Today, Toys In The Dryer is excited to bring you a guest post from Becky of Your Modern Family: With four kids ages six and under, I am always looking for a great activity to do with them. I taught elementary school before our oldest son was born and I know how every thing that you do with your children will teach them. Let them explore and learn and you will be amazed by them! Today we will learn how to make paint with kool-aid. This is a fun, easy activity to do with your children! It makes your house smell great and it is so much fun to do with your kids. It is a wonderful activity for creativity and working on fine motor skills. Add in a great story (read about rainbows and paint one) and you have just done a great learning lesson with your kids! Make paint with kool-aid: I bought a few packets of the off-brand (cheapest you can find) Kool-aid mix. To make this, you will want to start by getting out as many bowls as you have kids (or if you are separating by … [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...]
Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies–Guest Post
People have become aware that more children nowadays have what is called a gluten intolerance. The National Institutes of Health, Univ. of Chicago Celiac Disease Center reported in 2012 that between 5% and 10% of all people suffer from a gluten sensitivity of some form. Many bakeries have also become aware of the growing need for different options of baked goods and have started providing gluten free alternatives. As parents, chances are that we all have at least one friend of the family who's child has a gluten sensitivity. It is a good idea to have ingredients and a recipe on hand for playdates. Below is a gluten free chocolate chip cookie recipe that all kids can enjoy. This recipe makes 3 dozen cookies. Ingredients 3/4 cup softened butter 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar 1/4 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract 1/4 cup egg substitute 2 1/4 cups gluten-free baking flour mix 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 12 ounces … [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...]
Two Kid Friendly Creole Treats
Growing up my Grandma owned a house in Grand Isle, Louisiana, about 2.5 hours south of New Orleans. My sister and I spent a few summers down there with her and we got to know the Creole and Cajun cuisine pretty well. Today I am excited to bring you guest recipes from Crystal of Momma Blogga. She brings you two kid friendly (and very tasty!) Creole desserts!Beignets 1 Large Tube of Pillsbury BiscuitsCanola OilPowdered SugarPreheat 2 inches of canola oil in a larger skillet. Remove biscuits and cut in half. Drop biscuits into skillet(be very careful) and fry until golden brown on each side. Remove and place on a plate with paper towels to catch the excess oil. Sprinkle with powered sugar and enjoy! Bananas Foster2 sliced bananas2 tbsp of Butter1 cup of brown sugar(light or dark)1 tsp of vanilla extract1/2 tsp of vanilla1 pinch of nutmeg Vanilla or Praline Ice CreamMelt butter over medium heat in a skillet. Add bananas and gently move them around so they do not stick for 3 minutes. … [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...]
