Tag Archives: kids

Jul16

Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Posted on by
Standard
Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Hello!! My sister and brother-in-law will soon be welcoming another sweet little girl into their family and I am so excited!! Their oldest daughter, Valerie, is my BFF and I know that she will be the best big sister. Because they already have SO many clothes, toys, and essentials from when Val was born, Johnny and I were stumped on what to gift them for their newest addition. So, I decided to come up with a list of ideas if any of you are in a similar situation or the expecting family doesn’t have a registry. Let’s get to it:

Gift Cards:

This is the route that Johnny and I took for my sister and brother-in-law and we bought several gift cards for gas stations, Target, and a Visa gift card. Some people say gift cards as a present are thoughtless and I say: FALSE. Gift cards are great because the parents can buy the things that they know they need and won’t have to deal with the hassle of returning unwanted items. Visa gift cards are awesome because the giftee won’t be limited to what store to purchase at. Gas and grocery cards are also sure to be welcome since everything is so freaking expensive now!

Essentials:

I originally asked my sister if we could buy her a supply of wipes, formula, and diapers but she told me she was well stocked already. However, this is another gift that would be sure to please – just make sure you ask what their preferred brands are! A stock pile of baby necessities will help your giftee save money as well as *hopefully* eliminate some late night runs to the store when the last diaper is gone.

Various Clothes Sizes:

Expecting parents are sure to get a ton of clothes in newborn sizes but not be able to use them all with a constantly growing infant. You can help this situation by purchasing clothes in a multitude of sizes from six to nine months and up. Once again, this will save an errand for going to the store and exchanging sizes or finding a new item all together.

If you are looking for something more one of a kind than clothing at a chain store, you can go the online boutique route. How adorable are these personalized baby boy gifts?!

Just Ask:

If the person you are purchasing for doesn’t have a gift registry, just ask them! This is what I did with my sister and all she told me was that she needed a new changing pad. I wasn’t satisfied with just this, though, and purchased gift cards as well. Being able to get someone exactly what they need is a wonderful thing so there is no harm in asking about it.

Nursery Gifts:

If you are looking for something more personal to gift, then you can always go the homemade route to help decorate the nursery. You could paint some sweet baby animals, crochet a stuffed toy, or even knit a little sweater or hat. Not only will it be appreciated now but it will be an amazing keepsake for later! If you are not crafty, you can enlist the help of local artists for the task.

Welcoming a new baby is such an exciting thing for all parties involved and you can shake the stress of the perfect gift with the ideas above!

Do you have a new addition coming to your family soon? What do you like to gift for baby showers? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul8

Keeping Your Kids In Check This Summer

Posted on by
Standard
Keeping Your Kids In Check This Summer

Summer vacation is every parent’s dream and nightmare. On the one hand, you enjoy not needing to worry about school for a couple of months. You can have a bit of a lie in every morning and avoid the extra stress of getting everyone up and ready for the mad rush.

On the other hand, you’re faced with keeping your children occupied for multiple weeks in a row. It can start off pretty easy – and there are plenty of fun activities you can do with them, but it quickly gets very challenging. The biggest challenge is ensuring your kids stay well-behaved. When they get bored they can get a bit rowdy, which is exactly what you do not need when it’s very hot and sweaty outside.

Luckily, there is one very easy way to keep your kids in check during summer vacation: create a behavioral chart:

What is a behavioral chart?

Basically, it is a chart where you make a note of your child’s good or bad behavior. When they do something bad, you put a mark on the chart to show that. If they do something good – like help out around the house or mow the lawn, they get a positive mark instead.

It’s a very simple idea and you can make your own chart extremely quickly. Just create a table on your computer with your kids’ names on it. Then, head online and make stickers that correspond to good or bad behavior. This could be a smiley face sticker for good and a frown face for bad. Once everything is printed out and delivered, you’re ready to rock and roll.

How does this encourage well-behaved kids?

You might think that making a chart and tracking your kid’s behavior is a bit weird. However, the whole idea is that you make a game out of it. Think of it this way, you’re setting a challenge for your children that lasts the entire summer. They have to avoid getting bad behavior marks, aiming to get as many good marks as possible.

I know what you’re thinking; how do you make your kids care about this? Ah, well this is where the incentive comes in! Create a challenge that ends with a reward of sorts. It can be a toy, money, a trip to an adventure park – whatever you think your kids will enjoy the most. The challenge can be a target for your children to meet or avoid. By the end of summer, they should have as few bad marks on their chart as possible so set them a limit that they cannot go past. If they pass this limit, they fail the challenge and don’t get the prize. You could even add in a bonus prize for whoever has the most happy stickers on their chart.

Your children will be on their best behavior because they know they will be rewarded by the end of summer vacation. You can enjoy a more peaceful summer with kids that are very eager to help around the house and they can enjoy a nice prize at the end before going back to school. It’s a massive win-win!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jul5

Super Fun Sidewalk Chalk Paint

Posted on by
Standard
Super Fun Sidewalk Chalk Paint

Hello!! Johnny and I have a little niece and nephew and my mom is always looking for fun activities for them. We are both huge fans of Pinterest and JANE truly outdid herself by making some colorful sidewalk chalk paint from this McCormick recipe. Like any kid, the littles love making masterpieces with chalk and the paint was just as fun for the adults as it was for them:

image_50442753(3)

The recipe that my mom followed to make the chalk paint was a simple one that only required corn starch, water, and food dye. It also included the formulas to make all kinds of different colors from classic shades to neon hues. My niece, Valerie, requested the colors of the rainbow and my mom delivered, which made their driveway the most vibrant one in the neighborhood!

Sidewalk chalk paint is a unique spin on a tried and true favorite childhood activity. And, in my opinion, it’s even better because you don’t get that weird feeling from chalky hands – lol you guys know how I am about certain textures! This fun activity is sure to keep your kids entertained all summer long and I think that the adults will end up enjoying it just as much if not more. 😀

What was your favorite childhood activity? What do your kids like to do in the summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun13

Educational Activities Your Kids Can Do This Summer

Posted on by
Standard
Educational Activities Your Kids Can Do This Summer

Summer vacation is in full force, so your kids are home from school. You’re probably enjoying the extra time with them, but you may also be wondering how to keep their brains sharp during the break! Here are some educational activities to help your kids keep learning and have fun during the summer vacation:

Read books:

Reading is a great way to pass the time and learn new things, you can discover this content on ABCmouse, whether it be about other cultures, places, history, or even languages. There are many stories for kids and adults alike, so if you want an activity you can do together, this is one for you.

Reading with your kids can benefit them in several ways: it helps them improve their reading skills; it allows them to connect with others through literature; it improves their vocabulary and comprehension; it provides an outlet for creativity through writing and illustration; and much more. You can make reading fun by adding games to their reading experience. For example, you can use a word family activity sheet as reading prompts, helping them to choose books based on a word, colors, and other items.

Get online:

Your kids probably already spend a silly amount of time in front of their screens. So why not use it for something good? Rather than playing Fortnite or some other game that sucks their pocket money dry, you can boost their understanding of core school subjects with apps and online resources from ABCmouse. This popular online platform offers engaging supplemental material for all school subjects, preparing your kids better for when they return after summer.

Journal:

Summer is the time for your child to have fun and relax. But it’s also important for them to go into the next school year with new experiences and knowledge. One way to help accomplish this goal is by journaling. An activity that requires minimal supplies (if any), journaling can be done anywhere, anytime even if you’re on vacation or stuck inside during bad weather. It’s easy enough for kids as young as five, but older kids will find it just as beneficial.

Journaling encourages creativity while helping children develop other skills such as organization, reflection, and increased vocabulary through writing on topics they find interesting (and learning how to spell those words). Plus, it is excellent practice for essay assignments.

Take a field trip:

If your child is interested in a particular subject, try taking them on an educational field trip to explore it further. Field trips provide the opportunity for learning about history and culture and practical skills like cooking and art.

If you are going on vacation, you can turn this experience into not just a relaxing holiday but an educational one. You don’t have to dedicate all of your vacation to learning, but you can take your children on a trip while on vacation to learn more about the place you are visiting, whether that is going to a museum, taking a tour, or just enjoying the culture while you are there.

Learn a new skill:

Learning a new skill can be challenging, but it’s also fun! When kids learn something they enjoy, they are more likely to want to do it again and again. This makes it easier for them to get better at whatever they are doing, making learning more enjoyable. It is even better if it is a skill that they have an interest in from the beginning, like art, cooking, or music.

It may also be beneficial for your child to learn about new concepts, ideas, and ways of learning during the summer to keep them busy. With the help of professionals like David Krakoff Lancaster, your child is sure to be more motivated than ever and working towards new discoveries of personal development.

Go on a scavenger hunt:

There’s nothing like a scavenger hunt to engage kids around the world. If you’re doing this with younger kids, make a list of items they can find and bring them back to you. For example, a leaf from a tree or a dandelion.

It’s also important that your activity isn’t too challenging or overwhelming for their age group. If you want something more educational, consider including objects such as shapes or numbers to teach them something new along the way. It’ll also keep them interested throughout the process since it’s always lovely when an activity feels rewarding for everyone involved!

Create a learning fort:

One of the best ways to excite your kids about learning is to create a fun space to learn in. Forts are cool and can be used in different ways. You can read a book while sitting under it, play a game like hide-and-seek inside it, and let your imagination soar in its construction. Whether it’s a classic pillow fort, made of cardboard boxes, or built in nature a fort will provide lots of entertainment and opportunities to learn.

You don’t have to break the bank or travel far to keep your kids’ brains busy and sharp over summer break. There are plenty of ways to incorporate learning into everyday life, even if you’re just hanging out in your backyard!

Featured Image By: Sharon McCutcheon

Jun10

Preparing Your Child For Getting A Pet

Posted on by
Standard
Preparing Your Child For Getting A Pet

Getting a pet is a rite of passage for many children. If you grew up with pets, you might feel like it’s an essential part of childhood. And if you didn’t, perhaps you want to give your children an experience you didn’t get. But it’s important to consider what pet ownership entails before you get one. Making sure your child is ready for the responsibility of a pet is crucial, especially if you don’t want to end up being the only one to care for it. You can prepare your child for getting a pet using a few different techniques:

Start with Toys:

Before taking on the responsibility of caring for a living thing, it’s a good idea for your child to get some practice. One of the ways children often develop key skills such as empathy is through play. Getting your child some toys to care for is a good way to practice some of the things they’ll need to care for a pet. You can get them some Schleich animal figurines or some stuffed toys to role play caring for. Baby dolls can also be an option for taking care of something without the responsibility of actually having to keep something alive.

Give Them Some Other Responsibilities:

Caring for a pet is a big responsibility, so you need to know that your child is ready to take it on. They will need to show that they can manage some responsibilities of their own and keep it up long term too. When you get a pet, your child might help with things like feeding, cleaning, or exercising your pet. But before you go out and get one, they could have a few other chores to show that they’re capable. You can get them to do daily tasks such as making their bed to demonstrate that they can build consistent habits.

Borrow a Pet:

Borrowing a pet from a friend or family member can be a great way to have a practice run. You can have their pet for a day or a few days so you and your child understand the responsibility of caring for a pet. Obviously, some pets are easier to “borrow” than others. A dog will often be happier to spend time with another family than a cat will. You could offer to pet-sit while someone you know is away if you’re looking for a way to trial pet ownership.

Teach How to Behave Around a Pet:

Children need to be able to behave well around a pet to keep both them and the animal safe. Even when they have been taught how to handle an animal, they should still be supervised. It’s crucial to teach your child important things like how to recognize when a pet wants to be left alone, how to pet them gently, and how to avoid upsetting an animal with their behavior. You can do this by talking to them, demonstrating, reading books, or watching videos.

Getting a pet isn’t something you should do lightly. If your child is asking for a pet, make sure you don’t rush into it and get a lot of practice beforehand.

Featured Image By: Pexels

May11

Taking Care Of Yourself Post Pregnancy

Posted on by
Standard
Taking Care Of Yourself Post Pregnancy

After nine months of pregnancy and the exhausting journey of childbirth, it’s important to take care of yourself too. You need to heal your body, which will usually take about six weeks. And you also need to recover from all of that emotional chaos both during and after pregnancy, which can be a bit more complicated.

This postpartum period is vital for your health and well being and for your baby’s health. It’s a time to focus on you and your needs. So in this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to take care of yourself after pregnancy. But first, let’s talk a bit more about what to expect during this postpartum period:

What Happens During the Postpartum?

During the postpartum period, you will experience many changes in your body. You will likely be tired and may have trouble sleeping. You may also have mood swings and feel overwhelmed. All of these are normal reactions to the stress of pregnancy and childbirth.

Your body is going through a lot of changes, too. Your hormone levels will drop, which can cause you to feel moody or anxious. You may also have trouble with your digestion and may experience constipation or diarrhea. It’s essential to listen to your body during this time and to take things easy. Try not to do too much at once and give yourself time to rest and recover. You can also experience postpartum hair loss, which is normal and usually temporary, but if the problem persists, you should consult a female hair loss clinic.

Let’s check out some more tips:

Get Enough Sleep:

This one is easier said than done, especially if you have a newborn at home. But it’s important to get as much sleep as you can. Try taking naps when your baby naps and go to bed early if possible. If you can’t seem to get enough sleep, talk to your doctor about it.

Eat Healthy Foods:

You need to fuel your body with healthy foods so that you can have the energy you need to take care of yourself and your baby. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. And make sure to drink plenty of water.

post1

Exercise:

Exercise is important for your physical and mental health. It can help you to lose pregnancy weight, improve your mood, and give you more energy. Start with gentle exercises and build up as you feel able.

Take Time for Yourself:

It’s essential to take time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Do something that you enjoy, and that makes you feel good. This can be anything from reading a book to taking a bath.

Get Outside:

The most important thing we always tell people to do for themselves after pregnancy is to get outside. Fresh air and exposure to sunlight do wonders for a moody atmosphere.

Connect with Other Parents:

One of the best things you can do for yourself after pregnancy is to connect with other parents. Meeting other parents can give you a sense of community and support. It can also be a great way to learn about parenting and get advice from others who have been there.

See Your Doctor:

It’s essential to see your doctor for a postpartum check-up six weeks after you have your baby. This is an excellent time to talk about any concerns you have and to get help if you need it.

Get Help with Housework:

If you can, get help with housework and childcare. This will give you more time to take care of yourself. If you can’t get help with the cleaning, try to do a little bit each day and take breaks when you need them.

Join a Support Group:

If you’re struggling with your postpartum emotions, consider joining a support group. This can be a great way to connect with other parents and get the support you need.

Seek Professional Help:

It is estimated that one in seven women experience postpartum depression. If you feel depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, seek professional help. This is nothing to be ashamed of, and getting help can make a big difference.

Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to pamper yourself every now and then! Get a massage, have your nails done, or just treat yourself to something special. You deserve it!

Congratulations on your new addition! After nine months of carrying a little life inside you, it’s essential to take care of yourself as you begin this new journey. Following these tips will help get you started on the right foot. Remember that taking care of yourself is not only good for you but also for your baby. Enjoy this special time and take care of yourself!

May3

Accessory Story: Handmade Necklaces Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Accessory Story: Handmade Necklaces Edition

Hello! A couple of weeks ago, my niece made my mom and dad the cutest necklaces with Blues Clues pendants on them. I’m not going to lie, Johnny and I were pretty jealous that we didn’t get one too. So, the next time we watched her we asked if she could make us some necklaces and she said yes! They are absolutely adorable and my mind is blown by how much necklace making technology has improved for children. Check it out:

image_67227905image_50417409image_67179009image_67194881

I loved making necklaces when I was little… Until it was time to tie the string together, that is. Without fail, my necklace would end up falling apart and always resulted in frustration. I had to share the necklaces my niece made because 1) How could I not? and 2) The rubbery necklace strand is literally fail proof.

When my niece gifted my parents with their new bling, my dad’s came off and it happened in slow motion when it fell to the floor. I was positive that the beads would be flying off and tears would start to fall. But that wasn’t the case! The end of the necklace strand has two thick posts with one being hollow to attach the sides together. This change in width catches the beads every time for hours of jewelry making fun without the possibility of a masterpiece being ruined.

The amount of options for toys, clothes, TV shows, and everything in between has grown exponentially since I was a kid. These necklace strands are definitely one thing that I wish had been invented in my youth! I can’t wait to rock my new Blues Clues necklace and this improvement to jewelry making will be a fun activity for your little ones come summer break. 🙂

What was your favorite activity as a child? How about your favorite childhood TV show? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr27

Working From Home With Kids? Follow These Tips!

Posted on by
Standard
Working From Home With Kids? Follow These Tips!

One of the biggest challenges any parent has is trying to work at home with kids in tow. You may struggle to keep them occupied over the summer vacation, but when you are working at home with kids around, there is no one size fits all approach. But here are a few ideas that you may want to get inspiration from:

Don’t Work From Your Couch:

The most important takeaway from Work From Home 101 is that if you really have to sit down on the couch while your kids are running around, you are not going to get anything done! You need to have a space that is purely for work and work alone. When you go there, you need to almost instantly click into work mode.

If you have a spare room, that’s great, but if you need to set up a space in the kitchen or carve out a corner in your bedroom, it has to feel like a working environment. If there’s room for an adjustable desk, set it up with work related paraphernalia so, at the very least, you’ve got the opportunity to focus. When you’ve got a working space you need to communicate this to your children, and when you really have to get things done, they need to know not to bother you. This is not always easy, but this is where the next rule might be worthwhile.

Relaxing Screen Time Rules:

You may be very strict when it comes to screen time but if you have a chunk of time where you know you’ve got to be focused, giving your kids the tablet will help you out here. The great thing is that now there are plenty of apps out there that will help you to keep track of what your kids can and cannot watch, as well as the time limits.

Get Up a Little Earlier:

This is something that many parents swear by, but in order to do this effectively, you’ve got to understand what you need to achieve by the end of the working day. Rather than defining your day based on how many hours you work, look at the tasks you need to complete and which can be broken down into tasks where you need supreme focus or lesser focus. For example, emails may require you to focus in bursts of five minutes or so, but more time intensive tasks may require you to get up before the kids and get this done.

Keep Your Stress Levels Down:

It’s so easy to get frustrated when your children are vying for your attention. But as many people have had to figure out how to do this during the pandemic, they couldn’t wait for kids to go back to school. But the reality is that there are so many more people working from home now, so you need to get the balance right when the kids are home during summer vacation or spring break. You need to remember that it will pass. Because there’s no point in getting hugely frustrated by it as it’s only going to intensify the situation and make it worse.

Working from home with kids can be a huge challenge but it is doable. Follow the tips above to help you get started!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr1

Creating A Healthy & Active Lifestyle For Your Family

Posted on by
Standard
Creating A Healthy & Active Lifestyle For Your Family

One of the most important things you can do for your family is foster a healthy and active lifestyle. This means making sure that everyone in the family has opportunities to be physically active and eat nutritious foods. It can be tough to make changes in your routine, but you can create healthy habits for your whole family with a bit of effort! In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for getting started:

Make physical activity a priority:

One of the best ways to get your family healthy is to prioritize physical activity. This means setting aside time each day for everyone to be active. You can go for walks, play tag, ride bikes, get active in your Feelnets, or do any other activity that gets everyone moving. If you make being active a regular part of your routine, it will become easier and more fun for your family over time. In addition to scheduled activities, try to be active as a family whenever possible. Take walks after dinner, play in the park, or go swimming. These spontaneous moments of activity will help get everyone moving and have some fun together!

Choose healthy foods:

Another vital part of fostering a healthy and active lifestyle for your family is choosing healthy foods. This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. It can be tough to switch to healthier eating habits, but with time and effort, you can do it! One way to make things easier is to plan out your meals ahead of time. This will help you stay on track and ensure you have all of the ingredients you need for nutritious recipes.

Another great way to get your family excited about healthy eating is to involve them in cooking. Let them choose which fruits or vegetables they want to include in a meal or give them their kitchen tasks (such as chopping vegetables). By making healthy eating fun and interactive, you can encourage your family to make healthy choices when it comes to food.

Be a role model:

As parents, it is so important to be a good role model. This means setting a good example for your kids by being active and eating healthy yourself. If you make physical activity and healthy eating a part of your everyday life, your kids will likely follow suit. It’s also essential to be optimistic about being active and healthy. Avoid making comments like “I don’t have time to work out” or “I hate vegetables”. Instead, try to focus on the positives of being active and eating well. For example, say things like “I feel energized after I work out” or “I love how fresh fruits and vegetables make me feel”. By setting a positive example and emphasizing the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, you can help your family live a healthier life.

Getting started with the tips above will make it easier than ever to create lasting healthy habits for your family!

Featured Image By: Alexandr Podvalny

Apr1

Types Of Childcare Settings And What They Offer

Posted on by
Standard
Types Of Childcare Settings And What They Offer

In the US and many other countries, there are three main stages of education. However, children in the states can attend daycare settings from the age of just six weeks old. This can be quite common if the parents have to go back to work and there is nobody to look after the child.

It is important that you view childcare settings before sending your child to ensure they are safe and secure. Take notice of small things such as the classroom furniture being used and how the staff interact with the children. If you are unsure of when your child can attend school, then here is a list of ones available that may be suitable for you and your child:

Early Childcare:

Daycare centers can usually accept children from as young as 12 weeks of age until the age of 5. They will provide structured care and follow your set routine until the child is around a year. Once your child is over a year they will move to a different class within the daycare center. This is when they will start to follow the daycare’s routine relating to meal times and sleep times. However, you still get a say in how long your child naps for. These programs help ease the transition into preschool for your little ones. It might seem far off but it is never too early to start thinking about it. To begin researching preschools, simply enter a search for “preschool programs near me in Fallston, MD” (or your local area). Then you can adhere to enrollment guidelines way ahead of time.

If you want your child cared for in their own home, then look at hiring a nanny or an au pair. This can start and finish at any age and doesn’t have a cut off point when they start attending school. You can even hire before and after school nannies if you need to start work early or finish late. You might find that in home childcare is cheaper than what you would pay at a daycare. Enter a search for “how much does an au pair cost” and compare with your local childcare center to determine your best option financially.

K-12:

Once your child reaches legal school age, this will differ from state to state but is usually around the age of five that they will attend formal school. This is a legal requirement, however, you are well within your rights to home school if this fits in with your lifestyle.

Your child will be in elementary school from the ages of 5 to around 10, although some do go from the ages of 6 to 12. Be sure to check what your school is so you know how long your child will attend for. Here they will learn all the basics in the world of math, geography, English, history, art, physical education, and science.

Once your child reaches the age of around 11 they will attend a middle school, such as this college prep middle school, which goes up to the age of 13 and is where your child will learn more in depth about the previously mentioned subjects. This is such an important time for your child educationally, so you will want to make sure that you find them the best school possible in your area where they will be well-supported in both their learning and development This well surely set them on a good path for when your child is 13/14 and will start high school.

Finally, from the ages of 14 to 18 your child will attend high school. This is the most important and your child will be closely monitored with exams and internal markings to ensure they are on the right track for success after their education is complete.

Setting your child up for success in school from the jump starts when they’re young so it’s always important to plan ahead when it comes to their education!

Featured Image By: Pexels