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Friday Finds
@Tipnut: I'd love to try out this recipe for a this homemade kitchen hand scrub. It promises to remove stinky garlic odors!
@ParentDish: Seemingly-frugal-but-really-expensive mistakes that break your budget. Such common sense (which is probably why I've made more than one of these).
@My Little Gems: We've been alternating lovely weather and drizzle, so these great rainy day ideas and themed books really caught my eye!
@The {NewNew}: A recipe for recycling scrap paper into paintable beads (and a moldable paper material that I can think of plenty of other uses for!).
@The Unexpected: Amazingly wonderful idea for a dragon-themed set of lacing beads. Such a simple concept that could be adapted any number of ways!
@Pepper Paints: Can't wait to try this recipe for homemade poster paints. Now on the hunt for powdered tempera!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Baked Doughuts for a Rainy Day
Rainy days breed treats (cheap, delicious entertainment!) and this past weekend was no exception. I'd bookmarked a recipe for Baked Doughnuts on 101 Cookbooks some time ago (okay, more than a year ago), and finally got around to trying it out.
We mixed the dough up in our bread machine rather than hauling out the big Kitchen-Aid, but the kids were happy to do a little extra kneading by hand. The dough was lovely and smooth--perfect for punching out a whole pile of sweet little pillows. We used an actual doughnut cutter (more proof that I collect too much stuff), but large and small biscuit cutters would also work, or you can try shapes (as Jean at The Artful Parent did for this very recipe).
They rose one more time (make sure to cover them--if they dry out they won't rise enough and you get something resembling a doughnut-flavored cracker. Oops!) and baked for only 8-10 minutes. Just long enough to make a cup of tea.
We mixed the dough up in our bread machine rather than hauling out the big Kitchen-Aid, but the kids were happy to do a little extra kneading by hand. The dough was lovely and smooth--perfect for punching out a whole pile of sweet little pillows. We used an actual doughnut cutter (more proof that I collect too much stuff), but large and small biscuit cutters would also work, or you can try shapes (as Jean at The Artful Parent did for this very recipe).
They rose one more time (make sure to cover them--if they dry out they won't rise enough and you get something resembling a doughnut-flavored cracker. Oops!) and baked for only 8-10 minutes. Just long enough to make a cup of tea.
Stand-Up Spring Birdies
We had a lovely Easter--no houseguests, no parties, just a quiet rainy day inside, stuffing ourselves with chocolates. Of course, a rainy day calls for crafty goodness, so we came up with these silly little birds that stand up by themselves, but are a piece of cake to put together.
-Fold your choice of paper in half, transfer your design, and cut the bird out (you'll get two). I just held my tracing paper on top of my folded paper and cut through all three layers.
-On a bit of your folded paper, cut out a wing shape. Unfold into a double wing. Decorate the bird and his/her wings however you like.
-Unfold your paperclip a bit into a 'foot' for the bird. This picture shows you how, since I'm not quite sure how to explain:
Materials:
-paper (white or patterned, copy-weight or cardstock)
-paperclips
-googly eyes (optional)
Instructions:
-Acquire an image of a bird. You can draw one up, print out a silhouette from the web, or trace an image from a bird book, as we did (ours is a thrush!).
-Fold your choice of paper in half, transfer your design, and cut the bird out (you'll get two). I just held my tracing paper on top of my folded paper and cut through all three layers.
-On a bit of your folded paper, cut out a wing shape. Unfold into a double wing. Decorate the bird and his/her wings however you like.
-Unfold your paperclip a bit into a 'foot' for the bird. This picture shows you how, since I'm not quite sure how to explain:
-Glue the top part of the paperclip between the two layers of paper so that it's in the right spot to make it stand.
-After the bird shape is mostly dry you can cut a slit to slip the wing shape through and adjust the paperclip foot a bit to get it to stand up just the way you want.
-Lather, rinse, repeat! We put together a little chick and a, um, sparrow?
Friday Finds
I'm a little link-weary from Tuesday's Jamboree (yay, big success!!), but I have a few things this week that I can't help but share (before I get back to work on my secret blog things).
@Let's Explore: Daisy's into origami, although her fingers haven't quite caught up. These cute origami bunnies seem like just her speed.
@Whimsy Love: I knew that there must be a simpler method for DIY screenprints, and she found it!
@Adventures with Mimi: Create your own backyard bird buffet with snack-o's that you've got around your kitchen.
@This Little Project: Yummy little bird's nests for your pet Peep. Might be a bit of marshmallow overload (just kidding--can you really have too much marshmallow?)
@The Artful Parent: Wet-felted easter eggs. So simple and colorful, it's our Good Friday craft (since school is out!), and I'm sure the boy will really be into it.
@Painting Pink Pajamas: You know that we love clothespins, and I just adore this little clothespin gator. The possibilities are endless!
@Frugal Family Fun Blog: These field guides will be great for camping this summer. I'm thinking birds, footprints, other signs of wildlife? Will hopefully reduce whining at mile two.
@Craft Jr: Fun little Spring-y fingerpuppets made from crafty mainstays (I've got more pom-poms and googly eyes than I know what to do with, so this surely makes our project list!).
@Dollar Store Crafts: I also have plenty of stickers, and I know that the kids will love trying out this idea for sticker-resist dyed eggs. I see dino eggs in our future.
@Summer Sky: And we'd like to try dying our eggs with natural stuff this year (I mean to try this every year, but this one for sure, right?)
@Let's Explore: Daisy's into origami, although her fingers haven't quite caught up. These cute origami bunnies seem like just her speed.
@Whimsy Love: I knew that there must be a simpler method for DIY screenprints, and she found it!
@Adventures with Mimi: Create your own backyard bird buffet with snack-o's that you've got around your kitchen.
@This Little Project: Yummy little bird's nests for your pet Peep. Might be a bit of marshmallow overload (just kidding--can you really have too much marshmallow?)
@The Artful Parent: Wet-felted easter eggs. So simple and colorful, it's our Good Friday craft (since school is out!), and I'm sure the boy will really be into it.
@Painting Pink Pajamas: You know that we love clothespins, and I just adore this little clothespin gator. The possibilities are endless!
@Frugal Family Fun Blog: These field guides will be great for camping this summer. I'm thinking birds, footprints, other signs of wildlife? Will hopefully reduce whining at mile two.
@Craft Jr: Fun little Spring-y fingerpuppets made from crafty mainstays (I've got more pom-poms and googly eyes than I know what to do with, so this surely makes our project list!).
@Dollar Store Crafts: I also have plenty of stickers, and I know that the kids will love trying out this idea for sticker-resist dyed eggs. I see dino eggs in our future.
@Summer Sky: And we'd like to try dying our eggs with natural stuff this year (I mean to try this every year, but this one for sure, right?)
Kid-Craft Jamboree #1
Spring is such a great time of year with children and presents so many opportunities for having fun together! We all seem to be eager to escape our Winter cocoons, so I wasn't terribly surprised that Chrissie and I got so many entries for this, our first Kid-Craft Jamboree!
Kate at Picklebums shares instructions for putting together some lovely Easter Egg biscuits. "Loads of fun for little fingers to decorate and pretty good to eat too!"
Kat from Slugs on the Refrigerator posted about a mural she and her children created. "Harnessing a toddler's intense desire to paint with their whole body, this spring scene uses feet prints for bluebells and tulips, hands for tree leaves and a re-purposed painting for a kite." Fun!
Suzanne from Reverend Artist Mother offers up a Spring printable project. "I created nature and spring lacing cards for my preschooler. These are hand drawn images, 3 per sheet, which can be colored and created for sewing. The nature cards he's already told and re-told the transformation story of the butterfly. You can add the egg to the leaf drawn, and create your own chrysalis."
Jennifer at The Ramblings of a Crazy Woman created a funny little bunny out of an oatmeal container. Great for keeping your eggs safe!
Anjeanette from Roots and Wings Co offers a simple home decorating project to whip up with your little ones "A super easy and messy fun craft for you to do with your kids. Use paper plates and paint to create a bunny, chick and flower for Easter."
Karen For Your Inspiration This is a really easy craft/decoration for Easter. My daughter decorated craft foam-shaped eggs with foam stickers. I attached them to ribbon and hung as a garland on the mantel.
Mama King from 4 Crazy Kings Is Easter crazy with all the fun Spring crafts at her blog this month. I just love the bunny napkin rings, though! "A fun craft you and your kiddios can make to dress up the Easter table. Make bunny napkin rings using paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls, felt, scissors and some glue."
Caryn over at Smooch Designs shares a PDF downloadable "tutorial to make an Easter Bunny Chenille Softie out of scraps of fabric. An Easter Treat without the Calories!"
Karen at For Your Inspiration and her daughter dressed up their mantel with a great egg garland made from craft foam. Simple and cute!
Lynley with Save the Phillips offers up a great Easter painting craft for the youngest crafters! "My post details a craft where one can make and paint Easter eggs using paper plates, condensed milk, and food coloring."
Basia United Teaching is ready for Spring ! "In preparation for my theme on flowers and gardening, I have created a simple post on how to make scented home made play dough with essential oils."
Kira, who blogs over at the wonderful Tangarang, shares a pattern for a lovely Easter cone. "I wanted to create an easy alternative to an Easter basket; something that would work in multiples for favors for an Easter Brunch/Egg Hunt and could do double duty later as a little play purse for my daughter."
Chrissie offers up a fun project at flipflops and applesauce: Plant a paper garden on top of your head!
Jenn with Hostess with the Mostess makes the most of Spring themes with her "super easy terra cotta "Easter Baskets". Fun for an Easter table centerpiece! :)"
Katie at Katie's Nesting Spot shares a fun craft to go with the book Little Quack! They read together and created a book-inspired collage. "My 2.5 year old glued paper strips on independently and we made a handprint duck shape together." Thanks Katie :)
Jo, a good friend of kiddio, from A Bit Of This And A Bit Of That is sharing a sweet little downloadable PDF pattern to stitch up some easter chicks!
Michelle at Her Cup Overfloweth and her little one put together a "Spring chick collage using contruction paper, scissors, googlie eyes, and feathers (that's what spring chicks are made of, right?)"
Kendra from My Insanity Shares a favorite Spring treat of mine: "Edible Easter nests! Simple project for Easter dinner or decor."
Sarah from In Need of Chocolate posted about "the violet cupcakes we made to celebrate the first day of spring. I give recipes for the cupcakes and icing and directions for making them with icing flowers or real flowers on top." Such a lovely treat!
Liz at Kelley Family Blog shares a great way to upcycle: "spruce up your old plastic Easter eggs with Mod Podge and fabric scraps!" I loves me some Mod Podge!
Agnes from 3 O'clock Walk offers a technique for covering Eggs with beautiful paper. "In Japan, where the eggs originated from they are covered with thin Washi paper, but origami paper works just as well, which is what I used for the tutorial. Washi eggs are quite beautiful and an unexpected touch of Japanese culture for the Easter season!"
Lisa at Franny Kate's Creative State has been busy making "yummy Easter basket cupcakes using waffle cone bowls" and sharing a "tutorial for how to blow out Easter eggs to decorate for an Easter Egg Tree."
Deanna from Garnish, Deanna, Garnish! and her little one had fun strawberry picking, making jam, and strawberry fruit leather. What fun!
Becca and Bethany at Kids to Parents share a project for making "Spring daffodils using paper plates and egg cartons" with the little ones.
Chica and Jo over at Chica and Jo created "felt Easter egg sachets to hold small candies." I love these!
Colleen from CraftPad shares her picks for favorite bunny books for kids, including my favorite: The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by Dubose Heyward, plus a pattern for "simple Easter felt finger puppets. Perfect for Easter baskets or just for fun!"
Valerie at the Frugal Family Fun Blog offers her technique to "make sunflower prints with potato stampers!" I love the way that this turned out :)
Lynn with Chronicle of an Infant Bibliophile offers up an awesome post with "a list of 75 recommended Easter books for children. It was compiled by asking readers for their kids' favorite Easter books." Oh, how I love Gossie and Gertie!
Jen over at Creative and Curious Kids! shares a guest post at Parenting Pink on crafts to share with your daughter. She focuses on "the following crafts: Peek-a-boo chicks, Spring finger puppets, and Tissue Paper flower gardens."
Sarah at Create Studio has been spending a little extra time inside and made her "little guy his first Easter Basket. (Complete with a cotton tail!) I've posted a tutorial so you can make one for your little one too!" She also put together a little playhouse to entertain him on those Spring rainy days--I love the mail!
Patrizzia at iCreate has started a new Easter tradition with her daughter: Ressurection rolls! I love the story that goes with the recipe :)
Jedda at This Little Project shares her clever technique for making the cutest little "birds and nests to make for fun!"
Stephanie Dusty Bottom Acres - Stitch Ewe & Mike's Smite Shares a printable PDF pattern to whip up some felt Peeps! "My new obsession is felt food for my daughter to play with. I love marshmallow Peeps and really wanted to share the fun chicks with my baby."
Catherine at Gingham Cherry and her not-too-little daughter shares a tutorial for an AMAZING "Easter basket which I think gives great results and is relatively easy to do. A good craft for time together with the not so littlies."
Erica at Un rincón más del mundo virtual and her daughters created Easter baskets from empty cereal boxes and painted eggs in preparation for their Easter egg hunt!
Se7en and her brood have been busy, and they're sharing "a list of se7en easter craft ideas we did: all eggs and nests, some edible and some gift-able. All kid friendly!"
Katherine at OneInchWorld solved her disdain for plastic eggs by creating a pattern for "fillable fabric Easter eggs - less plastic in your life!" ...and I love the button!
Wow, I'm feeling so inspired, and excited about all of the fun new blogs I've found! Thanks to all the participants for sharing their posts and opening up their blogs to us, and make sure to pay a visit and leave a comment--tell them that you came from the Jamboree :)
Happy Easter!
Kat from Slugs on the Refrigerator posted about a mural she and her children created. "Harnessing a toddler's intense desire to paint with their whole body, this spring scene uses feet prints for bluebells and tulips, hands for tree leaves and a re-purposed painting for a kite." Fun!
Suzanne from Reverend Artist Mother offers up a Spring printable project. "I created nature and spring lacing cards for my preschooler. These are hand drawn images, 3 per sheet, which can be colored and created for sewing. The nature cards he's already told and re-told the transformation story of the butterfly. You can add the egg to the leaf drawn, and create your own chrysalis."
Jennifer at The Ramblings of a Crazy Woman created a funny little bunny out of an oatmeal container. Great for keeping your eggs safe!
Anjeanette from Roots and Wings Co offers a simple home decorating project to whip up with your little ones "A super easy and messy fun craft for you to do with your kids. Use paper plates and paint to create a bunny, chick and flower for Easter."
Karen For Your Inspiration This is a really easy craft/decoration for Easter. My daughter decorated craft foam-shaped eggs with foam stickers. I attached them to ribbon and hung as a garland on the mantel.
Mama King from 4 Crazy Kings Is Easter crazy with all the fun Spring crafts at her blog this month. I just love the bunny napkin rings, though! "A fun craft you and your kiddios can make to dress up the Easter table. Make bunny napkin rings using paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls, felt, scissors and some glue."
Caryn over at Smooch Designs shares a PDF downloadable "tutorial to make an Easter Bunny Chenille Softie out of scraps of fabric. An Easter Treat without the Calories!"
Karen at For Your Inspiration and her daughter dressed up their mantel with a great egg garland made from craft foam. Simple and cute!Lynley with Save the Phillips offers up a great Easter painting craft for the youngest crafters! "My post details a craft where one can make and paint Easter eggs using paper plates, condensed milk, and food coloring."
Basia United Teaching is ready for Spring ! "In preparation for my theme on flowers and gardening, I have created a simple post on how to make scented home made play dough with essential oils."
Kira, who blogs over at the wonderful Tangarang, shares a pattern for a lovely Easter cone. "I wanted to create an easy alternative to an Easter basket; something that would work in multiples for favors for an Easter Brunch/Egg Hunt and could do double duty later as a little play purse for my daughter."
Chrissie offers up a fun project at flipflops and applesauce: Plant a paper garden on top of your head!Jenn with Hostess with the Mostess makes the most of Spring themes with her "super easy terra cotta "Easter Baskets". Fun for an Easter table centerpiece! :)"
Katie at Katie's Nesting Spot shares a fun craft to go with the book Little Quack! They read together and created a book-inspired collage. "My 2.5 year old glued paper strips on independently and we made a handprint duck shape together." Thanks Katie :)
Jo, a good friend of kiddio, from A Bit Of This And A Bit Of That is sharing a sweet little downloadable PDF pattern to stitch up some easter chicks!
Michelle at Her Cup Overfloweth and her little one put together a "Spring chick collage using contruction paper, scissors, googlie eyes, and feathers (that's what spring chicks are made of, right?)"
Kendra from My Insanity Shares a favorite Spring treat of mine: "Edible Easter nests! Simple project for Easter dinner or decor."
Sarah from In Need of Chocolate posted about "the violet cupcakes we made to celebrate the first day of spring. I give recipes for the cupcakes and icing and directions for making them with icing flowers or real flowers on top." Such a lovely treat!Liz at Kelley Family Blog shares a great way to upcycle: "spruce up your old plastic Easter eggs with Mod Podge and fabric scraps!" I loves me some Mod Podge!
Agnes from 3 O'clock Walk offers a technique for covering Eggs with beautiful paper. "In Japan, where the eggs originated from they are covered with thin Washi paper, but origami paper works just as well, which is what I used for the tutorial. Washi eggs are quite beautiful and an unexpected touch of Japanese culture for the Easter season!"
Lisa at Franny Kate's Creative State has been busy making "yummy Easter basket cupcakes using waffle cone bowls" and sharing a "tutorial for how to blow out Easter eggs to decorate for an Easter Egg Tree."
Deanna from Garnish, Deanna, Garnish! and her little one had fun strawberry picking, making jam, and strawberry fruit leather. What fun!
Becca and Bethany at Kids to Parents share a project for making "Spring daffodils using paper plates and egg cartons" with the little ones.Chica and Jo over at Chica and Jo created "felt Easter egg sachets to hold small candies." I love these!
Colleen from CraftPad shares her picks for favorite bunny books for kids, including my favorite: The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by Dubose Heyward, plus a pattern for "simple Easter felt finger puppets. Perfect for Easter baskets or just for fun!"
Valerie at the Frugal Family Fun Blog offers her technique to "make sunflower prints with potato stampers!" I love the way that this turned out :)
Lynn with Chronicle of an Infant Bibliophile offers up an awesome post with "a list of 75 recommended Easter books for children. It was compiled by asking readers for their kids' favorite Easter books." Oh, how I love Gossie and Gertie!
Jen over at Creative and Curious Kids! shares a guest post at Parenting Pink on crafts to share with your daughter. She focuses on "the following crafts: Peek-a-boo chicks, Spring finger puppets, and Tissue Paper flower gardens."Sarah at Create Studio has been spending a little extra time inside and made her "little guy his first Easter Basket. (Complete with a cotton tail!) I've posted a tutorial so you can make one for your little one too!" She also put together a little playhouse to entertain him on those Spring rainy days--I love the mail!
Patrizzia at iCreate has started a new Easter tradition with her daughter: Ressurection rolls! I love the story that goes with the recipe :)
Jedda at This Little Project shares her clever technique for making the cutest little "birds and nests to make for fun!"
Stephanie Dusty Bottom Acres - Stitch Ewe & Mike's Smite Shares a printable PDF pattern to whip up some felt Peeps! "My new obsession is felt food for my daughter to play with. I love marshmallow Peeps and really wanted to share the fun chicks with my baby."
Catherine at Gingham Cherry and her not-too-little daughter shares a tutorial for an AMAZING "Easter basket which I think gives great results and is relatively easy to do. A good craft for time together with the not so littlies."
Erica at Un rincón más del mundo virtual and her daughters created Easter baskets from empty cereal boxes and painted eggs in preparation for their Easter egg hunt!
Se7en and her brood have been busy, and they're sharing "a list of se7en easter craft ideas we did: all eggs and nests, some edible and some gift-able. All kid friendly!"Katherine at OneInchWorld solved her disdain for plastic eggs by creating a pattern for "fillable fabric Easter eggs - less plastic in your life!" ...and I love the button!
Wow, I'm feeling so inspired, and excited about all of the fun new blogs I've found! Thanks to all the participants for sharing their posts and opening up their blogs to us, and make sure to pay a visit and leave a comment--tell them that you came from the Jamboree :)
Happy Easter!
Hatch a Brood of Pecking Chicks
In spite of a bit of snow (rather than the full-force blizzard we were promised), we're still feeling the Spring love. Bring a little Spring to your craft table with these simple pecking chicks!
Cut circles of cardstock in various sizes (I used my circle cutter
, but they don't need to be perfect...you can even use paper plates for a larger chick), and fold in half. We used markers, googly eyes, and feathers to decorate ours. Set them on a flat surface and bob their nose down to set them pecking!
Daisy was concerned that they have a place to sleep and a nice place to scratch so she made this chick a little home. The other baby chicks have yet to hatch (see the pretty blue eggs in the nest?), but I'm sure we'll be adding plenty more babies our brood this Spring!
Tune in tomorrow for the Jamboree!
Cut circles of cardstock in various sizes (I used my circle cutter
, but they don't need to be perfect...you can even use paper plates for a larger chick), and fold in half. We used markers, googly eyes, and feathers to decorate ours. Set them on a flat surface and bob their nose down to set them pecking!
Daisy was concerned that they have a place to sleep and a nice place to scratch so she made this chick a little home. The other baby chicks have yet to hatch (see the pretty blue eggs in the nest?), but I'm sure we'll be adding plenty more babies our brood this Spring!
Tune in tomorrow for the Jamboree!
Friday Finds
I'm working feverishly (and with feverish children, to boot) behind the scenes to get the Jamboree together (are you in, or are you out?) and to get my move over to WordPress, er, moving, so for this week's Finds I'm sharing my revised blogroll.
I currently have 167 blogs in my feed reader, some fantastic, a few that I might ought to drop, but I consolidated that hot mess into a pretty little list to share with you all (before I blow this whole thing up!). There are some great finds to be had, so go check them out!
kid craftiness:
foodie:
mom-blogs:
sharers of great links:
homeschooly:
Have fun!
I currently have 167 blogs in my feed reader, some fantastic, a few that I might ought to drop, but I consolidated that hot mess into a pretty little list to share with you all (before I blow this whole thing up!). There are some great finds to be had, so go check them out!
kid craftiness:
- Plum Pudding
- Grace Violet
- Little Birdie Secrets
- My House Boutique
- Zakka Life
- Moopy & Me
- The Artful Parent
- Let's Explore
- Flipflops and Applesauce
- Weelife
- Skip to My Lou
- Art Projects for Kids
- Make and Takes
- Frugal Family Fun
- Whimsy Love
- Tangarang
- Katie Did
foodie:
mom-blogs:
sharers of great links:
homeschooly:
Have fun!
Jamboree #1 Update!
You peeps are amazing! There are more than 25 entries so far, and they just keep rollin' in. Chrissie and I extended the deadline a bit (to Friday) to give you a bit more time, and the Jamboree post will appear on Tuesday of next week (since I totally botched the date in the original post--I fixed it now, though :).
xo, Amanda
(p.s. on a side note, if my blog starts acting all funny it's because I'm in the process of working on planning to make a move to WordPress. I'll do my best to keep out of your way, but I'm so excited about the new possibilities and the cool blog features I'll be able to bring you, my amazingly awesome, ego-boosting readers!)
Another Must-Read Parenting Book
A couple of months ago I put a fair bit of research into my awesome list of favorite discipline/parenting books, and in the course of putting it together came up with a few more books to check out. A couple weren't so great, but one has totally changed the way I relate to my middle child.
Seriously. Initially, I picked this book up because I just didn't believe that I could "Have a New Kid by Friday." I was so wrong.
With our oldest (daughter), Love and Logic
worked so perfectly that I couldn't see a need for anything else and just assumed that every kid would respond well to the reasoning and such that this method recommends. Our son quickly showed us that we were way off base. He would become so mad/frustrated/embarrassed that he didn't seem to be listening to our "reasoning" and we would drone on about this and that before "disciplining" him. The fit would continue, power struggle would ensue, and our mediocre parenting would immediately bite us in the butt. Big fail. By the time he was three he was pretty much in control (although we still presumed ourselves to be). Double fail.
Have a New Kid by Friday puts in to practice some very Love and Logic-like principles (like natural consequences), but adds a few simple rules (which is EXACTLY what I need--rules to follow!) such as my new favorite:
Say it once, turn your back, and walk away.
One of the problems we were having was that we just didn't think that he got what we were saying so we would explain it thirty ways from Sunday, allowing the struggle to continue and the fit to escalate. By following this rule you take the wind out of his sails and regain control.
There are a few more simple guidelines in the first few chapters of the book (each of which has been highly effective and left me feeling so much calmer and more in control as a parent), but the real meat is the second two-thirds. Dr Leman covers every conceivable topic, from bedwetting (don't make it a big deal, be mildly sympathetic, clean up and move on) and grocery shopping (don't offer treats as a reward for good behavior...of which I'm hugely guilty) to temper tantrums (yup, say it once, turn your back, and walk away) and whining (remove the offender to a place where he/she can whine without bothering you) with simple, easy to implement guidelines.
Since we started, Scout has become infinitely more polite (most requests now begin with 'excuse me' and include 'please' and 'when you're done'...I never thought that we could get that far in such a short amount of time), kinder to his sisters ('I'm sorry, are you okay?') and has nearly quit making his ugly 'I'm mad at you' face at me. Thank goodness.
What's your favorite parenting rule of thumb? Now that I've mastered "say it once, turn your back, and walk away" I'm ready to add to my repertoire :)
Seriously. Initially, I picked this book up because I just didn't believe that I could "Have a New Kid by Friday." I was so wrong.
With our oldest (daughter), Love and Logic
worked so perfectly that I couldn't see a need for anything else and just assumed that every kid would respond well to the reasoning and such that this method recommends. Our son quickly showed us that we were way off base. He would become so mad/frustrated/embarrassed that he didn't seem to be listening to our "reasoning" and we would drone on about this and that before "disciplining" him. The fit would continue, power struggle would ensue, and our mediocre parenting would immediately bite us in the butt. Big fail. By the time he was three he was pretty much in control (although we still presumed ourselves to be). Double fail. Have a New Kid by Friday puts in to practice some very Love and Logic-like principles (like natural consequences), but adds a few simple rules (which is EXACTLY what I need--rules to follow!) such as my new favorite:
Say it once, turn your back, and walk away.
One of the problems we were having was that we just didn't think that he got what we were saying so we would explain it thirty ways from Sunday, allowing the struggle to continue and the fit to escalate. By following this rule you take the wind out of his sails and regain control.
There are a few more simple guidelines in the first few chapters of the book (each of which has been highly effective and left me feeling so much calmer and more in control as a parent), but the real meat is the second two-thirds. Dr Leman covers every conceivable topic, from bedwetting (don't make it a big deal, be mildly sympathetic, clean up and move on) and grocery shopping (don't offer treats as a reward for good behavior...of which I'm hugely guilty) to temper tantrums (yup, say it once, turn your back, and walk away) and whining (remove the offender to a place where he/she can whine without bothering you) with simple, easy to implement guidelines.
Since we started, Scout has become infinitely more polite (most requests now begin with 'excuse me' and include 'please' and 'when you're done'...I never thought that we could get that far in such a short amount of time), kinder to his sisters ('I'm sorry, are you okay?') and has nearly quit making his ugly 'I'm mad at you' face at me. Thank goodness.
What's your favorite parenting rule of thumb? Now that I've mastered "say it once, turn your back, and walk away" I'm ready to add to my repertoire :)
A Craft a Day in April
I've felt a bit like I lost my crafting mojo lately among all the dishes and laundry, and I was inspired by Jean over at the Artful Parent to plan an activity a day for the month of April*. Jean's ideas all sounded like such fun and just what I needed great way to really re-engage with the kids after a long winter. Admittedly, we may well not complete every activity on the expected day or even finish quite all of them this month, but we'll have a good time trying! (image via mesh2)
1 - Pop-up birthday cards for Daddio
2 - Fingerprint bunnies
3 - Paper birds
*
6 - Bunny craft
7 - Pecking hens
8 - Potato print chicks
9 - Jellybean necklace
10 - Springtime crayon resist
*
13 - Kids' address book
14 - Stationery set for Daisy
15 - Ribbon hair bows
16 - Folding letters
17 - Tissue paper flower pictures
*
20 - Rain gauge
21 - Garden craft
22 - Playdough nests
23 - T-rex sponge prints
24 - Felt flowers
*
27 - Tissue overlay flowers
28 - Splatter dino eggs
29 - Make pretzels
30 - Chirpy chick drawings
*except for the weekend, since that's our time with daddio and he has his own crafty plans!
What are your plans for April?
Friday Finds: Stuck Under 18" of Snow!
Thursday brought a wonderful early-Spring blizzard (much needed--the weather's been so nice we haven't been able to stay inside!), 18" of blowing snow, beef stew, house+made doughnuts, puzzles, and books. Such fun. All the kid-fun really wore me out (or maybe it was the cocoa drinking?) so I'm keeping it short this week. Or trying to :)
I'd love to see what you've been up to! Share a link to a recent 'finds' or link post, or another recent post that you'd like to share. I can't wait to check them out!
@Joy's Hope: Love this way to make boring, old, or otherwise unappealing hand-me-down shoes fun and sparkly. I may do this for myself! I mean, for my children!
@Write Start: Fun quill-pencils make writing fun (and easier than trying to use an actual quill!)
@Jan Brett: We're all enjoying the Jan Brett/Hedgie printables lately.
@See the Woods and Trees: This is the most creative use for catalogs I've ever seen! Cut, collage, and make a dollhouse (I especially love the clothesline :)
@Trey and Lucy: We love bandannas (or 'hankies' as they're known 'round these parts) and this bandanna dress is so cute!
@Lovely Design: I adore these beautiful books for children, with such wonderful instructions.
@Whimsy Love: I have so many of these chenille stems, I can't wait to use them up with this fun little project...princess tiaras!
@Chasing Cheerios: We love to play Haba's 'Zitternix' game (a.k.a. 'Keep it Steady'). Chasing Cheerios has a great DIY version.
@Simple Green Frugal Co-op: An interesting post on children and the pressure to buy--something I've been thinking about quite a bit lately.
@Let's Explore: Love these little mini-clipboards! Definitely making some to add to our nature kit.
@Balancing Everything: I always enjoy this blog, and especially liked this idea for letter practice.
@Second Story: Audible.com has three free kids' audio books for download. Second Story has the details.
Have a great weekend!
I'd love to see what you've been up to! Share a link to a recent 'finds' or link post, or another recent post that you'd like to share. I can't wait to check them out!
@Joy's Hope: Love this way to make boring, old, or otherwise unappealing hand-me-down shoes fun and sparkly. I may do this for myself! I mean, for my children!
@Write Start: Fun quill-pencils make writing fun (and easier than trying to use an actual quill!)
@Jan Brett: We're all enjoying the Jan Brett/Hedgie printables lately.
@See the Woods and Trees: This is the most creative use for catalogs I've ever seen! Cut, collage, and make a dollhouse (I especially love the clothesline :)
@Trey and Lucy: We love bandannas (or 'hankies' as they're known 'round these parts) and this bandanna dress is so cute!
@Lovely Design: I adore these beautiful books for children, with such wonderful instructions.
@Whimsy Love: I have so many of these chenille stems, I can't wait to use them up with this fun little project...princess tiaras!
@Chasing Cheerios: We love to play Haba's 'Zitternix' game (a.k.a. 'Keep it Steady'). Chasing Cheerios has a great DIY version.
@Simple Green Frugal Co-op: An interesting post on children and the pressure to buy--something I've been thinking about quite a bit lately.
@Let's Explore: Love these little mini-clipboards! Definitely making some to add to our nature kit.
@Balancing Everything: I always enjoy this blog, and especially liked this idea for letter practice.
@Second Story: Audible.com has three free kids' audio books for download. Second Story has the details.
Have a great weekend!
Announcing the Kid Craft Jamboree!
I love reading about all of the creative projects we parents in the blog world share with their kids. It never fails to inspire me when I'm not really feeling up to the challenge of motherhood and so enriches the time that I have with my little ones. I am so grateful to be a part of this community of wonderful moms and dads and their creative children. If you're here and reading this, I suspect that you feel much the same way, and are always on the lookout for something new and fun!
Chrissie from Flipflops and Applesauce and I are super-excited to announce that we're getting together as your hostesses for an ongoing blog carnival (I'm not so into the 'carnival' thing, so I vote we go with jamboree! hooray!) to bring together the crafty parenting-blogs' seasonal ideas every month or so.
How to participate:
The first edition of the Jamboree will be published on Kiddio April 7 (the Tuesday before Easter) and will feature links to the submitted blogs and a little rundown on each post. May's carnival will be at Flipflops and Applesauce!
So get crafting!
(We're open to accepting all entries so long as they conform to the theme, are hosted on a 'blog,' and aren't spammy or somehow questionable. Thanks!)
Chrissie from Flipflops and Applesauce and I are super-excited to announce that we're getting together as your hostesses for an ongoing blog carnival (I'm not so into the 'carnival' thing, so I vote we go with jamboree! hooray!) to bring together the crafty parenting-blogs' seasonal ideas every month or so.
How to participate:
- Share a post with a Springy/Easter-themed project/activity/craft/recipe on your blog (you may already have published it!). We can't wait to hear about it!
- Visit the sign-up form and submit your information to be posted in the Jamboree. Make sure to submit by April 5 to give us time to review the entries and put the Jamboree post together.
- Share a link back to the carnival with our button or a post on your blog!
The first edition of the Jamboree will be published on Kiddio April 7 (the Tuesday before Easter) and will feature links to the submitted blogs and a little rundown on each post. May's carnival will be at Flipflops and Applesauce!
So get crafting!
(We're open to accepting all entries so long as they conform to the theme, are hosted on a 'blog,' and aren't spammy or somehow questionable. Thanks!)
Tell Me Tuesday: What's for Breakfast?
I love breakfast cereal...but not for breakfast. While it makes for a nice midday snack or fulfills my bedtime munchies, all those carbs just aren't enough to keep me going all day. During the week we eat a lot of oatmeal (I love mine with butter, bananas, and a sprinkle of brown sugar, the kids like their toppings served in a condiment cup), with an occasional scrambled or soft-boiled egg, or french toast thrown in.
Daddio's on weekend breakfast duty and fancies it up with a batch of sourdough pancakes or waffles, a big omelet, or scrambled eggs and scones.
What's on your breakfast menu?
Daddio's on weekend breakfast duty and fancies it up with a batch of sourdough pancakes or waffles, a big omelet, or scrambled eggs and scones.
What's on your breakfast menu?
Signs of Spring
We're feeling much, much better, and thank you all so much for your kind comments and emails. The week of recovery gave us a little extra bit of quiet time and some much-needed peace.
Friday, though, the weather was so lovely and the kids so stir-crazy that after lunch we packed up and headed to the mountains for an early-Spring hike and a search for the earliest signs of Spring that we could spy. The children sought them out and I snapped a photo (with better planning there might've been a journal and some colored pencils, but this was so last-minute that we forgot the doggie's leash!)
First, we found a trail with plenty of big trees and blue sky. (for locals, we went up to Elk Meadow in Evergreen and parked at the trailhead across from the dog park)
We found baby trees...
...and new daisies.
A cocoon waiting for warmer weather....
...and a centipede sunning herself on a very, very big rock.
My find was the oozy sap on a Ponderosa Pine (if you look back at the first photo you can see Daisy checking for the telltale butterscotch scent...yummy!).
And, of course, what is Spring without new sandals, already scuffed-up and dirty from a good, two-mile hike? (taken at one mile per hour!)
How is your family enjoying the change of season?
Friday, though, the weather was so lovely and the kids so stir-crazy that after lunch we packed up and headed to the mountains for an early-Spring hike and a search for the earliest signs of Spring that we could spy. The children sought them out and I snapped a photo (with better planning there might've been a journal and some colored pencils, but this was so last-minute that we forgot the doggie's leash!)
First, we found a trail with plenty of big trees and blue sky. (for locals, we went up to Elk Meadow in Evergreen and parked at the trailhead across from the dog park)
We found baby trees...
...and new daisies.
A cocoon waiting for warmer weather....
...and a centipede sunning herself on a very, very big rock.
My find was the oozy sap on a Ponderosa Pine (if you look back at the first photo you can see Daisy checking for the telltale butterscotch scent...yummy!).
And, of course, what is Spring without new sandals, already scuffed-up and dirty from a good, two-mile hike? (taken at one mile per hour!)
How is your family enjoying the change of season?
Some unpleasant strain of influenza is slowly making its way through each one of us and I'm wiped out from trying to take care of everyone (thankfully I got it at the beginning, but it was a nasty bug and I'm still recovering!). I'll definitely be back with a post on Friday, but I'm lying low this week :)
xo, amanda
xo, amanda
Friday Finds
I'm so excited to share my finds this week, but even more excited to hear about yours! If you've posted any links on your blog this week, please share a link so we can see what you've discovered, and if you're blog-free but have something fun to share leave a comment. I can't wait to see the goodies you have to contribute!
@Cottage Industrialist: Love this math-y memory game. Such a simple idea and adaptable to so many skill levels!
@Restoration Place: Great idea for a handwashing lesson. My kids wash their hands, but they just. don't. get. it. I think that this wonderfully visual example is just what we need!
@maya*made: More on stamping with kids. We love this foam stamp idea, and have used it many times, but not in big groups...how clever!
@The Long Thread: A lovely way to adorn a tote with a favorite piece of child's artwork.
@This Little Project: Jedda has a fantastic way to organize and corral your child's collection of art supplies. I just love this solution!
@Katie's Nesting Spot: A fun way to put a bit of math and counting into lunch. What fun :)
@Our Big Earth: Love this robot costume, and the boy-craftiness about it (although I know plenty of girls who would love this too!)
@A Bit of This and A Bit of That: What a fun way to create marbleized paper with supplies you already have. Lovely work!
@Make and Takes: Fun idea to craft up a little pot of gold and a rainbow for the little leprechauns in your family.
@Mrs. D. Lightful: What an unspeakably fantastic idea! Jelly bean bracelets!
@Scribbit: Also on the boy-front, Michelle shares her favorite read-aloud books for boys.
@Oliebollen: Has a fun printable solar system mobile to assemble, along with fun Pluto-related facts to share with the kids and plenty of other silliness!
@A Friend to Knit With: I love these yarn bowls created papier-mache-style around a balloon form.
@Five Minutes for Books: We all enjoy the "What Makes a Rainbow" board book (at least I did the first jazillion times) , and what a fun little activity to go with it!
@Inchmark: Fantastic idea for handmade birthday cards for kids. Includes candy, which should please any child (especially my sugar-deprived ones!)
@Happythings: One of our favorite all-time snacks, peanut butter balls (a.k.a. energy balls, since all that protein really keeps you going!
Have a fantastic weekend!
@Cottage Industrialist: Love this math-y memory game. Such a simple idea and adaptable to so many skill levels!
@Restoration Place: Great idea for a handwashing lesson. My kids wash their hands, but they just. don't. get. it. I think that this wonderfully visual example is just what we need!
@maya*made: More on stamping with kids. We love this foam stamp idea, and have used it many times, but not in big groups...how clever!
@The Long Thread: A lovely way to adorn a tote with a favorite piece of child's artwork.
@This Little Project: Jedda has a fantastic way to organize and corral your child's collection of art supplies. I just love this solution!
@Katie's Nesting Spot: A fun way to put a bit of math and counting into lunch. What fun :)
@Our Big Earth: Love this robot costume, and the boy-craftiness about it (although I know plenty of girls who would love this too!)
@A Bit of This and A Bit of That: What a fun way to create marbleized paper with supplies you already have. Lovely work!
@Make and Takes: Fun idea to craft up a little pot of gold and a rainbow for the little leprechauns in your family.
@Mrs. D. Lightful: What an unspeakably fantastic idea! Jelly bean bracelets!
@Scribbit: Also on the boy-front, Michelle shares her favorite read-aloud books for boys.
@Oliebollen: Has a fun printable solar system mobile to assemble, along with fun Pluto-related facts to share with the kids and plenty of other silliness!
@A Friend to Knit With: I love these yarn bowls created papier-mache-style around a balloon form.
@Five Minutes for Books: We all enjoy the "What Makes a Rainbow" board book (at least I did the first jazillion times) , and what a fun little activity to go with it!
@Inchmark: Fantastic idea for handmade birthday cards for kids. Includes candy, which should please any child (especially my sugar-deprived ones!)
@Happythings: One of our favorite all-time snacks, peanut butter balls (a.k.a. energy balls, since all that protein really keeps you going!
Have a fantastic weekend!
Nine No-Fail Ideas to Keep a Toddler Happy in the Car
In the past few weeks our youngest (16 months) has gone from being a happy little traveler to being a rolling whiner. From the moment she realizes that the car ride is coming she stiffens up and fusses. After fifteen minutes in the car she starts to really get mad (the twice-daily rountrip to school is 20 minutes, mind you), and forget about anything longer--it's just not worth the bother. So here they are, my top nine ways to keep the littlest one happy in the car:
- Crank up the radio, and sing along. Sorry NPR, babies don't like you. Anything with some good rhythm and melody seems to work for us. The singing is a requirement.
- Make sure that the seat is adjusted comfortably. I realized a few weeks ago that she was reclined a bit more than she liked, meaning that she had to hold her head up to see her hands. Vewy fwustwating.
- Double check the diaper. I also realized that after-school pickup came right before her usual change and the wetness was irritating. Changing before the ride made for a marked improvement.
- One word: snacks. I like the Gerber fruit puffs in a spill-proof snack cup
.
- Small board books...I mean, really small--toddler's hands small. Our copy of Maisy's Favorite Animals
has been worn out by three sets of hands, but is beloved by all!
- Play 'what's in the sock?' This one works remarkably well. Put a baby toy, finger puppet, or other safe object in a sock (or wrap it in a bandanna) then have your child work to get it out.
- Provide three or more things to play with, preferably ones that haven't been too played with.
- Take off the poor kid's shoes and socks. Sweet pea can get really worked up trying to get hers off and those toes are just too succulent to leave alone!
- And if all else fails, a sucker. We like dum-dums, but saf-t-pops (with the looped handle) are probably safer (she says guiltily!).
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