Looking for a seashell craft to do with your preschooler? This paper plate seashell helps preschoolers with their fine motor skills and is really easy to make. My son made this a while back in class a while back, but it is still one of my favorite summer crafts.
You need 1) a hole puncher 2) a plain white paper plate and 3) scissors and 4) any color of yarn.
Voila... You have a seashell!
Want more fun summer crafts and activities for tots, preschoolers, and older kids too? Follow me on Pinterest.
Do you live in Aston, Upper Dublin, Springfield, Media, Ridley Park PA or surrounding areas? If so, I want to tell you about a summer camp for your little sports lover!
Future Captain Sports is now registering for their sports & soccer camps. Whether your child is on an intramural soccer team, advanced travel team, or just likes to play sports in the backyard, their coaching staff is dedicated to the development and growth for all ages and skill levels.
Their sports camps give kids an opportunity to enjoy some of their favorite activities, including: soccer, baseball, kickball, ultimate frisbee, capture the flag, tag, obstacle courses and more! The soccer camps focus on technical and tactical skills in a fun and encouraging environment.
Register for one of their Soccer or Sport Camps by May 31st and Save $10 Using Code LFFK2014.
Corner Bakery Cafe is ready to "Feed the Day" in Moorestown, NJ with a new cafe opening on Wednesday, May 21st and they want you to celebrate with them!
Where: 400 New Jersey 38, Moorestown, NJ 08057
When: Wednesday, May 21st
What: Starting at 6:30 am, the cafe is offering the first 100 guests a commemorative Moorestown Corner Bakery Cafe travel mug, which includes a daily coffee refill for one year, FREE of charge.
Also, as part of the opening celebration, all guests that come in during the opening week will have the chance to enter a raffle for the "Free Panini for a Year" giveaway.
I remember growing up, and celebrating Earth Day once a year. Now, I'm always thinking about ways to reduce, recycle and upcycle. There are three reasons why I think upcycled kid crafts are ideal for busy moms.
1) It's cheaper. I could spend so much money on really amazing craft supplies. But, sticking with the basics and supplementing with recycled materials can save a lot of money.
2) It's convenient. It's much easier to grab something from the recycle bin vs. dragging the kids to the craft store. I love going to the craft store alone, but with kids, it's a whole other story.
3)It's earth friendly. Obviously, it's better for the environment to make use of something we already have instead of buying new material. We are leaving this planet to our children, and I want to leave it the best it can be.
So, with summer approaching, I wanted to share some of my favorite upcycled and recycled crafts for kids. Here they are:
One thing we always have in our recycle bin is thin cardboard boxes and they seem to accumulate. My son came home from preschool one day with this really cute recycled robot craft. I have always been impressed with some of the art projects my son does at preschool. This one is really easy and I love the results.
I love these upcycled bright summer flowers. They almost look so good you would never know they were made with old plastic water bottles.
This is an easy one! Just take an empty cardboard toilet paper tube. Spread on some peanut butter. Cover it in bird seed. Easy as 1,2,3! You don't need any string because you just slip it on a branch and let the birds enjoy.
Did you ever think of upcycling a mustard bottle for a Bumble Bee Garden Stake? I didn't, but it's a great way to re-use those bright yellow bottles.
My kids love butterflies and these egg carton caterpillars that turn into butterflies teach kids about metamorphosis and upcycling at the same time. This simple craft easily shows kids how we can recycle and re-use items that would otherwise be thrown away (cardboard egg cartons and paper bags) and teaches a bit of science as well!
If you want to see more fun upcycling crafts and summer fun activities for kids, check out my Pinterest boards!
If you have a rugby fan in your house and live in the Philadelphia area, here's an event & ticket giveaway just for you! The Collegiate Rugby Championship is coming to PPL Park and it's going to be an action packed event with some of the country's top college rugby players.
The Collegiate Rugby Championship is the premier college rugby tournament in the country, and serves as a national platform for America's future Olympians. The current USA RugbySevens National team includes 3 full-time players who have competed in the CRC tournament within the past two-years. The tournament features 20 of the top college teams, including local teams Drexel, Penn, Temple, St. Joe’s and Penn State, competing in 44 matches across two-days as they vie for the coveted Pete Dawkins trophy.
Details:
Event: Collegiate Rugby Championship
Date: Saturday, May 31 – Sunday, June 1
Venue: PPL Park, 1 Stadium Drive, Chester, PA
Looking for a promo code? It's your lucky day, because I have a discount code for you!
Promo Code: BLOG
Valid for all session and single day. Use discount code to save $5 per ticket. Not valid on youth tickets.
PPL Park is one of my favorite local venues. It's modern and I think it's very family-friendly too. This is a very popular event, so if you want tickets, you can order them online today at the Philadelphia Union website.
On behalf of #CRC2014, I'm giving away 4 tickets to one Local Fun for Kids reader!
The past couple of years, I have written about Water Balloon Games for Kids, and this year I'm putting together my best list yet! Whether you need a water balloon game for summer camp, field day or just a lazy summer day, I hope you'll find something here that you like!
After searching high and low for some of the best water balloon games, here are my top picks:
1) The water balloon version of 'Hot Potato' is a great twist on the original. Get the kids to sit in a circle and start passing around a water balloon. Start playing some music and then, at random intervals, turn off the music. Whoever is left holding the water balloon or whoever pops it is the one out. The last child left in the game is the winner.
2) Paint with Water Balloons - My kids and I have used balloons for painting and the results were absolutely beautiful. Our balloons were filled with air, but adding weight and movement with water balloons is a completly new sensory experience for kids, and you'll be surprised at how beautiful the results can be.
3) Water Balloon Number Target Practice - Combine number recognition review and water balloons for a fun, easy and educational summer game. Read more at Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas.
4) Balloon Roll - For this game, you have to keep your water balloon on the ground. The child that rolls their water balloon the farthest, and does not pop it, wins!
5) Nothing is better on a hot summer day than Water Balloon Dodge Ball. Last week, my boys decided that I was the going to play this game with them, even if I was fully dressed. There are too many serious moments in life, so letting your kids hit you with water balloons can be really fun. If you have a group of older kids, you can really get an organized game of dodge ball going. First, make sure you have a lot of water balloons and a bunch of kids. Separate the kids into teams and then, let the kids go at it! If you get hit by an opposing team member, you're out.
6) For older kids and teens, Water Balloon Darts can be a fun activity. Just prop up the balloons on a target, give each one a value (20 points, 40, points, 60, points, 80 points and 100 points.) See who can accumulate the most points for each balloon they hit.
7) Angry Bird Inspired Water Balloon Game - "Inspired by the mega popular video game Angry Birds this takes the game outside into the sun for fun all summer long." Read more at No Time for Flash Cards.
8) Water Balloon Relay Race - Set out one chair for each team and place a water balloon in the seat. Then, players take turns running to the chair, and sitting on the balloon till it pops. After they pop the balloon, they run and tag the next player. (You will need to put a new balloon in after each one is popped.) The first team to pop all their balloons and cross the finish line wins.
9) Water Balloon Sight Word Toss - It's really simple to help reinforce sight words while playing a water balloon toss game. Learn more at Royal Balloo.
10) Water Balloon Pinatas - Hang balloons from your monkey bars or clothes line. Let the kids take turns hitting the "pinatas."
11) How Far Can You Go? See who can throw their water balloon the farthest. The kid who gets their's the farthest WITHOUT POPPING it, wins!
12) The Water Balloon Challenge is a water game for youth groups – one that’s designed to make a big splash!
13) Keep the music rolling and you can also play a fun game of Musical Water Balloons. Just like musical chairs, you will need 1 less water balloon each round (for instance, 5 players = 4 water balloons). Gently lay the balloons on the grass. Start playing some music and then have the kids walk in a circluar motion. At random intervals, turn off the music. When the music stops, the kids need to find a ballon and sit on it. Whoever is left without a water balloon to sit on is out. The last child left in the game is the winner.
14) Splash and Score Baseball - Kids can test their aim and douse their opponent at the same time with this water balloon game of throwing and blocking skills.
15) Water Balloon Spoon Races -Use a plastic serving spoon or a wooden spoon for this simple summer game.
16) Fill the Bucket - This is a great team game perfect for a kid's group or camp. Each team uses water balloons to fill up a bucket. Whichever team fills the bucket first wins!
17) Water Balloon YoYo - Cut a rubberband in half. Then, attach the rubber band to the water balloon. The kids have to yo-yo them up and down until the last one with their balloon in tact wins!
18) Water Balloon Tag - Whoever is “it” carries the water balloon. If you get hit and the balloon breaks then, “Tag you’re it!
19) Even preschoolers can have fun filling up the water balloons. So, this game idea is simple. Just let the kids try to fill up the water balloons with the hose. Whoever can make the biggest balloon without it popping it is the winner!
21) Pop the Sharks - Draw a simple shark face on about 10 water balloons. Then, fill a kiddie pool with water and add the balloons. Give each child 15 seconds in the pool, and whoever pops the most sharks wins.
22) If you have 8 or more kids, find two sheets or table cloths for a Group Catapult. Have each child hold a corner (4 kids per sheet). Then, throw a water balloon onto the first sheet and have the 1st team try to propel it over to the 2nd teams table cloth. This video shows how it's done.
23) And, finally....everyone loves a good old fashioned Water Balloon Toss. Everyone line up and stand across from your partner. Everyone takes turns tossing the balloon to their partner. The last team to pop their balloon wins!
Did you know that the largest water balloon fight consisted of 8,957 participants and was achieved by Christian Student Fellowship at the University of Kentucky in 2011? A total of 175,141 water balloons were used during the fight. source
I can't even imagine filling up that many water balloons. But, last year we found a really cool product that made it so easy to make & tie water balloons that my 5 year old was doing it all by himself. Take a look:
If there was one word to describe my little sister, it would be "passionate." When she firmly believes in something, you know about it. She doesn't care if you agree with her and she's more than happy to beat to a different drum if it means doing the right thing.
Now in her second year of backyard beekeeping, she is, once again, showing everyone how passionate she is. When she told us she wanted to become a backyard beekeeper, we weren't quite sure how it would turn out. "You have little kids" we said. What will your neighbors think? Are you sure you want to do this?
She did it. After reading about the decline of bees throughout America, she realized she could help. She knew that if more people decided to become backyard beekeepers, collectively, they could make a difference. It hasn't been without challenges. There has been hours of reading, building hives, gaining insight from mentors, joining Philadelphia area beekeeping groups, and learning all that she could about honey bees.
Being a backyard beekeeper requires a commitment. A honeybee hive is perennial which means that although quite inactive during the winter, the honeybees live through the winter months by clustering for warmth in anticipation of spring. My sister has learned that maintaining a healthy hive isn't always easy, but seeing them flourish is a reward in itself.
This spring and summer, I will be sharing stories and updates about these adventures in beekeeping. I am also very happy that my older sister has joined in the adventures as well. There are now two backyard hives (in our family) that will be helping the local farms, orchards and vegetable gardens throughout the Philadelphia suburbs.
Thanks to all the local beekeepers who are working to make our world a better place!
I remember the excitement of shopping for baby products during my first pregnancy. I'd stroll through the isles and think about having a baby of my own in those strollers, beds, and baths. Now that my eldest is 8 years old, I truly feel like a veteran mom, but I still get excited hearing about friends who are preparing to bring their first baby home. Those last few months of pregnancy can be a wild combination of magical and stressful, and the end result is life-changing!
Mother's Day is almost here and my friends at Safety 1st are thinking about all the moms out there. On their behalf, I'm sharing some of Safety 1st products that make mom’s life a bit easier and I have a very special giveaway too!
The Safety 1stCustom Care Modular Bathing Solution is the only infant to toddler bathing solution on the market! The ergonomic design adapts to your growing baby and eliminates the need for multiple tubs. Three easy to change positions promote physical closeness to your baby and proper support. Positions fit the newborn, infant recline and toddler stages.
It's amazing how much technology has changed since I had my first son. I wish I had a Safety 1st Genesis Digital Color Video Monitor when he was little. Using the remote controlled camera, parents are able to pan, tilt and zoom to get the best view of their child. It is also equipped with a special Talk Back function allowing parents to soothe baby. This would have been a lifesaver when my sons were infants!
If you know me, you know that I'm serious about car seats. The Safety 1st Advance SE 65 Air + convertible car seat ensures your child is safe from 5-65 pounds, and, it meets the new requirements for the new 65 Pound LATCH rule, which is so important!
Whether you're bringing home your 1st baby or your 5th, it's always good to know about modern essentials for motherhood. My friends at Safety 1st want you to have a wonderful Mother's Day, and they have offered to give one of my lucky U.S. readers a new Genesis Digital Color Video Monitor. Enter using the rafflecoper widget below & Good Luck!
This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
I don't post too many deals here, buy this one is too good not to mention. I snagged the 50% off Mabel's Label deal the last time they offered it and I'm so glad I ordered them when I did. I especially love these labels for my kids' pricey sports gear. I personalized my labels with our last name and phone number, which would make it easy for anyone to contact us if they find something one of my kids lost.
Did you know that 80 percent of women in leadership and executive roles in the U.S. were Girl Scouts and Girl Scout alumnae comprise 70 percent of women in the U.S. Congress?
Clearly, there is so much more to Girl Scouts than than just the cookies! The Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania operates six local campgrounds with numerous camping opportunities for girls between the ages of 5 to 17.
They have overnight camps at three different locations:
Camp Laughing Waters in Gilbertsville, PA
Camp Mosey Wood in White Haven, PA and
Camp Wood Haven in Pine Grove, PA
At overnight camp, some of the activites include:
Athletics, Hiking, Archery, Horseback riding, Swimming, Arts and crafts, Cookouts, Campfires, Nature activities, Singing, Games, Boating, Science, singing, Teambuilding activities, and Wishing candles.
Not ready for sleepover camp yet? They have day camps too!
Camp Mountain House in Allentown, PA
Shelly Ridge Day Camp in Miquon, PA and
Valley Forge Day Camp in Valley Forge, PA
Some of the activities at day camp include:
Swimming, Arts and crafts, Archery, Sports, Art, Cooking, Sports, Outdoor exploration and More!
The 2014 Camp Guide is now available! Click here to download a PDF copy of the guide.
Have you heard about the Philadelphia Science Festival? It's a nine-day celebration of science featuring lectures, debates, hands-on activities, special exhibitions and a variety of other informal science education experiences for Philadelphians of all ages.
This weekend, on May 3rd, 2014, the festival’s signature event, the Science Carnival, will feature a very special guest. It's a bird... It's a plane... No, it's Super Grover!!!
Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind Sesame Street, will be at the Carnival to showcase Little Discoverers: Big Fun with Science, Math and More. The initiative focuses on the importance of teaching young children the principles of science, technology, engineering and math (aka STEM), and (stationary) Super Grover will be on hand for photo ops.
Philadelphia Area Parents: Learn more at www.philasciencefestival.org/carnival
Not in Philly? You can teach your children about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) with tips from: http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/topicsandactivities/toolkits/stem
Among other things, Greek food is a weekness of mine. I adore feta cheese, roasted red pepper, and kalamata olives to name a few. So, when I was invited to lunch with the owners of Uniquely Greek, I couldn't resist!
What is Uniquely Greek? It's a feta spread with a unique blend of domestic feta cheese, garlic, cream cheese infused with fresh produce. Of course, you can dip your pita in it, but there are so many other ways to use this spread. The ideas our endless!
Uniquely Greek is owned by a brother and sister team, Jessica and Jon Gill. Jessica is the owner of family-operated “Grecian Delights” Greek Deli/Restaurant in Boothwyn, PA. This place serves up amazing Greek food in a casual farmers market environment. This brother and sister team, not only prepare delicious Greek food, but they are also warm and friendly that when you're eating with them, it's like eating with family.
I stopped by Grecian Delights” with some of my friends, and here's a taste of what we had:
Greek Dip Sampler
Sampling of Three Delicious Homemade Dips and Spreads: Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Uniquely Greek Kalamata Olive Feta Spread, Tzadziki, (Greek Garlic and Cucumber Dip)
Core Courses
Petite Salmon and Grilled Chicken: Served with warmed Uniquely Greek Spinach Feta Spread and warm Uniquely Greek Buffalo Feta Spread
Brown Basmati Risotto: Creamed together with Uniquely Greek Roasted Red Pepper Feta Spread, Parsley, Roasted Red Peppers and Feta
Roasted Asparagus: Drizzled with Uniquely Greek Kalamata Feta Spread
Dessert
Baklava Ice Cream: Vanilla Ice Cream blended with Baklava and topped with Chocolate and Honey
Everything that Jessica and Jon served at this lunch was phenomenal! I'm always looking for creative ways to serve up salmon and chicken, and their spreads are such a simple way to jazz up dinner. I was also blown away by how delicious the Brown Basmati Risotto was. Serving plain brown rice is never a hit with my kids, but I know they would love the Uniquely Greek version of it.
Is your mouth watering yet? You can find Uniquely Greek at some Whole Foods, Earth Fare, Mom's Organic Markets and Sunset Foods. Check here for the full list of Uniquely Greek distributors. If you live in the Philadelphia area, check out Grecian Delights (located in Booth’s Corner Farmers Market) 1362 Naamans Creek Road, Garnet Valley, PA 19060.
What can I say about Longwood Gardens that I haven't already said before? Longwood is one of my favorite places to go with my kids. It's our happy place.
My kids love being able to run around and explore the treehouses, flowers, and exhibits that change with each season. There really is something magical about this place. Yet, I know my words don't do it justice, so I want to share some photos from our trip to Longwood during Spring Break.
If you've never heard of Longwood Gardens before, it is one of the premier botanical gardens in the U.S. where visitors can enjoy live events and performances, seasonal attractions and exhibits, as well educational lectures, courses, and workshops. It consists of over 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows and is located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania (just outside of Philadelphia.)
Longwood is incredibly kid friendly. Their events calendar is packed with fun family events and performances througout the year, but even on a day without a special event, we can spend hours there exploring the gardens.
Here's a peek at the towering bamboo in the Children's Garden at Longwood. This area is filled with hands-on water features, a variety of sculptures, a secret stairway, and lots of lush foliage and bright flowers.
A good tip is to save the Children's Garden until the end of your visit, or make sure your kids are wearing short sleeved tops. There are so many cool water features in the Children's Garden, and my kids always get wet!
This is just one reason why my kids love this place as much as I do. It truly is a feast for the senses. They can touch the statues in the Children's area, listen the music from the bell tower, see the gorgeous flowers, and climb the grassy hills. You can see above that they really enjoy painting the sculpture with paint-brushes dipped in water.
At Longwood Gardens, there is literally something around every corner that captures your attention. If you haven't been there yet and live in the area, I suggest you put in on your spring or summer to do list. We have been there more times than I can count, and I hope this is just the beginning of our Longwood memories.
Go to longwoodgardens.org for more information about this amazing place!
I've been craving a good cup of coffee! My son has had a tickle in his throat which has been keeping him up at night, and I am in tired. Just one night of good sleep would be so nice, but for now, I'm running on coffee. Are you in need of a cup of coffee too?
To wrap up the final days of McDonald's free coffee event, they'll be hosting a #McCafeTakeover Twitter party today, Friday April 11 at noon. It’s going to be a fun afternoon of conversation, trivia, and giveaways; during the party we will even surprise one winner with free McCafé coffee for a year! Winner must redeem at participating McDonald’s in Southeastern, PA; Southern, NJ; and Kent & New Castle Counties, DE.
I'll be there for the first half hour and I'd love it if you could join me!
When: TODAY! Friday, April 11, 2014 from 12:00pm – 1:00pm EST
Hashtag: #McCafeTakeover / Moderator: @McDPhilly / About the Party:
With spring in full swing, we find ourselves rushing in the morning to get out the door, running errands after work, and spring cleaning and planting on the weekends. With all of the fun activities, sporting and after school events that the spring season brings, it’s so important to have a pick-me-up to get through the day!
Twitter Party rules:
Follow @McDPhilly
Use the hashtag #McCafeTakeover to stay in the conversation
Many of us are still mesmerized by Frozen, but there's a new Disney movie ready to make headlines too! My friends over at Disney just sent me the “Thunder" trailer for Disney's PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE and I wanted to share it with you.
Here's a little bit about the movie from Walt Disney Motion Picture Studios:
From the world of “Cars” soars “Planes: Fire & Rescue," a new comedy-adventure featuring a quirky crew of elite firefighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from raging wildfire. When world famous air racer Dusty (Dane Cook) learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of wildfire air attack. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his courageous air attack team, including spirited super scooper Lil' Dipper (Julie Bowen), heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter, ex-military transport Cabbie and a lively bunch of brave all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero. Directed by Bobs Gannaway (“Secret of the Wings”), "Planes: Fire & Rescue" ignites July 18, 2014.
My friends at Chick-fil-A Lima are hosting a Family Night tomorrow from 5:30-7:00 pm. Learn how to walk on a tight rope! Alice will be there to show you how to walk the tight rope, she will teach you the tricks and then even let you try it with her help or on our own. How cool is that? Alice will perform at 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm. Join us for dinner and fun! Bring your camera!
Right now, I'm dreaming of a new kitchen. A kitchen with stylish wooden cabinets, an oven that will bake over 350 degrees, and a space that feels modern. My kitchen is old, on its last legs and in desperate need of a makeover. When it comes to that space in my house, I have a lot of dreaming to do!
What if you could make your home into your Dream Home?
There's a new t.v. show about to do just that! American Builders is a new show on NBC hosted by famed interior designer and best-selling author, Nate Berkus. On the show, you'll follow the nation’s top designers and home builders as they compete to be crowned the Ultimate Dream Builder and take home a $250,000 cash prize.
Take a look here:
The show airs Sundays at 8/7c on NBC & you can enter for a chance to win $100,000 in products and services from Lowe’s and a consultation with the winner of American Dream Builders! Wouldn't that be amazing to win?
Enter for a chance to win your dream renovation at www.nbc.com/lowes.
Follow the show on Facebook and Twitter for a chance to win more prizes from American Dream Builders and Lowe’s!
To celebrate the premiere of the show, one of my lucky readers is going to win a $50 Lowe's gift card!
To enter, just sign up for my monthly newsletter. Once you've subscribed, leave a comment below letting me know what room you would makeover if you could re-do any room in your home and why you chose that room. On April 1st at 12 noon, one random subscriber will be chosen to receive the $50 Lowe's Gift Card, thanks to my friends at American Dream Builders!
CONTEST CLOSED ~ THE WINNER IS SEYMA B.
Did you watch the premiere of American Dream Builders? If so, what did you think?
This Sweepstakes is open to U.S. Residents, ages 18 and up. Each household is only eligible to win One (1) $50 Lowe's Gift Card via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. The prize will be sent via FedEx or USPS. No P.O. Boxes please. Please note that the assets included within this message were delivered to you to promote NBCUniversal. Any actions (including contest and competitions) that you complete with the provided assets are your liability, and should comply with both local and international laws. NBCUniversal supplied the materials above for the purpose of this post. Terms/Rules
When I first heard about International Happiness Day I thought it was just another one of those made-up holidays, but I was wrong. I was surprised to learn that it was actually created by the United Nations to help show people that happiness is not something that is only for the rich.
Happiness may have different meanings for different people. But we can all agree that it means working to end conflict, poverty and other unfortunate conditions in which so many of our fellow human beings live.
Happiness is neither a frivolity nor a luxury. It is a deep-seated yearning shared by all members of the human family. It should be denied to no-one and available to all. This aspiration is implicit in the pledge of the United Nations Charter to promote peace, justice, human rights, social progress and improved standards of life.
What does happiness mean to you? One of the things that really makes me happy is spending time with my kids, and with Spring Break coming up, I wanted to share some tips for having a happy and low-stress break. Here they are:
2) Avoid the crowds - If you're planning field trips, "plan them for later in the afternoon when attractions are less likely to be crowded" says Jennifer of Jersey Family Fun.
3) Just Relax - Jessica, of DelcopaMoms says "I don't know about everyone else's families but mine runs from soccer to t-ball to gymnastics and back again. If there is one week this spring where the kids don't have activities, we're vegging out! We have one planned activity the entire week. I also plan to hang, watch tv, probably do a TON of coloring but we're relaxing!"
4) Let your child help plan an activity. Allowing my kids to choose one special activity during Spring Break helps to keep them happy. I have scheduled a playdate for each of my sons with one of their closest friends. Doing this ahead of time makes me feel prepared and gives us all something to look forward to.
5) Don't overplan! - Jacquie from KC Edventures says "We don't overplan for spring break because we love not having a schedule. We sleep in on most days, enjoy a movie or two together, head to a nature center etc. Low key days."
6) Expect the Unexpected - "My biggest piece of advice after our break this year is 'have a back-up plan'. We've had temps in the 30s and snow!! I know - crazy -- so have a few things in mind in case you get bad weather. Visit a museum for an afternoon, maybe an indoor pool, etc. Oh yea - Take advantage of library programs during break - they are great too!" says Jacquie.
7) Keep a good balance - Kristen from Busy Moms Happy Kids says "Make them "work" for their electronics time. Balance it with creating, playing, outside time, reading, chores, and exercise. Every 30 minutes they spend doing the above, earns them 10 minutes of electronics."
8) Trust your instincts - You know your kids best. Some kids like to go with the flow and other kids thrive on a strict routine. Kristen uses a schedule to help her kids know what is what is expected of them. If you have a child that flourishes with a routine, check out Kristin's post about scheduling your day.
10) Do something completely spontaneous! When my son and I took a spur-of-the-moment trolley ride, we had the most amazing a
fternoon. It wasn't anything extraordinary and it didn't cost very much money, yet it was a day I will never forget.
Sometimes, I feel like we're over scheduled, and other times, I'm rushing to set up last-minute play dates. It's not always easy to find a happy medium, but I think that these tips are a great start in the right direction. Do you have any other tips for a fun & happy spring break?
here.
