tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49694578082510426712024-03-13T14:23:40.825-07:00everyday playsimple play ideas for learning and funBelindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-59793300334024479892014-02-02T19:04:00.000-08:002014-02-02T19:04:03.469-08:00The “Mother Guilt” Warning Light<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-NgGdT_eEaJpoJD74BrqTG2Lq8WRAR0s91r77D_oLjvrqz964rGpmMuC0WqBKnLR07MDT-_X-cvX21JYKY1dPg93DVDdGwnu5vZO0fVferrmDU8dQKSIH4hh3iYzToa-0QMBZyw54ao/s1600/checkenginelight.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-NgGdT_eEaJpoJD74BrqTG2Lq8WRAR0s91r77D_oLjvrqz964rGpmMuC0WqBKnLR07MDT-_X-cvX21JYKY1dPg93DVDdGwnu5vZO0fVferrmDU8dQKSIH4hh3iYzToa-0QMBZyw54ao/s1600/checkenginelight.gif" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A quick Google search of Mother Guilt and you’ll soon feel
guilty about feeling it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sure, you could read “31 Reasons You Shouldn’t Feel Mom
Guilt” or “5 New-Mom Guilt Cures” and feel bad about feeling guilty and vow
you’re going to squash those guilty feelings once and for all but I’ve never found
it a good idea to deny feelings - especially not feelings that seem to be
intuitive and come from somewhere deep within me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve never ignored my mother guilt. That doesn’t mean I
always surrender to it either. The thing
is, I think mother guilt is natures’ way of saying "Hang-on, you’ve got a
responsibility here to another human being that’s very important. Your child is
completely dependent on you. Are you meeting that responsibility?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I feel guilty, I take it as an opportunity to stop and
really reflect on what’s going on - to look at the situation rationally through
my eyes and through the eyes of my children. I look at it as a kind of warning
light, like the kind you find on the dashboard in your car. Sometimes those
lights mean you need to fix something fast because something’s wrong. Sometimes
they’re faulty or hyper-sensitive and go off for the wrong reasons. But I’d
never ignore them. I’ll always check my car out if a light goes on. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, when my guilt light goes on, I’ll stop and look at
what’s going on. I’ll try to analyse why I feel guilty and whether my feelings
are warranted. I’ll look at my needs in the situation and my kids’ needs in the
situation and try to work out if I really am making the right decision. I’ll
often talk it over with people I trust and whose opinion I value. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I find working through situations like this will mean that
next time I go through the same situation, I actually don’t feel guilty at all
because I’ve processed what I felt guilty about and realized the feelings are
unwarranted. Pushing the guilt away and telling yourself you don’t need to feel
it doesn’t seem to do this. If the feeling comes back in the same situation,
it’s time to reflect again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This parenting game is hard and it’s often difficult to
manage your own emotional needs while meeting those of your children. I think it’s
actually a good thing that nature has given us a little warning light to keep
our focus where it needs to be, especially when life gets hectic and busy. </div>
Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-5454780854648398162013-10-11T00:21:00.001-07:002013-10-11T00:21:48.932-07:00What I Would Say to New-Mum-Me<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Em turned 10 a couple of weeks ago. It's been a time of reflection. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I keep thinking, what would I tell that poor, frightened, sick, anxious, mess of a mother I was when little Em came along all those years ago? Here are some things I've come up with:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Get your act together, this is normal, this is just what having kids is. It will all come together.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Stop trying to breastfeed, it's making your child hungry and is literally driving you insane.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Bond with that baby and love her no matter what. Do whatever it takes to do that, the rest will work itself out.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Realize how strong and capable you are.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Start enjoying her, she's lovely.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">She'll be big before you know it and she'll love you so much.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Accept the good times and the bad, they all pass.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Have some time for yourself, the baby will be ok.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Embrace being a mother it's the best thing you'll ever do.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Let go of who you were, you'll never be that person again, but you'll be bigger, stronger, wiser and more alive.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Make some friends and get some help.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Don't take on too many things, being a mother takes up a lot of time and that's ok.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Forget what everyone else is doing and saying, no-one has ever mothered YOUR child before.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When you have 2 kids, you still find the strength to manage.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Be kind to yourself, it all turns out ok ....</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What would you say to your New-Mum-Self if you had the chance?</span><br />
Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-34212685059885027952013-09-28T23:47:00.001-07:002013-09-28T23:47:26.723-07:00Keeping Play Open-endedI love play that doesn't have a specific outcome or result. Play that's just play for the sake of it.<br />
<br />
Open-ended play allows kids to take an activity exactly where they want it to go. This usually means that they will take it where they need it to go developmentally. Kids will often naturally, instinctively engage in the kind of play they need to help themselves along or process what's going on around them. The other great thing about it is it let's kids be just right there in the moment. Nothing is expected of them, nothing needs to be done, they just get carried away in creative bliss. What a nice state to be in.<br />
<br />
To encourage open-ended play you can:<br />
<ul>
<li>Have play resources organised and accessible at all times</li>
<li>Choose to include natural items in play like rocks, stones, gumnuts and leaves</li>
<li>Make sure kids have a space to let loose with their play</li>
<li>Choose to buy toys that can be used in lots of different ways</li>
<li>Include everyday items in play tubs too - things like notepads, pens, containers, wooden spoons, purses, handbags, pegs, kitchen cooking equipment (just remember to check for safety issues when using everyday items)</li>
<li>Start a box of craft materials that can be used for open ended art impulses! </li>
</ul>
Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-80867295843635086602013-06-24T03:35:00.000-07:002013-06-24T03:36:51.362-07:00Playtime: Don't Get Rid of Those Soft Toys - They're Actually Good for Development!<br />
When Em was born, I couldn't believe how many soft toys we got as gifts and I remember thinking at the time - what on earth are we going to do with all of these? Well, fast forward almost 10 years and our soft toy collection has at least quadrupled in that time and doesn't look like shrinking any time soon!<br />
<br />
Soft toys are great for development. Their sweet little faces and soft furry ways help encourage empathy, compassion and caring. They can also be a reassuring source of comfort for a child who is feeling sad or insecure. There are plenty of ways to encourage soft toy play.<br />
<br />
<b>For Babies </b><br />
Have a basket of 3 or 4 accessible for baby play time. Choose toys that do not have any loose bows or buttons that can fall off. It's great if the toys have smaller limbs or a tail that baby can grab and hold onto. Remember that babies will always put toys in heir mouth so make sure no bits of fur or fluff can come off.<br />
<br />
Baby will practice using her fine motor skills grabbing her soft toys and will feel happy and secure looking at friendly, kind faces. She may also enjoy kissing and cuddling the toys and older babies might even start to like to feed them a bottle or some pretend food. You could also add a soft baby brush so she could brush her fur.<br />
<br />
<b>For Toddlers</b><br />
Soft toys are great play companions for toddlers. They can be put into bags, prams, boxes, carts, baskets and ride on cars and taken out again. This is one of toddlers' favourite things to do.<br />
<br />
A toddler will play out social situations with her soft toys and help to look after them. This works on her empathy, compassion and caring skills. Playing out social situations also helps your toddler to make sense of her social world and her place in it.<br />
<br />
<b>For preschoolers and older children</b><br />
Preschoolers and older children will enjoy constructing entire imaginative worlds for their soft toys. Your preschooler will perhaps start by making voices and acting out a role using the toy. With this kind of play, the toys are the centre of the imaginative process. They will need props or accessories which can be created by your child, bringing in the possibility of a range of art and craft activities too. Over the years we have made teddy jewellery, back packs, shoe box beds, tissue box cars, school books, invitations, hats, clothes, just to name a few.<br />
<br />
Your preschooler or older child will work on his social and emotional skills during this kind of imaginative play activity. He will play out social situations he has been in and will use the toys to play out different outcomes. By giving his toys different personalities, he is learning to look at situations through other people's eyes and reinforcing what he knows about caring. Making and creating props and accessories for toys works on fine motor skills as well as literacy and numeracy skills.<br />
<br />
<b>Fun Soft Toy moments </b><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XwL342J0tM6TdgMIm9KDQKgW_j9n3xB8-2yGqpmLTE7BOgnKK2c3IomxpMb9cYzsY0XzqvLnwYcOkR9OtBQyiSKU6uSYzUUqC-1337HNK07ETwXVRxf7oLmikVsMcfW5tKpluj1BXzE/s1600/chart+101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XwL342J0tM6TdgMIm9KDQKgW_j9n3xB8-2yGqpmLTE7BOgnKK2c3IomxpMb9cYzsY0XzqvLnwYcOkR9OtBQyiSKU6uSYzUUqC-1337HNK07ETwXVRxf7oLmikVsMcfW5tKpluj1BXzE/s320/chart+101.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some teddy bear jewellery as modeled for a PP photo shoot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqav70iHx-kzCGogoMgBdbUlE4u9dGLyQOLgARPssWuuUQpsg3rWLOujFRsaCwsNQiqrcV7QC_7NT2bLxuJGHgBadUjMfiiwxaJmDWyIkrrXo4NCOYR0oI0vUEPJZjqbqp6JqcXM4k-tE/s1600/DSCN3818.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqav70iHx-kzCGogoMgBdbUlE4u9dGLyQOLgARPssWuuUQpsg3rWLOujFRsaCwsNQiqrcV7QC_7NT2bLxuJGHgBadUjMfiiwxaJmDWyIkrrXo4NCOYR0oI0vUEPJZjqbqp6JqcXM4k-tE/s320/DSCN3818.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddies in an indoor tent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A soft toy, a shoe box and a ramp - hours of fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvqpx_dlyIRgDYQxqYN6myFtGoqifF0bEl-o8qKDfTPSJvlRxaySrv1Qu4w8lGM2o8ECKCGQBuG5x01VzT8ZpDPKhncGHAfpA-5AGA0ikKi9sGwOHRn7rmRwTGFP4yl-UhB_0O1unA_8/s1600/chart+077.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvqpx_dlyIRgDYQxqYN6myFtGoqifF0bEl-o8qKDfTPSJvlRxaySrv1Qu4w8lGM2o8ECKCGQBuG5x01VzT8ZpDPKhncGHAfpA-5AGA0ikKi9sGwOHRn7rmRwTGFP4yl-UhB_0O1unA_8/s320/chart+077.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A homemade shoe box bed - Good night!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-58867520182330820612013-05-08T18:44:00.000-07:002013-05-08T18:44:21.957-07:00Book Review: Little Hoot<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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The kids and I have just been enjoying this great book called "Little Hoot". It's written by <span class="st">Amy Krouse Rosenthal.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DIDim-I_bCwgMILZxdM202Nzi_jEl030D0YrRt4DNtDcCceGNXs0yajvCec2HnZClwYn33VzBRFHH0TruJJ2X4R3U7gYXAzAAj7fU6pQPoTocxBT1OQATPUbRAZB1zPys8-We10TAhk/s1600/index.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DIDim-I_bCwgMILZxdM202Nzi_jEl030D0YrRt4DNtDcCceGNXs0yajvCec2HnZClwYn33VzBRFHH0TruJJ2X4R3U7gYXAzAAj7fU6pQPoTocxBT1OQATPUbRAZB1zPys8-We10TAhk/s1600/index.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span class="st"> </span> </div>
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Like most little people, Little Hoot doesn’t like bedtime.
What makes this story a different is, in the world of owls, children
don’t go to bed early. Little Hoot doesn’t like bedtime because he has to stay
up too late! He hates staying up late, he's tired. He doesn’t want to play all night, he wants to go to bed early
like all his friends. "No" says mum, "you need to stay up for one more hour!"</div>
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<br /></div>
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This is a lovely, fun book. There are lots of little quirks in
the way the book is illustrated and the language used is playful and sweet.</div>
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<br /></div>
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My kids love this story because it’s the opposite of what
they always say. It makes my 6 year old giggle at the thought of Little Hoot liking the opposite to what he likes and it makes my 9 year old stop
and think about the role of perspective in defining our experience of things. Pre-schoolers will love the mixed up world the owls live in and if
you’re lucky, they might even pretend to be owls and enjoy an early bedtime, even if it’s just for one
night!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DIDim-I_bCwgMILZxdM202Nzi_jEl030D0YrRt4DNtDcCceGNXs0yajvCec2HnZClwYn33VzBRFHH0TruJJ2X4R3U7gYXAzAAj7fU6pQPoTocxBT1OQATPUbRAZB1zPys8-We10TAhk/s1600/index.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-53812324434000144312013-04-22T02:58:00.000-07:002013-04-22T02:58:09.702-07:00Reading Round Up: Spoiling Children and those Pesky Teenagers<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I love articles like this one from Kerri Sackville from The
Age on the weekend. </div>
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<a href="http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/kerri-sackville-20130416-2hy2h.html">http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/kerri-sackville-20130416-2hy2h.html</a> </div>
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We should all be as honest and reflective as parents. Kerri
talks about how she spoilt her third child and now regrets it. She has seen the
error in her ways and vows to make amends. We all make choices as parents and
sometimes we make them for the wrong reasons. Kerri sums this up in such a
frank and poignant way. It’s definitely worth a read.</div>
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This next article made me think about parenting teenagers.
It seems like a hard gig, I’m not looking forward to negotiating it. </div>
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<a href="http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/teen-dreams-20130409-2hj73.html">http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/teen-dreams-20130409-2hj73.html</a></div>
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It’s written by 19 year old Steph Bowe and gives advice from
her perspective about the mistakes parents make and what young people need from
their parents. I know it seems the world has changed a lot since we were
teenagers but I’m not sure teenagers have changed that much. They seem to want
the same things we did – time, love, understanding, someone to be there. I hope
I can remember that when I’m on the receiving end of irrational hormonal
screaming just a few years from now!</div>
Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-73522501217015052702013-04-16T21:28:00.000-07:002013-04-16T21:28:09.744-07:00Full of WritingI'm back here again after (another) break. I thought I was maybe done blogging, but something keeps pulling me back and I feel the need to explain my absence a little before I start off again.<br />
<br />
When Ed was around 2, he looked at me one dinner time, took a deep sigh and said "Mum, I'm full of carrots!" He'd just had enough. He'd always loved carrots and had eaten loads of them in his 2 years and on this day, he'd had enough. He had a litlle break and started enjoying them again of course, but I was just thinking the other day about why I hadn't been around these parts at all in the last 6 months and suddenly realised that last year, I was full of writing.<br />
<br />
I wrote heaps last year. I wrote for PP, for my blog and for a magazine a friend was working on. It was great and I really enjoyed it at the time, but when I sent my last article into PP in August last year after banging out 3 in one month, I just felt tired and full and I needed a rest.<br />
<br />
I wasn't sure if or when I would be back, but I didn't panic, I just let nature run it's course, knowing I'd hit this keyboard again if and when I wanted to and guess what, now I do!<br />
<br />
I have reservations, I was actually nervous about starting back. Is anyone still interested in what I've got to say?<br />
<br />
I started this blog not really knowing the answer to that and I wrote for magazines not really knowing the answer to that. I wrote just with the knowledge that I'm passionate about what I write about. I wrote because I believe raising and teaching kids is important and should be valued and respected. I wrote because kids are special and delightful and deserve to have articles and blog posts written about how to raise them well. So, I'm going to keep writing and anything else that comes from that is really just icing on the cake - delicious, sweet, frosty icing .... <br />
<br />
<br />Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-78795995249186151112012-08-26T20:49:00.000-07:002012-08-27T00:04:55.014-07:00Birthday Parties in September Practical Parenting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTw3M6iJrPlTUDtrnR4ehujjSO03Dm-uDexGFm2g14aKv_Yb9NUy53EnS5WkyAN6tumW9D1jpV9L6bXNBFURxyPC5m015-OGyL84JHZaakdOnDrc3zYqwjGy1p8KAe6ehRfl4i7_VU84/s1600/373227_135372233143054_106497601_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTw3M6iJrPlTUDtrnR4ehujjSO03Dm-uDexGFm2g14aKv_Yb9NUy53EnS5WkyAN6tumW9D1jpV9L6bXNBFURxyPC5m015-OGyL84JHZaakdOnDrc3zYqwjGy1p8KAe6ehRfl4i7_VU84/s1600/373227_135372233143054_106497601_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I have an article in Practical Parenting this month all about throwing the perfect birthday party. To help put the article together, I was lucky enough to speak to Nicole Avery from "Planning With Kids" and Samantha Greig, co founder of "The Complete Kids Party".<br />
<br />
I've thrown a few home parties in my time, but now I can't wait for the next one. I found so many great planning ideas from Nicole's birthday party planning ebook "Parties With Kids". I love Nic's ideas for food and party activities. Of course she has some lovely ideas over at her blog <a href="http://www.planningwithkids.com/" target="_blank">"Planning With Kids"</a> too.<br />
<br />
Samantha's company that she co-owns with Jacqui has so many gorgeous party must-haves on offer. It really is a one-stop party shop! Check these out<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kTFh63NvcpPG_ycrXScJygWKMD9jRaEFHn2SdO7d0rYbOSiR7asECpzhfpGXFKxmWzpLVX6n-SfHQOqA9Ha8MCNOJswL7PAtuSm5N1VHVhwg1hHF9IARRHgD0_IDwwivbOnATnnX_Pk/s1600/category180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kTFh63NvcpPG_ycrXScJygWKMD9jRaEFHn2SdO7d0rYbOSiR7asECpzhfpGXFKxmWzpLVX6n-SfHQOqA9Ha8MCNOJswL7PAtuSm5N1VHVhwg1hHF9IARRHgD0_IDwwivbOnATnnX_Pk/s1600/category180.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous boy's party colour scheme</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD70GK0RtcY5STF6YSg69l8ypoh8RavAPJCidtAqYYDY30fBkQSh1cscqpM6oEc2O8HtAKSlAQL7gnZkVyYtdkSkU7CIARNt9gYLDO6Qx1g8QPLPdCfxuGb7clHXv-sLcXqkFYSTaVKEY/s1600/Girls_owl_thankyou_tag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD70GK0RtcY5STF6YSg69l8ypoh8RavAPJCidtAqYYDY30fBkQSh1cscqpM6oEc2O8HtAKSlAQL7gnZkVyYtdkSkU7CIARNt9gYLDO6Qx1g8QPLPdCfxuGb7clHXv-sLcXqkFYSTaVKEY/s200/Girls_owl_thankyou_tag.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love owls!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvAL_KrLneIX3JQRvo0oWhZu3j7Nv-R4IYyL4_78ZzEnA-3O6_3-QAPVfxvCCtvAOChL8rA__82SysVFgjE-i1rPmBMC3323cZa0Ln6xdYVnXAYqOJpf9ujPiMpxJ4FgxCxXertwCBRs/s1600/Girls_owl_pink_invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RQHAOTwbiyEsvHdZExKvQL3yDWXIrZYpVb6A5wesBeIhQqkyaqPR6M9r7UoVMd0ZBRoYpclPAh6ZT16AwU4qkP3Pu499CnEopyHeij-NqcISnpHwqsXywa0x14SeqDuFZdPP4JSU00k/s1600/Lolly_jar_with_princess_tag13399204274fdd902bed3e1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RQHAOTwbiyEsvHdZExKvQL3yDWXIrZYpVb6A5wesBeIhQqkyaqPR6M9r7UoVMd0ZBRoYpclPAh6ZT16AwU4qkP3Pu499CnEopyHeij-NqcISnpHwqsXywa0x14SeqDuFZdPP4JSU00k/s1600/Lolly_jar_with_princess_tag13399204274fdd902bed3e1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet lolly jar and tag</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37p89e8sTE725iQ7MSN6z-AtOkjbjAB_DOmjdganiiz0jUc98UtdIfv0oW9XCXOxmvtmij6rGEYsxKo1Fv-7xhhQWspwCu3vgXGO8K3WTZkLFZJ4BEdO4MKV4pXKVIPUVifBiVQ40tTQ/s1600/Mini_milk_bottles_pirate13396794074fd9e2afaaf37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
I want these gorgeous milk bottles for my new windowsill!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37p89e8sTE725iQ7MSN6z-AtOkjbjAB_DOmjdganiiz0jUc98UtdIfv0oW9XCXOxmvtmij6rGEYsxKo1Fv-7xhhQWspwCu3vgXGO8K3WTZkLFZJ4BEdO4MKV4pXKVIPUVifBiVQ40tTQ/s1600/Mini_milk_bottles_pirate13396794074fd9e2afaaf37.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37p89e8sTE725iQ7MSN6z-AtOkjbjAB_DOmjdganiiz0jUc98UtdIfv0oW9XCXOxmvtmij6rGEYsxKo1Fv-7xhhQWspwCu3vgXGO8K3WTZkLFZJ4BEdO4MKV4pXKVIPUVifBiVQ40tTQ/s1600/Mini_milk_bottles_pirate13396794074fd9e2afaaf37.jpg" /></a> </div>
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There are plenty more great ideas at <a href="http://thecompletekidsparty.com.au/" target="_blank">"The Complete Kid's Party"</a> website.</div>
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And if you'd like to check out my article for even more great ideas, it's available now!</div>
<br />Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-19563297209882488842012-07-16T21:05:00.002-07:002012-07-16T21:05:22.650-07:00Learning During the Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS!!!!! I really, really do. I love just ordinary hanging around the house holidays, but I especially love the getting away kind.<br />
<br />
These holidays we headed up to the Gold Coast to stay at the Sea World Resort for 2 nights and then went up even further to Port Douglas.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6WGMj44CQNoaRhdIktSoItrRtMYS4vbO69eL_KnwYAGsBB21-x7X5fwP5M5xcahfU6n1oolz85QsHyZG7nuQMBx4uaIYnl1q-y9LmJF3dFvV5qOYIK5nefwvdetGkGBAHm-M8rCqkjo/s1600/IMG_1044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6WGMj44CQNoaRhdIktSoItrRtMYS4vbO69eL_KnwYAGsBB21-x7X5fwP5M5xcahfU6n1oolz85QsHyZG7nuQMBx4uaIYnl1q-y9LmJF3dFvV5qOYIK5nefwvdetGkGBAHm-M8rCqkjo/s320/IMG_1044.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun at Sea World</td></tr>
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<br />
My kids are at the perfect age for Sea World and we had a great time. The Resort wasn't as luxurious and beautiful as I would have hoped, but it is super kid-friendly and also super close to the park which came in very handy when we needed a break from all the fun.<br />
<br />
Port Douglas is glorious and we spent almost every day at the beach and the pool. We also ran into some old friends up there which was a nice surprise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8paYEtgW10UpXshEhaoHp3YZz7Rn6Lkezcb8_jn3jV-l7OD9z-Yvdybnl0zzRt_6KqWIH0vEW-gpVeOQp3dlUx-HWEnZ2XSUD_Ks_FLaMFRBsZJEpFImLrQsvpbi8gfFcSv7mFdAIDg/s1600/IMG_1130.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8paYEtgW10UpXshEhaoHp3YZz7Rn6Lkezcb8_jn3jV-l7OD9z-Yvdybnl0zzRt_6KqWIH0vEW-gpVeOQp3dlUx-HWEnZ2XSUD_Ks_FLaMFRBsZJEpFImLrQsvpbi8gfFcSv7mFdAIDg/s320/IMG_1130.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Port Douglas</td></tr>
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<br />
What I love about the holidays is how slow and easy they can be. It's the perfect time to read, relax, reflect and learn. We learned a lot over the holidays ....<br />
<br />
Ed learned<br />
<ul>
<li>How to put his head under water and swim without floaties</li>
<li>"Big Bounce" is a fun, fun game (even by yourself)</li>
<li>Birthday money does eventually run out; and </li>
<li>He can put together big Lego kits all by himself</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Em learned <br />
<ul>
<li>How to take her earrings out for the first time</li>
<li>The buffet dinner was made for her</li>
<li>She really, really loves dolphins and wants to be a dolphin trainer when she grows up; and</li>
<li>Her Mum can become quite competitive when playing "Piggy in the Middle"</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXsTqYSXmtyMwK-h4k_VryAOd0cdTpK-KdvYjky5NL0T3Nq4d7yoBo_0-r8o53w20Wrl4JPUdRt8n3ODTBuDuWKRRiz-c87R7isn87XgO5aZahxGyMGFs8Ck9GeO4c8HZaUXqsToI9XE/s1600/IMG_1000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXsTqYSXmtyMwK-h4k_VryAOd0cdTpK-KdvYjky5NL0T3Nq4d7yoBo_0-r8o53w20Wrl4JPUdRt8n3ODTBuDuWKRRiz-c87R7isn87XgO5aZahxGyMGFs8Ck9GeO4c8HZaUXqsToI9XE/s320/IMG_1000.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dolphin that won Em's heart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I learned ...<br />
Interesting Crocodile facts like ....<br />
<ul>
<li>Mother crocodiles only look after their
young for around three months and if they haven't left the nest by then
they may get eaten!!</li>
<li>Crocodiles can jump out of the water and bite boats!! (I didn't learn this first hand thankfully!)</li>
<li>They are always hunting and planning to eat the smallest thing they can see (this is when I held Ed tightly on my lap!!)</li>
</ul>
<br />
I also remembered some things I'd forgotten like ..... <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Scary rides make me scared!</li>
<li>I love having no schedule </li>
<li>The beach is the best </li>
<li>Good weather really makes me happy</li>
<li>Old friends can make you laugh and laugh and laugh </li>
<li>Mountains are peaceful </li>
<li>I hate hungry seagulls; and</li>
<li>I think my husband is just ace </li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFxSGFF87EgVEtYuhUQbwSkp6LX834NtpsBMIDVluPKJV1PrHCyknQV0W1GGAM0MKZz7tURyqoy8eq4srmQ5xCk6bcsPfZenJB_z6iD37iijnhitX6ZgjIWIIxp1tNrjWZQJBrVEF7-g/s1600/IMG_1047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFxSGFF87EgVEtYuhUQbwSkp6LX834NtpsBMIDVluPKJV1PrHCyknQV0W1GGAM0MKZz7tURyqoy8eq4srmQ5xCk6bcsPfZenJB_z6iD37iijnhitX6ZgjIWIIxp1tNrjWZQJBrVEF7-g/s320/IMG_1047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful Gold Coast beach, my 'ace' husband and my girl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFxSGFF87EgVEtYuhUQbwSkp6LX834NtpsBMIDVluPKJV1PrHCyknQV0W1GGAM0MKZz7tURyqoy8eq4srmQ5xCk6bcsPfZenJB_z6iD37iijnhitX6ZgjIWIIxp1tNrjWZQJBrVEF7-g/s1600/IMG_1047.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<br />
And then I saw some things that I hadn't noticed before like .....<br />
<ul>
<li>Ed can write quite a lot and is much better at sticking up for himself then he used to be and</li>
<li>Em is maturing and blossoming more and more everyday. She is turning into a lovely young lady.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
All in all a very good time was had and I still feel that relaxed, happy, peaceful glow I felt just a few days into the trip. What could be better than spending uninterrupted time with my amazing family in paradise? Right now I say nothing!<br />
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<br />
Hope your holidays were just as good. Did you learn anything special?<br />
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<br />Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-12595724706188205252012-06-25T22:02:00.000-07:002012-06-27T20:36:51.850-07:005 Fun Ideas For Big KidsWith the holidays almost upon us here in Melbourne, I thought I would share 5 ideas to keep bigger kids busy.<br />
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1. Make a Fact Sheet<br />
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This is one of my daughter's favorite things to do and can be modified according to your child's age.
It's simple really, I just give my girl a topic and she has to find 20 facts on that topic. When she was younger, it used to be just 10. She uses the computer and reference books to find her facts. Sometimes I'll be specific and say "I'd like you to find 10 facts from a book and 10 facts on the computer". I think it's important kids know how to research topics they're interested in and that they can use a variety of resources to find facts, not just trusty old Google! We tend to stick to places and animals. For a first timer, you could give them a few ideas eg. For an animal they could find where it lives, what it eats, it's predators are etc. We collect up all the fact sheets and keep them in a folder. This activity builds research skills, literacy skills, computer skills and gets kids thinking about the everyday world.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrejhvHZV-z_8MDpxKf_Hu0FMRPbX68PnGlikgu7Pc2eH0qOdY-f25CqsDl3bhgGha1TVeAlk9ELfMmX7zYfzjd5N05iLzborM-_sIk3r-n9r1pE7a9BV7AY1-qd7AvzWlJXIsbX7WKEA/s1600/Untitled2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrejhvHZV-z_8MDpxKf_Hu0FMRPbX68PnGlikgu7Pc2eH0qOdY-f25CqsDl3bhgGha1TVeAlk9ELfMmX7zYfzjd5N05iLzborM-_sIk3r-n9r1pE7a9BV7AY1-qd7AvzWlJXIsbX7WKEA/s320/Untitled2.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Em's first typed-up fact sheet</td></tr>
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2. Do a Project<br />
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This is similar to the fact sheet idea, but I choose a topic that is a little more general and I give Em specific questions that she has to find the answers to. It usually starts with a conversation about a topic she's interested in. We had an earthquake here in Melbourne just the other day, so she did a project on that. You can see her efforts below. This builds similar skills to the fact sheet, but it hones research skills slightly because it asks the child to find specific facts. It also really works a child's ability to read text and find meaning on it. This is a really important literacy skill.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidF7skql2j8upV9aVLBG6bP12CzUQjyUTEcb1Ae9ILmwRx-S8MesIMRE6ZWJilJWnRKnNWKvCNVkjDcqa8sfngyMxVJhNX33JMd97-kK93Pbkuh6w2-bLl-ckSxxzFk-QiBSiKwpnSgsQ/s1600/Untitled.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidF7skql2j8upV9aVLBG6bP12CzUQjyUTEcb1Ae9ILmwRx-S8MesIMRE6ZWJilJWnRKnNWKvCNVkjDcqa8sfngyMxVJhNX33JMd97-kK93Pbkuh6w2-bLl-ckSxxzFk-QiBSiKwpnSgsQ/s640/Untitled.png" width="545" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Em's Earthquake Project</td></tr>
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3. Making a book.<br />
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We love making books at our house. This is a great activity for kids around 5-7 who are just starting to spell and write on their own. A great way to help it along is to put together a sheet of words that your child might use in their book but need help spelling. Ed just recently made a book about Mr Scribble, but needed help to write 'scribble'. I wrote out the words he needed first so he could work independently.
This is great for spelling, writing, drawing and also planning how a story takes shape. It works on imagination and creativity and is a great self-esteem boost once it's finished.
Start with just a few pages for really early writers. Ed's book was just 3 pages long for his first go. <br />
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4. Paint<br />
Painting with bigger kids is loads of fun. I like to give them just a few colours - red, yellow, blue, black and white and allow them to mix their own colours in an egg carton. They can paint onto paper or canvas and you can either give them something to sketch and paint or allow them to use their own imagiantion and creativity. For extra experimentation, you can try powder paints. This means kids can experiment with the texture and consistecy of the paint as well as the colour. Experimentation and creative expression help with creativity, language, recall, problem solving and knowledge about the world.<br />
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5. Cubbies<br />
It's easy to think that bigger kids are too old for pretend play, but children generally enjoy this sort of play until they're 10-12 years old and sometimes older. Bigger kids like details. They'll appreciate access to real food, torches, notebooks, lots of furry friends, dress ups, sleeping bags and pillows. And they'll also like having two or more cubby houses to move between. They great thing about bigger kids engaging in this sort of play is they can build their own houses and play around with size and shape on their own. They can also help to pack up too! Even for older ones, pretend play is great for self confidence, self esteem, problem solving, getting along, language skills, imagination and creativity.<br />
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What do your big kids like to do?Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-63063718782960759832012-06-06T18:36:00.000-07:002012-06-06T18:36:11.226-07:00It's OK to Be Sad ....<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
As a generation of parents, I think we’re really bad at just
letting things be. We want to step in, control a situation, make it better and
right. I’m just as guilty as anyone else.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wonder what this is doing to our kids.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’re in make-do mode here at our house at the moment as we
renovate our main kitchen and living area. It’s dusty and cold. The food isn’t
up to scratch and we are surrounded by general chaos. But guess what, we’re all
happy and ok.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sure, there have been complaints about there not being
enough food or space or cutlery or TV, but we’re managing and we’re all
learning lessons.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s really got me thinking about how we try to make everything
good for our kids all the time. We don’t like them being upset or uncomfortable.
We are the generation of parents who have banned sports days because children
get upset when they don’t come first. We give all kids trophies and medals for
participating rather than recognizing those who excel. Hey, we even put a prize
in every layer of pass the parcel so no-one gets upset when they miss out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wonder what this is doing to our kids, whether we’re
actually doing more harm than good. Sure, in the short term they’re happy, but
what about when they’re older? What happens when things don’t go their way?
What happens when people around them get sick or even die? What happens when
they don’t get that job the first time or they break their leg or they don’t
have enough money to buy the car/house/holiday they really want? How will they
cope when they haven’t learned the skills to deal with situations that don’t
turn out the way they hoped?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, I’m not advocating purposely upsetting children or
making things really tough for them or telling them to “just suck it up” when
something upsets them. But I am talking about not manipulating and
manufacturing everything to prevent them from getting upset. Instead of
removing them from situations that might make them sad or angry, we should let
them have these experiences and be there for them to pick up the pieces with
love and empathy. We need to teach them to talk about things that upset them and deal with the feelings that arise. We should be honest with them and let them fail. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They need to
learn lessons like “things only hurt for a little while” and “all things pass”
and “you don’t have to win/succeed every time and you’ll still be ok”. They
also need to learn that sadness is a part of life. There are powerful lessons
in suffering, as hard as they are.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Again, I’m not saying we should make our kids suffer because
that would be wrong. I’m just saying that maybe we shouldn’t shield our kids so
much from the things that can make them angry or upset.Maybe we should just stand back at let things be. Accept life the way it is, for us and for our kids.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We help our children
develop skills to do all sorts of things. Surely giving them the skills to cope
with anything life can throw at them is one of the most wonderful things we can
do.</div>Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-82135906852516370072012-05-15T21:33:00.001-07:002012-05-15T21:33:30.153-07:00Ways with Playdough<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy7jHvcdsWSH8zIaYoZHjtbFQ1YUh20hqiLK0cloKUK4pzll49mVxH0ZpkAAMO0VHkVQ5Wfg77oO_QAKLbV0KrZR-hmMsj_EjMyfVPEhbwtP2Xs8Qp2PlZ1WnJrXuCa6jxUx7jF10lhc/s1600/DSCN4030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy7jHvcdsWSH8zIaYoZHjtbFQ1YUh20hqiLK0cloKUK4pzll49mVxH0ZpkAAMO0VHkVQ5Wfg77oO_QAKLbV0KrZR-hmMsj_EjMyfVPEhbwtP2Xs8Qp2PlZ1WnJrXuCa6jxUx7jF10lhc/s320/DSCN4030.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span> </span>Here are some different things to add to playdough<span> if you're tired of rollers and cookie cutters:</span><span> </span><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span>Patty pans, match sticks and plates for
birthday parties</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span>Wooden spoons, mixing bowls, measuring
cups and spoons, baking trays and a cardboard box to act as an oven for
cooking</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span>Plates and knives and forks for pretend
eating</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span>Very small branches from shrubs, gumnuts, seed pods, leaves
and plastic animals to re-create farm or jungle scenes</span></li>
</ul>
<span> Playdough is a great activity to boost language skills and work on developing those fine motor muscles. Do it outside or in the kitchen or bathroom if you don't like the mess!</span><br /><span> </span>Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-49070087571744838412012-04-23T00:17:00.004-07:002012-04-23T00:17:54.633-07:00Something to Make - Shakers<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPZT1mfCoHxSOYhoWR-oEIdC1Z2dhRc3U7bNwMhiKscqWo_Oa954NEWrskMMKhzRUfXRftWwy_mZsc1YLBpksFg45KXS67Z-Fl-1iIBoQIl35N1Si4d72p7ur3f7mkZrTFMyo8D8urAs/s1600/photo.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPZT1mfCoHxSOYhoWR-oEIdC1Z2dhRc3U7bNwMhiKscqWo_Oa954NEWrskMMKhzRUfXRftWwy_mZsc1YLBpksFg45KXS67Z-Fl-1iIBoQIl35N1Si4d72p7ur3f7mkZrTFMyo8D8urAs/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
My children have had so much fun with these drink bottle shakers. I made them when Em was a baby. So that makes them about 8 years old. They have been in the baby toy basket, the toddler treasure chest and then made their way to the box of musical instruments. They have sure been used.<br />
<br />
Here's how to make your own ...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Who can make this?</i></span><br />
Anyone from aged 2 onwards<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What do you need?</i></span><br />
Plastic drink bottles<br />
Something noisy to put inside.<br />
Maybe even some stickers or paint to decorate<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What to do? </i></span><br />
Collect up some well washed out plastic drink bottles. The smaller one in the photo is a great size for baby hands. It was made using a bottle collected from a flight back to Adelaide.<br />
Put something noisy inside. This project is one exception to my not playing with food rule. Some great food things to use are lentils, rice, barley and dried beans. It's nice to use different colours and sizes to give different sights and sounds.
If you don't like using food in play, you can always fill the bottles with sand, stones, gum nuts and seed pods. Collecting them up is a fun activity on it's own!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPZT1mfCoHxSOYhoWR-oEIdC1Z2dhRc3U7bNwMhiKscqWo_Oa954NEWrskMMKhzRUfXRftWwy_mZsc1YLBpksFg45KXS67Z-Fl-1iIBoQIl35N1Si4d72p7ur3f7mkZrTFMyo8D8urAs/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
If the shakers are going in a music box, it's great to decorate them with stickers or they can even be painted.
Remember to play it safe though. Little children love to put things in their mouths so it's best not o decorate shakers little ones will use. Also, make sure those lids are screwed on tight!Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-2653078267235205182012-04-17T04:30:00.005-07:002012-04-17T05:13:21.424-07:00Ways to Play with Aluminium Foil<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbeY3F2Wbb8rKS-I9j6wm5KgosLl4HnTfYcCdRM6h6N5rWlY8SGpn-Ks_yK4STF0VfG_E5xso9DJpuTsQaHrfgPbqJeCL6juGNwCN1nPjFAjJvwpNs68vu6Q0_AHYkih5fchF-DhK-kM/s1600/IMG_0286.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16FXROtAV_DHhGQDBmco4Xhn3pKvWFxSLGM-Yac4t7JQC0n0EyuCeGwkZLtITBt5ITTMzIuqs4fSZt2w0a6w-tAESGcUyqZwCXiPLd3iruAeTZVfr-tvsF1TJ8tkj2dxEmCgGFHJ6wlE/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16FXROtAV_DHhGQDBmco4Xhn3pKvWFxSLGM-Yac4t7JQC0n0EyuCeGwkZLtITBt5ITTMzIuqs4fSZt2w0a6w-tAESGcUyqZwCXiPLd3iruAeTZVfr-tvsF1TJ8tkj2dxEmCgGFHJ6wlE/s320/IMG_0306.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732338565240285858" border="0" /></a><br />Aluminium foil (or tin foil for all my US friends!) is relatively inexpensive and its shiny, foily qualities make it a great fun thing to include in play ideas. <p class="MsoNormal"> We like to:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <ul><li>Cover blocks and boxes and containers in it to make rockets and robots and spacey play scenes. Building with blocks and creating fun scenarios builds on imagination, creativity, language skills and motor skills.</li></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kBdqzhec6GYfpZSKggBqYZKErSiiZStTk-eGSJw9Stw838Bz1CQfsFWJqHyvVkbWsRUkQ5Yh0woAdXu4a-86cHwSiRdRfDH-LcANSjAs-0T2jcl9gocBJL6pfvCvHA2iJ7mYVnVjbNo/s1600/IMG_0290.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kBdqzhec6GYfpZSKggBqYZKErSiiZStTk-eGSJw9Stw838Bz1CQfsFWJqHyvVkbWsRUkQ5Yh0woAdXu4a-86cHwSiRdRfDH-LcANSjAs-0T2jcl9gocBJL6pfvCvHA2iJ7mYVnVjbNo/s320/IMG_0290.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732338542079467682" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1TA5_27xDtVVnkSeZH5Tws9NzJ8f7eRnRzPacAsBQAXGzvD7nNcR_keD1jWXw_fTdOXX4mSBIYj_xxdk_9T63DBwADsJLDCqTT2J9JgY4gGnBd9qTqImJdEAqBsIllzh2t0CI04fW6s/s1600/IMG_0297.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1TA5_27xDtVVnkSeZH5Tws9NzJ8f7eRnRzPacAsBQAXGzvD7nNcR_keD1jWXw_fTdOXX4mSBIYj_xxdk_9T63DBwADsJLDCqTT2J9JgY4gGnBd9qTqImJdEAqBsIllzh2t0CI04fW6s/s320/IMG_0297.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732338570646805858" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><ul><li>Roll it into balls to play with, building on motor skills and eye-hand co-ordination.</li></ul> <ul><li>Cut it and tear it because it’s easy to work with and makes a great sound. This works motor skills again and it is also a great way to practice cutting skills. Tearing and crinkling is a great way to explore the senses too.</li></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbeY3F2Wbb8rKS-I9j6wm5KgosLl4HnTfYcCdRM6h6N5rWlY8SGpn-Ks_yK4STF0VfG_E5xso9DJpuTsQaHrfgPbqJeCL6juGNwCN1nPjFAjJvwpNs68vu6Q0_AHYkih5fchF-DhK-kM/s1600/IMG_0286.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbeY3F2Wbb8rKS-I9j6wm5KgosLl4HnTfYcCdRM6h6N5rWlY8SGpn-Ks_yK4STF0VfG_E5xso9DJpuTsQaHrfgPbqJeCL6juGNwCN1nPjFAjJvwpNs68vu6Q0_AHYkih5fchF-DhK-kM/s320/IMG_0286.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732340423295640034" border="0" /></a><ul><li>Paint onto it to give our paintings a different finish. Painting is a great fun art and craft activity that builds on spatial awareness, creativity, motor skills and knowledge of colours, shapes and patterns.</li></ul> <ul><li>Wrap up presents for soft toy birthday parties. Foil folds easily and doesn’t necessarily require sticky tape. Playing party games builds on social skills like empathy, compassion, care and nurturing. Looking after and organizing toys is also a great opportunity to build on language skills.</li></ul><ul><li>Include it in collage crafts. Shiny foil makes a great body for a robot or a magical mermaids tail or bright, sparkly fishy scales. Cut out some squares for a robot or scales for a fish or a long mermaid's tail. Give your child the cut-outs, some glue, some paper to stick the shapes onto and some pens and textas to draw on and around the foil cutout. Crafting builds on motor skills, creativity, imagination, language and spatial awareness.</li></ul><br /> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Have you used foil in your play?</p>Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-40038554764483115942012-04-15T03:30:00.003-07:002012-04-15T14:59:23.715-07:00I'm Back - With Something to Make on a Monday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypMIkjtW3XEtPBLAOCMvH05RFBKvCDDsmdTG9ZkZWfvwQLhmpwwrDOLqinlc3g_C5AcvuQYOqh6oTtbO9DLlH9W3AP64r_uGiY4i58VbHxOzG7WrnateWuPchxi4xQIlYFK3FvhR8KmA/s1600/IMG_0129.JPG"><br /></a>I've finally made my way back to my little blog after a long break. More about that later, I want to get straight back into sharing my ideas ......<br /><br />If you've read my blog before, you might remember this post about a blanket my boy Ed uses for his cars. This blanket gets a big work out keeping all sorts of friends cosy. It's a regular inclusion in pretend play.<br /><br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Belinda/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoR6G7MtMzaYXB-T3eRlH39RjIEIxKH3FoCXFFYcy-TzuW5uHbKgqkJvLexK3rMKVOK_9T4_5Rp-NneTlVon6g9bx2WEfgV3kGCt5qp5nUb-GF_EET5lLb2K7qdgl5qNuhurzCXA4HQ0/s1600/march+2011+030.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoR6G7MtMzaYXB-T3eRlH39RjIEIxKH3FoCXFFYcy-TzuW5uHbKgqkJvLexK3rMKVOK_9T4_5Rp-NneTlVon6g9bx2WEfgV3kGCt5qp5nUb-GF_EET5lLb2K7qdgl5qNuhurzCXA4HQ0/s320/march+2011+030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579672132019424770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Well, I've had a go at making some of my own. <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> 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<![endif]-->Have you ever tried crocheting? It’s fun and relaxing and easy. I’m a little too impatient to knit or do any of those lovely things, but crocheting, I can manage.<br /><br />I had a crash course from my visiting mother-in-law a couple of years ago, but I couldn't remember much of it, so I've re-taught myself through online tutorials.<br /><br />I did make a small mistake of going to Spotlight with Ed and so now I have this basket of wool and a long list of toys to make blankets for with specific details about which toy will like which colour.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypMIkjtW3XEtPBLAOCMvH05RFBKvCDDsmdTG9ZkZWfvwQLhmpwwrDOLqinlc3g_C5AcvuQYOqh6oTtbO9DLlH9W3AP64r_uGiY4i58VbHxOzG7WrnateWuPchxi4xQIlYFK3FvhR8KmA/s1600/IMG_0129.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypMIkjtW3XEtPBLAOCMvH05RFBKvCDDsmdTG9ZkZWfvwQLhmpwwrDOLqinlc3g_C5AcvuQYOqh6oTtbO9DLlH9W3AP64r_uGiY4i58VbHxOzG7WrnateWuPchxi4xQIlYFK3FvhR8KmA/s320/IMG_0129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731747375922229842" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal">I have just started this one for little “toadie”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2YwCdGuAcy931XyKZlVkhhHm7M-26YAc9LJx7yfP1i-e3VDyzoNfY4UmmTo3BGGZX8rJMlpT_6cGtHuvl9Rok-qvzVm6yhg8e8-I_E61vmb1-zON-1i78vi-SdxQl638rNYhAdCXwNg/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2YwCdGuAcy931XyKZlVkhhHm7M-26YAc9LJx7yfP1i-e3VDyzoNfY4UmmTo3BGGZX8rJMlpT_6cGtHuvl9Rok-qvzVm6yhg8e8-I_E61vmb1-zON-1i78vi-SdxQl638rNYhAdCXwNg/s320/IMG_0110.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731747366574503378" border="0" /></a></p>Would you like to make a blanket for some little friend in your house?<br /><br />WHO CAN MAKE THIS?<br />Anyone can have a go from about 8 onwards<br /><br />WHAT DO YOU NEED?<br />A crochet hook<br />Some wool<br />A little basic crochet know-how<br /><br />HOW DO YOU DO IT?<br />To make a blanket like the ones I have, you just need to crochet a giant granny square. I read my first tutorial from some links the lovely Pip shared at <a href="http://meetmeatmikes.blogspot.com.au/p/granny-squares-101.html">"Meet me at Mike's"</a>. It's really helpful if you can see the techniques in action, so it's definitely worth watching some tutorials.<br /><br />My mother-in-law found a great print-out instruction sheet at <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/CrochetGrannySquare">Squidoo</a> and this has been really useful to have alongside me as I'm working.<br /><br />The best thing I've found though is to find someone who can show you what to do. There's nothing like sharing a cup of tea and going through a little square step by step.<br /><br />Hope your little one's have as much fun with their blankets as mine do.<br /><br /><br />By the way, "everyday play" is finally on facebook. Come and "like"me, please ...Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-9165055403020491842011-12-04T17:18:00.000-08:002011-12-04T17:42:08.059-08:00It's Official - I'm Outta Here (until next year anyway!) But Before I Go, Some Tips to Get Ready for SchoolI thought I'd find some time to post a bit more after that last post I wrote, but I haven't. The lure of not having to juggle is just far too strong at the moment.<br /><br />My boy Ed starts school at the beginning of next year and I'm going to return to my blog then. When I have no-one at home for hours on end and my kids don't need me quite so much any more - sniff!<br /><br />I just wanted to make it official just in case there is any one popping in, wondering when and if I'll ever be back. I do have an article in January's Practical Parenting if you'd like something to read before then.<br /><br />In the meantime, I'll be getting ready for my little boy to start school (amongst other things). If you have a little one starting school too, my best advice would be:<br /><ul><li>Start them doing as much as they can for themselves. Really encourage as much independence as possible. Get your child to look after her belongings, dress and undress herself, manage her own toileting and feed herself.<br /></li><li>Focus on language. Encourage your child to speak slowly and clearly, pronouncing sounds as best he can. Actively listen to what he's saying by making eye contact and repeating back bits of what he's said eg. "Mum can I have a drink" "You'd like a drink would you?). Also play lots of silly word games, making up rhymes and riddles as well as singing songs, saying nursery rhymes and reading stories.<br /></li><li>Visit the school. Go to all the transition sessions you can make it to and play on the playground after hours if possible.</li><li>Set up a school play corner at home. Include pens, paper, a whiteboard if you can and your child's uniform and school bag. Don't forget to include soft toys, they make great imaginary pupils.</li><li>Talk about what happens at school. Ask your child what they think will happen. Talk about the routine and recess and lunch. Get your child to use a toilet cublicle on her own like she'll have to at school. Often little things like getting stuck in the toilet or not knowing where her lunch or jacket might be or where she'll eat lunch or how she'll find her friends can be the biggest causes of anxiety. Talk things over giving your child jsut a little bit of information at a time and let her ask lots of questions.<br /></li><li>Wind back all the activities you can now and SPEND AS MUCH TIME WITH THEM AS POSSIBLE. This makes them feel loved and safe and secure and ready to meet challenges. It also lets you drink up those last lovely moments of together time which come fewer and further between when school starts.</li></ul>That's what I'm off to do now. Merry Xmas to every one and enjoy safe, happy holidays!<br /><br />Belinda xBelindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-42062289336763202022011-11-09T19:02:00.000-08:002011-11-09T19:21:28.485-08:00Where Have I Been?Well, I wasn't back on October 10 with another "Play Moment Monday", was I?<br /><br />I enjoyed my bloggy break way too much. Life is just so simple when I only have to think about family and friends and housework and cooking and gardening. It's a little 1950s I know, but since I've had kids, I've really let go of the desire to "have it all".<br /><br />Studying feminist politics at uni did make me want it all and made me believe it was possible. But now, I don't "want it all", I just want the time and space to enjoy what I've got, and I'm a lucky, lucky girl. I've got a lot.<br /><br />The truth is, there will always be writing, but my kids will only be little for such a short amount of time and I don't want to miss a second.<br /><br />My best memories as a child are when people took the time to really see me and listen to me and value me. I want to give my children as many of those memories as possible.<br /><br />Sure, it's important I take time for myself too and I know that. It makes me feel stronger and re-charged and in the end it makes me a better mum. I'm actually heading to Adelaide tomorrow for two nights by myself for the first time and I'll miss the kids terribly, but I know it will be great for all of us.<br /><br />And I'm so grateful for the work I've done over the last few years and the friends I've made through my blog. There are so many wonderful women out there with an amazing amount of knowledge and ideas. I like that in a small way I'm contributing to that.<br /><br />But when I feel pulled and tugged in different directions, and I'm tired and snappy and not giving the kids the attention and time they deserve, when I can't be in the moment with them and enjoy all of their lovely ways, it's time to pull back on everything else and get those wonderful, warm, mindful, mummy feelings again.<br /><br />So, I did take a long break and I might again. You'll have to forgive me, but I hope you'll keep on reading. Ed heads off to school next year, so who knows what adventures that may bring, but the kids will keep coming first, I'm the only mum they've got, they have to.Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-11641495345380517942011-09-26T20:17:00.000-07:002011-09-27T18:00:45.522-07:00Ways to Play TogetherIt's school holidays here in Victoria and all over the state, children of different ages are coming together to play. I like to have lots of time at home while the kids are on holidays and love to find ways to get my two kids happily and busily playing together. Here are some of my best 'play together' ideas:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Find a common interest</span> - my two just love to play games with their soft toys. So, I have all they need for their imaginative play games available to them always. That way, they can play as the mood strikes them and cater their play to the interest thay have at the time. They have their school, beds, clothes, food, textas, paper, pens all tucked away neatly in these baskets so they can pull them out whenever they like (without involving me - yipee!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oWNNZQMDqU5KrCAbYGkkgLh9X4KFLWIXgknwQAh5xB5LRUgJg9upHXiMJcWp9q3hY3BeOchlmP_ZdIfu6LtV0y2_tlRFa3ke7Tpj_K8dOBJD4T8wXWGswHyeXUMXVoDJ9GnN-XHQomQ/s1600/DSCN0920.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oWNNZQMDqU5KrCAbYGkkgLh9X4KFLWIXgknwQAh5xB5LRUgJg9upHXiMJcWp9q3hY3BeOchlmP_ZdIfu6LtV0y2_tlRFa3ke7Tpj_K8dOBJD4T8wXWGswHyeXUMXVoDJ9GnN-XHQomQ/s320/DSCN0920.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657204047404565170" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6D8D3Ac0rSA09wY108dyK_nE5NYXdjpY66W0ri881XHLbSkfICMBDXPhXYbJ1FtFM5p80odpOdiDE8ApSgiuOly4OwHyUaHB4_Owstq2Sf8iWllj-CEkV4oaG8FvexXkVt6zGsNIt0w/s1600/DSCN0919.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6D8D3Ac0rSA09wY108dyK_nE5NYXdjpY66W0ri881XHLbSkfICMBDXPhXYbJ1FtFM5p80odpOdiDE8ApSgiuOly4OwHyUaHB4_Owstq2Sf8iWllj-CEkV4oaG8FvexXkVt6zGsNIt0w/s320/DSCN0919.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657204041931413906" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Like I said, my kids love tehir soft toys, but these baskets could be easily filled with rocks, animals, cars, blocks, rockets or dress-ups.<br /><br />I like to set things up for them too. Sometimes it can take just 5 minutes to throw an open-ended activity together that the kids will play with for hours.<br /><br />Our favourites are<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Painting</span><br /><br />I pour out some colours, put out brushes and a few other painting utensils, paper and a drying rack and leave them to it. Sometimes we use cardboard cut-outs we even like to use canvases sometimes too.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtArpVv_jpby-ub_Y4eIaojtik-M2g3KlpFxsLXc-rC3F9LtWRutKJYZ9ziPZvW74HDHiP9isONcGcgKk8zHeovmeqfH329G1_IcQd8iLfDHKg9nbA8h6StZXTESvji1RJ5Kf5_Nc8S0/s1600/DSCN4161.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtArpVv_jpby-ub_Y4eIaojtik-M2g3KlpFxsLXc-rC3F9LtWRutKJYZ9ziPZvW74HDHiP9isONcGcgKk8zHeovmeqfH329G1_IcQd8iLfDHKg9nbA8h6StZXTESvji1RJ5Kf5_Nc8S0/s320/DSCN4161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657204049364885218" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3r8oFyorQGkudXKmB1dCTMw0W81eYQtCpU3aJEm-_F2JYOKzlB1bMhZ79miiffdZGsdIip4AEB-Wt-sr3vZQd9JBJmadWp_-Fj9Jt_eZhcUiLCateCr2sHm9JOG7PUfwSarxQ9SGu-OU/s1600/DSCN4164.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3r8oFyorQGkudXKmB1dCTMw0W81eYQtCpU3aJEm-_F2JYOKzlB1bMhZ79miiffdZGsdIip4AEB-Wt-sr3vZQd9JBJmadWp_-Fj9Jt_eZhcUiLCateCr2sHm9JOG7PUfwSarxQ9SGu-OU/s320/DSCN4164.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657204057094254050" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Building</span><br /><br />I've written about this before, but just taking a bit of time to set up Lego for 2 or 3 or 4 can make a big difference to how long children will play there. Of course this works well for all types of building materials<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjqnzQ4XKBqfAjmMJ5eXfPFex6DQNMfWgW3GLlNRaOklV4RUwpN7WF8bR7F4fEm4DX5UsgnhyFtUITJk_9GRYXchSq7CwAAkRTnw2TllkYTB9zakussns62rl8o6GNPbjWJKNTgLlVqw/s1600/DSCN4142.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjqnzQ4XKBqfAjmMJ5eXfPFex6DQNMfWgW3GLlNRaOklV4RUwpN7WF8bR7F4fEm4DX5UsgnhyFtUITJk_9GRYXchSq7CwAAkRTnw2TllkYTB9zakussns62rl8o6GNPbjWJKNTgLlVqw/s320/DSCN4142.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657204045457913042" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Sensory Play</span><br /><br />We love water play here, but these containers could just as easily be filled with sand or mud or coloured cornflour and water. Now that the kids are bigger, I'll just pull out the container of water toys and plonk them in the middle. They need a bit more space now too, so I like to give them a couple of different areas to play in. It makes the play a little more elaborate and so keeps them busy for longer.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Dramatic Play</span><br /><br />I think it's great to sacrifice a small area of lounge room to make a dramatic play space that can stay set up too. Our favourites are a zoo, a restaurant, a cafe, a doctors surgery a shop and of course, good old home corner! (my apologies for the grainy photos, but you get the idea!)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquTurLqChtBtUPB5Wdc3__qjD9kXxSN5ZLFLmIWJXOHEdbWWGuR4Ft62LQxF7pgmg6JWY1tNpdbvQ1-BB2wBzL8wedyJgfdFbmjU4CnMrf4XXhBesjtSMM4YgHs3CmWxmot3XcZbQcHY/s1600/Picture+025.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquTurLqChtBtUPB5Wdc3__qjD9kXxSN5ZLFLmIWJXOHEdbWWGuR4Ft62LQxF7pgmg6JWY1tNpdbvQ1-BB2wBzL8wedyJgfdFbmjU4CnMrf4XXhBesjtSMM4YgHs3CmWxmot3XcZbQcHY/s200/Picture+025.jpg%22" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460207968733226738" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfGGXQfc57NgNqUGKn-Xt5RHcB7TG1biVIGXKXBU7nIpFPMh2_40MGX4qvqoMgEjl4AOEEN17IhAy9ZhOillYHKcEjjqWdmFPpCnU6xjZUzNAjo2WC-gW06seAyzTelAQoh35WWo0k6o/s1600/Picture+024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfGGXQfc57NgNqUGKn-Xt5RHcB7TG1biVIGXKXBU7nIpFPMh2_40MGX4qvqoMgEjl4AOEEN17IhAy9ZhOillYHKcEjjqWdmFPpCnU6xjZUzNAjo2WC-gW06seAyzTelAQoh35WWo0k6o/s200/Picture+024.jpg%22" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460207848731386354" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSNC8gfqktBCfsjEAD0snqEhVhqESzCvMMF_UTayhQQlF_8xFMqww6RfkMezUCLqk-bsYAxrqYqdPY2kaOX6DfxlBMPMAU5ZrpcBdOXA2wdiy_SdT3LeVxF6Nbgk_B7wKdM1AsbzkqSQ/s1600/Picture+026.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSNC8gfqktBCfsjEAD0snqEhVhqESzCvMMF_UTayhQQlF_8xFMqww6RfkMezUCLqk-bsYAxrqYqdPY2kaOX6DfxlBMPMAU5ZrpcBdOXA2wdiy_SdT3LeVxF6Nbgk_B7wKdM1AsbzkqSQ/s200/Picture+026.jpg%22" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460213526611028770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm going to take a little bloggy break for the rest of the holidays. I'll be back on October 10 with another "Play Moment Monday". In the meantime, Happy Playing!<br /><br />Belinda xBelindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-11998799243407765712011-09-25T18:17:00.000-07:002011-09-25T18:35:30.315-07:00Play Moment Monday: Baby GirlToday's "Play Moment Monday" is devoted to my girl who today turns 8 (I can't believe it!)<br /><br />These moments remind me of how much she has always loved to play and funnily enough, she still likes to do all the things she is doing in these photos. (She still likes to spend a lot of time in her PJs too!). I think play stays with you for life, we just lose touch with it every now and then. I hope she never does. Happy Birthday Big Girl x x x.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ECu_Pzn3wSOYQp66hndUAsNGASPYfP_s68EYPDz5p4aW8Gpc37cx-PtRo7VuHwNB8VV2PMAPelLf28uzZI8O8El1KaVRyBfvDx6mwHgcHQLAQ4I9qTlb4EEDImrAs_xhVsBVBxdhVl0/s1600/em+baby3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ECu_Pzn3wSOYQp66hndUAsNGASPYfP_s68EYPDz5p4aW8Gpc37cx-PtRo7VuHwNB8VV2PMAPelLf28uzZI8O8El1KaVRyBfvDx6mwHgcHQLAQ4I9qTlb4EEDImrAs_xhVsBVBxdhVl0/s320/em+baby3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656473210653822322" border="0" /></a><br />Taking care of baby dolls<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXr7Eg9oimaa0CaNBSubOOIdmJ2OaCZ5zR7pbD6FPkPNsnTGrhts7WeDXqkjzUW7LDR6focXxWzi8OcBczviwYYcKGMdaW0_dq3Xs3n4WlN6IO9SRRyErpKhvPOWkPTANuzgKNQ7yH2A/s1600/em+baby2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXr7Eg9oimaa0CaNBSubOOIdmJ2OaCZ5zR7pbD6FPkPNsnTGrhts7WeDXqkjzUW7LDR6focXxWzi8OcBczviwYYcKGMdaW0_dq3Xs3n4WlN6IO9SRRyErpKhvPOWkPTANuzgKNQ7yH2A/s320/em+baby2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656473205970619506" border="0" /></a><br />Digging in sand and getting messy<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFoNrr1nfv8BQMfz4tPg8YFGCUZ37xsO0yce_swWSm7OO_PYaqqyKNkSeAX2eCMb2nm-IiQUXKZczZSUDNhCP2RAiKqdjo70XIifJTZJCI6VUN0qjyyTRlVio19D3aG_Z6ow0xxtIPbY/s1600/em+baby1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFoNrr1nfv8BQMfz4tPg8YFGCUZ37xsO0yce_swWSm7OO_PYaqqyKNkSeAX2eCMb2nm-IiQUXKZczZSUDNhCP2RAiKqdjo70XIifJTZJCI6VUN0qjyyTRlVio19D3aG_Z6ow0xxtIPbY/s320/em+baby1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656473206851658818" border="0" /></a><br />"Dressing Up" - she would put those on all by herself as soon as she woke up (thankfully, we've lost the dummy!)<br /><br />Do you have a play moment to share? Come on, you know you want to:<br /><br />Capture a play moment that celebrates play<br />Write a post about it<br />Mention Play Moment Monday and add it to the list below<br /><br />I'll read it and leave a comment, I promise!<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/links.php?owner=everydayplay&postid=05Sep2011&meme=8504"><img border="0" src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/graphic.php?owner=everydayplay&postid=05Sep2011&meme=8504"></a>Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-62981014308772088712011-09-22T17:34:00.000-07:002011-09-22T18:08:15.796-07:00'Focus on' Friday: Great Behaviour Guidance ResourcesBehaviour Guidance is a tricky thing to negotiate. I've found it one of my biggest challenges as teacher and a parent. A great way to start wading your way through this topic is to do some research in two different areas -<br /><ol><li>How children develop - so you know where your child is at developmentally and what to expect of their behaviour</li><li>What different approaches there are out there to managing behaviour. If you're having a particular issue, it's great to research that specifically too.<br /></li></ol>It's important to find a 'fit' for you and your family when it comes to behaviour guidance. You need to feel completely comfortable with what you're doing for it to be effective.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.uic.edu/classes/sped/sped506/milestones.html">Here</a> is a great checklist for social and emotional milestones in the early years. It's a great place to start when thinking about your expectations.<br /><br />The <a href="http://raisingchildren.net.au/">Raising Children Network</a> has an enormous amount of info on what to expect in the Early Years.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> website (from the US) also has some great info on milestones.<br /><br />For info about Behaviour Guidance techniques, again, the Raising Children Network has some great info.<br /><br />I just love Dr Tanya Byron's advice, I think she has so much common sense. She is the psychologist who advises families in the BBC series "The House of Tiny Tearaways". If you google her, you'll find some great links.<br /><br />I think Michael Grose gives some great common sense parenting advice too, but he mainly focuses on older children (primary school and above. He has a great website called <a href="http://www.parentingideas.com.au/Home">Parenting Ideas</a> and I highly recommend subscribing to his newsletter.<br /><br />My favourite book about the topic is "Understanding Children" by Jeanette Harrison. This book has really helped me as a teacher and a mum.<br /><br />I've just discovered Louise Porter. I read this transcript of an interview she did, <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/lm/stories/s441942.htm">here</a>, back in 2002. Have a read and see what you think. I think she makes some really good points but I'm not entirely convinced yet. I've just put a hold on some of her books at the library. I'm looking forward to reading more.<br /><br />What great "Behaviour Guidance" resources have you found?Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-9822274316429786052011-09-20T17:12:00.000-07:002011-09-20T18:22:34.173-07:00Ways to Get Kids to Co-operate MoreWouldn't a bit more co-operation be nice? With some children (my Em included), co-operation doesn't come easy, so I've needed a repertoire of tricks and talents to motivate her to go with the flow. I thought I'd share some today:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Distraction -</span><br /><br />It's amazing how well a "come over here and have a look at this" can work when a child is building up to a tantrum and getting to the point where they'll refuse to do anything you ask. My other distraction favourites are putting something funny on my head, pretending to eat a teddy bear, foot or shoe or pulling a funny face similar to the angry or sad one in front of me. I've always found that this technique works way better with Ed, who is more easy-going, then with Em, who is much more head strong and way harder to distract.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Keeping Kids Busy -</span><br /><br />If kids have something to do, they are for more patient and easy-going than if they're bored and waiting. When the kids were little I would always time my grocery shops at lunch time, so they could sit in the trolley and eat their lunch while I would get my shopping done. Going to restaurants, I'd have a small bag full of things for them to do while we were waiting. Sometimes it was as simple as a tic tac box, a car, a notepad and a cream container with a hole cut n the top and some rocks inside, but I always made sure the activity fit where the kids were at and was easy and fun to do.<br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:130%;">Making Your Communication Count -</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">Getting down to your child's level and asking them to look at your face when you are talking can make a huge difference to how what you are saying is received. I like to hold their hand or gently put my hand on their shoulder too, to give them some sort of physical contact. Really taking the time to let them know that talking to them is important to you helps kids to value what you are saying. It also lets you know your child is really listening. It's great to get them to repeat back to you what they've heard too.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span lang="EN-AU"></span> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:130%;">Mind Your Language - </span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span lang="EN-AU">Don't use too many words. </span><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:100%;">Keep your language very simple. Don’t go into lengthy explanations or detailed accounts of what is going on. Use the same words every time you want a particular thing to happen. Simply say ‘Stop’ when you want them to stop what they are doing. Say “listen’ when you really want them to focus on what you are saying. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:130%;">Break Down Tasks -</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:100%;">Children can find tasks very overwhelming. They are yet to develop the skills to break down a task into small, achievable blocks. Instead of asking a child to eat their dinner, ask them to eat their carrots, then their meat, then their potato. Instead of asking them to pack up their toys, ask them to put their dolls away, then their cars, then their blocks. Instead of asking them to get dressed, ask them to put on their singlet, then their t-shirt, then their jeans. And try not to say general things like "Be good". Instead say "when we're at the doctors', you need to keep your voice quiet and stay close to mummy".<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Always Have a Consequence You're Prepared to Follow Through With -</span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">This sometimes requires a little forward thinking, it's hard to think of things in the heat of the moment. It's great if the consequence somehow directly relates to what is going on. In the above scenario for example, if your child isn't "keeping her voice quiet and staying close to mummy", you could remind her once - "Remember, at the doctors, you need to keep your voice quiet and stay close to me". Remind her again but with a consequence this time - "Listen, if you cant remember to stay close to me, you'll have to come and sit on my lap". And then follow through by bringing her to sit on your lap. After a couple of minutes, you might like </span>to let her play quietly again, reminding her that if she can't, she'll need to come back on your lap again. A consequence isn't a punishment. I believe you need to give kids a chance to regulate their own behaviour and then help them if they can't manage on their own.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Make It Fun -</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Appealing to a child's sense of play and fun is a great way to get things done and is one I use a lot. If we all need to go somewhere, we hop aboard the "Butler Bus". For a quiet, hassle free dinner we pretend we're in a cafe or restaurant and I'm the waiter and the kids are dining by themselves. When we have to be quiet, we pretend to be little mice. To get dressed or run toys to their room I'll time them and see if they can beat their personal best and I've written before about our packing up games. If you make it fun, kids don't even realise they're doing it.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size:130%;">Acknowledge Feelings -</span><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">Feelings can be very overwhelming for young children. Sometimes, they don’t really want to upset you, cause trouble or make a scene, it’s just that right at that minute, they are feeling something so intensely that they can’t control themselves. If you can try to be a little understanding when this happens, it can take you a long way. Try acknowledging your child’s feelings “I know this is making you really cross/upset/frustrated, you want to stay and play, but it’s time to go, we can come back on the weekend” or “I know you don’t really love eating vegetables, but they have so many vitamins and minerals in them that are good for your body”. Acknowledging how your child must be feeling gives them a little validation and makes them feel a little bit better about the situation. There’s nothing worse then when nothing is going your way and no-one understands how you feel.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:130%;">Having Something to Look Forward to -</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">If I have errands to run, I'll always leave something til last that the kids will enjoy doing. This could be, choosing a DVD from the DVD shop, looking at the toy department, choosing something special for lunchboxes, getting a tasty bun for afternoon tea. That way, they look forward to it and are more likely to co-operate along the way. On the rare occasion they don't co-operate with the few things I need to get done, we simply don't get to do the fun thing at the end.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Taking Time Out -</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes, the only way to deal with a situation that has gone to far is to have some time out. I know not everyone is a fan of "time-out", but I think it depends on how you use it. If a situation gets me fired up, I like to remove myself from it, calm down and then discuss it rationally, with a clear head. I explain this technique to the kids to and that's how we see it. I never say, you've got a time out, I always say, "I think you need to go to your room and calm down a bit". A lot of the time I will say "You can come out when you feel calmer and we can talk about this then". But sometimes I say "You need to stay in there for 5 minutes and I'll be in to see you then". This works well with Em whose emotions can sometimes get the better of her and she actually finds it a helpful technique. She'll often take herself to her room and say "I just need some time by myself". Because we've consistently used this technique and had this dialogue over the years, she's now able to recognise her feelings and regulate her own behaviour. Which I think is the ultimate goal of any behaviour guidance.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">What tips do you have to get more co-operation at your house?</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-85160335421001692282011-09-18T16:39:00.000-07:002011-09-18T17:00:14.192-07:00Play Moment Monday: Learning about "Behaveya"A corner of our lounge room has been a "school" since Em started prep way back in 2009.<br /><br />I couldn't resist snapping this photo. It shows just how valuable this school area has been in helping my Em process what happens in her school day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5znjK9_XwAHlMYSuH8ufY_qyj1RUcAz6fAuSxxanNjcK3Mxsu0hJh2NuJJad4kEDCOFiPBy2bBmp4bTKoOMAhpbgAW97QDllMGZXd32Xk8On3rxX3mDSrY-qUJb0Pa_0TgrN34DZwEeI/s1600/chart+175.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5znjK9_XwAHlMYSuH8ufY_qyj1RUcAz6fAuSxxanNjcK3Mxsu0hJh2NuJJad4kEDCOFiPBy2bBmp4bTKoOMAhpbgAW97QDllMGZXd32Xk8On3rxX3mDSrY-qUJb0Pa_0TgrN34DZwEeI/s400/chart+175.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653851800722650946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She was teaching her soft toy pets with help from Ed and, obviously, they were having a lesson on behaviour. Playing out this scenario puts Em in charge of what "behaveya" is expected of her pupils at this home school, rather than Em having to conform to what is expected of her at her school.<br /><br />In doing this it helps her to process school rules and expectations. Because the shoe's on the other foot and she is the teacher, she can now see how 'behaviour' might effect her classroom.<br /><br />I love her reflections on what behaviour means and how she has drawn it in an easy to read diagram for her furry pupils. I also love the fact that she has said it means "doing what you're asked as long as it's safe". It shows that in her mind, you don't just blindly comply with what's expected of you, you have to actively reflect on whether it's the right thing for you to do. I don't think I would have had the same insight at almost 8.<br /><br />Do you have a play moment to share, I hope so .....<br /><br />If you do, snap a photo of your favourite play moment, write a short post about it and leave the URL in the link list below. I would love to come and have a read about the wonderful learning going on at your house.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/links.php?owner=everydayplay&postid=05Sep2011&meme=8504"><img src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/graphic.php?owner=everydayplay&postid=05Sep2011&meme=8504" border="0" /></a>Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-16141287800536093002011-09-15T05:04:00.000-07:002011-09-15T17:10:46.512-07:00'Focus on' Friday: Sensory Play<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ahoB5WIJILJy91w4ucCkIFMP_6B8lM14b-uRNMjIZHPp_VkzQf26bBiL0CrR-m5U_N4SV4fNnySvGksIuHh3f7fqTGhLmUqE3uo4f1PxKt4nURN6uWeHAy9wJhdv-UVG0O1c8Wk0qcw/s1600/DSCN4119.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ahoB5WIJILJy91w4ucCkIFMP_6B8lM14b-uRNMjIZHPp_VkzQf26bBiL0CrR-m5U_N4SV4fNnySvGksIuHh3f7fqTGhLmUqE3uo4f1PxKt4nURN6uWeHAy9wJhdv-UVG0O1c8Wk0qcw/s200/DSCN4119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652560230917898722" border="0" /></a>I once worked with a boy who was a little challenging, let's say. He would come to our room every morning straddled by his mum so he didn’t run into traffic. When she let go of him, he would run around the room, messing up what the other children were playing with and generally causing havoc and unsettling everyone. <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I set up a big trough full of warm soapy water and added some plastic dishes, a dishcloth and a scrubbing brush. That little boy loved it. He stopped running and spent over an hour at the trough every morning. He’d wash the dishes and dry them and then wash them again. He wouldn’t let any one else play with him. It was his little space.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">He came from a busy family and had a young baby brother. I think the water was extremely soothing for him and for me, this is the biggest benefit of sensory play. It’s soothing and fun and nice and there’s no right or wrong way to do it, it just is.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Of course, sensory play has a lot of other great benefits too:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pouring, scooping, digging, squelching and scraping is great for fine motor skills</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Answering questions like how does that feel, smell, taste or sound? encourages descriptive language and encourages your child to reflect on what she is experiencing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Experiencing the world through her senses helps brain development as each new experience builds new neural pathways. Providing a great foundation for all future learning. <a href="http://www.healthychild.ucla.edu/Publications/Documents/halfon.health.dev.pdf"></a><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">And getting messy is fun, fun, fun!</p><p class="MsoNormal">(By the way, if you'd like to read more about brain development, there's a great article by the UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities called "Brain Development in Early Childhood". You can read it <a href="http://www.healthychild.ucla.edu/Publications/Documents/halfon.health.dev.pdf">here)</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">So what are some great sensory play ideas?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sensory play is not always messy of course. Playing games where you guess a smell or a sound or a taste are fun and no mess is needed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dancing and moving and playing instruments uses many of the senses and doesn’t get too messy either.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Having a bowl on a table with different objects form nature to look at and feel and smell is pretty contained too.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">But my favourite sensory play experiences do involve a little bit of mess. Things like:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Water Play</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Sand Play</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Playdough</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRN-SpD_2GVbQYdNixXes_cnX4lN6KGxYxEkHavyNAd_eEvEoXfhrbwWZaAYPqAPASieQqLldGv1-73R75m3K_KrFhn5g23B6cx3Bou_lJjzCHxiC9qj0zH7JZH_6oPTjwwMKxkBw6JPU/s1600/DSCN4212.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRN-SpD_2GVbQYdNixXes_cnX4lN6KGxYxEkHavyNAd_eEvEoXfhrbwWZaAYPqAPASieQqLldGv1-73R75m3K_KrFhn5g23B6cx3Bou_lJjzCHxiC9qj0zH7JZH_6oPTjwwMKxkBw6JPU/s320/DSCN4212.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652557404597000594" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Painting</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Gluing</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Goop (cornflour and water)</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Slime<span style=""> </span>(soap flakes and water)</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Shaving cream and<br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Mud<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Or letting babies loose in their high chair with yoghurt, fruit and vegetable purees or simple spreads (like Vegemite here in Australia) on toast. Here are some photos of my messy babies in times gone by</p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmWBk8jxe2HU3rW470rcCU4-jOVSLnCBy9OAd2sxHntmvrhJZ7VUe_ZW-YHY6x7xSYOVKNhGRM7dl3dhGyj1luqqF6e-q0BehtQP_j_GM6LcTjJikM6priB1CxS7Cj02PSp6Uj3Iv2MA/s1600/IMG00466.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmWBk8jxe2HU3rW470rcCU4-jOVSLnCBy9OAd2sxHntmvrhJZ7VUe_ZW-YHY6x7xSYOVKNhGRM7dl3dhGyj1luqqF6e-q0BehtQP_j_GM6LcTjJikM6priB1CxS7Cj02PSp6Uj3Iv2MA/s320/IMG00466.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652742503388472034" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ace53bbAy3iy5f64sLP3AM0Y8Gtde_kZ-yuvj9JXHT8qLKrT_TapgjCe6enkfcRjZ8i8O-d2aFCadI34toOgXJzyFqn9OlYXXUCJ76tYdiXY1Y_R-I6jkPHnKPU1qPSOIrhkNKdc-nw/s1600/DSCN3318.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ace53bbAy3iy5f64sLP3AM0Y8Gtde_kZ-yuvj9JXHT8qLKrT_TapgjCe6enkfcRjZ8i8O-d2aFCadI34toOgXJzyFqn9OlYXXUCJ76tYdiXY1Y_R-I6jkPHnKPU1qPSOIrhkNKdc-nw/s320/DSCN3318.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652742497115548082" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">For Toddlers and Preschoolers you can add the following for extra messy play fun:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qWitZ_nuhJrkJ1n6NAocAnid1PGLH8Yhc2GfcuzuTjkKnbTU1LLPLFhV5DNkeo_ITXnWuBGEgxO3TeKtXaiki29uyIrA0nvDcSQL7j2ZjxlUUwG4zdCYWhfu6BNav_D567T8XLC0TZs/s1600/DSCN4240.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qWitZ_nuhJrkJ1n6NAocAnid1PGLH8Yhc2GfcuzuTjkKnbTU1LLPLFhV5DNkeo_ITXnWuBGEgxO3TeKtXaiki29uyIrA0nvDcSQL7j2ZjxlUUwG4zdCYWhfu6BNav_D567T8XLC0TZs/s320/DSCN4240.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652557412884552466" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Cars</p> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Toothbrushes</p> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Whisks</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Scoops</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Containers</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Funnels</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Jugs</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Spoons</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Cups</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Tongs</p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHPcQ4lQ_lm9YoTdsmgTpzwjUbmTnCqpDdf71mtlI6fAZ2UPVCW0AS1UVmKmQaARMiIv9WWbj5bEYULM8dXXARmFOxkqBiX1ktcBciPTgF9dUzn901pYek1kT71j96jwLReaLPSjCxJU/s1600/DSCN4022.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHPcQ4lQ_lm9YoTdsmgTpzwjUbmTnCqpDdf71mtlI6fAZ2UPVCW0AS1UVmKmQaARMiIv9WWbj5bEYULM8dXXARmFOxkqBiX1ktcBciPTgF9dUzn901pYek1kT71j96jwLReaLPSjCxJU/s320/DSCN4022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652557402565039986" border="0" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Rocks</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Gumnuts</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Leaves</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Plastic animals</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Dolls</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Wash cloths</div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qWitZ_nuhJrkJ1n6NAocAnid1PGLH8Yhc2GfcuzuTjkKnbTU1LLPLFhV5DNkeo_ITXnWuBGEgxO3TeKtXaiki29uyIrA0nvDcSQL7j2ZjxlUUwG4zdCYWhfu6BNav_D567T8XLC0TZs/s1600/DSCN4240.JPG"><br /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Don’t forget bath time is a great time for sensory play and cooking provides some great sensory experiences too.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq89BrbvEVBzl9zt4l3mJbMkDX-WLqaWl8gt1qh2Z9oUIM7FnLoV5qHyr7eXlwxNcD31q8M8fRnkqYkLky2bSQv0qnylOaJijSfElBvhEh_zHeaXl47OiKL-J5XPt4qWBUbXx20bZPQiI/s1600/aug+09+002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq89BrbvEVBzl9zt4l3mJbMkDX-WLqaWl8gt1qh2Z9oUIM7FnLoV5qHyr7eXlwxNcD31q8M8fRnkqYkLky2bSQv0qnylOaJijSfElBvhEh_zHeaXl47OiKL-J5XPt4qWBUbXx20bZPQiI/s320/aug+09+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652558645944524274" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">We like to get messy and make schnitzels, meatballs, gingerbread, chocolate chip cookies, cakes, pizza dough and this tasty bread and blueberry pudding together. To name just a few.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <span style=";font-family:";font-size:130%;" >What are your favourite sensory play moments? </span>Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-71703831565580198512011-09-13T14:41:00.000-07:002011-09-13T19:34:45.166-07:00Ways to Make Messy Play Not So MessyIn "'Focus on' Friday" this week, I’m going to talk about the benefits of sensory play and what I think are the best sensory play experiences. Today I wanted to suggest some ways to make this sort of play a little easier to clean up. I’ve found many parents are reluctant to give messy play a go at home because it’s just so, well, messy.<br /><br />I don’t like mess any more than the next mum and I hate cleaning up even more. I’ve got enough to do around the house without giving myself another job. But messy play is important so I’ve come up with a few ways to minimize mess and still let the kids enjoy the wonderful benefits of sensory play.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Invest in some plastic<br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8PQs_8abRYQf4-zNqD-kMg4-ElNC4oBouUpsAyZj77LA-_gYMhSfwXT7hbEflelnUuYrvTm6JDrvrdWao3vL5reNMtpGAc8bfnmkjFRauGuv6mJ_NUZ3Sg2QuUSVV1v1fszrTAtgZMY/s1600/PB280024.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8PQs_8abRYQf4-zNqD-kMg4-ElNC4oBouUpsAyZj77LA-_gYMhSfwXT7hbEflelnUuYrvTm6JDrvrdWao3vL5reNMtpGAc8bfnmkjFRauGuv6mJ_NUZ3Sg2QuUSVV1v1fszrTAtgZMY/s320/PB280024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651964291204632770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />These tables cost around $10 and are great because they clean down really easily. I either wipe them or squirt them down and let them dry in the sun. They're not the prettiest tables, but they live outside and if they get a bit ruined or something won't come off, it really doesn't matter.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Keep disposable containers that can go in the bin<br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO65vbqAci6w9z-wR7s8rsIIv4e9GrOTAHv9p0tHKCgamJMZBL5NJrMAD4HiGDaURHjQut39c8GqA_Ki6NK90_SCnvARlrJi0A5ZcOAnOtdrThwpxbJWYmWWZJxwaSi2cNSHQG7MnF8eU/s1600/DSCN4161.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO65vbqAci6w9z-wR7s8rsIIv4e9GrOTAHv9p0tHKCgamJMZBL5NJrMAD4HiGDaURHjQut39c8GqA_Ki6NK90_SCnvARlrJi0A5ZcOAnOtdrThwpxbJWYmWWZJxwaSi2cNSHQG7MnF8eU/s320/DSCN4161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651965586561053586" border="0" /></a><br />I recycle some of my recycling to use as paint pots, glue containers as well as sand and water play toys. I find fruit, yoghurt, jelly and cream containers work the best but I'm also partial to butter containers, glass jars and the measuring scoops you sometimes find in washing detergent boxes.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Always wear old clothes<br /></span><br />I keep those old, scrappy stained clothes that are a little too small for messy play days. That way, they can go straight in the bin if they get too wrecked. If you've already thrown everything out, second-hand shops are a great place to find clothes to muck around in.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Clean up outside</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb7XsVjhwu3HKPfhXm8E3eDj7MbKQ1jmwiJImFOiu9xa4Th4vSi-0tukKNpe1-DKT672YmYaZu6k72eI-RrmJB0jB5mK6ZhV6RtPkKqfStLfo_iIbzlV42YDns2ZL_CP6cwAo3hK253Y/s1600/DSCN4118.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb7XsVjhwu3HKPfhXm8E3eDj7MbKQ1jmwiJImFOiu9xa4Th4vSi-0tukKNpe1-DKT672YmYaZu6k72eI-RrmJB0jB5mK6ZhV6RtPkKqfStLfo_iIbzlV42YDns2ZL_CP6cwAo3hK253Y/s320/DSCN4118.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651964315259126322" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I like to include a couple of bowls of warm soapy water so the kids can clean up while they're still outside. I'll have a few old towels and face cloths handy as well. That way the mess stays outside and the kids come in relatively clean. It's a good idea to head straight to the bath or shower too.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Use a drop sheet</span><br /><br />A plastic table cloth or old sheet can double as a drop cloth too. Again, a second-hand shop is a great place to pick up a cheap sheet and discount stores often have plastic table cloths for just a couple of dollars. They can both be cut to size and then thrown away if they get ruined.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Use the kitchen or bathroom if the weather is bad</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiWxeyoBUNOYTYi7QDarRSMoI8WCWfwcdRiBpcD5gWTMth23nDERJMlOL-KA1OCm_7gTdzQxY5cxbqeX0_MpnQPlZ0dtp2FPRFd935NWJim8QHYl9fbiFC4JJZ4uNEU7Sae8Fz4hV4vI/s1600/DSCN3802.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiWxeyoBUNOYTYi7QDarRSMoI8WCWfwcdRiBpcD5gWTMth23nDERJMlOL-KA1OCm_7gTdzQxY5cxbqeX0_MpnQPlZ0dtp2FPRFd935NWJim8QHYl9fbiFC4JJZ4uNEU7Sae8Fz4hV4vI/s320/DSCN3802.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651964299270426866" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONyb897JDbK8hythp0ynGmAKIrKyZ1O2VcHiQUD89iUHHYcV82nN1UfaZFTsZrZhXPzGHaep7ELjCht7j4myad3YazxMRrhJpw_5AbjIHbPhcZUiMuDwdPIXI9dxHhW__Vd-X3R6Ict8/s1600/DSCN3788.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONyb897JDbK8hythp0ynGmAKIrKyZ1O2VcHiQUD89iUHHYcV82nN1UfaZFTsZrZhXPzGHaep7ELjCht7j4myad3YazxMRrhJpw_5AbjIHbPhcZUiMuDwdPIXI9dxHhW__Vd-X3R6Ict8/s320/DSCN3788.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651964293916593378" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When the weather's bad, I'll bring the plastic tables inside and put them in the kitchen or the bathroom. The kitchen and bathroom floors are much easier to wipe down if the mess overflows.<br /><br /><br />What's your best messy play tip?Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4969457808251042671.post-78033128691228443202011-09-11T18:24:00.000-07:002011-09-11T18:44:42.573-07:00Play Moment Monday: Times Gone By<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDcPLnVxFfjsmncL7mLnLnZv-bBI9U668n5UcT3nkzuk3Z0gOMsYeJMueN_nNXkYoLW-1BbYDlelhJjHaRNbodWEPHv0Vo-R6Qmmw8M2eqlzxqO8mPwIk5SUB2Ny4zAxpZPuv0m-Jo-M/s1600/DSCN3697.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDcPLnVxFfjsmncL7mLnLnZv-bBI9U668n5UcT3nkzuk3Z0gOMsYeJMueN_nNXkYoLW-1BbYDlelhJjHaRNbodWEPHv0Vo-R6Qmmw8M2eqlzxqO8mPwIk5SUB2Ny4zAxpZPuv0m-Jo-M/s320/DSCN3697.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651278344180705282" border="0" /></a><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->My moment today is actually from a long time ago now. It's the first time my kids dressed up together. Em was 4 years old and Ed was around 20 months. I was in the kitchen, busy doing kitcheny things when the two of them appeared at the door with these lovely grins on their faces. They'd been raiding the dress up box together for the first time. Seeing them like this was my first glimpse into the wonderful playmates they would become. It also shows how imaginative and resourceful and capable even young children can be when they have great materials available all the time. They've even thought through details like Em's headband and wings and Ed's stethoscope and doctor's bag.<br /><br />I'm devoting Mondays to sharing play moments and why they're valuable and important. Would you like to share your special play moments on Mondays too? I would love to see them. Here's what to do.<br /><br />1. Take a photo from a 'moment' at your house that shows just how clever and resourceful and creative and lovely kids can be when they're involved in play.<br /><br />2. Write a post about the moment and link it back to me<br /><br />3. Include your details in the link below and add yourself to the list.<br /><br />4. Leave me a comment so I know to look for you.<br /><br />Let's celebrate play!<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=everydayplay&postid=05Sep2011"></script>Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333046309368498834noreply@blogger.com0