Hey everyone! Welcome back to my blog. Today, we’re diving into a super fun and important topic: engaging and educational activities for kids aged 0 to 3. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, these ideas will help you create meaningful and enjoyable experiences for the little ones in your Read more…
Now that our state has lifted some of the restrictions from the COVID-19 quarantine, I feel like we are able to get back out there and reintroduce life once again to our kids. Don’t get me wrong, we aren’t back in full swing by any means, but we are able to push past some of the barriers that have held us back since COVID-19 struck. Here are some things my family has done or is planning on doing this 2020 summer season.
I know for me, whenever I am away from home for a period of time with or without the littles, I can get over the fact that I am on “vacation” and I resort back to the fact that I really want my own bed and own daily routine. Don’t get me wrong, I love to vacation and feel there is a place for it in any family. I am always grateful for the time away from the everyday norm. But, when you are displaced from your home based on circumstances that are not of your control, that gratefulness can go out the window. You can feel stressed and wonder when “normalcy” will creep back in.
Going on vacation during Spring Break can be what’s on everyone’s minds…but what if it just isn’t in the budget? Or what if you have a 4 month old at home and even thinking about traveling and staying in a hotel…dragging TONS of baby gear, working around naptimes, etc. just doesn’t sound enticing (Ahem…this couldn’t possibly be us right now-LOL)? What is a family to do?
In comes the art of the ‘Stay’cation!
In our house, we are in a stage where board games are a hot commodity. My girls LOVE Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Headbandz, Guess Who?, Enchanted, etc. Basically if it is a board game, we are all in! I love that we can turn the television off, relax with one another, have some good laughs and enjoy the company of being a family. I believe this art of “gaming” is transforming into an art of “video gaming.” Don’t get me wrong, there is a time and place for video games (we aren’t in that phase of life and probably won’t be anytime soon) but there needs to be a consistent push for parents to require “family time” on a weekly basis. If we allow kids to isolate themselves at an early age, I believe it only hinders the future relationship parents will have with their children.
Who is in the driver’s seat in the house? Is it you? Your child(ren)? Sometimes balance can be tricky…especially when it comes to a child with disabilities. Balance is one thing every parent strives to conquer and usually fails before getting it right.
As parents, we tell our children what to do. It is our job to set limits and boundaries, and teach them how to behave and be respectful. I would imagine I bark orders at my kids at least 20 times a day: “Be nice to your sister.” “Get dressed.” “Sit up.” “Chew with your mouth closed.” “Clean up your toys.” These are just a few of the everyday utterances that leave my mouth.
I get so busy doing dishes, running the sweeper, keeping up with my online business, running errands, cooking, etc. that sometimes I fail to STOP and PLAY! Play with my kids, appreciate the stage in life they are currently at and just enjoy…just…enjoy…life!
I have started to make it a point to relax and soak in my kids a bit more. Am I busy, YES…is it hard, YES…is it wirth it…YUP! Here is a list of some things I have done to create some lasting memories with my family and some things I plan on doing in the near future…some ideas on how I was, am, and will be able to STOP and PLAY a bit more.
Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to dust off the grill and gather together with family and friends to thank the Lord for our many blessings as we remember the heroic men and women who have given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy!
What better way to celebrate than with a super quick-n-easy meal that allows us more time with our family and less time in the kitchen! Firing up the grill is definitely one of the easiest ways to get a healthy meal on the table in just minutes!
I get all geeked up when it comes to goal planning and setting concrete goals that I have every intention of hitting. In fact, goal planning has become what my world revolves around. I goal plan for my health and fitness business, our family, my relationship with my husband, and my kids. I feel that if you aren’t aiming at a target (goal), then you are going nowhere…just remaining as is. Isn’t the point to continuously work toward bettering yourself?
CHRISTMAS TIME…YEEHAW!!!!! I am a sucker for art projects, holiday activities, baking and getting involved in the community for holiday events so when I had kids, it was only “OBVIOUS” that I was going to go all in with them as well… Right before Annora was born this Elf on Read more…