Modern Parents Messy Kids

We're all about finding ways to make family life better while keeping our sense of humor. Check out our famous MPMK Top Toy Awards, already viewed over 7,000,000 times!

DIY Salt Dough Ornaments

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I'm over at momtastic today sharing one of the best Christmas crafts ever.  It takes only 3 ingredients which I can practically guarantee are already in your pantry (salt, flour, and water), it's appealing to kids of all ages, and it can be extended into an activity that lasts practically all day.  Plus the end product is a perfect grandparent gift.   Salt dough ornaments are essentially three favorite kid activities rolled into one.  First there's cooking, the little ones get to … [Read more...]

Christmas Gift Idea: Busy Bags (Great for Advent, Stockings, or Under the Tree)

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photos via MADE and the rigneys   The popularity of our current giveaway for a 6 month kid craft club subscription tells me that you guys are hungry for some quick and easy kid activities to fill up your winter months.  So today we're gonna talk about a magical little wonder know as "the busy bag".  If you're not familiar with the concept then it's your lucky day - this post may just change your world.   The definition of a busy bag varies somewhat based on who you talk to.  … [Read more...]

My Favorite Toy Brands

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It's Cyber Monday, which means if you weren't standing in line in the middle of the night on Friday then you may be preparing for some serious online shopping today (will the madness never end?). These are a select group of toy makers who (I think) have really figured out how to make fun, stimulating (and often green) developmental toys.  Under each brand are a few of my favorite items but they're there solely as a jumping off point.  Almost any toys made by these companies will be a sure … [Read more...]

Make a Reading & Art Advent Calendar with the Kids

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With two toddlers running around the house, I'm all for the trend of ditching the candy and filling the Advent calendars with Christmas activities instead.  I'm a little scared, however, of actually committing myself to a project or outing each day before I get a chance to see how it's shaking out.  After all, I do have a very young toddler who's nap schedule is still a bit of a moving target as well as an older toddler who inspired the recent "How to Maintain Your Zen When the Kids Have Lost … [Read more...]

It’s Almost December, Do You Have an Advent Calendar Yet?

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December seems to sneak up on me every year, which wouldn't be too worrisome except it means that I never seem to have my advent calendar ready in time.  Actually, to be fair, last year was the first year we decide to do an advent calendar.  But I was late then and I can already sense a pattern forming.  The solution to this problem is a simple one - man up and either buy or make a calendar substantial enough to be used year after year (sadly last year's version just doesn't fit the bill).  Then … [Read more...]

Going Ons

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I'm so happy to get to end this week with a few new additions to the site.  I received a thrilling email from Parents Magazine a few days ago informing me that MPMK has officially been named this year's Reader's Choice Best Craft for Kids Blog (see the shiny new banner at the top of my left side column).  I am so thankful for the honor and I know it wouldn't have been possible without all your amazing support.  Thank You!And remember last month when I said I wanted to explore a little more of … [Read more...]

A Few Fabulous Deals to Get that Christmas Shopping Done Early

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Happy hump day everyone. In the spirit of the holiday shopping season, I'm pressing pause on all the playtime goodness that normally goes on here to bring you a few "don't miss" deals.Please support our site by enabling javascript to view ads.This Gap Kids commercial was recently sent my way via my ad agency and I decided to share it with you for the following two reasons:One of the little girls in the ad breaks out with something down right hilarious right around the 49 second mark. You really … [Read more...]