had something masculine, no pink for him!

These shovels were $1 at Target

My husband took charge and explained to them why we mix up the dirt, why we add food to the dirt and why we dig holes.

The kids loved learning about this.

They also enjoyed getting dirty.

They also planted tomatoes, and talked about how some of the food we eat comes from the ground.

Watering can $1 at Target

They talked about root systems, and how we need to be gentle with the flowers and plants.

my baby just watched.  Rake $1 at Target.

The plants were all $2.50 at the local nursery so total monies for the day was $10!

Go play in the dirt today!