Here in Michigan, it’s finally warm and sunny enough to spend afternoons outside, which means it’s time for me to drag the outdoor toys out of the garage onto the patio. Over the last thirteen years of being a mom, I’ve learned that when it comes to outdoor toys, the rules are simple – keep the toys simple, washable and inexpensive.
Inexpensive Outdoor Fun Read More »
When I was expecting my second child my older girl was barely 2 so I was (understandably) paranoid about whether my “baby” would accept the new “baby.” In addition to all the transition a child approaching 2 has to deal with, having to share your parents with a new member of a family can be tough for anyone to handle.
I love my job. I teach kindergarten at a public school. Surrounding myself with children everyday has helped prepare me for motherhood. A recent conversation made me think, “Does having a teacher mom help prepare my son for school?” The other day, while eating lunch, my colleagues and I were talking about the pros and cons of having our kids attend the same school that we work in.
The Teacher’s Kid Read More »
My husband and I have a large family. Where I come from, “weird” would aptly describe having so many kids (I come from New Zealand). Where we live now, “normal” would describe it – but if I was asked? “Perfection” would be my reply.
I never put much stock into “gender toys” until I had my first son. I was over-diligent exposing him to “girl toys”- babies, dolls, tea parties, etc. All he wanted was balls, cars and anything else that had wheels or moved. So when my second son was born I naively thought he would be the same. To my dismay, I was horrified when, shortly before Christmas this year, I found out that my 20-month-old had a deep abiding love for babies and dolls and I simply had no clue!
Today we’re talking kids and fashion, and sharing fashion trends from the past (vintage) into the present (modern). My idea of fun is taking what kids (and this means you little misters too) love to use – their imagination – and letting it go wild with fun, versatile clothing. You can go from playing “Tea with the Misses” to “Keeper of the Gate at the Royal Castle,” then turn around, jump in the car and go off to the park. No need to shed those favorite styles that are setting off your fantastic adventure! Letting a child’s imagination and creativity flow with play is fascinating to watch and build strong memories with.
TTPM.comFabulous Fashion Read More »
I know many people will say I’m too young to know an “old fashioned” way to play. But there is a difference in the way our children play and the way I played as a child. For our family, we are getting back to basics. The toys are wonderful, and the more modern ones the better.
Time to Play: The Old Fashioned Way Read More »
Great ideas come to us at the most random times, don’t they? About six years ago, a friend of mine and I decided to put together a fun little book club for our 10-year-old kids’ class of fourth graders. We picked out some great books that the kids would love, came up with cool games and activities that would excite and delight, and ran it all with parent volunteers at the school. Sounds pretty innocent, right? Yep, that’s what I thought until one of the games I came up with – a game I called Kubit2me – turned into my obsession.
TTPM.com: My Mom is a Toy Maker Read More »
It’s January, and that means many moms and dads are working on their New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and get healthy. Why not make it a family effort? It’s never too early to introduce a healthy lifestyle to children. Use meal planning as a springboard to discuss healthy food options. Let them choose new fruits and vegetables to sample. When you instill an appreciation for healthy eating in your child it will stay with them as they grow. In our overweight and unhealthy society it’s very important to plant the seeds of healthy eating from that first spoonful!
TTPM.com: Family Fitness Through Play Read More »
Perhaps you’re among the twenty percent of consumers carrying holiday credit card debt right now. Or maybe you just overextended your budget a bit in the midst of gift-buying and travel, putting your family in lean financial times this month.
TTPM.com: Financially Fit In 2010 Read More »
I am going to start this post with full disclosure, my child watches TV. I know how easy it is to turn it on, but it’s so much harder to turn it off! Young children learn through play and although they may be yelling at Dora or dancing with the Wiggles, watching TV isn’t play. When they play they imagine, they set rules and boundaries, they practice social skills and so much more.
TTPM: Turn Off the TV! Read More »
The holidays are upon us, and many of you may be wondering how you can make a difference this year. One of the biggest topics in 2009 was to “be green”. But what does that really mean? Here are a few tips to help you understand why and how you can have a “green” holiday season:
TTPM: How to Have a Green Holiday Read More »
This week, our own Chris Byrne aka The Toy Guy, contributed a guest blog post to MamaCheaps.com on gifts for $10 and less.
The Toy Guy on MamaCheaps! Read More »
The holidays are upon us and shopping is in full swing. Kids are making their Christmas wish lists, with every toy and gift they could ever want. As a mom, I want to fulfill their every wish! In reality, I have a budget to stick to.
TTPM.com: Holiday Shopping on a Budget Read More »
Our own Chris Byrne, The Toy Guy, contributed a great article on green toys to the Seattle Mom On The blog yesterday.
The Toy Guy on Seattle Mom On The Go Read More »
How do you teach a 4 year old the meaning of Thanksgiving? Sure, he knows to when to say thank you- but to truly be thankful for something, or someone? How do you teach that?
TTPM.com: Teaching Kids How to Give Thanks Read More »
In my book, Autumn claims the prize for the season chocked full of the most vibrant colors. And as an amateur photographer, it also stands out as my favorite season for getting colorful pictures
TTPM.com: Kids’ Photographer Read More »
As a mom, I’m always looking for quick and easy snacks for my toddler and this is especially true in the summer when we are always on the run to the next fun activity or place. The truth is that snacks can not only be easy, but they can be FUN too! Below are some of our favorites–your kids will think you are the coolest mom or dad ever when you serve them these fun and easy treats!
TTPM.com: Fun & Easy Summer Snacks For Kids Read More »
I love to watch kids play, and I love to play with kids. I feel lucky enough to be able to do both everyday. As a psychologist and a father, I love what I do and feel blessed to see kids show me who they are, what they feel, and what they are learning through the manner in which they approach play.
As a mom of a two year old and a one year old, I know how difficult it can be to find age appropriate summertime activities for babies and toddlers. Many of the organized activities during the summer are geared toward children who are five and older, and many of the summertime products are geared toward children who are older as well. So, keeping those issues in mind, I have learned to be creative in trying to come up with activities that will keep the kiddos occupied, happy and safe…thus keeping me sane!
TTPM.com: Summer Activities for Babies and Toddlers Read More »
