Yes, it’s true! Sometimes cooking with our kids can require time, patience, and some extra clean up effort. But experts agree that the extra effort is well worth it. The benefits are countless. Recently I was reminded how fun cooking can be when my kids and I attended a photo shoot for Cuisinart. The shoot was focused on the amazing Griddler! After the shoot, we were fortunate enough to keep the Panini maker and had so much fun coming up with creative delicious panini recipes. One more memorable than the other – the kids even got a little competitive. As we sat around the table that night, we came up with a list of amazing benefits derived from a day in the kitchen as a family. Family Bonding Opportunity All children love attention and cooking together requires a little … [Read more...]
Easter Craft: Easy Easter Decorations
Easter crafts that your children can make CAN become an actual decoration in your house, not just a keepsake. Using an old gift bag and tissue paper, we created two really cute wall hangings. SUPPLIES NEEDED: Gift bag (old or new) Tissue paper (old or new - it is going to get crumpled) Glue Construction paper Old cardboard or foam board Tape Scissors PREPARING YOUR CRAFT SUPPLIES: The crucial key to a successful craft with your children is to have the supplies all ready. Your children will lose interest quickly if they have to sit still and watch Mommy do a bunch of gathering and sorting. Trace a circle from a plate for the chick decoration. I suggest using yellow paper to keep the chick all one color. Draw a decorated egg on construction paper. … [Read more...]
12 Months of Baby Photo Shoots
Sometimes in the excitement and sleep deprived world of babies, we forget to embrace our camera and get all those must take pictures. While the possibilities for 'cute' baby pictures are endless, sometimes we don't know where to start. Here is a month by month guide for capturing the essence and cuteness that is your baby. One Month Look what the stork brought! Capture the excitement of the 'Welcome Home' moment with siblings or parents. (Photo credit: Leilani Photography) Two Months Did your daughter get your eyes? Did your son get your nose? Get up close and personal to savor the similarities. (Photo credit: Gabriela Koopmans Photography) Three Months Monthly onesies are all the rage but a change in your perspective takes a boring monthly photo to a lasting memory. (Photo … [Read more...]
10 Amazing Tools to Inspire Fantastic Table Manners!
Calling all parents with kiddos that care about good table manners! We spend so much time focusing on teaching our kids how to talk, to read, to write, to count and more. But do we know enough and spend quality time teaching our kids basic table manners? It all starts with moving them away from using fingers to introducing utensils. As a mom of three kids, I’ve seen it all and I’ve learned that the earlier you start working on the basics, the easier it will be! The first step is to expose them to flatware. Start with a spoon and fork. Then you move on to the knife and how to use them together. Using utensils can be compared to riding a bike. If your balance is off, it won’t work very well. Food is less likely to launch off the table or spill onto clothes if your kids know how to … [Read more...]
Tips to Help a Child with Impulse Control
Are you trying to help your child with impulse control? Impulse control is the ability to stop and think before acting. It’s one of the executive functions children need in order to control their thoughts and actions in family, social, and school settings. It’s important for parents to remember that young children are not expected to consistently control their impulses or their thoughts and actions. They rely heavily on adults to help them control themselves. As kids mature, we expect them to internalize rules and to develop better and better self-control so that they are not at the mercy of their impulses. However, not all children develop at the same pace as their peers in this critical area. If you have a child who exhibits any of the behaviors below, she or he could benefit from … [Read more...]
16 DIY Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids
Do you remember the excitement you felt when you were a kid as you carried a goody bag into the classroom filled with homemade Valentine's Day cards for all of your school friends? You surely had butterflies as you passed each card out to your classmates...and maybe that little boy you had a crush on. Homemade Valentine's Day cards have come a long way. When we were kids we gave cut out construction paper cards or store bought cards with our favorite cartoon character of the decade {Garfield and New Kids on the Block were my faves!}. Today I've got sixteen DIY ideas that are super fun!!! From preschool age to big kid, there is sure to be one your child will love to make for his class. /1/ Fish Bowl Valentine's Card - You could fill this cute Valentine with Swedish Fish or Goldfish, … [Read more...]
