Search Results for: blog finger play fun

When Mother Nature Rains on Your Summer Fun

Hundreds of towns and cities throughout the south are cancelling or postponing their Fourth of July festivities due to massive storms slamming into the region.  Torrential rains have turned the area into a soggy mess forcing parents to scramble to salvage their family’s mid-summer plans. If Mother Nature rains on your parade, cook-out, party or other outdoor activity this season, consider keeping your kids entertained inside with these summer-themed projects: Campfire Prints:  Have kids use crayons, markers or colored pencils to draw a large circle on a piece of paper.  Next, have them glue gemstones on the circle to mimic … Continue reading →

Simple Summer Fun

After an extended school year, brought about by using too many snow days in the winter, classes are officially over for kids in my neck of the woods. And by woods, I mean fenced in backyards where parents can let their kids roam free before cabin fever sets in. If you are looking for simple projects to keep your kids entertained during the endless days of summer, consider the following: Fluorescent Slime Materials: Glow-in-the-dark paint Elmer’s glue gel Borax Hot water Directions: Combine one cup of hot water with a cup of Borax.  Stir until the Borax won’t dissolve anymore. … Continue reading →

A Foray Into Sensory Play

As you may know, I love to read about all things related to parenting. Sometimes that is a good thing, and other times it just gets me into trouble. Yesterday, I was reading about how important it is for children to engage in “sensory play” or “messy play”. When I started reading about bags and boxes filled with fun things to squish, pour, sort, and explore I became worried. Was everyone else out there already doing this with their toddlers? Have I been depriving Dylan of something important for months or years? Why hadn’t I thought to do anything like … Continue reading →

Simple Family Fun

If you tuned into NBC’s “Weekend Today” this morning, you may have noticed what a big deal meteorologist Bill Karins made amount the gorgeous weather the entire nation is basking in right now. It’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy the Mother Nature at her best. Don’t stress about minor details; rather, use this window of opportunity to have fun with your family by taking a walk in the park, hosting a backyard barbeque, or creating a garden party for the girls. If you live near the ocean, a lake or public pond, then set-up shop in a … Continue reading →

Indoor Easter Party Fun

Outdoor egg hunts are an Easter tradition, but what happens when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate with your plans? Moving a party indoors can be a real bummer; however, with a little creativity, bad weather doesn’t have to ruin your holiday shindig. The following Easter-themed activities will help keep your party on the right track regardless of what it looks like outside: Bunny Pokey: This Easter version of the Hokey Pokey plays up funny bunny parts, such as: “Put your cotton tail in” or “Put your long ears in” or “Put your fluffy tummy in.” Bunny Hop: Line up your youngest … Continue reading →

Winter Woolens: Finger Knitting

If you want to practice wool crafts, knitting, and crocheting with your children, but you find that they don’t have the patience or dexterity to finish a project, then finger knitting may be for you! A few years ago, I facilitated a knitting and crocheting class. A few of the women who came were not keen at all on the idea of knitting. It takes too long, they said. I heartily agreed. In the corner, my daughter was playing around with some yarn. She was trying to finger knit. One of the women asked what she was doing, so I … Continue reading →

Football Playoff Party Fun

The NFL Playoffs continue this Sunday as the road to the Super Bowl heats up. Of course, no place is hotter right now than Green Bay, Wisconsin, where the Packers are looking to win back-to-back Super Bowls. I happen to live near legendary Lambeau Field–a.k.a. Party Central–and while I don’t have tickets to the big game versus the New York Giants, I will be partying it up along with the rest of the state’s residents. Only our pre-Super Bowl shindigs will be taking place in the comfort of our homes. If you are planning to host a NFL Playoff party … Continue reading →

Home School Blogger Spotlight: Mama Smiles

Authored by Mary Anne, Mama Smiles, is a blog about parenting, crafts for children, and the daily life of engaging three young children in the world. Mary Anne is a well educated young mom with a PhD in Medicine, a Masters degree in Education, and a BA in Music. She uses these skills in her adventures of her new professions; a stay at home mom to three children. That gives a mama a lot to smile about! Mama Smiles allows you to enter into this lovely world of Mary Anne and her adorable children. The blog is truly focused on … Continue reading →

I Hate Play-Doh, but I Love Model Magic

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There. I said it. I really don’t like play-doh. I dread when a friend gives that as a gift to my child. The mess it makes gives me headaches. While my pre-schooler can definitely play with it and not make as big of a mess, my 2 year old can’t. And, of course he has to do everything big sister does right? But, every child LOVES play-doh. I admit, it is fun to play with. And this idea of making play-doh out of peanut butter sounds like my kind of play! Recently, my daughter secretly found a little can of … Continue reading →

The Road to Super Bowl Fun

It’s been 13 long years since the Green Bay Packers played in a Super Bowl and now that the drought is over, residents in Wisconsin are ready to party like college co-eds on graduation day. I’m sure it’s the same way in Pittsburgh, but since I live in Packer Nation I can only speak of the craziness that has engulfed my neck of the woods. People have been planning Super Bowl parties since the minute the Green and Gold won the NFC Championship game in Chicago against the Bears. Stores are decked out in Packer colors and are offering everything … Continue reading →