This is a picture of C (age 21 months) and S (age 1 month) after a particularly exhausting trip to the zoo. If you're the parent of a toddler you might think there's something funny about this picture. C is still facing backwards despite being a full 9 months past the 1 year mark when most parents turn their children to face forward. That's because I'm fortunate enough to have as one of my closest friends a woman whom I've dubbed the car seat guru. We met in a mommy group when C was … [Read more...]
Honoring Kids’ Artwork: Part 5 – Transform It
For the conclusion of this series, I've got one last way to keep kids' art over the long term - by turning it into something else. There are a ton of options out there for doing this, ranging from homemade crafty to high tech and professional. Above is a beautiful example of a blog header made from a finger painting. photos via lilla aAnd here is lilla a's transformation of a child's drawing into a cuddly doll. If you'd like to try this but aren't sure where to start, check … [Read more...]
Family Dinner Conversation Starters
I recently posted about some clever placemats that help get kids talking about their day. If you'd like to foster even more communication at the dinner table, be sure to check out these Family Dinner Questions over at HowDoesShe? They've compiled an impressive list of topics to cover while you're chowing down. Themes are varied and are sure to generate answers ranging from surprising and silly to sweet and insightful. … [Read more...]
Honoring Kids’ Artwork: Part 4 – Put It Behind Glass
This is C's very first piece of art, created at his toddler group at age 1. It sits proudly on the mantle in our playroom. Part 4 of this series is all about showing that your little ones' creations are worthy of being protected. Putting the pieces behind glass does just that and floating frames like these are ideal because they work well with art that's not square or rectangular. The above photo is from my living room and is one of the first things that visitors see … [Read more...]
Honoring Kids’ Artwork: Part 3 – Hang It Up
photo via Childhood 101 Next up in this series is one of the most popular methods of displaying lots of artwork - simply sticking it up along a wall. It's cheap, easy to do, and allows for lots of flexibility. This art space was created by Christie over at Childhood 101 for her daughter's playroom. How could anyone not be inspired to create here? Seriously, just looking at this has me itching to break out the crayons.Best of all, Christie provided lots of stylish ways to … [Read more...]
Install an Indoor Swing, Instill Self-Confidence
photo via Real Simple The idea of hanging a rope ladder or swing from the ceiling might strike fear into the hearts of many parents, for the safety of both their little ones and their walls. Yet, experts at Stanford’s Shyness Clinic recommend doing just that. The Shy Child : Overcoming and Preventing Shyness from Infancy to Adulthood advocates indoor swinging, climbing, and other mildly risky activities to foster self-confidence in more naturally reserved kids. Click through … [Read more...]
More Magnetic Wall Ideas
photo via minor details (spotted on pinterest) When I first posted about C's magnetic wall giraffe, I gave a few suggestions about other ways to interpret the project. If you particularly liked the idea of a cityscape with magnetic citizens, here are a few great examples of skylines to get you started. Something modeled after this large scale wall decal from tangle tree interiors would be perfect (spotted at minor details). photo via I am Momma, Hear Me … [Read more...]
Honoring Kids’ Artwork: Part 2 – Create a Collection
photos via Create-Celebrate-Explore In the last half of this series I'll cover a few ways to establish a rotating gallery at home. For today, lets address what to do with that hand turkey (and other seasonal art) once the holidays have come and gone. First, take digital photos of the pieces and then throw them out. Trust me, you'll feel nothing but relief when that ever-growing pile of construction paper is gone. Second, use the photos to create something stylish. … [Read more...]
How Thomas the Tank Engine Can Make Your Kids Smart & Popular
Intriguing title, no? You're going to have to stick with me a little on this one because I'm technically posting on Emotional Coaching. Now, hold on - before you go to click away from the "touchy feely" post, read a little further. I promise this wasn't a bait and switch, Thomas will make it in! The quick and dirty on Emotional Coaching is basically this:The goal is to help kids to be aware of emotions and to learn how to express and regulate them. The parent's role is to … [Read more...]