If you have a large family but lack a lot of storage space, you’ve probably run into the problem of organizing backpacks and school bags used by the children. Despite your best efforts, it seems that backpacks somehow always end up on the floor or in some other place where they don’t belong. Whether you …
In our busy, commercialized lives it can be difficult to slow down, be present and connect with our children. But when we finally allow our grown-up selves to put aside the “must get done” stuff and allow ourselves to play, we reap personal and familial benefits beyond anything we can imagine. Imagine getting lost in …
Looking for a solution to the tendency my children have of using too much liquid soap at bathtime, but not wanting gooey messy bars of soap sitting on the edge of the bathtub, we decided to make felted soap. This would solve our soap issues, and even give each child their own personal bar! The …
I enjoy having a variety of creative hands-on activities tucked away for the long stretch of cold winter days. As a former ceramics instructor my heart always sings a bit when I hear “Mama, can we get the play dough out?” Keeping a little box of play clay objects, a small heavy duty canvas, and …
The summer is a time for children to ‘breathe out’ after a busy year of focused work and activity. For this reason, I recommend keeping the season as relaxed and carefree as possible while doing your best to keep a healthy rhythm to your day that the children can depend on. This daily rhythm will …
Summer – throw off your shoes, open the windows, run outside and play. Then, when the day is hot and little feet are tired, lay under a simple sheet and daydream of fireflies and hollyhocks. Perhaps a tea party for a light refreshment? The days are long and energy abounds – come play with us. …
When I was a child, my favorite activities involved being outdoors immersed in nature. Rather than spend my time playing with an indoor play kitchen, I preferred to make “real” pies from mud. Some of my dearest memories are of afternoons spent sitting on my grandparents’ back porch with a spoon and a couple of …
My four-year-old daughter and I could create a hundred rag dolls and not tire of their charm. It’s impossible not to finger the softness of well-worn fabric given a second chance. And nothing is more easy or satisfying to make—no sewing required. With just a few minutes and a few knots, your hands can take …
Late one night last week, as I tucked a few coins in a wee envelope with a tiny missive from the tooth fairy, I reflected on the fact that my daughter would still be more excited about three nickels than one quarter. I cannot recall when I first learned the value of each coin and …
Our eyes are always upwards lately. In the winter we watched it snow, in the spring we watched it rain, and in the summer, we lazed about and watched the clouds float by. Autumn is a perfect time to look to the sky and watch the effects of the wind. We watch the gusts blowing …