This tip I have learned by personal experience. When I taught 3-5 year olds we always liked to do crafts/ gifts for parents and such for holidays. They love it. I love looking at Baby G's hand and amazing how much it has already grown. Give a gift of a hand print to Grandparents too. They love them!
We have a paint your own pottery place in town and last year I put Gianna's hand print on everything. I do have to come up with new ideas, but hand prints are always a hit.
Some things to keep in mind:
If you have a wiggly toddler- strap them in the high chair first.
Have EVERYTHING ready before you begin. Extra paper, paint brush, LOTS of baby wipes with in hands reach, an apron for you, and a cover up on the clothes for the toddler.
Go fast.
Do one hand at a time. Paint it. Put it down. Move the paper. Clean hand . Repeat.
Expect to get dirty. Expect your toddler to get dirty.
When putting the hand down. Hold it firmly, and I usually put a finger in her hand to hold so I can place the heal down first and then move my fingers up as I put her fingers down.
It's OK to go back and touch up if a finger did not imprint all the way. (Use your own I won't tell!)
As much a possible try to kept the other hand out of the way. Give them something else to hold onto with the free hand.
Use these tips and you will have treasured artwork for years to come!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Toddler Tip
We only have a few days left in March. So our toddler tips will soon be drawing to an end. Only 5 left. I know you are all giddy with excitement.
So here is today's tip:
Subscribe to a magazine. Not Glamour or Cosmo. One of those parenting magazines.
They have lots of good ideas. Amazing ideas. And ideas that are fun.
I keep getting offers for free one issue, or less than a dollar an issue. I decided to use my fun money for a subscription and I really enjoy it. I got Parenting as a gift and I am now getting Parents combines with another subscription. My sis-on-law gave me Family Fun for Christmas. I enjoy them all.
I know that some are on a tight budget. And I am too. That's why I love subscriptions as a gift. I also trade with my friend around the corner. We get 2 or 3 or 4 subscriptions for the price of one. And we recycle the mag when we are done. I also have gone to the library and checked our magazines there, but my personal favorite is going on weekend afternoon to get some coffee at B&N to read some while John takes Gianna to the kid section.
So if you don't know of anyone who is going to give you a toddler tip of the day for the month of April you might want to go get a magazine!
So here is today's tip:
Subscribe to a magazine. Not Glamour or Cosmo. One of those parenting magazines.
They have lots of good ideas. Amazing ideas. And ideas that are fun.
I keep getting offers for free one issue, or less than a dollar an issue. I decided to use my fun money for a subscription and I really enjoy it. I got Parenting as a gift and I am now getting Parents combines with another subscription. My sis-on-law gave me Family Fun for Christmas. I enjoy them all.
I know that some are on a tight budget. And I am too. That's why I love subscriptions as a gift. I also trade with my friend around the corner. We get 2 or 3 or 4 subscriptions for the price of one. And we recycle the mag when we are done. I also have gone to the library and checked our magazines there, but my personal favorite is going on weekend afternoon to get some coffee at B&N to read some while John takes Gianna to the kid section.
So if you don't know of anyone who is going to give you a toddler tip of the day for the month of April you might want to go get a magazine!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Travel
We're back!
Today's toddler tip is pack some new toys for the trip. I dug out some toys from the back of the toy box and got a few new toys from the dollar section at Target. And we had a lot of "new" toys for Gianna to play with.
I also brought a few favorites so we were covered on all bases.
Today's toddler tip is pack some new toys for the trip. I dug out some toys from the back of the toy box and got a few new toys from the dollar section at Target. And we had a lot of "new" toys for Gianna to play with.
I also brought a few favorites so we were covered on all bases.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Travel Tip
We are leaving for a trip today. Now, John and I love to travel, but we have not done as much as we would have liked with a baby. I have some friends that can tell you all the ins and outs of toddler travel. Some suggest getting bulkheads, some getting on the plane at the last minute, and some are handing out ear plugs to your fellow travelers with a smile and a candy bar.
Some of the ladies in my play group have even rented baby gear in the place they are traveling.
My tip is this: If you can travel light- DO IT! We are going to visit friends who also have a baby. They already have a high chair so we don't need to bring our travel one. Nice- one less big bulky plastic thing to have to pack up. Now don't get me wrong. I would gladly pack the entire contents of my house if it meant and easier time with my toddler. But less plastic is always good!
Baby G also has a Lovey, that she well.. loves on when she sleeps. This is her comfort no matter where we are. So that's another thing we can borrow their- a pack 'n play.
So travel my dear friends, and travel light!
Some of the ladies in my play group have even rented baby gear in the place they are traveling.
My tip is this: If you can travel light- DO IT! We are going to visit friends who also have a baby. They already have a high chair so we don't need to bring our travel one. Nice- one less big bulky plastic thing to have to pack up. Now don't get me wrong. I would gladly pack the entire contents of my house if it meant and easier time with my toddler. But less plastic is always good!
Baby G also has a Lovey, that she well.. loves on when she sleeps. This is her comfort no matter where we are. So that's another thing we can borrow their- a pack 'n play.
So travel my dear friends, and travel light!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Tip of the Day
Today's tip is for the brave of heart.
Finger painting with pudding. That's right. Toddlers LOVE to put things in their mouth. So give them something safe to paint with. I actually did this once for my teacher evaluation. It went GREAT! The kids loved it, and it was funny to discover that yes, you can eat this paint.
Why is it for the brave of heart? Have you seen a toddler eat? And you would knowingly give them something that they will probably smear everywhere? Try vanilla instead of chocolate. Try during the summer- right before you let them cool off (wash off) in the pool! Try it in the bathtub to contain the mess. But try it- it's fun- I promise!
Finger painting with pudding. That's right. Toddlers LOVE to put things in their mouth. So give them something safe to paint with. I actually did this once for my teacher evaluation. It went GREAT! The kids loved it, and it was funny to discover that yes, you can eat this paint.
Why is it for the brave of heart? Have you seen a toddler eat? And you would knowingly give them something that they will probably smear everywhere? Try vanilla instead of chocolate. Try during the summer- right before you let them cool off (wash off) in the pool! Try it in the bathtub to contain the mess. But try it- it's fun- I promise!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
He is Risen...
He is Risen indeed!
I'm enjoying the quiet of our house after the bustle of friends over for Easter Brunch. We had a wonderful time eating, sharing family traditions, and of course an Easter Egg Hunt. We had an adult hunt too! I think the adults had more fun than the kids did.Today's hint is simple- plan activities around your toddlers nap schedule. Try not to schedule things in the middle of nap time, but before or after. They will be happier and so will you!
More fun photos of our day in Our Photo Albums link.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Making an Impact
I'm going to wait one more year for these cookies, but wanted to share with you an idea that I got from Jenny P last year:
To be made the evening before Easter
You need:
1 cup whole pecans 1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg white pinch salt
1 cup sugar zipper baggie
wooden spoon tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important-don't wait until you're half done with the recipe!)
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross. He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.
Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27.
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing.
Add 1 cup sugar.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
Read Matt. 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door
and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.
Read Matt. 27:65-66.
GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.
Read Matt. 28:1-9
Jenny C shared with me that she is making croissants with a marshmallow. It disappears when you make it and you can talk about Jesus' empty tomb.
Remember make it fun, make it hands on, and make it significant! And that will help our little ones to make it real for themselves.
To be made the evening before Easter
You need:
1 cup whole pecans 1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg white pinch salt
1 cup sugar zipper baggie
wooden spoon tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important-don't wait until you're half done with the recipe!)
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross. He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.
Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27.
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing.
Add 1 cup sugar.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
Read Matt. 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door
and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.
Read Matt. 27:65-66.
GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.
Read Matt. 28:1-9
Jenny C shared with me that she is making croissants with a marshmallow. It disappears when you make it and you can talk about Jesus' empty tomb.
Remember make it fun, make it hands on, and make it significant! And that will help our little ones to make it real for themselves.
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