I was making the round through my online news sources and reading the comments on an article found something that stuck with me. When asked how she kept things "even" amongst the children in her family, this mother replied they each got four gifts:
something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read.
Love this!
We've added a couple of new pages to the sidebar over on the right for quick reference.
Here's a link to a list of great classic toys. You probably saw some these under the tree when you were a kid, and there are reasons why they are still around!
Toy Ideas!
And here are some great places to shop for toys that are off the beaten path (brick and mortar and online options).
Toy Resources
Happy Shopping!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
The Daily 15
As we are approaching this busy holiday time of year, let's remember that it is still all about the simple things that are children need most. Not the extravagant toys, fancy clothes or shiny new bike, but simply, your time. Once again, our friends at Williamson Parent reminded us of this so we thought we would share it with you. It is your daily 15...15 things to do on a regular basis with your children.
1. Take a walk together
2. Cuddle on the sofa
3. Say "I love you" often
4. Read together
5. Maintain a loving bedtime ritual
6. Talk at breakfast, at the dinner table, in the car
7. Listen but don't lecture
8. Refrain from judgment
9. Have a catch
10. Give lots of hugs
11. Go on one-on-one dates or outings
12. Cook together
13. Volunteer together
14. Get down on the floor and play, work a puzzle or play a game
*15. Tell them about you and let them know you are not perfect!
1. Take a walk together
2. Cuddle on the sofa
3. Say "I love you" often
4. Read together
5. Maintain a loving bedtime ritual
6. Talk at breakfast, at the dinner table, in the car
7. Listen but don't lecture
8. Refrain from judgment
9. Have a catch
10. Give lots of hugs
11. Go on one-on-one dates or outings
12. Cook together
13. Volunteer together
14. Get down on the floor and play, work a puzzle or play a game
*15. Tell them about you and let them know you are not perfect!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Giving Thanks...
We came across this very timely article in one of our favorite local magazines, Williamson Parent. It is titled, "Experience the Season of Family and Friends." It is short and sweet and just full of just good ole fashion ideas of raising thankful kids and instilling gratitude. We know this time of year is can go by in a flash, and it is so easy to forget why we celebrate these special holidays. So we hope you will put down that holiday to-do list for just a moment to read this article and remember to give thanks.
Experience the season of family and friends.
Written by Susan Day
Raising Thankful Kids
While America toils in discontent, NOW is the time to remind ourselves what we should be thankful for: our lives, our health, our children. Yes, the economy is bad, but children don’t really understand these things. What they DO understand is Mom’s and Dad’s stress. Or that this year things aren’t quite as easy at home as they were in the past. Finding ways to raise thankful, empathetic children is harder than ever. But two easy steps you can take are in giving thanks audibly on a regular basis and in encouraging empathy. Learning to say, “Thank you,” comes from parents modeling this to their children. Empathy is a bit trickier. No matter how many sermons you give on “poor, starving children in the world” when your children don’t eat dinner, the quickest way to get kids to tune out is to lecture them on how they should feel. What we CAN do is encourage them to think about other people’s feelings. Steven Carr Reuben, Ph.D., author of Raising Ethical Children (Prima Lifestyles) says that in talking with children, it works best to ask them to respond to the question, “How would I like it if the situation were reversed?” Whether the issue is not bothering to write a thank you note to grandma for a birthday gift, or speaking rudely to a friend, asking, “How would you like it?” is a powerful question, far more effective than any parental pronouncement.
Instilling Gratitude ...
We live in a “me, me, me” society that makes it easy to get sucked into a black hole of thankless living, says Drew Leder, M.D., author of Games for the Soul: 40 Ways to Find Fun and Fulfillment in a Stressful World (Hyperion). Because of this, gratitude is counter cultural. For children to be grateful for what they have, parents need to begin early — as soon as verbal interaction begins — and continually reinforce it throughout adolescence. This is an ongoing operation that requires constant support and encouragement.
The bottom line, Leder says: Our children learn from everything we say and do. If we cheat, they’ll cheat. If we lie, they’ll lie. If we complain about all the things that we don’t have and choose to ignore what we do, then so will our children. Ingratitude is contagious and we risk raising ungrateful children if we’re not careful.
Experience the season of family and friends.
| Giving Thanks |  |  |  |
Written by Susan Day
Raising Thankful Kids
While America toils in discontent, NOW is the time to remind ourselves what we should be thankful for: our lives, our health, our children. Yes, the economy is bad, but children don’t really understand these things. What they DO understand is Mom’s and Dad’s stress. Or that this year things aren’t quite as easy at home as they were in the past. Finding ways to raise thankful, empathetic children is harder than ever. But two easy steps you can take are in giving thanks audibly on a regular basis and in encouraging empathy. Learning to say, “Thank you,” comes from parents modeling this to their children. Empathy is a bit trickier. No matter how many sermons you give on “poor, starving children in the world” when your children don’t eat dinner, the quickest way to get kids to tune out is to lecture them on how they should feel. What we CAN do is encourage them to think about other people’s feelings. Steven Carr Reuben, Ph.D., author of Raising Ethical Children (Prima Lifestyles) says that in talking with children, it works best to ask them to respond to the question, “How would I like it if the situation were reversed?” Whether the issue is not bothering to write a thank you note to grandma for a birthday gift, or speaking rudely to a friend, asking, “How would you like it?” is a powerful question, far more effective than any parental pronouncement.
Instilling Gratitude ...
We live in a “me, me, me” society that makes it easy to get sucked into a black hole of thankless living, says Drew Leder, M.D., author of Games for the Soul: 40 Ways to Find Fun and Fulfillment in a Stressful World (Hyperion). Because of this, gratitude is counter cultural. For children to be grateful for what they have, parents need to begin early — as soon as verbal interaction begins — and continually reinforce it throughout adolescence. This is an ongoing operation that requires constant support and encouragement.
The bottom line, Leder says: Our children learn from everything we say and do. If we cheat, they’ll cheat. If we lie, they’ll lie. If we complain about all the things that we don’t have and choose to ignore what we do, then so will our children. Ingratitude is contagious and we risk raising ungrateful children if we’re not careful.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Let's Get Messy!
Does your child immediately gravitate to the first mud puddle they see and make the biggest splash? Or if you have a mobile 1 year old that likes to dump the dog’s water bowl all over the nice clean floor or fling their food at you during dinner time? Oh yes! I am sure we have all been there and done that. So when you are just about to lose it, remember they are learning. I recently read an article that said kids learn to understand the world from what they see, touch and taste. So when they are playing with their food, they are discovering different textures. Then, when they are splashing through mud puddles or splashing water all over the walls in your bathroom, they are learning cause and effect. So why not join in! Let them experiment with the water in the bathroom. Get all different size containers for them to pour water into and different size and weight objects to discover float or sink. If they want to play with food, fill a Ziploc bag with pudding and let them squish it and for the older ones, you can practice “writing” their letters with their finger. Less mess, but fun!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Friday Fun Fact
Did you know....
Children laugh about 400 times a day, while adults laugh on average only
15 times a day.
Make sure you laugh today. It will make that 2 year old meltdown go away or whatever stress you may have. Then, if that doesn't work, indulge in some chocolate. Works everytime!
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