For any child who is a car lover, the imagination is limitless about where the cars drive and what they do. My son used to think cars got cold and needed a blanket...in his imagination, of course! He acted out the Cars movie (and Cars 2) while watching. This boy has loved them since he was 13 months old, and they are still not old yet. He is amazing at creating play … [Read more...]
Confessions and Clarifications of A Stay-at-Home Mom
I don’t write this blog because I think my life is perfect, or I am the perfect wife, or perfect mother. I write because despite all of my imperfections, I am happy, and will make every effort to be happy every day. I don’t always like doing what I do each day: Who wants to drag a screaming, kicking almost-4-year old out of Library story time? Who wants to … [Read more...]
Turkey Burgers with Vegetables Inside
Often when I set out to make dinner, I find that I am missing one or two items from the recipe list. Other time I have ground turkey versus tenderloins or some other variation that just doesn't quite match a recipe. This scenario tends to help me create new recipes of my own through improvisation. (All the time I used to spend watching Food Network comes in … [Read more...]
Moms are Leaders
Did you make the list of most powerful women of the last year? Every year Fortune magazine lists the 50 most powerful women, in business, but of course this is only one sector of powerful women. I noticed a blog out there that targets busy working moms also had their own list late last year. Women such as major cable channel news reporters were on it. Where is the … [Read more...]
Patterns for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool
Creating patterns can be taught to infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Clapping your hands and encouraging your infant to mimic your claps is exposing him/her to patterns. If your toddler falls down, stands up and does not cry, and you applaud them saying, "Yay!" (and they do it again to get the same response), they have recognized a pattern. Children are never too young to … [Read more...]
Easy Art Exploration Tools for Kids
Three simple art exploration tools you probably have at home spice up a kids art project. These are easy art exploration tools for kids from toddlers to preschoolers. Kids love hands-on learning. Art is a great way to give children freedom to create and express themselves. You do not need to buy expensive art exploration tools. Use what you have at home to keep … [Read more...]
How Parents Teach Socialization
Socialization is the most over-used term in the parenting world-and early childhood education world-these days…and often the most misinterpreted. We stay-at-home moms are not depriving our children of proper socialization, we are actually providing the best form of it. The definition of socialization, from dictionary.reference.com is: … [Read more...]
Books on CD Recorded by You
My husband deployed for a year back when my oldest son was 6 months old. It was a job of mine to teach my son about his dad. Without the daily interactions of a parent and an infant, that memory of "dad" would not be established. It is a reality for families whose breadwinner travels a lot. Our solution was to do a few things to keep my husband present in our daily life and one … [Read more...]
DIY Sensory Bottles from Baby Bottles
{This activity was previously shared on the Infant Activities page in October 2011.} I was first introduced to DIY sensory bottles when I worked in a daycare center. These sensory toys are very easy to make, are great for older kids to help make, and can be made in a variety of sizes. If you do not drink bottled water, you can use baby bottles. I have both … [Read more...]
Bath Time Activities
I have heard from some parents that the less toys they have in the tub the better they like it, because they just want baths to be quick. I think giving kids some fun bath time activities can make bath time time that I get to sit for a bit. How often in your day do you get to take a load off while the kids stay busy? In my house the second I sit, my kids have some radar … [Read more...]
Crash Course in Child Development: Toddlers
We have made it through the sleepless nights of infancy, the milestones of crawling and first steps, and now, just as we have a nap schedule in place and a plan of attack for errands, the toddler stage begins! I know I needed a crash course in child development toddlers edition during the years of parenting toddlers. This was my least favorite age when I was taking care of … [Read more...]
Easy Dinner: Foil Packet Meal
Although meal time is not always stress-free in our house (reference the picky eaters posts), it is a time that we are all seated together, facing each other, without any distractions...except for the picky eaters! Make getting to the table together tonight simple with the easy dinner: foil packet meals. My husband learned this as a Boy Scout and shared it with me. Now make … [Read more...]
Moms Have Goals Too
When I say I am a stay-at-home mom, I get the feeling that people assume I have no skills. I remember sitting with some fellow military spouses before any of us had children. We were talking about our "work" experiences. Even though I and two other spouses had teaching experience, whenever I tried to add to the conversation the talking halted. I felt like I was being ushered … [Read more...]
7 Ways for Moms to Fit in Me Time
Me time does not always look like I picture it in my head. Quiet hours with a book and a warm cup of coffee just do not happen in my season of life with young children. Many moms tell me it’s hard to find time alone to get some 'me time'. It is hard to plan when we will get time kid-free. I had to utilize creative ways to fit in my 'me time' when I was learning how to find … [Read more...]
Christmas Kids Activities & Homemade Gift Ideas
There are many Christmas Kids Activities that can be turned into Homemade Gift Ideas. I enjoy watching the kids complete art and craft projects that allow their creativity to show. I put together a list of favorite Christmas kids activities and homemade gift ideas. These winter activities for kids are great learning activities and many can be turned into homemade gifts. … [Read more...]