With Valentine’s Day behind us, sometimes we can forget about showing love to our kids on a daily basis in tangible ways. Here are some easy ways to do that!
Source: blogs.babble.com via Beverly on Pinterest
Foster Creativity
“Genuinely embrace their creativity – even if it doesn’t fit your definition of creativity. If it is drumming, give them the opportunity to play. If it is art or poetry, give them the tools they need to exercise that. Expressing their creativity is an expression of who they are. If we deny them that, we deny them the opportunity to grow into their own person.” – 12 Most
Go on “Dates” with Your Kids
“Going out for frozen yogurt at those popular FroYo bars is fun. Adding your toppings is so much fun. This is a perfect date night activity with your daughter. Going out for ice cream would be fun too. For some reason, you feel less guilty about eating frozen yogurt.” – Long Wait for Isabella
“If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.” – From Dates to Diapers
Eat Dessert for Breakfast. Just Because You Can.
Send Fun/Funny/Seasonal Foods in Their Lunches.
Source: weheartit.com via Renée on Pinterest
Celebrate a Weird Holiday.
March 10 is “Middle Name Pride” Day. February 27 is “Polar Bear Day”! (Ideas for polar bear books and activities.)
“What could be better than Fairy Tale Day? Once upon a time there was Fairy Tale Day and we all lived happily ever after, the end. Great day to read some famous Fairy Tales to your kids.” – Squidoo, Weird February Holidays
What do you do to show your kids love every day?
It is amazing how a haircut on a toddler can make a "baby" suddenly turn into a "big boy." I experienced this firsthand last week. My 20-month-old, Jack, has had a few haircuts here and there — short trims but nothing drastic. We tried to taking him to a salon once and it was not a pleasant experience, so the past few times, my husband has cut Jack’s hair at home.
Sometimes despite all our best efforts, toddlers can get the upper hand. If you feel your blood pressure rising, it might be a good idea to take a time out of your own. Here are some ideas.
This year, I am afraid our family also has cabin fever. My little boy, Jack, is almost 20 months old and he loves to be outside. It has been a long winter spent mainly in the house. We are anxious to get outside and enjoy the outdoors comfortably again. Thank goodness there have been a few spring-like days just recently where we’ve been able to get outside!
Preteen dating is not something that should be taken lightly. In fact, statistics show that preteen dating can lead to serious problems. Depending on whom you talk to, each of the following terms can have a different definition. But this glossary should give parents an idea of what their children are talking about when they mention dating or a relationship. Discussing these terms with your child now can help you set guidelines for the future as you seek God’s plan for his life.
A: Most children will beg you for a pet some time in their young lives. The main issues to consider are the child’s developmental stage and your expectations for taking care of a pet. Obviously a cat or dog would require care and attention — feeding, grooming, exercise, clean up, and more. Other pets, such as fish and guinea pigs, are less time and care intensive and good choices for younger children. They offer you an opportunity to see how committed to taking care of a pet your child really is and how long interest will be sustained. Go to the library and get a book about pet care. As a family, talk about the needs of a pet, what type of pet you may consider, and what the expectations would be. For example, certain dog breeds are more kid-friendly than others. Goldfish or hermit crab requires very little upkeep and expense. Visit a pet store and talk with a friend who has the kind of pet you are interested in to get a better idea of time and care issues.
Yesterday evening, we took Jack (almost 16 months old) to a fall festival at our church. He got to wear his Halloween costume (a lion) and play in a big bouncy play yard with lots of plastic balls. He had a great time! We are not going trick-or-treating with Jack this year, simply because it would be so much work and he can’t eat (and doesn’t need) the candy! (And neither do we for that matter!) We hope to go to a pumpkin farm on Saturday morning with a group of friends from church and then spend the evening handing out candy, watching movies, and enjoying some good fall food!
“Museum Day represents Smithsonian Media’s commitment to making knowledge and culture accessible to everyone, whether they’re able to travel to the nation’s capital or not,” said Kerry Bianchi, Group Publisher, Smithsonian Media. “In light of the economy, when many families are looking for ways to still have fun and pursue their passions, Smithsonian magazine’s Museum Day is a welcome treat this year. With more than 750 museums throughout the country already registered to offer Smithsonian’s free admission policy, this year’s Museum Day is poised to be the largest to date.” 