Modern Parents Messy Kids

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How to Make Every Day Feel Like Mother’s Day

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Yesterday I promised a post that would "make every day a little more like Mother's Day".  I'm realizing now that may be a lot to live up to but I'm still willing to give it a shot.   STEP 1: THE KIDDOS   Let's start with the biggest gift any mom could receive, a happy kid.  Over at momtastic I'm posting on half a dozen ways to keep your toddler busy and content - perfect for when you're trying to get dinner ready and all your tot seems to wanna do is perfect his whining … [Read more...]

Got Bored Kids? Get Out the Camera!

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I was recently part of a contest that required I make a home movie reviewing a toy.  Although I didn't win, I had a great time making the video and, more importantly, so did C.  All week he's been asking to see the footage and he cracks up watching himself on playback, in part because of the fast and slow motion effects and in part because he just thinks he's a funny guy. That got me to thinking about what great boredom busters cameras are (both the photo and video varieties).  I'm … [Read more...]

DIY Toys that are Totally Worth the Effort

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Is it just me or are there an inordinate number of cool DIY toy projects floating around lately?  I was planning on doing a Mother's Day gift roundup today but, honestly, you should have already bought a gift by now (I haven't).  And if you don't know what to buy yet, then you're either the kind of person that has a hard time making decisions or the type that has a hard time getting things done on time (right here).  Either way - yet another "you should buy this" round up will probably only … [Read more...]

DIY Veggie Garden Sensory Box

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If you've been here since the beginning, then you'll remember the "diggers and dumpers" sensory box I made for my son as a Christmas present.  It was a big hit and he still enjoys it but I've been feeling like it's time to change it up.  So a few weeks ago I exchanged the pinto beans for black beans (to imitate soil) and put together this vegetable garden sensory box. I found a lot of my supplies at Target. (The gloves, trowel, and watering can were in the dollar section.  The yellow tub was … [Read more...]

Last Minute Teacher Appreciation Ideas

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National Teacher Appreciation Day is tomorrow.  Since putting together my DIY Teacher Survival Kit, I've found a lot more great ideas for treating the teacher in your life.  Some are old and some are new but they'll all make "Teach" smile.   First up are these cookies and milk printables at dandee.  Click through for the rest of the goods. Free and editable printable for flower picks to put in a potted plant via Skip to My Lou. Apple card at Fiskars. Pencil holders with vinyl … [Read more...]

Every Baby Should Have a Treasure Basket – Here’s How to Make One

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photo via The Imagination Tree   Remember the sensory box?  Well, say hello to his little brother, the treasure basket - a super simple sensory box for babies.  The concept is easy - just fill a container with objects of varying texture, weight, shape, etc. and let baby go at it.According to Anna, an early education and art specialist from The Imagination Tree, treasure baskets benefit babies age 6-18 months by: encouraging them to use their senses to discover, explore, … [Read more...]

Stylish and Stimulating Storage for Kids

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I've got a few spots in my house right now that are crying out to be reorganized.  There's the area in the playroom where a changing table now resides (but will soon be vacant) as well as a little real estate in the living room that's just begging for some storage bins. For the former, I would love to do something like this Montessori sensorial, music, and language arts space at montessori home schooling.  The orderly setup of this area makes each item seem so interesting and inviting.   I … [Read more...]