Modern Parents Messy Kids

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We Tried It! – Discovery Bottles

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I've been on the lookout lately for a new activity both the kids would enjoy. S is going through an afternoon crankiness phase (at least I hope it's a phase) and C is always up for something novel to play with. After thinking over my options a bit, my mind turned to the various discovery bottles I've seen popping up on pinterest.   These guys are easy to make and open to lots of interpretation.  I figured if I came up with multiple version, C and S were each bound to like a few of them. … [Read more...]

Christmas Gift Idea: Make a Dress Up Kit with Halloween Clearance Items

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When I polled you guys a few weeks ago on what you'd like to see more of here, one of the most popular answers was kid gift ideas.  So I wanted to share with you the DIY dress up kit I'm in the process of making for my two tots for Christmas.   I know, I know -  isn't it a little early for to be thinking about what Santa will have in his bag this year?  Yes... but if you too want to put together a dress up kit then now is the time to do it.  Striking while all the Halloween stuff is on … [Read more...]

Make Like a Montessori Mama: Part 3 – Animal Activities

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So now that the kids are all hopped up on sugar, I thought it would be a good time for some more constructive playtime activities.  To that end, Kylie is back with part three of our "Make Like a Montessori Mama" series: animal activities.  Take it away Kylie... Five great Montessori inspired activities about ANIMALS!   Animals, just like food and plants, give children an opportunity to explore nature. Once again these activities use materials that are widely available. There are a … [Read more...]

Elsewhere: A New Art Technique to Try

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I'm guest posting at Whip Up today with one of my favorite new art techniques: block printing with yarn.  This one is truly appropriate for all ages.  Our first go at it was a fascinating experience for C (he couldn't believe he was actually allowed to paint on a few of his blocks) and a successful attempt at DIY modern art for me.  Head over to Whip Up for the full tutorial.   P.S. Looking to simplify in 2013? Bonus: Use the code JANUARY for 10% off the PDF file through the end of … [Read more...]

Handmade Halloween: Ghost Jell-O Treats

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If you've been paying close attention, then you probably already know where I derived the inspiration for these ghostly goodies. Remember these cloud parfaits? As soon as I saw them I knew I wanted to put my own spin on them and try to make Halloween ghosts.   The problem was the photo, like too many Pinterest finds, was a dead end (looks like it was originally pinned from a password protected site).  The description on the pin said something along the lines of "Jell-O + whipped cream" … [Read more...]

We Tried It! – Cookie Cutter Pumpkins

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I'm back with another installment of the "We Tried It!" series.  I got the idea for cookie cutter pumpkin carving here and it was a huge hit with the kiddos.  I love how this method lets you easily create a high end look in whatever theme your kids are currently interested in.  We went with a pretty random motif of animals, an airplane, and a guitar.  Next year maybe we'll experiment with letters.      To begin, carve out the pumpkin guts and select a few of your favorite cookie … [Read more...]

Make Like a Montessori Mama: Part 2 – Plant Activities

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Kylie from how we montessori is back today with part two of the "Make Like a Montessori Mama" series.  Her first post was a big hit and I have no doubt you'll love today's ideas just as much... Here's Kylie:   Five great Montessori inspired activities about PLANTS!    Five Montessori inspired activities that allow the child to explore plants using materials you can find around the home.    1.  Taking care of a plant   It would be wonderful if every child … [Read more...]

Handmade Halloween: Mess-Free Pumpkin Decorating

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It's become a tradition in our family for each member to get their own pumpkin on Halloween.  We usually hit the pumpkin patch in early October, then get around to decorating our finds a few weeks later.  (Which actually works out well because pumpkins become kind of a 2-for-1 family activity that way.)   So far the little ones have lost interest in carving after the first pumpkin, which leaves three more still needing to be decorated.  Paint is an option but it's nice to have a … [Read more...]

How to Make Like a Montessori Mama: Part 1 – Food Activities

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I'm of the belief that there's no single teaching philosophy that's perfect for every child.  While my husband and I ultimately decided on a more traditional play-based preschool for C, we certainly haven't ruled out alternative preschool environments for S in a few years (Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, etc.).  I'm also of the belief that children can benefit greatly from being exposed to several types of teaching.  As such, I've been on the hunt lately for a few easy ways to incorporate … [Read more...]