Tag Archives: kids

Nov26

What To Do When You’re Worried About Your Child’s Health Problems

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What To Do When You’re Worried About Your Child’s Health Problems

It’s completely normal to be worried about your child’s health problems. After all, you love them and want the best for them. But what should you do if you find yourself in this position? What action should you take? This issue comes up more than you might think. Many parents go into meltdown when something goes wrong with their child’s health, no matter how minor it might seem on the surface. Fortunately, we’ve written this guide to help. It runs through some of the tactics you can use to be your best to help your kiddo:

Trust Your Gut:

One of the best things you can do as a parent in this position is trust your gut. Accepting what’s happening and then trying to get to a solution is essential. Usually, you’ll know if something is seriously wrong or not. What’s more, as a parent, you know your child. You understand what’s normal behavior for them, and what isn’t, so your senses are attuned to theirs.

Track Their Symptoms:

It’s a good idea to track their symptoms. You want to know how they’re evolving over time. If you can figure out when it started and then measure the severity, you’re often in a good position to know how long it will take them to recover and what’s wrong. Tracking symptoms is also going to be so helpful when you take your child to the doctor so they will have a full history of the problem.

Check For Red Flags:

Red flag situations are when it is essential to take action. For example, things like a high fever or persistent vomiting: these are signs that something might be seriously wrong. You might also notice things like not responding to sound. Perhaps they need to go to the audiologist for grommets or hearing aids. Seizures and extreme lethargy or not waking properly are all red flag signs too. Get help immediately.

Call the Pediatrician:

If you encounter something you haven’t seen before or symptoms seem worse than usual, getting on the phone with the pediatrician is a good idea. They can provide advice on what to do next, including whether or not to go to hospital.

Provide Comfort:

Sometimes, just providing your child with some comfort can have a profound effect on their well-being. Their bodies are highly tuned to their surroundings. Even skin-on-skin contact, which seems quite simple, can have a huge effect. You can also do things like bring them their comfort items or put them in a room that feels safe to them. These small changes may improve their health.

Ask “Dumb” Questions:

Lastly, if you do go to the doctor with them, don’t be afraid to ask dumb questions. The more of these you pose, the more likely you are to understand what’s happening in the future if something similar happens again. Every question you have is worth asking and your child’s appointment is the time to do so.

Any health concern for your child can be scary. Keep a level head, find a solution with the doctor, and do your best to accommodate!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Nov22

Substitute Pet Gifts

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Substitute Pet Gifts

Hello! The holiday season is right around the corner and for some reason, pets are a popular gifting option. Post holidays? Local shelters are packed to capacity with unwanted animals that were gifted. Like the trend of pet bunnies for Easter, animals are not something that should just be given with the potential of giving them away. They are part of the family and should be treated as such through extensive research and evaluating of if you have the time or resources to care for a pet, or if your children are capable and responsible enough to care for it. With that in mind, let’s explore some pseudo pet gifts that are an excellent compromise until you are all ready for the real deal:

Pocket Pets:

Handheld devices, apps, and video games can make an amazing substitute pet gifting option. You could consider a retro Tamagotchi, a subscription for an app like Finch, or a game like Animal Crossing. These gifting ideas are interactive, fun, and offers a level of care to build up responsibility skills to have a pet. I personally would LOVE a Mr. Rengoku Tamagotchi from Demon Slayer! I also adore my daily use of Finch and occasional use of Animal Crossing. Speaking of Animal Crossing, there is going to be a HUGE update coming in January which makes this game all the better. The beauty of it? Once you’re done playing, you’re done for the day – no more care is required!

Plushies:

Honestly, what kiddo (or adult) doesn’t want a new plushie?! Of course, nothing is better than snuggling up with a pet but snuggling up with a plushie is fabulous too. I do so every night! 😀 Squishmallows are a forever popular option or how about a trip to Build A Bear to create your new best friend? Little Live Pets sets are also a really fun option as these plushies have three babies to dress up, groom, and feed. There is a set for dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs too which is perfect if your kiddo is craving a small animal. I got the rabbit set last year for my niece as she wanted pet bunnies just like me. ❤

Volunteer Date:

Prior to getting a pet, it is so important to understand their level of care, wants, and needs. To develop those skills, you could present your kiddo with a volunteer date. You could grab some lunch and spend time at a local shelter. Shelters offer training sessions for volunteers to learn about care taking. Once these classes are complete, you will be able to walk, socialize, feed, and clean up after the pets that need to be adopted. What’s more, your family might be able to develop a bond with a specific pet after putting in the work first and foremost. Whether you end up with a pet or not after this process, it’s still a win/win as the shelter will have some extra help.

Robot Pets:

Robot pets are super cool and can move and groove along with your kiddo. They can bark, wag, walk, eat, and some can even go to the bathroom! These toy pets can let you know when they are ready for a snack or need to be groomed. Bird pets can perch on your shoulder, monkey ones can grasp your finger, but no matter what you choose can be cuddled, played with, and treasured. This is a great stepping stone in the responsibility department!

Pets are not a gift but the options above totally are!! 🙂

Did you have a toy pet growing up? What are other pet substitute ideas? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct19

Holiday Shopping For The Kiddos

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Holiday Shopping For The Kiddos

Hello! Johnny and I are the fun aunt and uncle to five amazing kiddos and it’s always so exciting to celebrate the holiday season together. I am pleased to report that I have put a decent dent in my Christmas shopping and like to think of myself as an excellent gift giver. However, with several holidays as an aunt under my belt, even I admit that I need some inspiration now and then for children’s gifts. There are seemingly endless options of adorable things and it can be hard to narrow it down! Let’s explore a few ideas to get that gift inspo flowing for the littles in your life:

First and Foremost:

Honestly, one of the best things you can do is simply ask the parents lol. This might sound lazy but it’s so true and you can be sure that you are getting exactly what is needed and wanted. It could be clothing in a certain size, a particular toy they have their eye on, or a couple packs of supplies like diapers and wipes. The last thing parents need is more clutter like yet another package of play food or making trips to return or exchange presents. If you are unsure – just ask!

Gifts of Experience:

Speaking of clutter, the resounding theme I have heard this year from my parent friends is wanting gifts of experience for their children. This is a fabulous way to make memories and have cherished quality time. It could be a trip to the zoo or aquarium, purchasing lessons for swimming or theater, or tickets to a movie or live show. Several beloved children’s programs like Paw Patrol, The Wiggles, and Gabby’s Dollhouse have theater performances that super fan kiddos will love. Lots of local theaters also have performances of The Grinch, Elf, and Rudolph which could be tons of fun too to get into the holiday spirit.

Craft Supplies:

If your littles are anything like mine, they love to get artsy! Arts and crafts gifts are great and can give parents a welcome reprieve while their kids work on their own projects. It could be big coloring or sticker books, figurines to paint, packs of model clay or kinetic sand, jewelry making kits, or retro fuzzy posters to spend an afternoon coloring. If you want to combine art with a gift of experience, how about a trip to a pottery studio like Color Me Mine or All Fired Up? Then you can enjoy creating together and eagerly await to pick up your masterpieces after they have been glazed.

Building Kits:

Of course, Lego is an incredibly popular toy but it is also incredibly expensive! There are some loopholes though. 😀 If you have a 5 Below near you, check it out. The one that I shop at has several Lego Creator and even Technic sets on the cheap. I was really surprised to find them and got a handful of kits for a song as one of my gifts for my nephew. 5 Below also has pseudo Lego kits for Strawberry Shortcake, Hello Kitty, and candy like Hershey’s and Reese’s. This can give a taste for building without breaking the bank.

And, finally, there is a store in my neck of the woods called The Exchange. It is a buy/sell/trade shop for video games, movies, records, and memorabilia and oftentimes they have used Lego sets there. If you have a similar store in your vicinity, it doesn’t hurt to stop by. Mine currently has a lot of the Wicked sets there for close to half off. Why pay more when you can pay less?!

“Pet” Gifts:

If your little has been longing for a pet of their own and it isn’t possible, there are SO many cute animal care toys on the market. My eldest niece, for example, would love pet bunnies because of my Melvin and Penelope. Who can blame her? They’re the cutest! Last year for Christmas, I got her a Little Live Pets set for bunnies and she absolutely loved it. These toys come with a mama animal and babies to birth. It also includes clothes to dress them up in, play food to feed them, and bedding to make their hutch cozy. These toys make noises and are super interactive. It could be the perfect introduction to caring for a pet of their own some day! *Note: PLEASE don’t gift real animals for the holidays. They are family, not a present to be returned.*

It feels like October is flying by and the holidays are just around the corner. Stay tuned for more inspo guides from your girl all holiday season long!

Are you an early or last minute holiday shopper? Who is the most difficult person to shop for on your list? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct3

Groovy Movies: Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie Edition

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Groovy Movies: Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie Edition

Hello! My two big nieces are HUGE fans of the adorable show on Netflix, Gabby’s Dollhouse. And, honestly, so am I. It’s just pure fun and cute as can be and I love all of the kitty cat friends! Ever since we learned that there was going to be a Gabby’s Dollhouse movie coming to theaters, grand plans were made to see it altogether. I went this past weekend with my sister and two little besties and our girl squad had the best time! Of course, we had to get ALL the snacks because no movie is complete without popcorn, candy, and an Icee. With our haul in tow, we made our way into the theater and were treated to a fabulous experience. This movie was hilarious, darling, and one that adults will enjoy too because my sis and I were in stitches. Let’s discuss:

^^^ As always, I have no rights to this video!!

Our Gabby girl is SO excited because her and the dollhouse are heading to Cat Francisco for a week to spend time with Grandma Gigi. She is Gabby’s best friend and all of the cats in the dollhouse love her too. Gabby, Gigi, and the cats set out for their big road trip and have a blast sightseeing and snacking! Once they arrive at Gigi’s home, the dollhouse is still attached to the back of the car and CatRat is getting impatient to get out. So, he detaches the straps and the dollhouse takes a wild ride through Cat Francisco and ends up in the front of an antiques store.

Immediately, an ultra posh and super serious cat loving woman named Vera takes a shine to the dollhouse and lays her money down. Vera has no intention to play with the dollhouse. Rather, it is deemed as a “collectable” as everything in her cat decorated home is. She scatters the cats throughout her home and the dollhouse becomes a new place for her old toys to explore. While Gabby doesn’t know where her dollhouse ended up, she can still get tiny with the help of the audience and Pandy and comes to be in Vera’s cat museum for her rescue mission.

With Pandy’s help, Gabby begins to locate her missing cat friends and bring the dollhouse back home. She instructs CatRat and Vera’s old toys to stay at the dollhouse in case any of the cats come back on their own. Trouble is brewing, though. It has been so long since Vera’s favorite toys have been played with and they refuse to give it up that easily. The dollhouse has officially been taken over and all of its old residents will be kicked out. It is up to Gabby to save the day but she can’t do it without Vera. Somehow, Gabby is going to have to get her to unleash her inner child, use her imagination, and bring play back into her life. Will she succeed? See Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie to find out!

Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie was just a delight from start to finish. I love going to the movies with my nieces and to laugh, sing, and cheer together is so special. And, this movie was certainly worth cheering for because it was an absolute blast. Kristen Wiig as Vera was so perfectly cast and literally everything she did and said was funny. I don’t think I have ever laughed this hard during a children’s movie before and as I retold some of the parts to Johnny, he was cracking up too. This really is a movie that parents can sit down and watch with their kiddos and not be counting down the minutes until it’s over.

For all of the fun of Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, there is such a sweet message behind it. That people do grow up, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t play, be silly, and dream big. For all of her quirks, Vera deemed herself as a serious businesswoman and had no time or desire to go crazy and be creative. So much so that she forgot what it meant to use her imagination. With Gabby and the dollhouse crew’s help, she learned that you are never too old to have fun and Gabby learned that growing up is okay… As long as she continues to never give up on her friends and keep her own magic alive. This is a good lesson for everyone and it came in the form of a nonstop fun flick!

Overall, I am going to award Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie with a ten out of ten stars. A ten for the experience of being with my nieces and a ten for being one of the best children’s movies I have seen. Highly recommend!

What was your favorite show growing up? What do your kids like to watch? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug18

Disability-Friendly DIY: Making Playtime Accessible (And Fun!)

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Disability-Friendly DIY: Making Playtime Accessible (And Fun!)

Play is the way children develop skills, discover their world, and relate to other children. For families with children of varying abilities, it does take a bit of effort to come up with activities where all of them will be able to play together, but it is also very rewarding. Better still, you don’t have to spend very much money or have an extensive workshop setting in order to achieve it. Let’s look at a few different ways to explore how:

Start with What They Love:

Every child has something that will get them excited, a favorite activity type, texture, or color. Start with that. If your little one loves music, think of ways to integrate movement and sound into games. Drumming on turned-over pots, shaking handmade chimes, or beating along with one hand on something will entertain children of all abilities.

Keep It Flexible:

Inclusive play also means adapting play so that all children can participate at their own pace. Envision a game of catch with an enlarged ball that is easy on the grip and rolls more gradually. Or create a sensory bin with things of different textures, such as smooth rocks, soft cloths, and crinkled paper, so children can choose and select whatever entertains them. The more adaptable the arrangement, the more likely it is that each child will create his or her own manner of participating.

Take Into Consideration Space and Accessibility:

At other moments, it is not the activity that creates the barrier but the configuration of the room itself. Bypassing floor obstacles, the use of low tables, and gaps between the path and other zones all help greatly. If it is an outside game being organized, ensure that the ground is firm and easily negotiable for all users. Simple adaptations of this sort will allow full participation in the game to children with mobility devices or those requiring more space within which to move.

Involve the Whole Household:

When everyone joins in, play feels more inclusive. Siblings, cousins, or friends can be given simple roles like keeping score, helping to pass materials, or partnering up for team activities. This not only supports the child with additional needs but also builds empathy and understanding among all the kids involved.

Bring in Useful Inspiration:

Innovation is not always required. Sometimes the best of practical tips come from those already on the other side of the journey. Consultation with therapists, teachers, or other parents in support groups within the community will give you new activity ideas that work. At an even broader scale, information offered through a life care planning company might give you ideas on how you might incorporate environments and routines that specifically complement all of the family members’ abilities and needs.

Make It About Joy, Not Perfection:

The objective isn’t that all children finish the activity identically. It’s laughter, curiosity, and bonding in common moments. If the tower of blocks topples over, that’s all in good fun. If a child paints the grass rather than the paper, a new medium of art has been made!

Once you’ve discovered some things that all of you love to do, incorporate them into your regular lineup. You’ll notice over time which subtle changes make them more fun. Soon you’ll have a collection of games, crafts, and sensory activities that unite the entire family and you’ll see that with a little imagination, play really is for all!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Aug5

6 Challenges Parents Might Face With Their Children

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6 Challenges Parents Might Face With Their Children

Parenting is one of the most challenging journeys a person can take. From the toddler tantrums to teenage independence, every start stage of a child’s life brings new obstacles. The daily balance of nurturing, teaching, guiding, and sometimes just getting through the day can feel overwhelming. When considering educational options, many parents explore structured environments like Montessori preschools in hopes of supporting their child’s development. But this isn’t the only challenge that parents face, and how to navigate those challenges with patience and perspective is not always easy:

Managing emotional outbursts:

Parents are managing these outbursts from the moment they bring a newborn home from the hospital, but young children are still learning how to process emotions in healthy ways. Tantrums, tears, and yelling are all part of that process, but that doesn’t make it easy to handle. Parents will often struggle with how to stay calm and supportive while setting boundaries. Understanding that outbursts are normal and rooted in emotional development can help with consistency and empathy. Along with clear routines, you can give your children a sense of security and predictability.

Struggles with screen time:

This is a big challenge given that we’re now living in a more digital world than ever before. Managing technology in the home is a modern parenting challenge, and while screens can be educational, along with being entertaining, too much time can affect behavior, sleep, and attention span. Parents will often feel guilty no matter which way they choose to go because too much screen time feels lazy, but too little can feel isolating. The key is to find that balance.

Sibling rivalries:

When more than one child is involved, sibling dynamics can bring a whole new layer of stress to parenting. Arguments, jealousy, and competition are very common, and you might find yourself playing referee more often than intended. By encouraging cooperative play and celebrating each child’s strengths, you can foster empathy between siblings and ease that tension over time.

Sleep issues:

Whether it’s bedtime resistance, night wakings or early rising, sleep challenges affect everyone in the family. Lack of rest can impact not only their mood and behavior, but also the parents ability to function. A calm night time routine and limiting stimulation before bed can prove to be beneficial. Ditch the tablet for a good book, put on some white noise or calming music, and encourage healthier sleep hygiene.

Balancing discipline with connection:

One of the hardest parts of parenting is disciplining gently with love. It’s very easy to slip into extremes such as being too strict or too permissive, especially under stress. A big part of parenting is re-parenting yourself from an early age.

Worrying about their education and development:

From speech delays to learning styles, parents worry if their child is on track and the pressure to make the right educational choices can feel quite heavy. Choosing the right program can offer peace of mind, but it’s all about aligning it with your child’s pace and their individual interests. If you have concerns about your child’s developmental progress, it is a wise decision to make an appointment with their GP ASAP.

Whatever challenges you are facing, it is normal. And you are doing a much better job than you are giving yourself credit for!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Aug5

Idlewild Park & SoakZone

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Idlewild Park & SoakZone

Howdy! My family (sans sweet angel Johnny) enjoyed a lovely little getaway to visit Idlewild Park and SoakZone in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, outside of Story Book Forest, I didn’t get too many pictures while we explored the amusement park itself because it was all hands on deck with five small children in tow. Their ages ranged from under one year old to six years old and it was freaking anarchy lol. All craziness aside, Idlewild was truly a perfect park for their ages. It was quite compact, had lots of shade, rides for itty bitties and children (And some for adults too!), and there was also the SoakZone water park to cool off at. You can check out a full tour of the park in this fantastic video and let’s discuss further:

^^^ As always, I have no rights to this video!

Despite the relatively small size of Idlewild, it was jam packed with all kinds of fun rides, attractions, and shows. The kids had an absolute ball being at a park that was specifically made for them and it was a delight to watch them live it up! One of the major areas of the park had total county fair vibes that included carnival games, endless options of carnival foods, and rides that spun like crazy. The kids loved the spinny rides – the adults… Not so much lol. Extreme heat + spinning nonstop = upset tummy!! The things we do for those kiddos! All of them were huge fans of the Spider ride that put you inside the shoes of a giant spider. Your cart spun around independently as the legs twirled and it was a lot lol I was SO dizzy afterwards!! At a much more moderate clip was the Balloon Race, Paratrooper, and Howler which were spin rides but nothing too crazy. That was much more like it!

Our bigger kids really liked playing in the Jumping Jungle which featured a playground with a HUGE net to climb. All of us also had a blast in the 3D maze where safari animals popped out with the magic of 3D glasses. It really blew the kids’ minds! The bigs also took a shine to the wooden Rollo Coaster that took sharp twists and turns as it clunked along. It was definitely a bumpy ride but a great beginner level rollarcoaster. The Wild Mouse was the steel rollarcoaster at Idlewild which we didn’t have the time to ride, but that was quite alright. It looked a bit too intense for the kids and the SoakZone was calling our name.

Idlewild has a very healthy mix of big and little kid attractions and our tiny tots adored Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Raccoon Lagoon Kiddieland. Raccoon Lagoon was home to all of the classic rides like spinning teapots, Red Baron airplanes, and motor cars. You could also hitch a ride on spinning dragons and turtles which was super cute. The Kiddieland was awesome because it gave the older kids some downtime to relax in the shade while the little ones got to have their turn on rides that they were tall enough for. It was so sweet to ride the Tea Party with my little niece – we were the only ones on the ride and it was like our own private tea party! ❤

On our second day at the park, we ended our adventure at SoakZone. As we all had to make a three hour drive back to Akron, Ohio we didn’t hang out there too long. It was absolutely delicious to cool off after trudging around in ninety plus degree temps all afternoon! We hit up the Little Squirts station which was great for all of the kiddos to splash about and play in. It had a splash pad, sprinklers, and a wading pool set up with cascading waterfalls in the fixtures. After the kids got beaucoup play time in, we went to the Wave Pool next and that was just okay. The waves were few and far between and it was basically just standing in water lol. We ended our time at SoakZone with a couple of laps around their lazy river and we headed home completely wiped out but happy as can be!

Idlewild Park is family fun to the T and it was such an amazing adventure to have all together!

Do you like amusement park rides? What is your favorite? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug4

Story Book Forest At Idlewild Park

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Story Book Forest At Idlewild Park

Hello! Despite no recollection of visiting Story Book Forest at Idlewild Park in Ligonier, Pennsylvania when I was little, we have countless family photos to prove it. It was a much beloved amusement park that is roughly three hours away from my home and my parents would take me and my siblings often. This past week, I had the pleasure of returning there with almost my entire family (Johnny couldn’t get off work) and my four sweet nieces and nephew. Being an aunt is one of my greatest joys and I am beyond thrilled to have the memory of this wonderful family getaway for keeps. Check it out:

Story Book Forest is exactly what it sounds like – a trek through the woods to visit the homes of all of the classic story book characters and even meeting some of them too. You begin by walking through the giant story book (Which is really cool!) where you are greeted by Mother Goose who tells you all about your adventure and sends you on your way. From there, the path winds all around and brings adults on a trip down memory lane while the children see all of the stories they know and love come to life. It is absolutely precious.

With my darling littles and family in tow, we explored all of Story Book Forest and had the best time! The kids loved interacting with all of the different character actors like Raggedy Anne and Andy, Snow White, Cinderella, the captain of the Good Ship Lollipop, Geppetto, and the wife of the Crooked Man. They played games with Raggedy Anne and Andy, swabbed the deck of the pirate ship and received candy for the loot, and took pictures with princess royalty. It was such fun to see all of these characters through the littles’ eyes and I think they couldn’t quite believe it themselves!

I’m sure all of the kiddos could agree that the best part was exploring all of the different homes in the forest and there were plenty of them. This included but was not limited to the digs of Little Red Riding Hood, the Crooked Man, the three bears from Goldilocks, Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater, Geppetto’s workshop, and the castle of Old King Cole himself. There were some homes you couldn’t enter like the Old Woman Who Lived In A Shoe, Snow White’s cabin, and the homes of the Three Little Pigs but they were all noteworthy landmarks to check out. 🙂

Story Book Forest ended at Old King Cole’s castle where you could walk through a town square, release Excalibur from the stone, make wishes at a fountain, and meet Cinderella on her royal throne. Of course, it wouldn’t be a theme park if you didn’t make the final exit through the gift shop which blessedly had air conditioning and an adorable array of plushies, princess gear, candy for days, and anything else that a child’s heart could desire. If you are in an area where a road trip is possible, I truly cannot recommend a visit to Story Book Forest at Idlewild Park with your little ones enough!

From start to finish, my family’s Idlewild adventure was joy in the purest form. I cannot wait to tell you all more about it but our time in Story Book Forest will hold the most special place in my heart! ❤

Which amusement parks did you visit as a child? Do they still exist today? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May18

Fun Summer Activities With The Kiddos

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Fun Summer Activities With The Kiddos

Howdy!! School is almost out and carefree summer days are about to be in full swing. I am so excited to be able to have lots of fun in the sun with my nieces and nephew and am always trying to come up with our next big adventure. Keeping the kiddos occupied all summer long can definitely be a challenge so it’s a great idea to start planning different activities now. Here are some of the ideas I’m thinking to beat those lazy day boredom blues for a super fun summer for all:

Scavenger Hunt:

Whether it’s in your own backyard or on a hiking trail, scavenger hunts are a blast. I still remember a birthday party that I attended in grade school that was a neighborhood wide scavenger hunt and it was, easily, the best one I had ever been to! Create a list of objects or landmarks to find and get to stepping. The objectives can be as simple or challenging as you see fit and it is an awesome way to encourage your kiddos to be curious and observing. An incentive like a small prize or a trip to the ice cream parlor is the perfect way to celebrate once all of the goals on the list have been checked off!

Create Your Own:

Constantly restocking art supplies can be pricey and feel never ending. Why not create your own?! There are an infinite amount of recipes for bubble soap, sidewalk puff paint, slime, and play dough so hop on Pinterest and take a look. Chances are, you already have a majority of the ingredients you will need in your own home. These craft supplies will be just as fun to make all together as they will be to use and the recipes are simple enough that your kiddos could DIY depending on their age. They will also think that it is the coolest to have made crafts with supplies that they made all by themselves.

Cool Down:

In the same breath, summer treats are just as fun to make as they are to enjoy after a long day of play. We’re talking smoothies, popsicles, slushies, snow cones, fresh squeezed lemonade, and even homemade ice cream. No chasing after the ice cream man required! Tasty popsicles are as simple as getting the molds and filling them with your favorite juices. Homemade ice cream can be made in a zip lock bag. Got crushed ice, flavored syrup, and a blender? Instant slushie! Find recipes together, hit the grocery store, and you will have countless options for the perfect treats to cool down with.

To The Library:

Rainy or ultra hot days can mean being stuck inside. If this is the case, head to the library! Your local library is an amazing resource and not just for checking out books and movies. Plenty of libraries offer programs for kiddos like story hour, crafts, cooking workshops, and garden projects. If your local library is anything like mine, they also will have additional items you can check out. For example, my library offers pickleball kits, zoo passes, instruments, and tablets that you can rent for the week. The best part? Anything at the library will be free of charge and it doesn’t get better than that!

Parks A Plenty:

Going to the park is always fun but going to the same park every time? Not so much. Take the time to find different playgrounds within a radius you’re fine driving to and check them out! Their new favorite playground might just be a hop, skip, and a jump away and you didn’t realize it. You can also try and find new parks based off of activities that your kids love like a wading pool, splash pad, or great big slides. Some parks might also have shelters and areas to grill at so you can make a day of it with a picnic lunch. Your kids will love to explore a brand new place and they might even make some new friends too!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Gardening is not only an awesome summer long activity but an excellent learning opportunity. Your kiddos will learn how to plant and nurture all of the things that grow and will have an end result they can be proud of. Their garden can be as simple or elaborate as you see fit. Maybe it will be a small patch of flowers with a fairy garden. It could be a couple of pots with fresh herbs. Or, perhaps, a full fledged vegetable garden! Whatever it may be, it will get them in the great outdoors and you will have beautiful flowers and delicious veggies to show for it. Total win/win!

Summertime just got a whole lot sweeter with these ideas. Use some or all and enjoy!!

Do you have any big summer plans? What activities will you be doing with your kids this summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr17

Pet Bunnies For Easter – DON’T!

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Pet Bunnies For Easter – DON’T!

Howdy!! Easter is right around the corner and, for some reason, animals seem to be an extremely popular gift to give to kids in their Easter baskets. From bunnies and ducks to chicks and cuddly puppies and kittens, Easter has become synonymous with welcoming a new pet. And, sadly, a majority of these pets will be a favorite plaything for a while until they end up abandoned in the wild or a shelter. Am I the only one who finds this absolutely ridiculous?! As a proud bunny mom of two sweet angels, I am here to talk about all of the reasons why a pet bunny might not be the experience that you think:

A long commitment:

Did you know that a well cared for bunny can live up to ten years? That’s essentially equivalent to a family cat or dog and their care requires multiple daily commitments to allow them to thrive. From constantly cleaning up messes to visits to the vet, regular snack times, and ample time outside of their hutch to roam and play – bunnies are more work than you might have thought. They are not just sedentary creatures that are up for constant cuddles. Bunnies want to be on the go and your schedule must accommodate a lot of free roaming time. Can’t commit? Don’t get them.

A financial investment:

One thing is for sure about pet bunnies – they are not cheap! In a previous post, I did some bunny math and the amount I spend for two rabbits per month is roughly one hundred and fifty dollars. Chewy orders and trips to the grocery store for fresh veggies and the occasional fruit treat are constant and it will be that way for up to a decade. These little sweeties have expensive taste just like their mom lol and they are definitely a financial investment. All of the items needed for their care are essential and cannot be bypassed. Can’t commit to spending over one hundred bucks per month? Don’t get them.

Unique temperaments:

If you are under the impression that your new bunny will want to be constantly held by your kids, prepare for your worldview to be shattered. All bunnies have unique temperaments. My Melvin, for example, loves being pet and doesn’t mind being held but is ready to roam after ten or so minutes. Penelope, however, is incredibly shy. It took a lot of time and patience to get her acclimated to my touch. She adores her pets now (usually) but isn’t interested in being held in the slightest.

This very well could be the case for the bunny you bring home and if you try to force this kind of contact, you are going to end up traumatizing the bunny and it will be miserable. Every bunny’s temperament should be respected. This is something that can be hard for a child to grasp because, at the end of the day, they are going to want to hold them anyways. That can truly impact their pet’s quality of life in a negative way if the bunny is uncomfortable being held and that is unacceptable. If you feel that you or your child can’t accept that, don’t get them.

Safety first:

Safety for your bunny isn’t just trips to the vet. It means bunny proofing their roaming area so they can’t hurt themselves. This means eliminating anything that is dangerous for them to ingest, covering wall sockets, and getting any and all wires out of there. Their roaming area should be totally and completely free from anything that can harm them as well as any items you are attached to. Trust and believe, your bunny will find a way to chew them. Their quality of life and safety is paramount and if you don’t have a space in your house where they can safely roam freely, they are not the pet for you.

A pet as a gift in theory might seem great to you. In practice, it is a totally different thing and I hope this post will make you think twice on your Easter basket selections. Stuffed animals are a much better way to go!

Are you a pet parent? What kind of pets do you have? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah