With four kids I don't have a lot of extra cash floating around (who does these days?). My daughter asked me to create a Book Nook for her. I have to admit, I giggled, because I thought "um, you're 5 what do you know about a Book Nook?" While on bed rest from my surgery (coming soon in another post) I got to work and did some pinning on Pinterest. Apparently Book Nooks are where it's at these days! I was able to create a special place for my princess with less than $50. Sweet!!!!!! We had several extra crib mattresses laying around (which may not sound normal to you but at one point we had three cribs in use at our house). I knew I could make a custom cover for the mattress and add some special flare to it as well. I found these stick on letters at Target in the clearance section for only $3.46. I thought they were perfect for the wall. They didn't have enough "R's" so I had to get creative and make an extra "r" out of a "p" (can you tell which "R" is made by me?) I Google … [Read more...]
Tips for helping your high potential child
One of my boys is considered "high potential." What is high potential? High potential is defined as a person (or child) with a high functioning aptitude or high intelligence quotient. This is something we've suspected for quite some time and it was only recently confirmed. I can distinctly remember his first Christmas when he was 8 months old, he got this really neat wooden shape-sorter. That kid opened the box and put those shapes into the correct places in a matter of a minute (and I'm not talking about circles and squares; like octagons and pentagons.) His thought processes have always been really literal and he is quite the perfectionist too. These are all signs of something "bigger" going on. While registering him for Kindergarten the discussion of what the appropriate placement would be for him came up and we decided it would be in his best interest for us to dig a little deeper. Our school district has a wonderful program for high potential children and they offered some … [Read more...]
Sneaky Ways to Stop Toddler Tantrums
Both Jamie and Lindsi will be some-what "off" of blogging for the next two weeks because both Tottie and Lil' Princess are having tonsillectomies. Tottie's is on Monday and Lil' Princess' is on Tuesday. Their surgeries are litterally 24 hours apart and by the same surgeon! Please enjoy some guest posts and other fun things not normally in our schedule while we take care of our daughters. __________________________________________________ A Hazel Musing: Sneaky Ways My Parents Stop My Tantrums Now I've turned two, I have upped the ante on the number of tantrums that I have. As a toddler, it's my duty to live up to the reputation of the terrible two's and I tell that to every toddler I meet! But I've not managed to master tantrums completely yet, as my parents have some sneaky ways, which they use to diffuse my tantrums and I often forget what the tantrum was about. I thought I'd better speak out and warn other toddlers about these sneaky … [Read more...]
Why you should teach your child a second language now–Guest Post
Bilingual Benefits--Why you should teach your child a second language now From increased creative thinking to improved multi-tasking, Heidi Bernal, principal of Adams Spanish Immersion School in St. Paul, Minn., sees firsthand the benefits of students learning a second language. “Children are like little sponges and they’re already in a learning mode,” she says. “Most are not afraid to jump in and take a risk (when learning a new language). We use dance, pantomime and pictures and they pick it up quickly.” Bernal points out that new research shows that learning a second language increases brain function.In addition, she says there are long-term advantages such as better job opportunities, and savvy parents, wanting the best for their kids, are looking ahead to their futures. “Spanish is the fastest-growing language group in the United States so there’s a practical use,” Bernal says, “But there are also kids learning Mandarin, and with the global economy, those children might … [Read more...]
What to do with last years Christmas cards
If you are anything like me you have a bit of guilt when it comes time to take, toss, or store the Christmas cards you received last year. I personally feel a huge sense of responsibility to save them....no, I'm not a hoarder! I just figure people took the time, effort and money to send me a card and I can't just toss them. This past January I got to thinking about it and came up with a neat way to save those cards without investing a lot of money or space into it! So gather up those cards and grab a paper hole punch while you are at it.I sorted my cards first by size...it just made it a little bit easier to punch holes in them. Get your kids involved and have them help you sort by size.I took three or four cards at a time and punched two holes into each of the cards. If your kids are old enough (and strong enough) have them help you with this too.I then printed out 2011 Christmas Cards on a pretty Christmas patterned piece of paper. You can get crafty with this and make it as fancy … [Read more...]
The Spirit of Giving With Your Kids
The holiday season is a great opportunity to spend time together as a family and create teachable moments of giving. There are so many opportunities to give back, especially during the holidays. Below are just some ideas on how to start a holiday giving tradition in your family.You can begin by thinking about the interests of your family and research ways to give to related organizations. There are organizations related to literacy, animals, homelessness and so much more. You may want to reference my recent post on finding a legitimate charity to support. You could also ask older kids to research their own organizations and present them to the family for a vote.Here are a few specific suggestions for giving during the holidays:· Frequently local social service agencies offer an opportunity to adopt a family or a child during the holidays. · Donate toys your kids no longer use to Second Chance Toysor a local organization serving children.· Donate gently … [Read more...]
