Next time you open the fridge and your toddler says “Juice!” you might respond by saying something like “Would you like some apple juice? I’ll pour a glass of apple juice for each of us!”  If you keep your words just a little more advanced than your child’s language, you’ll challenge him to continue learning.  Try stretching your children to learn a few words that may, at first, seem above their ability.  For example:  That wet stuff on the car window?  It’s “condensation.”

It is so easy to become distracted on the Fourth of July with good food and fireworks!  Talk to your kids about the real reason we celebrate the Fourth of July.  You can teach your kids kindness by thanking someone who has served for our country.  If you have younger kids, describe the Fourth of July as the nation’s birthday.  Have a safe and fun day!

Pick child-powered not battery-powered.

 

Instead of….Battery operated toys for babies

Try this….Baby-operated rattles and other toys that make sound when moved.

 

Instead of….Videos or computer games

Try this….A gift certificate for the family to visit the zoo, science center or museum.

 

Instead of….A plastic battery powered vacuum cleaner that talks

Try this….A child-sized broom and feather duster.

 

Instead of….Noisy, battery operated cars, trucks and dolls

Try this….Cars, trucks, and dolls where the energy and sound effects are supplied by your child!

This DIY chalk paint is easy to make and easy to clean up.  You need one or two muffin tins, paint brushes (you can get these at your local dollar store) cornstarch, water, and food coloring.  The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of cornstarch and 1 1/2 cups of water.  Mix it all together and divide into muffin tins.  Once divided you can add food coloring.  Kids can practice painting their ABC’s, numbers, shapes, words, names, etc…..  Get creative!

Water scrabble is a great activity for you to play with your kids.  You need sponges, scissors, and a sharpie marker.  Cut up the sponges and write one letter on each piece of sponge.  When you are finished with the sponges, throw them in the water (small pool, large pool, or a tub) and ask your kids to retrieve each letter one by one.  When all the sponges have been retrieved, ask your kids to make a word using the sponges (which would be on dry land).  If your kids are younger, you can ask them to say what the letters are on each sponge.