The winter holidays are winding down and each day brings a combination of sadness that we will soon return to our usual hectic schedule and anxiousness for school to please begin again soon! We are phasing out of our pre- holiday craft projects and into ones that are simple, easy, and don't require much of us. Fortunately, Santa brought us coin collecting books. What seemed like a project that the kids might be interested in, has turned into something that we are all really enjoying as a family. We dug out that old change jar ( the one that held the 10 million Costco animal cookies- that we "bought for the kids because it was such good deal" , but ended eating 85% of ourselves) from the top of the washing machine - a workout in itself, and plunked it on the counter with the coin collecting books. We began with the state quarter map book. I really like this one because it teaches geography and many different facts about each state, like native animals and plants. Plus it's just fun to dig through the change jar to see how many different states you can find. I suspect that if your change jar has been sitting around for as long as mine, you probably have just about every state in there already. Something I found interesting was that the book has slots for the US territories such as Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam ... We found Hawaii and Alaska pretty easily and I was shocked to have found Guam but I have visions of Ebay when thinking of American Samoa.
I hadn't realized until taking on the quarter project that the US Mint had released a new line of National Park quarters starting in 2010 and some really cool nickels that feature the Lewis and Clark expedition and the Louisiana Purchase. I suppose we'll have to go get books for those too. And just in case, I'm setting aside two of everything with the expectation that the baby may want her own collection one day, even though all she wants to do right now is huck all the coins onto the floor.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Helpful Tips for Helping Children Though the Holidays
The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and anticipation, a time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of a modern family's busy schedule. If you have school aged children, the weeks leading up to the winter break are probably filled with conversations about their desire for a break from school and all the after school activities that consume your lives. It is a welcome and comforting thought to have the winter break to spend some down time as a family resting and gathering strength for the busy year ahead.
You have probably noticed that each holiday seems to ramp up earlier and earlier with each passing year. This year, I found myself having to bargain about waiting until at least the day after thanksgiving before I was willing to put up any lights or the christmas village.
By the time that christmas rolls around, everyone is truly burnt out from a month of holiday preparations, shopping, decorating, wrapping, visiting, eating.. You get the idea. The holidays can be totally overwhelming for even the most seasoned of us, more or less for a small child. For our family, we have the added celebration of our sons birth, just the day after christmas. (he was 16 days late! By the time he came, I didn't care what day it was! He was the best christmas present I could have ever asked for.) Please don't get me wrong, the holidays are a magical time of year that I absolutely relish with my family and wouldn't trade for anything in the world. Though it would be nice to have a few less meltdowns.
So in the spirit of minimizing holiday (or any day) meltdowns and curing the kids holiday hangover, here are a few ideas to bring peace and balance to your children, yourself and your home.
1.) Good Nutrition: It's difficult especially at this time of year, with all the cookies, fudge, chocolate, cakes and sweet breaks piling the countertops, but it' s a great idea to minimize sugar intake. You don't have to completely deny children a sweet treat, but half a cookie may be just as satisfying as a whole one to them, especially if it prevents them from feeling strung out on sugar later on. Also keeping a steady supply of healthy, nutritious snacks available all day will help keep their blood sugar even. Fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, popcorn and other low sugar, wholesome foods can be served in bento boxes or other fun serving trays to make them more enticing.
2.) Get them naked!: A bath always works wonders for calming down a freaking out kid. Try a bubble bath such as California Baby Overtired baby bubble bath (which contains chamomile), or an herbal bath by putting lavender and chamomile flowers, in equal parts, into a mesh bag, tea strainer/ ball ( or a sock if that's all you have) and float it in the bath water, making a bath tea. The herbs are calming and soothing to even the most overtired child.
3.) Tea Time: if you can get them to drink it, you can also make them an herbal tea by combining 1 part chamomile, 2 parts lemon balm, 1 part oat straw and 1 part spearmint. (please note that "1 part" is whatever you make it, depending on how much tea you want to end up with - here you might make it a teaspoon if you are just making a few cups of tea.). Place the herbs in a mesh bag or tea strainer/ ball. Boil the water. Place the mesh bag in cup or mason jar and pour the water over it ( do not boil the herbs as this will destroy any medicinal / beneficial value they have). Cover and let steep for 7- 10 minutes. This tea can be drunk hot or cold. You can add a touch of honey if you like.
4.) Quiet time: Find a time of the day when your child is either at his wits end, or will be receptive to having some quiet time. Turn off the tv, radio, computer and any other distractions. Use that time to read, cuddle, have a snack, talk, go for a walk, or a drive in the car. You know your child best and what would help them to ground out and rest. The goal doesn't have to be sleep, just some down time.
5.)... and now for the opposite advice...: Put them to work!
Give them an important job around the house that contributes to the well-being of the whole family. Even the smallest child wants to feel that their work is important and valued in the family. Give them something attainable such as picking up their toys, sweeping, clearing dishes from the table, picking up trash or recycling or helping to put away holiday decorations ( even if they complain the whole time that they aren't really ready to put away the decorations, and can they just please leave them out until Valentimes Day) :)
These are just a few idews that I hope are helpful. I would love to hear of other ideas that parents have found to work. This parenting thing is always a work in progress!
Happy New Year!
You have probably noticed that each holiday seems to ramp up earlier and earlier with each passing year. This year, I found myself having to bargain about waiting until at least the day after thanksgiving before I was willing to put up any lights or the christmas village.
By the time that christmas rolls around, everyone is truly burnt out from a month of holiday preparations, shopping, decorating, wrapping, visiting, eating.. You get the idea. The holidays can be totally overwhelming for even the most seasoned of us, more or less for a small child. For our family, we have the added celebration of our sons birth, just the day after christmas. (he was 16 days late! By the time he came, I didn't care what day it was! He was the best christmas present I could have ever asked for.) Please don't get me wrong, the holidays are a magical time of year that I absolutely relish with my family and wouldn't trade for anything in the world. Though it would be nice to have a few less meltdowns.
So in the spirit of minimizing holiday (or any day) meltdowns and curing the kids holiday hangover, here are a few ideas to bring peace and balance to your children, yourself and your home.
1.) Good Nutrition: It's difficult especially at this time of year, with all the cookies, fudge, chocolate, cakes and sweet breaks piling the countertops, but it' s a great idea to minimize sugar intake. You don't have to completely deny children a sweet treat, but half a cookie may be just as satisfying as a whole one to them, especially if it prevents them from feeling strung out on sugar later on. Also keeping a steady supply of healthy, nutritious snacks available all day will help keep their blood sugar even. Fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, popcorn and other low sugar, wholesome foods can be served in bento boxes or other fun serving trays to make them more enticing.
2.) Get them naked!: A bath always works wonders for calming down a freaking out kid. Try a bubble bath such as California Baby Overtired baby bubble bath (which contains chamomile), or an herbal bath by putting lavender and chamomile flowers, in equal parts, into a mesh bag, tea strainer/ ball ( or a sock if that's all you have) and float it in the bath water, making a bath tea. The herbs are calming and soothing to even the most overtired child.
3.) Tea Time: if you can get them to drink it, you can also make them an herbal tea by combining 1 part chamomile, 2 parts lemon balm, 1 part oat straw and 1 part spearmint. (please note that "1 part" is whatever you make it, depending on how much tea you want to end up with - here you might make it a teaspoon if you are just making a few cups of tea.). Place the herbs in a mesh bag or tea strainer/ ball. Boil the water. Place the mesh bag in cup or mason jar and pour the water over it ( do not boil the herbs as this will destroy any medicinal / beneficial value they have). Cover and let steep for 7- 10 minutes. This tea can be drunk hot or cold. You can add a touch of honey if you like.
4.) Quiet time: Find a time of the day when your child is either at his wits end, or will be receptive to having some quiet time. Turn off the tv, radio, computer and any other distractions. Use that time to read, cuddle, have a snack, talk, go for a walk, or a drive in the car. You know your child best and what would help them to ground out and rest. The goal doesn't have to be sleep, just some down time.
5.)... and now for the opposite advice...: Put them to work!
Give them an important job around the house that contributes to the well-being of the whole family. Even the smallest child wants to feel that their work is important and valued in the family. Give them something attainable such as picking up their toys, sweeping, clearing dishes from the table, picking up trash or recycling or helping to put away holiday decorations ( even if they complain the whole time that they aren't really ready to put away the decorations, and can they just please leave them out until Valentimes Day) :)
These are just a few idews that I hope are helpful. I would love to hear of other ideas that parents have found to work. This parenting thing is always a work in progress!
Happy New Year!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Fun Salt Dough Ornament Project for Children
Salt dough ornaments are both a fun and easy project to do with kids that will create a lasting memory of their childhood for years to come. This activity is a great way to occupy busy bodies over the holiday break, or can be an inexpensive yet meaningful gift for teachers, grandparents and friends.
You will need:
4 cups all purpose flour
1 cup salt
1 1/2 cups water
Instructions:
Preheat over to 325 degrees. Mix flour and salt together in a large bowl and gradually add the water, mixing in between each addition. Stir until well combined, then knead until the dough becomes smooth and pliable (about 10 minutes). Turn dough out onto a floured cutting board. Cut the dough in half and return one half back to the bowl, keeping it covered with plastic wrap. Roll the dough to 1/8th inch thick. Cut out with cookie cutters and place on to a parchment lined cookie sheet. Using a toothpick, make a hole in the top of the ornament for threading the ribbon for hanging. Also you can use the toothpick or sharp knife to carve the year, your child's name or other markings onto the ornament. Bake for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours until the ornaments are hard.
Let the ornaments cool completely before decorating. Then bring them to life by painting with acrylic paints, glitter (we painted with acrylic paint first, then covered that with a sheen glitter paint), or glue on sequins, beads or other fun adornments. Once the paint is dry you can cover it with a clear varnish, then thread with a ribbon to hang.
You will need:
4 cups all purpose flour
1 cup salt
1 1/2 cups water
Instructions:
Preheat over to 325 degrees. Mix flour and salt together in a large bowl and gradually add the water, mixing in between each addition. Stir until well combined, then knead until the dough becomes smooth and pliable (about 10 minutes). Turn dough out onto a floured cutting board. Cut the dough in half and return one half back to the bowl, keeping it covered with plastic wrap. Roll the dough to 1/8th inch thick. Cut out with cookie cutters and place on to a parchment lined cookie sheet. Using a toothpick, make a hole in the top of the ornament for threading the ribbon for hanging. Also you can use the toothpick or sharp knife to carve the year, your child's name or other markings onto the ornament. Bake for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours until the ornaments are hard.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Snow Globe Project Photos
I just wanted to follow up my last post (Winter Wonderland Party) with some photo instructions for the snow globes. As mentioned before, you'll need baby food jars, silicone caulk, small figurines, glycerine and fine grain glitter.
Step one:
Clean and soak the jars to get the labels off.
Step Two:
Using the silicone caulk, "glue" a water bottle cap, (or in this photo, we used the metal container from a votive candle) to the inside of the baby food lid.This creates a pedestal so that you can see your figurine when you are done.
Step Three:
BEFORE you affix the figurine to the pedestal, make sure it fits inside the bottle first. Once you are sure it will work, glue it onto the water bottle cap or other pedestal with the silicone caulk. Let it dry for AT LEAST 24 hours.
Step Four:
Have the children fill the baby food jars 3/4 of the way full with water, a good squirt of glycerine (this makes the snow "fall" rather than clump), and as much glitter as you'd like, though too much makes it rather "blizzard" instead of snowy. When the figurine is fully dried to the lid, turn it upside down and put it into the water, screwing the lid shut. "Test" your snow globe to make sure you have enough water, glitter and glycerine. Once you are happy with the results, remove the lid, run a bead of caulk around the inner rim and screw back on. Leave the jar lid side up for 24 hours to let it dry before turning it over.
Keep checking back, as we'll have lots of winter vacation craft projects to keep your little ones busy during the school break!
Step one:
Clean and soak the jars to get the labels off.
Step Two:
Using the silicone caulk, "glue" a water bottle cap, (or in this photo, we used the metal container from a votive candle) to the inside of the baby food lid.This creates a pedestal so that you can see your figurine when you are done.
BEFORE you affix the figurine to the pedestal, make sure it fits inside the bottle first. Once you are sure it will work, glue it onto the water bottle cap or other pedestal with the silicone caulk. Let it dry for AT LEAST 24 hours.
Step Four:
Keep checking back, as we'll have lots of winter vacation craft projects to keep your little ones busy during the school break!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Winter Wonderland Children's Party
The winter holidays offer many opportunities to celebrate the magic of the season. This fun Winter Wonderland party theme can be used for holiday parties or, in our cases, for our son's December birthday. We incorporated easy, fun activities that highlighted the magic of both his birthday and the season.
Invitation:
Using a full sheet of white construction paper, cut a snowflake design, leaving a large enough space in the center for the party information. Many craft stores sell "You're Invited " rubber stamps with blank spaces for you to fill in the party details. Decorate the snowflake with glitter ( after you write your information ).
Decorations:
Suspend silver, white or blue plastic christmas ornaments (won't break if and
when they hit the floor!) on fishing line and attach to the ceiling using removable 3M hooks. Decorate windows with white (non-LED) christmas lights.
Party Activites:
1.) snowflake ornaments
Make 12x12 squares of white or colored felt before the party. If your party is for older children, then you may wish to have them cut out the snowflake design. If the party is for younger children, it may be easier to cut them out ahead of time and jut have the kids decorate them. Provide the children with an assortment of glitter glue, fabric pens, sequins and other embellishments to adorn your snowflakes.
2.) Beeswax Candles
Order colored sheets of beeswax and a roll of wick ( a quick google search will provide a number of suppliers). Before the party, cut lengths of wick appropriate to the size of candle you will be making(full sheet, half sheet, etc). Using a cookie cutter, cut out fun shapes to decorate your finished candles and have them ready for your guests. When the children are ready to make their candles, have parents help them get started since it's important to get the wick rolled tightly into the wax for easier burning. Even the youngest children can do this fun and easy project. Decorate your finished candle with the cut out shapes by just pressing them gently onto the outside of the candle, gently, pressing the edges into the candle wax. The wax may be brittle when cold, but will get more pliable as it warms up.
3.) Snow globes
This is a super fun and easy project to do for all ages. Some advanced preparation is required.
You will need to purchase silicone caulk, baby food jars, water bottle caps, fine grain glitter, vegetable glycerine, figurines. Many craft stores sell small figurines in their ornament making sections, but any small ceramic, plastic or glass figurine should do.
Ahead of time: clean and soak jars to remove labels. Dry the baby food lids. Taking the silicone caulk, "glue" the water bottle cap to the inside of the baby food lid. This will make a pedestal to raise your figurine high enough so that you'll actually be able to see it when the snow globe is finished. Next, "glue" the figurine onto the water bottle cap using the silicone caulk. This needs to dry for at least 24 hours before it goes into the snow globe water. Before the party, place water in a small pitcher that is easy for children to pour from and place the glycerine in a small squeeze bottle or other container that will be easy for the kids to use.
At the party: have the children choose their figurine and an empty, clean baby food jar. The children can then fill their jars 3/4 of the way with water and an eyeballed 1/2 tsp. Of glycerine. The glycerine will help the glitter to float gently down like snow instead of clumping to the top or bottom of the jar. You can add more if needed. Add glitter to your hearts content. Gently place the figurine in the water and gently tighten the lid. Turn it over and check it to make sure that you are happy with the final result. Adjust glycerine, water and glitter levels as needed. When you are finished, turn the snow globe lid side up again and have a parent remove the lid, place a bead of caulk around the inside lip of the lid and tighten back into the jar. Leave it lid side up for the next 24 hours until the caulk is dry. You can decorate the baby food jar lid with glitter, fabric or wrapping paper. Turn over and let it snow!
Provide the children with little gift bags to put their crafts in.
Invitation:
Using a full sheet of white construction paper, cut a snowflake design, leaving a large enough space in the center for the party information. Many craft stores sell "You're Invited " rubber stamps with blank spaces for you to fill in the party details. Decorate the snowflake with glitter ( after you write your information ).
Decorations:
Suspend silver, white or blue plastic christmas ornaments (won't break if and
when they hit the floor!) on fishing line and attach to the ceiling using removable 3M hooks. Decorate windows with white (non-LED) christmas lights.
Party Activites:
1.) snowflake ornaments
Make 12x12 squares of white or colored felt before the party. If your party is for older children, then you may wish to have them cut out the snowflake design. If the party is for younger children, it may be easier to cut them out ahead of time and jut have the kids decorate them. Provide the children with an assortment of glitter glue, fabric pens, sequins and other embellishments to adorn your snowflakes.
2.) Beeswax Candles
Order colored sheets of beeswax and a roll of wick ( a quick google search will provide a number of suppliers). Before the party, cut lengths of wick appropriate to the size of candle you will be making(full sheet, half sheet, etc). Using a cookie cutter, cut out fun shapes to decorate your finished candles and have them ready for your guests. When the children are ready to make their candles, have parents help them get started since it's important to get the wick rolled tightly into the wax for easier burning. Even the youngest children can do this fun and easy project. Decorate your finished candle with the cut out shapes by just pressing them gently onto the outside of the candle, gently, pressing the edges into the candle wax. The wax may be brittle when cold, but will get more pliable as it warms up.
3.) Snow globes
This is a super fun and easy project to do for all ages. Some advanced preparation is required.
You will need to purchase silicone caulk, baby food jars, water bottle caps, fine grain glitter, vegetable glycerine, figurines. Many craft stores sell small figurines in their ornament making sections, but any small ceramic, plastic or glass figurine should do.
Ahead of time: clean and soak jars to remove labels. Dry the baby food lids. Taking the silicone caulk, "glue" the water bottle cap to the inside of the baby food lid. This will make a pedestal to raise your figurine high enough so that you'll actually be able to see it when the snow globe is finished. Next, "glue" the figurine onto the water bottle cap using the silicone caulk. This needs to dry for at least 24 hours before it goes into the snow globe water. Before the party, place water in a small pitcher that is easy for children to pour from and place the glycerine in a small squeeze bottle or other container that will be easy for the kids to use.
At the party: have the children choose their figurine and an empty, clean baby food jar. The children can then fill their jars 3/4 of the way with water and an eyeballed 1/2 tsp. Of glycerine. The glycerine will help the glitter to float gently down like snow instead of clumping to the top or bottom of the jar. You can add more if needed. Add glitter to your hearts content. Gently place the figurine in the water and gently tighten the lid. Turn it over and check it to make sure that you are happy with the final result. Adjust glycerine, water and glitter levels as needed. When you are finished, turn the snow globe lid side up again and have a parent remove the lid, place a bead of caulk around the inside lip of the lid and tighten back into the jar. Leave it lid side up for the next 24 hours until the caulk is dry. You can decorate the baby food jar lid with glitter, fabric or wrapping paper. Turn over and let it snow!
Provide the children with little gift bags to put their crafts in.
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