Summer!!

So there may not be as many trips to the park in the sweltering Summer as their are in the glorious Spring and Fall. Never the less here are some fun, practically free ideas that you can do with your little one.

Water Play: It is as simple as it sounds. Whether it's through a kiddy pool, bucket, or tub give your child some time to splash in water this summer. If you are the proud parent of a toddler who is now too big for the baby bath use that. Fill it with water throw in some floating toys and let them play. 

Dress Up: Children are never too young to enjoy dressing up. My little one (17 months old) loves to play dress up in her daddy's shirts, and mommies shoes (flats, so no worries). Pull out some of the clothes from you and your spouses closet and let the children explore. 

Kitchen Play: Do some sort of kitchen, food related project with your child. If your little one is still quite little and can't really help in the kitchen give them some bowls, pans, or measuring cups to play with. It is still a new experience in a room not often played in.

Bubbles: I have yet to meet a child that does not enjoy bubbles, though I'm sure some don't. Bubbles can be made (corn starch, dish washing soap, and water), or purchased just about anywhere (grocery store, dollar store, and even hardware stores). Blow some, and let your little one chase them around.


       As a parent it is important that we provide new opportunities for our children. Get them moving, and thinking of new ways they can interact with the world. They do not need expensive things in order to play. Just be present and interact with them as much as you can.

Lessons in the Kitchen

       There is never a job that can't be enhanced by education. That is my belief anyway. I have a degree in Elementary Education, and I'm sure there are those who think it is horrid that I am "wasting it away" by staying home with my daughter. Well, to you I say continue on reading:

Today little hands were kept busy making pudding (instant, sugar free). Sometimes the kids are just in the mood to make things, so with that in mind I quickly improvised today’s activity.

         We made Vanilla instant pudding, because it was the best base, although you could essentially do the same thing with gelatin. Each child had their own cup of mix, and milk to add to the bowl as I whisked. I know to some this might seem all to simple, but in reality experiences such as this one teach a child many things:

·      Math: Having the children count “How many cups are needed?” Which ingredient goes “first, second, third?”

·      Social Skills (taking turns): We are constantly encouraging our children to share books or toys. In a group project the same message can be applied. “Ok, you stir for10 seconds, and then it will be the next persons turn.” (Also the counting of seconds is an important Math Skill). You will also see them using negotiation, compromise, and leadership skills (though they might not be able to label them as such).

·      Science: How a liquid (which the mix is as you begin whisking it) changes consistency (especially after it is placed into the refrigerator). They can also use their senses in identifying different aspects of the pudding. How does it look, taste, or feel?

·      Language: This can be as simple as asking smaller children what each item is called, bowl, spoon, milk, etc. Older children can be asked to repeat the tasks that were completed in the order they were completed (hint, hint, again this is math).

·      Motor Skills: This is an important one that we might not often think about. Having children, especially the younger ones stir with a spoon helps to develop their motor skills. Fine motor skills (think of this as pinching your thumb and first two fingers together) are needed in controlling writing implements. A skill each child will need when they go on to school.

·      Social Emotional Skills: Participating in a new task at any age can seem intimidating. Providing new safe opportunities for your child to explore helps them to create a better understanding of self. Encourage them, “Go ahead give it a try! It’s ok that you spilled some, even I spill sometimes.” These gentle words of encouragement slowly build your child’s self-esteem; preparation for bigger challenges later. 

     Some may think that this is too Simple, but many educators believe that play is a great way for children to acquire knowledge seeing as how it requires them to be “actively involved.” Not to mention that to them the task is simply "FUN!"

Keeping hands Busy

      As I mentioned I spend my days with 3 sets of little hands (varying ages).  It rained a lot yesterday, so we pursued indoor projects. One of the little squirts is super into Art, and the other 2 are super into whatever the older one is doing. We often paint, make piñatas, draw, etc. So I wanted to give them something new to do (on a budget).

         After rummaging through cabinets I found hand full’s of broken crayons. DING, DING, DING we have a winner! So we took these little bits, and a few others that were simply “missing the tips” and proceeded to make our own new crayons. A simple process, true.

1.) Collect Crayons (remove any paper).

2.) Let children snap them into smaller pieces.

3.) Fill cup-cake tins with the crayon pieces. (We used silicone molds.)

4.) Heat oven to 350. Place trays into the oven. As soon as the crayons are melted remove from oven. (This may take 1-5 minutes).

5.) Place trays directly into Freezer (allow to set).

6.) Remove and color!

        Though this was an extremely simple project the kids loved it! The larger shaped crayons were perfect for little hands. Plus getting to snap a crayon that you are usually told to “be gentle with” was quite a stimulating task. 

Where I am now...

Dear Friend,

     Whether you are a new mommy, seasoned mother, soon to be, etc. I want to welcome you, and make a confession. I must admit that if you had known me at any juncture in my life (prior to April 2010) and told me I would one day put “mothering” in front of having a career I would laugh at you. I was very business  (let’s be honest, Me) oriented for as long as I can remember. There were always extravagantly detailed plans in my head for how my life would be. The apartment I would be living in with friends, the amazing job I would have, and the traveling I would do!

        Then in 2010 I found out I was going to be a mommy. I was excited and nervous all at the same time. I knew I could handle being a working mom, and was quite excited to lavish love upon a little one. As my due-date neared, and we visited multiple child care options, the numbers just weren’t adding up. If I continued to work about half of my pay would be going to day-care. I would be working full time, and bringing home about a part-time pay. So we decided to search out alternative options…actually one presented itself to me without much searching…In short I became a Nanny to a wonderful family.

             They had 2 young girls, only needed me part time, and would allow me to bring my new baby with me. We went over the numbers and realized that this option made the most financial sense. For a long time I insisted that I would only continue in this endeavor for as long as it “made sense” to us, with the full expectation of returning to work in the future. This is just something I “must do.” My Career needs to be placed on hold until the future…

          Recently I can feel that my heart, and head have changed modes. Whereas before I felt this was the “right thing” to do, or my “only choice” I now see it as a wonderful gift. I have been given the gift of time; spending each day with my daughter. Don’t get me wrong I still have dreams, and plans for the future…I just choose to enjoy the Gift that is now.

Intro

      So, seeing as how my main blog has really helped me to embrace my feelings, and changing life, I have decided to add a tab on. Mainly dealing with my role as a mother/wife/worker.
     As a part-time stay at home mom, I have found great solace in comparing "notes" with my other S.A.H. mom friends. My baby is just 6 months away from turning 2; though we still have quite a way to go I would like to share with you some thoughts I have had...