Toddlers aren't babies anymore, but aren't "big kids" yet either. Here are several playful activities for 1 year olds, from 12-24 months. One-year-olds are at that "in between" stage. They're not babies anymore, especially as they grow more interested in being mobile and developing motor skills. Their ability to play is more advanced than an infant, plus they won't exactly sit still for a long time. But one-year-olds are also not at the "preschool" stage yet. They're still limited in what they can do, especially on their own. They don't follow instructions too well, much less create a … [Read more...]
How to Entertain Your Baby
Looking for fun ways to play with your baby, whether at home or out and about? Learn how to entertain a baby with these simple ways. When my eldest was a newborn, I could get away with laying him on a blanket and shaking a few rattles as entertainment. But then he started staying awake more, and I found myself needing to up the ante: We did tummy time, I placed him in an infant seat, we read. But still, he started to seem cranky, as if he was bored, tired of the same toys. Even I felt like we were doing the same things over and over. How to entertain a baby We can get stuck in a rut, … [Read more...]
Play Ideas for Toddlers for the After Work Hours
Want after work play ideas for toddlers? These fun activities offer quality time with your child during after work hours. With a free printable! For many working moms, time after work is pretty limited. We may only have an hour or so to play before we need to cook dinner or pack for the next day. And while we may have a routine of go-to activities, sometimes it's nice to mix things up as well. I know when I'm not conscious of the activities my kids play, we can get stuck in a rut. I'll find my twins playing with the same set of cars and my eldest parked at his art table as usual. It's … [Read more...]
Top Toys for Preschoolers
Looking for gifts for two- to four-year-olds? Check out these top preschool toys for birthdays and holidays. Unique, enjoyable and fun! With two preschoolers at home, I'm always on the lookout for creative and unique toys for my twins. Maybe something unique few people will think to get them. Or perhaps the opposite—something timeless and classic you know will last a long time. I compiled this list of toys for anyone who'd like to give unique gifts to their little kiddos. Or maybe you're looking for gift ideas perfect for the two- to four-year-old age range. I hope you enjoy this … [Read more...]
Why We Need to Encourage Our Children’s Interests—Even when They Seem Strange to Us
Do your kids have a passion for hobbies? Here's why we should encourage children's interests, no matter how strange or different they may seem to us. "I've had it with fountains," I complained to my husband. What had been a cute quirk—my son's fascination with fountains—was getting out of hand. It even took over an outing at the zoo, where he'd rush to see fountains instead of the bears and monkeys. Still, I bit my tongue. As strange of an interest it was to have, fountains still held a special place in our son's heart. So we did what we thought would help nurture it even more. … [Read more...]
4 Reasons Kids Need Downtime
Is your schedule stressful with too many activities? Learn 4 reasons kids need downtime — and how to incorporate it in your days. My six-year-old has one after school extracurricular activity... and I'm already frazzled. Every Thursday, he attends a one-hour science class on campus. But on the first day, he freaked out about walking to the class alone, without me. He needed someone, understandably, to help him get acclimated and meet the instructors. Thing is, I also pick up his twin brothers from preschool right before. So that means I pick up the twins, hand them a snack in the … [Read more...]
8 Cool Science Toys for Kids
This past year, we've had our share of cool kids science toys. From experiments to magnets, each one incited plenty of 'oooh's' and 'aaah's. They're fantastic gifts to give kids, whether your own or loved ones. When I was younger, I planted a pencil in our front yard when I was about six- or seven-years-old. Just as plants do, I expected a giant pencil to emerge from the soil. I thought anything planted in the soil would grow into its larger self. You know those little table-looking plastic things in the center of pizzas? The ones that keep the box from smashing it during delivery? I … [Read more...]
A Great Reason to Dress Your Kids in Costume This Month
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Chuck E. Cheese. All opinions are 100% mine. I always thought it's so cool how kids can dress up in costume any day of the year. No one would say anything about a little boy dressed as a pirate while at the grocery with his mom. Or the girl in my son's class who came to class in a fairy dress for pajama day. Or that kids even have pajama days. Because, let's face it, stick an adult in those scenarios and he'd get some pretty strange looks. Plus, dressing up in costume does well for kids' imagination. Dress up clothes and costumes are … [Read more...]