5 Fun Summer Activities For Your Kids

kids summer activities, summer activities

It’s about that time of the year again when the sun will shine brightly, the birds  will sing loudly, the flowers will be in full bloom.  Summer’s around the corner, and my little ones could not be happier. Also, everyone will flock to the beaches.  Along with the freedom to build sandcastles on the beaches and play long hours in the pool, they also have a long break to look forward to.
Next, the  problem’s mine.  I have to think of new ways to keep them occupied throughout the summer.  Otherwise, I’ll hear “we-are-so-bored” rants right on the third day of their vacation. Well, if your problem is similar to mine, I have a solution.  Here is a list of five summer activities that your kids are sure to enjoy:
Foil River Can’t take the little ones out boating? Fortunately you can help them build a river right in your backyard.  All you need is aluminum foil and a garden hose.  So, take a few sheets of aluminum foil and roll up the sides to make a U-shaped stretch of an artificial river.  Turn on the garden hose and let the water flow through the aluminum river. You can also build ice boats by freezing colored water in ice molds and topping it with toothpicks that can hold tiny flags. Sit back and watch the excitement unfold.  Your little ones are sure to have a blast with this activity.  Even after the ice boats have melted, your kids can sail paper boats in the artificial river.

 Stamping Glory – Worried that your kids will create havoc stamping in your living room when bored?  With this fun activity, they can go stamping without you  having to worry about any damage. Spread out a wide sheet of white cloth in your yard.  Also, hand your kids some paints, cut potatoes and apples, along with sheets of bubble wrap, tied to their feet. Let your kids dip the potatoes, apples and their feet in the paint.  They can create  stamping impressions across the sheet. This is a great activity to help your little ones let loose and open a whole new world of fascinating pattern ideas. An interesting variation to this activity is to let your kids stamp within the outline print of their favorite cartoon characters. Doing this will improve their concentration skills and help them develop a neat hand at art.
 
Dress Up Parade – Who wants to watch fashion shows on TV when little fashionistas are sitting right in your house. Involve the entire neighborhood and their kids in a fun evening of dress up parade. Keep 2-3 themes for the evening and have the kids dress up in outfits according to the theme allotted to them. The evening is sure to be fun not just for the kids but for all you adults too. You can follow up the fashion parade by distributing delicious treats and gifts to all the teeny tiny models.
 
Outdoor Movie Screening – Movie nights are loved by all kids and adults alike. Here’s a way you can double the fun. Put up a projector and screen a movie out in your backyard. Take charge of the snack counter and make some delightful munchies for the kids to enjoy. You can involve other families in the movie carousel too!
 
Balloon Ping Pong – We all have those days when we just want to sit back and do nothing, but our kids don’t let us. I sail in the same  boat, and it’s during times like these that the balloon ping pong activity comes to my rescue. All you need is two paper plates, two ice cream sticks, and one balloon to prepare for this amazingly entertaining activity.  Next, stick the ice cream sticks on the paper plates to make the ping pong bats. Let+ your kids have fun bouncing the balloon to and fro. Ensure your kids play in a room free of any breakables so as to prevent damage.
Finally, Let your kids cherish some great moments with these amazing activities.  Also, which one of the 5 activities is your favorite? Let me know in the comments section below.  You may also like 4 Top Family Activities in Bali.
 
Author Bio – Aradhana is from India. She is a veteran writer on topics concerning parenting, child  nutrition, wellness, health and lifestyle. As a regular contributor to popular  sites like Huffington Post, Natural news, Elephant journal, Thehealthsite, Naturally  Savvy, curejoy and MomJunction.com. Aradhana writes to inspire and motivate people to adopt healthy habits and live a stress-free lifestyle.

Kids Garden Crafts Roundup

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on kids garden crafts I was in the process of planning my summer garden and decided to look for garden crafts to do with my grandchildren when they visit.   I found some great garden crafts, suitable for a variety of age groups.  And, these crafts are a great way to keep the kids outside and involved in nature. And, they are a great way to spend family time together.

 

kids garden crafts

 

Kids Garden Crafts:


1.  Root Viewer – Found on Zulily – First, it’s a great way for children to watch vegetables grow underground establish roots and grow.  I initially found this on Zulily, but it is currently out of stock.  However, you can check out Fat Brain Toys, they have it in stock.  Furthermore, this is also great for science lovers.

2.  Hand and Foot Print Flowers – Found on Learning As We Are Growing – Second, this is a great craft for capturing memories of adorable little fingers and toes.  Also, this craft is a wonderful gift idea for grandparents or parents for Mother’s or Father’s Day.

3.  Slinky Bird Feeder – Found on Glamumous.  However, I found a DIY version on Dust Bunnies and Dog Toys, which I will be using.  I purchased a Slinky from the Family Dollar for a few bucks.  Fortunately, I just happened to have several size embroidery rings in the closet just waiting to be used. My Blue Jays love peanuts.  Be sure to use unsalted peanuts if you make this project.

4.  Tissue Paper Flower Pots – Found on From ABCs to Acts.  Cute idea to make with children.  So, I plan to use Marigolds with my grandchildren.  They can nurture them all summer.  And, Marigolds will last until they are hit with a hard frost.  You can purchase the tissue paper from the Dollar Tree.  They have a pack with bright, bold colors, which is perfect for summer.  You can find inexpensive pots at your local garden center for a few bucks.

5.  Bug Bingo – Next, found on About.  Adorable, and this would be fun to play on those rainy, summer days. Just as important, the card and insects are free to download.  Just print and assemble.

6.  Personalized Stepping Stones – Found on Skip To My Lou.  Additionally, creating a personalized stepping stone in the garden will excite any child.  Fortunately, all of the supplies can be found at your local Lowes or Home Depot.

7.  Ladybug Rocks – Found on Parenting –  Another cute idea to place in a garden or to use as paper weighs for mom or dad’s office.  Additionally, they will make great gifts for teachers or anyone else who loves ladybugs.

8. Truck Garden Planters – Found on Toby and Roo.  Next, if you have old dump trucks that your children don’t play with anymore, this will be a great project.  Also, you may be able to purchase the trucks cheaply at your local Dollar Store, yard sales or the Goodwill.

9.  Popsicle Stick Garden Markers – Found on Instagram.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the instructions.  But the project looks easy enough to figure out by looking at the pictures.

10.  Bird Bath – Found on Dump A Day   I love the bright colors on this bird bath.

11. Rainbow Garden MarkersLiving Well Spending Less  Fortunately, this craft is cheap.  Most of all, it’s a great use of paint sticks.  I’m going to make these and use this idea in my garden this season.

12. Spring Tulips – So, I found this craft on Let Kids Create.   A few sheets of paper, adorable finger paints and a fork will keep them busy for hours. This craft is definitely on my To Do List.

 

Finally, I hope you find a craft or two on my kids garden crafts roundup that you can make with your children/grandchildren.  Please leave a comment, we may want to adopt it. Last, be sure to subscribe to my blog before you leave and follow me on social media!

10 Tips To Get Your Child Moving


exercise tips for children, activities for children

 


How Do You Get Your Child Moving? Does your child enjoy playing video games or watching cartoons more than playing outside? Does he or she stomp and pout when you encourage them to get fresh air?  Times have changed.  Gone are the days that you see children riding bikes, pitching balls, climbing trees or playing hide and seek.  Through no fault of their own, the world had become a place for gaming and unhealthy eating.  The United States ranks fifth in the world for childhood obesity.    

[Read more…]

6 Things To Do Go In Atlanta for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game






Heading to Atlanta to watch the West Virginia Mountaineers play the Alabama Crimson Tide game this upcoming week-end.  Kick off is Saturday, August 30, at 3:30 PM at the Georgia Dome.  While you’re there, here’s a list of Things To Do.  If you can’t fit all of them into your schedule, check out a few:




6 Things to Do in Atlanta for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff
Game

1)     
Fan Days at the World of Coca-Cola are August 26 through September
2. Buy your tickets here
and receive $3 off general admission to get a glimpse inside the world’s #1
brand and see what the fizz is all about.
2)      As a
football fan, how could you not visit the new College Football Hall of
Fame? The attraction is going all out for its Grand Opening on August 23.
Celebrate the rich history of the game and make memories of your own with
historic and contemporary artifacts, interactive multimedia displays, children’s
activities and more.
3)      For
some free fun, grab your fellow fans and hit up Tailgate Town on the West
Plaza. How can you resist food sampling, games, giveaways and a BBQ cook-off?
4)      If
you want to take your tailgating up a notch, purchase tickets for the
Mountaineer Madness Team Tailgate at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Yes, that’s an air-conditioned tailgate featuring pregame entertainment and a
delicious buffet.
5)     
Refresh yourself with an ice-cold drink and cheer on your favorite team
at its Pep Rally when you visit the FanZone presented by Coca-Cola Zero.
Don’t miss out on the dozens of interactive games and sponsor
attractions.
6)     
While walking down the Atlanta streets, it’s likely that you’ll find
yourself in the middle of a science-fiction scene. That’s because Dragon
Con
is returning to Atlanta this Labor Day weekend. For
some fantastical fun – and lots of Storm Troopers – check out the annual
parade.



This list was provided by The World of Coca-Cola.  To celebrate the Chick-fil-A Kickoff, Mother 2 Mother will be giving away 4 tickets to The World of Coca-Cola on Saturday.  Be sure to return and enter this awesome give away.    




Cooking With Kids

Cooking with your children is a great way to spend quality time together.  It gets them involved in meal preparation and forms memories of making sweet treats with grandma.  My little Zarriah loves Groundies, otherwise known as brownies.  She hasn’t quite mastered her B’s yet, so Groundies it is.  We decided to make a batch on our vacation and as you can see she is having a great time helping Mawmaw whip up a batch.  The best part of making Groundies is her licking the spoon while waiting for the brownies to bake.  

I started cooking with her brother 6 years ago, and I wanted to carry on the tradition with her. This was our first brownie making session together, so I cherished the moment and memories.  We had as much fun eating them as we did baking them.  I have found that getting children involved in meal preparation or working together to fix treats helps to combat the Picky Eater Syndrome. I must say she’s not as picky as her brother, which makes life in the kitchen a little easier. I’m looking forward to many brownie and other cooking sessions with my granddaughter.  Do you cook with your children?  What’s dishes do you make together?   

10 Benefits Of Children’s Organized Sports

Cool weather means football season in my family.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on children’s organized sports.  My grandson will be entering his third season of playing flag football.  He loves it.  His dad played football through college, so I guess it’s in his blood. When he first started playing, I was a little leery.  He was so much smaller than the other boys, but he assured me he would be okay.  Displaying confidence, he said Mawmaw, “They have to catch me.”  Since I’m grandma, I have bragging rights so I will.  He is fast, and they do have a hard time catching him.

children's organized sports

 

 

It’s actually exciting to watch him and his team members play. His dad is the head coach and his grandfather is the assistant coach.  It truly is a family affair. He has grown and learned so much over the pass 2 years.  There are several benefits to children playing organized sports.

 

Here a few benefits of Children’s Organized Sports:

  1. Physical Activity – He has learned the importance of being physically fit if you want to be involved in sports of any kind. It takes endurance to play an entire game, which is why most athletes do not smoke or do drugs. He has also learned the importance of eating healthy if he’s going to be an athlete.
  2. Intellectual Stimulation – He has learned that playing ball requires skill and brain power. He must learn to listen to his coaches, think on his feet, remember his position, and put plays together that his coaches have called.
  3. Confidence – His confidence and self-esteem has soared since he has been playing sports.  He believes in himself as a player and as a growing little boy.
  4. Team Work – He has learned that a team win games, it is not an individual sport.  He has learned that he must work with his team members whether he likes them or not and he must play fairly against his opponents.
  5. Competition – He has learned that competition is a part of life and can be healthy if the game is played fairly. He has learned that there are players that are better and some that are not as good.  The important thing is to play your best at all times.
  6. Focus – He has learned to focus on the game while tuning out the crowd shouting, listen for the whistle being blow by the referee, and listen to his coaches giving him instructions.
  7. Winning/Losing– He has learned that he nor his team can win at everything.  I remember the first game that his team lost.  He was so down, he didn’t think he deserved a trip to McDonald’s.  It made me so sad.  One of my life lesson’s came roaring to the surface, there will be times when you can’t sooth your child’s pain.  You must let life run it’s course.
  8. Team Leaders – He has learned the importance of leading a team as captain and co-captain, and the responsibilities of a leader.
  9. Friendship – He has made new friends on his and on opponent’s teams.  It has helped with his social skills, he gets invites to sleepovers, birthday parties and other outings.
  10. Family Time – He spends time watching football and basketball with his dad and grandfathers.  He is getting a better understanding of the game, asks questions and joins in the conversation when they’re together.

 

 

children's organized sports

 

We also have Xavier in swim lessons and basketball.  He refuses to play baseball.  The thought of getting hit with a baseball frightens him.  We have accepted his fear and not pushed him to participate in the sport. If he decides to play down the road fine, if not that’s fine too.

It’s amazing to watch how far he has come from the backyard football games and shooting hoops in the driveway.  I would encourage all parents to place their child in an organized sport whether it be soccer, football, basketball, baseball or martial arts.  Now a  little discipline for the parents, stay tuned for that post.

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How To Make a Sundae Bar For Kids

sundae bar for kids

 

First, I found these adorable ice cream bowls at my local Dollar General on the clearance rack.  They came in a set of 4, which included blue, green, white and pink with matching spoons.  I quickly grabbed them.  And thought they would be perfect for making ice cream sundaes with the grandkids.  Additionally, I loved the colors and the spoons.  It helped that they were nice and study for lifting a big scoop of ice cream covered with yummy candies from the bowl.

 

sundae bar ideas

 

Furthermore, did you know the most popular flavor of ice cream in the United States is vanilla.  Yes vanilla.  Second is chocolate, followed by strawberry, chocolate chip and butter pecan.  You should know, my favorite is butter pecan.  Yum, yum!  Also, children ages 2 – 12 and adults 45 plus eat the most ice cream.  I don’t indulge often, but I do enjoy a good bowl of ice cream occasionally.

sundae bar ideas


Needless to say, the kids love bananas and strawberries.  And  I love cherries.  So, we decided to use fruits on our sundae bar.  I was happy that they were receptive to add fruit to the bar.  Even if, it would end up covered with gooey chocolate.

In addition to the fruit, we added peanut butter pieces, walnuts, sprinkles, and Hershey’s chocolate syrup to the bar. Because the grandchildren love  vanilla ice cream, it was the ice cream of choice.  We had some much fun assembling our bowls.  But it looks like I forgot to include the bottles of sprinkles on the tray.  They were the attraction for the kid’s sundaes, lol.

Most of all, the sundaes were delicious and cheaper than going to Sweet Frog, lol.   Also, I let the kids add their own fixings and pour the syrup over the ice cream.  It makes it much more exciting.  Use your imagination, add whatever you wish.  Making a sundae bar for kids is a great family activity.

What is your favorite flavor?  We hope that you enjoyed our sundae bar for kids idea.  Leave us a comment, and let us know what other items you would add to your sundae bar for kids.

Little Tikes Tee Ball Review

I purchased this Little Tikes Tee Ball set for my grandson this summer and he absolutely loves it.  He usually wakes up around 8:00 or 8:30 each morning.  After he gets his bearings, he wants to immediately head outside to play baseball.  Now he is a lover of pancakes and when something is placed before his beloved pancakes, it is a great product. 

The set is nice and thick and sturdy.  It’s a good thing, because my grandson has the ability to play in the majors as we speak.  When he gets positioned and swings, the ball is a goner.  As he says, “I hit a home run Mama”.   As you can see from the picture above, he’s wearing his McQueen PJs.  I was able to get shoes and socks on him before we headed out the door, lol. 

I was quite surprised by the quality of the product for the price that I paid at our local Wal-Mart.  Xavier is able to pick up the tee and steady it when he knocks it over.  I’m not sure if my yard is uneven or if it’s the force behind the batter that knocks the tee over.  Regardless, I will stand behind this product. 

The set is easy to assembly.  It includes the tee, 2 balls and an oversized bat.  When Xavier first used the set, he struggled to hit the ball without knocking the tee over.  It didn’t take him long to learn that he just needed to hit the ball.  The set helps with coordination and batting skills.  He is now learning about bases and sliding.  Where he learned to slide I have no idea.

In addition to teaching Xavier basic skills, the set has provided hours of family fun.  He even managed to get his diva mommy, my daughter, to play ball with him in 4 inch heels.  He got quite a thrill out of that moment.  

The set is worth the purchase and I highly recommended.  I love Little Tikes products and this set is a reminder of why.  Head out and make the purchase, your kids will love you for it. 

Can Doodling Sharpen Your Child’s Memory?

Did you know that doodling can be a benefit? I doodle when I’m sitting in meetings/conferences. It helps me to stay alert. There are benefits for children too according to the Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology. The journal states that “doodling” may help
improve memory recall. Lord knows I need help with my memory at this stage of life. I don’t trust it anymore, I have to write everything down. On a bad day, I need help finding whatever list or information that I’ve written down. So pathetic I know. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen.

As a result of a study performed by Jackie Andrade, a psychology professor at the University of Plymouth in England, parents are being encouraged to promote creative doodling at home with their children by incorporating art activities into their life. Jackie is saying rather than give your child a coloring book, give them a doodle pad as well so they can doodle. I don’t consider myself to be an artist, but I do enjoy scrapbooking and creating crafts for my home. I think I can really get into some form of art with my 2 year old grandson. I tested him to see how he would do using a regular pen and pencil, he made a few scribbles. I’m going to purchase the larger crayons and pencils for him, and make it a regular activity.

Jackie’s study found that doodling can be used to help retain information. She performed a study where individuals listened to a recorded message which included pieces of information such as names and places. She found that individuals who doodled while listening, remembered 29 percent more than those who did not. I’m going to put this theory to the test. I’m going to try to teach Xavier the primary colors by using crayons and doodles.

Teachers are being discouraged from stopping students from doodling in class. In the past it was seen as a sign that the child was distracted. Now it’s seen as a sign that the brain is active and they are listening.

I’ve been checking out the Aquadoodle Travel ‘N’ Doodle Mat and I think it may be perfect for him. I’m looking for small birthday gifts for him, I’m going to add it to my birthday gift list. It’s getting good reviews by other moms, stayed tuned for my review.

Winter is heading our way, and we will be looking for indoor activities for the kids. We will be compiling a list of art/craft activities for children. We would love to have contributions from our readers too. Please leave us a comment with an activity or craft that you have done with your child. We will add it to our list and include a link to your blog.