We brought some crafting outdoors today with this sticks, stones and pipe cleaners activity. First we collected some sticks and rocks. We added google eyes and pipe cleaners and the kids just started creating (me too!). It was fun and somewhat relaxing to wind the pipe cleaners around the sticks. There was no expectation […]
So I finally caved in and let one of my daughters get a hamster. For years I have been saying no. We have a dog, 2 rabbits and some fish. I said no for years to the dog as well but caved in with him over 2 years ago. So it was only natural for […]
Download two free masks from the Pretend Play Masks packet. They are in color or black and white so you choose whether to print in color or color them yourself. Get 20+ masks, including animals, fairy tale characters, super heroes, community workers and more with the Pretend Play Masks complete download at Growing Play. Illustrator […]
I can’t believe it. My kids actually ate this kale and apple salad and asked for more. I like vegetables and happen to like kale but usually not raw. I adapted this recipe from Cooking at the New York Times. Quick funny story – my kids tasted raw kale at lunch time that I was putting […]
Why not take sensory play outside the box with sock bean bags? We have so many mismatched socks around this house so this was a great upcycle project. We have a sensory box with dried split peas and lima beans. Have to admit not one of my favorite sensory boxes – the split peas feel […]
Here is question #5 to get your creative brain juices flowing – Every year we celebrate holidays. If you could start a new holiday what would it be and when would you celebrate it? This post is part of the Creative Brain Series from Growing Play on creativity, imagination, outside the box thinking, something quick to do […]
Here are 10 ideas to get your creative juices flowing to head outdoors! 1. Go on One Hike: Head outdoors for at least one hike. I love hiking with the family as long as we pick appropriate trails. I like well marked, short jaunts (maximum 2 miles round trip) that are not too hilly. For […]
Check out this fun, giant game of memory that you can print and play! Get kids moving and thinking with this activity. You can print the pages in color or black and white (color before you play). Watch it in action below. Download the free Giant Animal Memory game at Growing Play.
This is the second post regarding self regulation in children. The previous post discussed how we set children up for potential meltdowns with our hectic lifestyles. As parents, we need to advocate for more unstructured, free play for children to help them to develop self regulation skills. Here are a few changes that you can […]
Lately, I have been wondering why kids seem to act out more? Child rearing has changed so much over the last few decades. Children’s ability to self regulate and control their emotions is greatly influenced by their environment. Here are 10 things that have changed over the years that can affect a child’s ability to […]