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!

Happy Birthday Eric Carle!

by

It was Eric Carle's birthday on Saturday and to celebrate two wonderful child development blogs posted in his honor all last week.  Head over to An Amazing Child and The Imagination Tree for lots of activities, projects, and of course reading.  One of my favorite posts was this one (pictured above) on how to make initial art using the beloved illustrator's trademark tissue paper printing method.  (You can see a slide show of this method at his website here.) If you'd like to throw a belated … [Read more...]

DIY Window Paints & Reader Projects

by

My little guy and I recently came across a recipe for washable window paints at our local craft store and just had to try it.  The process couldn't have been more simple!  Head over to momtastic for all the details.   And look what I found on the web this week.  Reader Fawnda over at Fireflies and Jellybeans tried out my Customized Baby Play Mat tutorial.  Didn't she do a great job? Be sure to check out our pinterest page of reader projects for lots more MPMK-inspired goodies and have a great … [Read more...]

Meet the Light Box – Your New Must Have Toy?

by

photos via Play at Home Mom   Are you guys familiar with children's light boxes?  I recently ran across two different blogs (Play at Home Mom and Teach Preschool) that are having all kinds of fun with them and I'm kinda in love.  These blogs have shown me so many cool things you can do with a light box that I'm pretty sure it won't be long until I decide we absolutely have to have one.  Seriously, I think these could be right up there with our beloved sensory box.   From … [Read more...]

Good Stuff Around the Web & A Guest Post on Bloom

by

Head over to momtastic for my weekly list of the best stuff popping up around the web.  I'm also at Bloom this week posting on intentional parenting.  Check out part 1 of "12 Things I want to Teach My Children Every Day" and get the corresponding free printable here. Also, congrats to Kelly and Katie - winners of our photo journaling e-course and $150 American Girl giveaways!!  Finally, here's a glimpse at one of the best (and most inexpensive) kid parties I've seen in a while!From the wall … [Read more...]

DIY Scavenger Hunts and I Spy Games

by

Scavenger hunts (whether outdoors, in the car, or just in the living room) are a perfect kid activity.  Along with being a fun way to pass some time, they also provide children with opportunities to practice skills like observing, sorting, and classifying.  Today I've rounded up 9 creative posts to help you get in on the fun.  Click through for the goods.   First up is this super simple nature scavenger hunt from Curly Birds.  Head over for the easy instructions and free printable.  You … [Read more...]

Things I Want to Teach My Children Everyday

by

I'm guest posting over at Bloom on Tuesday, writing on the topic of intentional parenting.  This is something I've been thinking a lot about lately and I'm excited to have the chance to put my thoughts into words.  For now, here's a little preview... I put together this print to remind myself of the things I want to teach my children every day.  It's available for free download here if you like.   And speaking of free printables, I've found a few more that might be useful for … [Read more...]

Last Minute Father’s Day Projects

by

Still looking for an easy Father's Day project?  I'm over at momtastic sharing five sweet and simple ideas.  Also, click through here for some more easy (and free!) last minute DIYs. I spotted this quote book tutorial at Kinderpendent.  Filling one of these books every year with some memorable and dad-centric quotes would be a lovely tradition. Found via How About Orange, this huge collection of free printables will turn Father's Day into a real party. Also check out these free … [Read more...]