Tips on Finding Your Child’s Passion

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on finding your child’s passionAll children are creative in their own way. They play and invent, they come up with worlds that you couldn’t dream of yourself.  But, while creativity is a natural thing for kids some are more creative than others. To help foster this creativity, there are plenty of things that you can do as a parent.

 

creative children

 

Here a few tips on finding your child’s passion:   

 

Let Them Play

Every child loves to play.  To them, it’s more than idly messing around with their Legos or dolls. When playing, kids  are creating. Whether they are inventing absurd family drama with Melody Jane Dolls Houses or reenacting the best action scenes they’ve seen on TV.  Either way, they are indulging in their creativity and developing tools needed for story-telling and more. 

While it’s essential for kids to learn, it’s just as essential to allow them to play. Furthermore, when playing with friends, they learn to be creative collaboratively.  And, this is something that will benefit them later in life. Rather than push them towards education every free moment, allow them to play and create, also. 

 

creative children

 

 

Make a Creative Space in the Home

While most kids will be happy to play and create in their bedroom or the living room, it’s not always ideal. Especially, when you’re struggling to keep the house tidy.  So, try putting together a creative space for them to indulge and discover that creative spark. 

Not only will this space keep the rest of the house tidy, but it will also encourage their brains to associate such an area with being creative. Inside, you can fill it with toys, musical instruments, and blank sheets of paper where they can draw and paint. They’ll discover what they love, and pursue it further. 

 

Introduce Them to Books, Songs and More

There’s a lot to be said about letting the TV be the parent for your kids.  But, exposing them to appropriate media can help give them inspiration for their creative ideas.  They will borrow from other media to create stories, and it will help them invent their own characters and scenarios.

Expose them to music, especially if they’re not proficient at an instrument yet. Rather than invent their own melodies, they can copy existing songs, which gets them used to using an instrument and improve their skills. 

 

The Creative Spark

Every child has a spark of creativity nestling within them. Rather than suppress it, you can encourage the creativity spark to ignite and flame into something beautiful.  Regardless of which creative activity they end up pursuing, it will help them to grow, change, and learn.  And, this is something that every parent should encourage in their children.

How to Get Your Children to Be Creative

Today, I’m sharing tips how to get your children to be creative. When it comes to your children, giving them the best opportunities in life is important.  Furthermore, you don’t want to limit them in anything they do in life. Being creative is important.  Creativity ties into so much of our lives.

 

 

creative children

 

Here’s a few tips to get your children to be creative: 

 

Encourage It Wherever You Can

Try to encourage any creativity when possible. Your children might express an interest in painting, or perhaps they want to start attending a drama or pottery class. Whatever it might be, it’s good to encourage them to do it.  Exploring new things with your children is important.  It can contribute to what they actually end up doing later on in life. Limiting them can be detrimental.  So, as a parent encouraging them in anything they express an interest in is good. It’s a great way to teach your children that they can do anything they want in life.

 

Read To Them

Reading to them can be a valuable way of helping them get more creative. When it comes to reading, make sure that you provide them with books that are inspirational.  They could be classic books that you enjoyed as a child or books that will teach them important things about life. Make sure you’re giving them the opportunity to learn something new.  Let them pick out the books that they want to read. Start compiling a selection of books that they will take them through their teenage years and beyond.

 

Provide Them With Opportunities

Furthermore, it’s a good idea to provide your children with as many opportunities as you can in life. One way to do this is by looking at ways to involve your children in creative activities.  That can include the Visions Academy of Performing Arts or something online that teaches them about a certain creative skill. They can all be beneficial to your children, and  present them with opportunities to learn.

 

 

creative children

 

Avoiding Living Your Life Through Them

Finally, one mistake that parents can often make is living your life and aspirations through your children. That’s only going to cause them unhappiness and perhaps some unrealistic expectations that they may not be able to meet.  They are their own person, and you should avoid pushing any of your wants and needs onto them.  Let them make their own decisions in life.

 

Finally, getting your children active creatively is important.  So, use these tips where you can to give them an opportunity to express themselves.

Tips To Create Child Friendly Gardens

Getting out into the great outdoors is important for everyone.  But, when you have young children it gets a bit more difficult.  Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on how to create child friendly gardens.

 

child friendly gardens

 

 

Cover The Pond

When it comes to any water features, you want to be careful of children wandering and falling in.  Whether it’s a swimming pool or a small pond, water can be dangerous for those who can’t swim.  So if you do have a pond be sure to cover it over with pond netting.  The netting should be strong enough and secured in place so that little hands can’t lift it up.  You can find most pond netting at a DIY store near you.  This will ensure you won’t have wet children having to be pulled out of the pond!  As a side note, Tsurumi pond pumps are certainly a good thing to have when it comes to your pond water feature.

 

Buy A Playhouse

Children love outdoor toys.  What better way than to teach them about growing up than to have their own playhouse?  Playhouses can come in a variety of sizes.  Furthermore, they are perfect for getting little ones outside into fresh air. These playhouses will also keep them warm when the colder weather hits.  And, they’re usually made out of strong enough material that will help them last a long time.

 

child friendly gardens

 

Swings And Slides

Outdoor activities can encourage your children to be more active.  Swings and slide sets are still as popular as ever and provide parents with a great opportunity to connect more with their children. Swinging high into the sky is a wonderful experience for any child and is one that they will likely remember into their adulthood.

 

Pick The Right Plants

Children at young ages are receptive to exploring and tasting things they come into contact with.  That means that you need to be cautious about what plants and flowers you put into your garden.  Some are relatively harmless, but some of them can be poisonous.  And, if ingested could cause serious problems. Obviously, you want your child to be curious. But, also to be safe.  So, ensure all plants and flowers are child-friendly.

 

Add More Lawn

Replace some of your concrete with more grass.  Concrete can cause injury; however, grass provides a safe and soft area to run, jump and play. They may bring in a little grass stain, but nothing a little detergent can’t handle.

We hope our tips on creating child friendly gardens was beneficial.  Getting your children or grandchildren outside is very important and should be done so from an early age. You may also like:  Nature and Garden Tips for Children.

Kindergarten Christmas Craft: Christmas Lights

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on Kindergarten Christmas Craft ideas.  This finger print Christmas lights artwork is sure to be a hit.  The project is easy, fun and messy, which your child will love, with a bright and colorful end.  It’s the perfect way to capture memories of those precious little fingers. Tis the season and Fa La La La!  So, lets get those little ones in the holiday spirit.

 

 

kindergarten Christmas craft

 

 

Kindergarten Christmas Crafts

 

Here’s what you will need:

  • Washable paints of various colors  (I purchased mine from Michaels).
  • black marker to make the dots on the lights and wire
  • wet paper towels or a towel for cleaning messy fingers
  • White cardstock

 

Be sure to have plenty of wet paper towels or an old wet cloth on hand.  You will want to wipe the child’s fingers before dipping them in the next shade of paint.  Lets get this project started:

  1. – Dust off those adorable little fingers.
  2. – Next, have the children dip their index finger(s) into the paint.
  3. – Press their index finger onto the white paper.
  4. – Repeat Step 3 until you have a string of lights  as shown.
  5. – Be sure to allow the paint to dry thoroughly before you proceed.
  6. – Make dots on each of the lights with the black marker.  (Place several places of paper under your sheet before you use the black marker to avoid bleeding on your table or work area.)  Unfortunately, I learned this lesson the hard way.
  7. – Use a pencil and lightly draw a curved line to connect the dots.  Also, write the child’s name on the paper.  Allow them to trace it with a crayon.
  8. – If you have older children allow them to trace the curved lines with the black marker.  Otherwise, you can complete the project or help the smaller children with this step.

We hope you enjoy this colorful kindergarten Christmas craft.   You may also like our Kindergarten Christmas Tree Card.

 

 

 

 

Fall Kindergarten Activities Pack

Fall is here.  Today, I’m sharing fall kindergarten activities.  It’s a great time to gather around the fireplace and spend family time together.  Also, it’s a great time to start gathering chilly day activities for kids.  My granddaughter started kindergarten this year.  As a result, I’m putting together lots of kindergarten activities for her.   Be sure to subscribe if you’re interested in printables.  

 

kindergarten activities with a fall theme

 

Here’s a little about my fall kindergarten activities:

 

Helping your child count to 20 before kindergarten is great, so if you have a preschooler these activities will help them too.

 

fall-kindergarten-how-many-apples-do-you-see-1

The fall pack includes a coloring page, put a face on the pumpkin face, math, counting, and a bonus word search activity.   Additionally, children love to color.  Especially, this time of year when the leaves are turning and pumpkin patches await visitors.  Another activity that excites littles ones is Halloween. Actually it is around the corner, and everyone is exciting about the scariest night of the year.

Our Kindergarten Activities will helps kids count from 1 – 10 and than 1 – 15 on another activity sheetWe have also created an addition math sheet that encourages children to trace the sum of the numbers.   Further, you can find pumpkins in the Cutest Pumpkin in the Pumpkin Patch that need to be numbered.  Also, apples from the trees in the fall.  You little one will have to number the falling apples in another activity.

Additionally activities including drawing a face on the pumpkin.  This activity allows children to use their imagination to draw the pumpkin they envision.  It can be scary or funny or male or female.  The choice is up to them.  As a bonus, we included a word search puzzle that will help with spelling and reading.

Download the fall kindergarten activity sheets here Be sure to subscribe so you can receive other fabulous printables.  You may also like Fall Nature Hunt Game.

 

 

Finding Dory Printables for Kids

Today, I’m sharing Finding Dory printables. The movie will be in theatres June 17, 2016.  So, be sure to mark your calendar.  You won’t want to miss Dory’s next big adventure.

 

finding Dory printables

 

 

 

Finding Dory Printables:

 

ABOUT THE MOVIE: Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” welcomes back to the big screen everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory (voice of Ellen DeGeneres).  So, Dory is living happily in the reef with Marlin (voice of Albert Brooks) and Nemo (voice of Hayden Rolence).  Dory suddenly remembers that she has a family out there who may be looking for her.  As a result, the trio takes off on a life-changing adventure across the ocean to California’s prestigious Marine Life Institute.  The Marine Life Institute (MLI) is a rehabilitation center and aquarium.

Next, in an effort to find her mom (voice of Diane Keaton) and dad (voice of Eugene Levy), Dory enlists the help of three of the MLI’s most intriguing residents.  One which is Hank (voice of Ed O’Neill), a cantankerous octopus who frequently gives employees the slip.  Also, Bailey (voice of Ty Burrell), a beluga whale who is convinced his biological sonar skills are on the fritz.  Last, Destiny (voice of Kaitlin Olson), a nearsighted whale shark.

Furthermore, after deftly navigating the complex inner workings of the MLI, Dory and her friends discover the magic within their flaws, friendships and family.   Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E”) is the director.  Also, it is co-directed by Angus MacLane (“Toy Story OF TERROR!”), and produced by Lindsey Collins (co-producer “WALL•E”).  Disney•Pixar’s  “Finding Dory” swims into theaters June 17, 2016.

Last, mark your calendar and make it a family affair.  In the mean time, enjoy our maze, coloring and connect the dot pages below. You can download the pages here.

 

Image-Finding-Dory-Maze Image-Finding-Dory-Coloring-Page5 Finding Dory activities, connect the dot printables, coloring printables

 

I hope that you will print the Finding Dory printables as adorable as I do, and you will print a few for your kids.

 

Outside Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on outside scavenger hunt for kids. Fall is here, and it’s a perfect time to go on a nature hunt with the children.  Leaves are changing colors, pumpkin patches have come to life, and corn mazes await you.   Also, it’s a great way to get the children excited about Halloween. You can talk about customs, parties and treats.  Lets not forget about football season, tailgating and delicious recipes for parties and family gatherings.

Additionally, it’s still warm enough for the children to go outside and play.  So, a fall nature hunt is a great way to get together as a family, get some exercise and explore nature. Plan a day of hiking, walking the neighborhood or spending the day at your favorite park is the perfect place to play a nature hunt game.  It can be a great opportunity for the children to ask questions and learn about nature.

 

 

Outside Scavenger Hunt for Kids

 

 

outside scavenger hunt

 

 

 

If you decide to visit the park to find your nature hunt ideas, pack a lunch filled with our fall snack items ideas.  You can enjoy each other’s company after the nature hunt.  Talk about a funny moment that you encountered during your walk.  You can also take pictures of the kids hunting for items or other scenic items that you find along the way.

Furthermore, you can drive away the neighborhood or town if it’s cold.  The kids can still get out of the house and you can enjoy other in a nice warm vehicle.

While you’re walking and taking pictures look for the items on the Nature Hunt list. We’ve added different color leaves, pumpkins, a stick, acorn, pinecone and more.  They’re all  easy to find and common in all most areas across the country.  If you need materials for a fall craft project, this would a great time for you to gather items as you walk along too.  So, this can include fall leaves of various colors, acorns, pinecones and more.

 

 

 

Scavenger Hunt Printables

 

 

Fall Nature Hunt Game
outside scavenger hunt printables

 


    
Finally, feel free to print our fall nature hunt ideas on cardstock.  You can place the printables on a clipboard to make it easier for the kids to check off items.  Download the Fall Nature Hunt Ideas Printable here.  Also, you may also like:  Road Trip Scavenger Hunt Game



Should Boys Play Dress Up?

 

dress up

 

Should boys play dress up?  We talk about little girls playing dress up in princess clothes, having tea parties or walking in mommy’s high heels, but we rarely talk about little boys dressing up.   Yes, we rave about little girls putting on our make-up,  adorable beads, and serving up tea to teddy bear friends. But what about our little boys?

We accept little boys playing Cowboy and Indians, wearing a sports uniform or being a Super Hero.  But what if they want to dress up as a princess or put on your make-up?  Would that be acceptable or frightening to you?  What if they want to use one of your purses to house their army men or race cars?  Are you equipped to handle that situation?

What I found interesting is that we accept little girls being tomboys, but not little boys wanting to be a princess.  My grandson wanted to wear my heels one day.  He was about 3 maybe 4 at the time.  I allowed him to try them on. He had a grand time, looking in the mirror at himself.  Was I afraid that he would want to be a cross-dresser down the road?  Not at all.

He sees his mother and me wearing them, so he wanted to try them on too.  I think it’s important for him to experiment.  He has never asked to try on my shoes again, but if he had I wouldn’t love him any less.  Is it unusual for boys to want to try on mom’s shoes, beads etc.?  Experts say no, it’s not unusual.

There are many roles for children to play when they dress up and experts/teachers encourage it.  Here are a few benefits that children can obtain by playing dress up:

  • Encourages them to use their imagination
  • Encourages role playing
  • Helps overcome fear
  • Instills pride by performing good deeds while role playing
  • Helps them understand the world around them
  • Gives them an opportunity to interpret and translate what they see in their home

Purchase items that your son can use when playing dress-up.  If you don’t have costumes for him to utilize, here are a few ideas for boys:

  • doctor
  • pilot
  • construction worker
  • sports figure
  • teacher
  • chef

Head to the thrift store, clearance rack or clean out hubby’s or granddaddy’s closet and stock up on items that your son can use.  You can give him:

  • towel for a cape  (If you can sew, make a cape for him)
  • a hat 
  • sunglasses
  • brief case
  • pair of daddy’s shoes
  • football uniform
  • dad’s shirt
  • chef’s apron and hat
  • doctor’s bag
  • scrubs
  • construction hat

Use your imagination and allow your child to use theirs.  Encourage dress up and engage in role play with him. You will be helping them to develop social skills, psychological growth, and helping to understand the world around him.  When your child is playing, listen.  They may give you insight on how they see people and the world around them.  
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