Modern Parents Messy Kids

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Creative Play Easter Basket Idea: Water Bead Eggs

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Aren't these water bead eggs cool?  They were unbelievably easy and inexpensive to pull together and I think the kids are going to get such a kick out of opening them up and playing with the contents on Easter. UPDATE: check out how my kiddos played with these after cracking them open here.     If you're not familiar with water beads, they come in little plastic packets that fit in the palm of your hand.  Each "bead" is a teeny tiny ball which, when soaked in water … [Read more...]

Yarn + Sandpaper + a Cereal Box = A Fabulous 3-in-1 Quiet Time Activity

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I've been doing a lot of lamenting about C dropping naps over on the facebook page lately (which, by the way, is new and improved!).  Despite all my whining, the situation remains the same - I can no longer count on having a chunk of my day all to myself.   Honestly, it's not as bad as I feared it would be.  C is very good at independent play and he does still nap occasionally.  I've found the key to surviving the no-nap days is to always be prepared with a stimulating activity or … [Read more...]

Playtime: Green Activites & Art Projects for the Whole Family

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I've got some exciting news to share today.  A few month's ago the folks over at FamilyFun Magazine asked me to design the "Go Green" edition of their Family Fun Badges, to be featured online and in print.  "What's a Family Fun Badge?" you say.  They're kind of like boy scout badges for families.       I really love how the whole concept promotes family time and creativity and was thrilled to have the opportunity to get involved.  Also, I got a pretty great theme to … [Read more...]

Good Idea: Bring the Garden Inside

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I'm so over winter.  Seriously, I feel like we've done the cold and snow thing enough already - I'm jonesing to get outside with the kids and start growing stuff.  Judging by the hail that's currently pelting my backyard (and the snow that fell yesterday), Mother Nature does not share my sentiments. On to plan B then.  If we can't cultivate anything outside just yet (or at least attempt to cultivate - I've been cursed with a bit of a black thumb I'm afraid), then we'll do it in the kitchen … [Read more...]

We Tried It! Making Tracks with Tape

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We were stuck inside the other day in an attempt to keep a case of the sniffles from becoming something uglier.  As the morning began to drag on (and I realized it was still only 9:00 am), I decided it was time to finally break out the painters tape and make some of those crazy cool DIY tracks I keep spotting on pinterest.   Since we only had extra wide tape, I tore it in half vertically to make wonky strips and C helped me piece them together.     The examples … [Read more...]

Pinned: 5 DIY Activities to Stimulate the Kids

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image via Childhood 101   Did you know I've been on pinterest longer than I've had this blog?  It's true.  In fact, it was pinterest that finally made me believe I could actually offer up something interesting here on a daily basis (aside from Sundays that is).  As it stands right now, I have 20 boards, 1178 pins, and over 2000 followers on pinterest.  So maybe it's time I share some of that good stuff here on MPMK.  What do you think?   Today I'm drawing from my "playtime" board … [Read more...]

Homemade Toys Part III

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This time of year can be so tough if you have little ones in the house.  Snowy weather combined with cold and flu season often means lots of days stuck inside.  Around our house that's a recipe for something I like to call restless kid syndrome - which often results in general crankiness and an increase in meltdowns.  So what's the antidote to this ailment?  Getting creative of course.   To help you out, I've finally gotten my act together and updated the make and play vault.  I've … [Read more...]

Free Printable: DIY Animal Herd Valentines

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Despite February 14th still being over a month away, re-posting last year's shaving cream valentine has opened the Valentine DIY flood gates in my brain.  Of course, I could have done this project and held off on posting about it.  But I'm the girl who once unwrapped all of my presents Christmas morning before bothering to wake my parents - patience isn't really my thing.   Have you noticed the preponderance of plastic animal crafts popping up lately?  Crafty bloggers everywhere have … [Read more...]

Rainy (or Snowy) Day Projects for Bigger Kids

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  I know I typically focus on the younger set around here but, with Christmas Break looming, I figured you could use some ideas for the older siblings too.  What follows is a list of activities to thrill and entice kids ranging from first grade and up (although many will probably entertain your toddler as well).  Enjoy! 1. Every kid loves a magic trick, especially when they get to be the magician.  Set them up with this tutorial, plus a few supplies, and let them amaze you. 2.  … [Read more...]