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!

You are here: Home / Blog

Good Stuff for Your Next Backyard Shin Dig

by

Memorial Day weekend is almost upon us.  For many families that means kicking off the unofficial start to summer with a backyard BBQ or a party in the park.  In an effort to encourage you all to partake in just such a ritual, I've gathered up some helpful stuff to make your summertime celebrations a breeze.  Click through for the goods. Lets start with a trio of cool treats, which are always a fun way to celebrate summer (even here in Seattle where the weather's not exactly … [Read more...]

10 Incredible Set Ups for Dramatic Play

by

photos via Frugal Family Fun Blog, TinkerLab, and No Time for Flashcards.   Earlier this month one of my favorite sites, ohdeedoh, was kind enough to highlight my DIY Veggie Garden Sensory Box.  As always, it was a thrill to be featured but the comments were also somewhat eye-opening.  One reader wrote, "Maybe I'm missing something, but this seems really odd and pointless... if you want to excite kids about caring for a garden, why not get a houseplant and teach them how to care … [Read more...]

Simple Play: Cardboard

by

I've had cardboard boxes on the brain ever since I included this amazing birthday party in one of my Weekend Look Books.  Luckily, so has everyone else!  Which means lots of good stuff for me to peruse and now share with you. Today I've got a great roundup of cardboard box activities and even a few products to enhance the fun.  Yes, I know this is my 3rd consecutive round up post.  I think all the Easter projects as well as the subsequent Veggie Garden Sensory Box, Teacher Appreciation Kit, … [Read more...]

The Ultimate LEGO Round Up

by

I absolutely loved LEGOs as a kid and it's looking like the apple doesn't fall far from the tree - we already have 3 different size LEGO sets at home.  Lately, I've been noticing a ton of LEGO inspiration around the web so I thought I'd do what I do best and put together a little round up for you.  Whether you're looking to throw an all out LEGO bash or just need a few new ways to play with them, I've got you covered (and then some).   Paper punch set to be used with LEGOs … [Read more...]

Build Dramatic Play and Fine Motor Skills with a Wooden Workbench

by

We've recently undergone yet another toy cleanse at home.  As a result there's currently enough space for a larger scale toy in the play room.  Having a girl and a boy, I've been waffling between purchasing a play kitchen or a play workbench.  The solution may be to put the hubby and grandpas to work creating some type of double-sided hybrid.   Regardless of whether I end up buying or convincing the menfolk to build - I need to know what I want.  To that end, I've been doing lots of research … [Read more...]

Adding a Little Science to Playtime

by

I'm over at momtastic today posting ideas on how to inject a little science into your summertime fun.   Speaking of summer, I have two announcements to make: You may recall that I recently posted about Melissa & Doug's trunki on my facebook wall and added it to MPMK's favorite things for traveling.  Well, guess what, just in time for your summer travels - select models of the Melissa & Doug Trunki are currently 40% off at Amazon. Since I live in Seattle I feel like I have … [Read more...]

7 Tips for Birthday Party Success

by

I know what you're thinking - another train party?  I admit, C's 2nd birthday was centered on a very unoriginal theme, complete with one very large Thomas balloon. What can I say? A train party he wanted so a train party he got.  It's as simple as that.  And even had I wanted to give C one of those gorgeous, picture perfect parties floating around the web - frankly, I just don't have the required skills.   But stick with me and have a look at some of the details that went into C's … [Read more...]

Two Super Cool Ideas to Get Little Ones Reading

by

Due to Blogger being down, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to post today so I went the lazy route and planned on a 3-day weekend.  Then, of course, Blogger came back to life and I'm feeling like I have to give you something for today.   So how about a little reading-to-kids inspiration?   First is this amazing closet turned reading nook I spied over at Ohdeedoh this week by Thrifty Decor Chick.  Seriously - I'm about to build a closet somewhere in my house just so I can convert it to a … [Read more...]

How to Make Every Day Feel Like Mother’s Day

by

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!

by

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...]