Fall is a great time to collect “things” from outside and use them for learning activities. You can also turn this into a race to get your kids moving.  Example: “Who can collect a red, orange, yellow, brown, and green leaf first?” Or you can turn your backyard into an obstacle course and while your kids are going through it, they can collect leaves for activities later.  Leaves are a great resource to teach your littles about seasonal changes, colors, and fine motor skills (picking up the leaves with their pinchers).  Below is a list of fun leaf activities to do with your kids!

1. Leaf sensory bin- this can include leaves, pine cones, kernels of corn, acorns and anything else you  might find in the back yard!
2. Sorting leaves- sort leaves by color (red, orange, yellow, brown, and green)
3. Leaf Wreath- create a wreath using leaves
4. Leaf matching game- glue leaves on white paper or card stock and cut out. Make sure each leaf has a pair ( similar color and shape) and ask your kids to find the  matching leaves.
5. Make leaf creatures.  Use different leaves to create animals on paper.
6. Leaf rubbings

These activities are all hands on and allow your kids to learn while having fun.  If you don’t have leaves where you live you can go to a local park to collect them.

Let’s be real…parenting can be very hard and sometimes stressful.  Juggling work, family, chores, cooking and whatever else is on your plate can be overwhelming. You need time to catch your breath and renew your mind.  Here are a few ways to take a step back and refocus your attention on what really matters…your family.

1. Wake up a few minutes earlier than normal.  Take some time to read, breathe, or exercise.  This will help you start your day off on the right foot!
2. Plan a time to play with your kids every day.  Whether it is five minutes or an hour, playing with your kids will strengthen your bond and allow you to “unplug” from the daily demands of your world.
3. Make a daily to-do list.  This can be for you and your kids.  Distributing chores and tasks will help your kids learn about responsibility and teamwork.  It will also take pressure off of you to get everything done yourself.  Check out our previous blogs about age appropriate chores to get some good ideas!
4. Call, email, text, or meet a friend/family member.  Having positive social connections outside of your immediate family will allow you to seek advice and ideas from people who truly care about you and your kids.
5. Develop positive self-talk.  If we want our kids to have a positive self-image when they are older, it has to start with us now.  Get rid of phrases like “I can’t do this” and “no matter how hard I try, I keep failing.” Start saying things like “I am enough” and “I will try my best.”  Remember, your kids learn from you every moment you are around them.  Let them learn about having a positive self-image not a negative one.

No matter what the world may tell you, you are enough and you are here for a reason.  When life gets messy and you can barely keep your head afloat,  keep your eyes on the main goal: loving and raising your children well. You can do this!

 

Teaching your kids to do chores at a young age helps them develop responsibility and life long habits.  Chores do not have to be boring and tedious. Make a list of chores and ask your kids which ones they would like to do.  If two kids want to do the same chore, you can let them pair up and complete the chore together.  This teaches them how to be a good team player! You can also motivate your kids with a chore/sticker chart or a special reward at the end of the week.  Kids are more willing to work hard if they are working towards something.  Here is a list of age appropriate chores:

2-3 years:

• Begin dressing themselves
• Help make bed
• Bring in newspaper
• Pick up toys
• Carry dishes to the sink
• Deliver laundry
• Make their bed
• Help wipe up spills
• Sweep porch
• Pick up sticks
• Pull weeds
• Match socks
• Help put groceries away

4-5 years:

• Dry dishes
• Clear the table after meals
• Put groceries away
• Set the table
• Rake leaves
• Water plants
• Sort laundry
• Bring in mail
• Clean out car
• Take trash out (bathroom and bedroom trash)
• Put away their clothes
• Help load dishwasher
• Sweep floor
• Wash floor
• Organize toys
• Help declutter
• Load grocery cart and bag groceries

Every family is different so your list of chores will probably look different than ours.  Remember, you will have to show your kids how to do their chores possibly several times before they are able to complete the task by themselves.  If your kids are hesitant to help, you can make a game out of doing chores by timing them.  This should get them moving!

 

 

Having a set schedule or routine can benefit your family in many ways.  Most kids (and adults) thrive on “knowing” what comes next. Schedules and routines provide a sense of security for young kids.  They also help kids develop self-discipline and self-confidence because they are completing tasks on their own (or trying to). Creating a family schedule/routine will depend on the ages of your kids.  Hold a family meeting and ask your kids what types of things they need to do when they wake up and what to do before they go to bed.  Asking their input will encourage them to stick to the schedule because they helped plan it! Although schedules and routines are extremely helpful, it’s good to remember that life happens sometimes.  There will be days that stuff comes up and that is OKAY.  Talk to your kids before their schedule changes.  This will help eliminate any behaviors due to being out of their routine.  Listed below is a schedule of our “typical” day as a family of eight.

7:30- Kids wake up and get dressed

8:00- Breakfast and brush teeth

8:30- Educational activities- books, puzzles, nursery rhymes, writing

9:30- Free play/outside

11:00- Lunch

11:30- Nap

1:30/2:00- Wake up and snack

2:00-3:30- Free Play/Outside

3:30- Table Activity- coloring, reading, Legos, Play-Doh

5:00- Prepare dinner

5:00- Kids play in their rooms

6:00- Dinner

6:30- Kitchen clean up and baths

7:00- Reading as a family

7:30- T.V.

8:00- Brush teeth and bedtime

Remember, your schedule is based upon your families’ needs.  What works for your family might not work for another family.  Keep an open mind and be flexible when planning your schedule/routine.  Have a great day:)

 

 

Summer is the perfect time to go exploring at your local lake/beach.  Most lakes have a public lake access that people can use. My kids love going to our local lakes and beaches.  Sand and water are the perfect mix for fun and learning.  Listed below are a few activities to do with your kids at the beach this summer.

1. Feel and talk about the texture of sand compared to the texture of water.
2. Encourage your kids to build a town in the sand. (You can get buckets and shovels at your local Dollar Tree)
3. Collect rocks or shells to turn into artwork at home.
4. Ask your preschooler to practice writing his/her name in the sand using a stick.
5. Show your baby/toddler how to scoop water and sand into a bucket.
6. Have a picnic on the beach.

The beach is a great way to allow your kids to explore and learn about nature.  But don’t forget to teach your kids about water and sun safety before you go.  Have a great day and enjoy this summer sunshine:)