There are times when parenthood can seem terribly isolating. Moments where you feel all alone, hoping for a sign or gesture from other parents that you are not by yourself in this, that someone else understands.
We have all been there. You are in public, your child is fine, the day so far has been uneventful when suddenly a tantrum unlike any other erupts. It could be anything, a sibling breathed on them wrong, you won’t buy them something totally impractical and ridiculously expensive, but now you’ve got to cope with the aftermath.
Not only do you have to calm down a child who is yelling, crying, and doing that thing with their bodies that only toddlers can do where their bodies manage to be both stiff as a piece of cardboard and as limp as an overcooked noodle but you have to somehow pull off this challenging feat in the presence of strangers.
Strangers that undoubtedly are judging your parenting skills and finding you lacking, otherwise why would your child be screaming like a banshee? Of course, we’ve been in the flip position too, watching a parent struggle with a child. We know how she feels, and you wish you could let her know she isn’t being judged. That we know she loves her child, even when they are behaving like a crazy beast. That we consider her a good parent having a rough time.
Maybe we should all come up with some sort of worldwide hand signal that we can flash to other parents to show support and solidarity. Or maybe just give a sympathetic smile and offer a hand. And know that we’ve been there and will most likely be there again.
Catherine lives with her husband, two daughters, and rescue dog. She can usually be found reading, compulsively volunteering at her daughters' schools, or glaring at an ever growing mountain of laundry.
It’s 4 p.m. and you finally close the laptop as your child’s virtual school day ends. Or, maybe your child physically went to school today but had limited time at the playground. And it shows. They need action!
Physical activity helps a child stay regulated (process and adjust to their environment) and promotes the maturation of their nervous system. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it is even more important to make children’s physical wellbeing a priority to combat the potential negative effects on their physical, social, and psychological health. Physical activity in children is even associated with higher academic performance!
These top 10 afterschool activities are perfect for getting the wiggles out of your kids, no matter what materials or space you have!
1. Obstacle Course
Give your child a minimum of 3 to 4 steps. Get creative with what you have at home (both indoors and outdoors) when coming up with tasks at each “station”. A few ideas to start with: throw balls into a laundry basket, do 10 jumping jacks, jump in and out of a hoola-hoop, crawl under chairs. Try getting your child to complete as much of the course as independently as they can. Challenge them to remember each step in the sequence (and in the right order) to help develop their memory and other cognitive skills!
2. Simon Says
A classic! “Simon says do a handstand.” “Stand on 1 leg.” A simple game of Simon Says can help promote body awareness as your child engages in different movements. They’ll also have to use their auditory comprehension skills to follow the directions and listen for whether or not “Simon” said!
3. Ball Bounce
Bouncing on a large exercise ball against a wall can give your child just the amount of physical input their body needs. To add some cognitive demands, ask your child to sing their ABC’s while bounding, or go back and forth naming different animals for each letter of the alphabet without repeating.
4. Animal Walk Relay
Make a “path” around the house using tape, flags, or colorful dots. Have your child get from point A to point B by pretending to be the animal you name. Bear walk, bunny hop, crab walk, frog jumps – this one’s sure to work their muscle strength and coordination!
5. Go for a Ride
Kids can take a ride on their bike, scooter, skateboard, or whatever they choose! For an added language benefit, play “I Spy” while riding to help improve your child’s vocabulary by understanding and using descriptive words.
6. Towel Tug
Lay a towel on the floor and weigh it down with objects. Or, have a sibling sit on it! Have your child pull the towel across the room. Keep them motivated by asking them to make a prediction of how many times they think they can do this!
7. Scorpion Game
Parents—here’s a new sensory-motor game that also gives you time to interact with your kids! You pretend to be a scorpion, holding a pool noodle as your stinger and keeping your eyes closed. Your child is the squirrel that has to try and “rescue” stuffed animals from the ground by picking one up and running it back to the other side of the room. If your child gets “stung” and you tap them with the noodle, they must do an exercise you choose (jumping jacks, star jumps, or sit-ups, for example).
8. Dog Catcher
Make two bases across from each other, connected by a path of pillows. You are the dog catcher and your child is the puppy. He or she must rescue their stolen “bones” (balls) or animal friends (stuffed animals) by taking the pillow path to your base and back when you pretend to go to sleep. If your child wakes you up or accidentally steps on the floor, the dog catcher (you) have to try and tag the puppy!
9. Lava Floor
Pretend the floor is lava! You and your child can make a path in the living room to get from the couch to the door without touching the floor. Use pillows, bean bags, and other objects you find to help your child practice their balance, coordination, and creativity!
10. Jump Up!
A great way to give your child’s body some vestibular input (balance and awareness of their body’s position in space)? Jumping! Kids can jump on a trampoline or on a mattress you put on the floor.
Some children may have trouble with balance, coordination, strength, are constantly moving, or become easily distracted. If you have concerns in these areas of your child’s development, an evaluation by a physical therapist or occupational therapist can help. TherapyWorks is a company that provides these services (in addition to speech therapy, feeding therapy, and social work) via teletherapy. You will be connected with a therapist who specializes in your areas of concern and can provide more tips for at-home activities for your child!
Sprang, Ginny & Silman, Miriam. (2013). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Parents and Youth After Health-Related Disasters. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness. 7. 10.1017/dmp.2013.22.
I'm a mom entrepreneur and Co-Founder of TherapyWorks, a pediatric therapy company that provides services via telehealth. I recognized the need to make high-quality pediatric therapy more convenient after one of my own children needed therapy and launched TherapyWorks with my Co-Founder, an experienced speech language-pathologist, with that in mind.
Your holiday cooking just got easier! We’ve gathered up the best Instant Pot recipes that you can make in a flash for Christmas parties, Hanukkah gatherings, and more. From Instant Pot appetizers to delicious desserts, we have everything you need for a festive (and fast!) holiday meal.
This instant pot dish from The Kitcheneer screams fall flavors. Picture this: short ribs that are fall-off-the-bone good, cooked with dee-lish pumpkin mash. Get the recipe here.
Where has this cheesecake been all our lives? With caramel, apples, creamy vanilla, and cinnamon whipped cream, this holiday dessert is full of flavor and super simple, too. Get the recipe from Tidbits.
Are you crazy for kugel? This Old Gal (a primo resource for Instant Pot recipes) has a version you'll love! The classic flavors are all there, but it's extra simple to pull off with your Instant Pot. Dig in and get the recipe here.
Looking for a great addition to your holiday party? This easy Instant Pot appetizer (courtesy of Meatloaf and Melodrama) uses frozen meatballs and a few other ingredients. Lip-smacking good! Get the recipe here.
We have your next favorite holiday dessert, courtesy of The Lean Green Bean. With festive spices, french bread, and a bit of chocolate and almond butter to top it off, this treat will disappear faster than you can make it. Get the recipe here.
Hooray for ham that's done in 7 minutes! Oh So Delicioso has the hookup, with a recipe that has a sweet pineapple glaze and oodles of flavor. Plus, it pairs great with any holiday side dish. Get the recipe here.
This ultra-yummy bread from Tidbits is the perfect accompaniment to any holiday meal. Bursting with cranberries and pecans, it's got an extra healthy whole wheat kick. Get the recipe here.
Scalloped potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, which is why you should bookmark this dish from Crunchy Creamy Sweet. It will amp up any holiday dinner and be a hit with kids and grownups alike. Get the recipe here.
Psst! Not only is this pumpkin cheesecake easy to whip up in your handy-dandy Instant Pot, it also sports a unique granola crust. Creamy, crunchy, and no work at all--head to The Wicked Noodle for the recipe.
Need a holiday appetizer ASAP? Lexi's Clean Kitchen has you covered, with no-fuss Instant Pot hard boiled eggs and a deviled egg recipe that'll wow your party guests. Get the recipe here.
Make your holidays even sweeter with this yummy breakfast from Imagelicious. With a gooey cinnamon center and a vanilla glaze, these treats are the best way to start the day or get an afternoon pick-me-up. Get the recipe here.
Want to change up your usual holiday mashed potatoes? Boulder Locavore has just the thing. Think sweet potatoes, bacon, and...well, do we really need to say more. Get the Instant Pot recipe here.
Kraft Heinz wants to bring delicious fun to family game night. In light of these unprecedented times as families spend more time at home Big G Creative has just released the new Kraft Heinz Variety Game Pack. This three-in-one boredom-busting set of games is inspired by iconic Kraft Heinz food brands HEINZ Ketchup, JELL-O Gelatin and KRAFT Macaroni and Cheese.
KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese Game: Satisfy your cravings with the KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese Game! Roll the dice to play matching noodle cards and push Cheesasaurus Rex piece up the Noodle Meter … but make sure you don’t run out of noodles!
JELL-O Jiggler Slap Game: This card game is a quick-thinking, hand-slapping treat. Be the first to slap the correct card on the JELL-O gelatin flavor that’s called out to win. You might even have to wiggle and jiggle for your favorite flavor!
HEINZ Ketchup Dice Game: It’s HEINZ ketchup or bust in this press your luck game of risk versus reward! Roll the dice and collect as much ketchup as possible to score 57 points. America’s Favorite Ketchup game is definitely worth the wait.
“For most families, more time at home means getting extra creative with day-to-day routines and seeking out fun experiences in between,” said Steven Anne, creative director at Big G Creative. “Kraft Heinz has always brought a playfulness to the dinner table, and now we’re thrilled to bring that same spirit to family game night.”
The fun with food starts from the moment families open the pack, as each game is packaged like the original food favorite. For example, the HEINZ™ Ketchup Dice Game comes in a bottle just like the classic condiment, which also acts as a dice-rolling cup.
“We are always looking for ways to surprise & delight consumers who love our brands, so we’re excited about this opportunity, especially with the extra time everyone is spending at home right now,” said Chris Urban, Vice President of Marketing at Kraft Heinz.
All three games are designed with inclusive play in mind — whether kids play while their parents cook dinner or the whole family joins in together. The games are easy to learn, fun to play, and only take about 20 minutes — or about the time it takes to whip up a box of KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese. Plus, the games accommodate families of all sizes, allowing two or more players ages 8 years and older to go head to head.
Big G Creative’s Kraft Heinz Variety Game Pack is now available exclusively at Target stores and at Target.com for a suggested retail price of $19.99. To learn more about the game pack and how each game is played, please visit BigGCreative.com.
It’s 2020 and that means plastic straws are a big no-no. The good for the environment ban has encouraged parents to become more creative and that means eco-friendly straws are a must. Whether your kiddo prefers using this beverage accessory at home or in a restaurant, keep reading to see some great plastic straw alternatives that are easy on the pocketbook and the environment.
The silicone straws from Boon Supply make going green a cinch. The $16 pack of four is BPA free, FDA approved, comes with two size options and with a cute carrying case so you never have to leave home without them.
WonderSip Straws
Wondersip
Dishwasher-safe, leak proof, FDA-approved and BPA free, WonderSip straws are the next generation of plastic straw alternatives. The highly versatile and recyclable straws resist chemicals solvents, don't require a brush to clean and come in a one-piece design.
As the name implies, Hay! Straws are made from natural wheat stems and are 100 percent biodegradable. Unlike paper straws, they never get soggy, are minimally processed and non-GMO.
While a paper version won't last all day, these colorful biodegradable paper straws are more friendly for the earth than their plastic counterparts. Made with BPA-free paper and food-safe ink, they are a fun alternative.
Leftover sugarcane fibers form the basis for anti-plastic Sugarcane Straws. The certified compostable product is 100 percent derived from plants, is reusable and doesn't give off any flavor.
Before you get nervous, these glass straws are actually shatterproof! The durable and safe plastic alternative can be tossed into to the dishwasher, is free from toxins and a great eco-friendly option.
These stainless steel straws come with a pouch making them easy to tote around when you’re away from home. They also feature a silicone tip which makes them softer and more kid-friendly for those little ones that tend to chew on their straws.
You’re already toting enough kid gear around, never mind adding a pack of reusable straws. These clever stainless steel straws fold down and fit into a tiny travel holder so that you don’t have to add much more to that already bulging bag.
These 100 percent non-stick silicone straws are dishwasher-safe and come with a free cleaning brush. They also work well with hot drinks if your kids like to sip their hot cocoa through a straw.
Rachel Chapman has been 7-year-old Curtis Rogers’ babysitter for a year and a half. She is currently a high school senior in North Carolina and like the rest of her graduating class will not be able to attend prom, graduation or any of the other traditional end of year celebrations. When Curtis realized that Chapman was missing out on these milestones he wanted to do something special for her.
Curtis’ mom, Elissa Rogers, has been using this time at home during the pandemic to teach him some of the bigger lessons in life, including showing empathy for others. When Curtis realized that Chapman would not be able to attend her prom, he suggested that he could throw a “mini-prom” for her, complete with her favorite foods, flowers and dancing.
Rogers explained what a “prom-posal” was to Curtis and they planned to surprise Chapman at their neighborhood’s graduation parade honoring the seniors.
Curtis held up a sign for Chapman as she went past. The sign read, “Mini-prom is not today, but will you join me on Monday?” Of course, she said, “Yes!”
In planning the event with his mom, Curtis had firm ideas on what foods should be served. Since Chapman and Curtis spend a lot of time together after school, they have shared many meals and snacks so he knew all of her favorite foods. The prom menu included a peanut butter and apple appetizer, Chick-fil-A for dinner, and Chapman’s favorite smoothie from Tropical Smoothie for dessert.
Keeping with the rules of social distancing, a 6 foot pool noodle was used to show how far apart the prom dates could be from each other.
Judging by the smiles on their faces, it looks like both had a very good time.
—Jennifer Swartvagher
All photos courtesy of Elissa Rogers/Becky Chapman
Your pool noodle is your trusty summer sidekick, but it has far more uses than taking a dip in the pool, river, lake or ocean. Did you know it also makes a great hobbyhorse or bubble blower? We’ve rounded up some uber fun ways you can transform this dollar store classic into your tot’s favorite new toy. Keep reading to get your noodle craft on.
Boo! These anything-but-scary monsters are the perfect way to use up that old pool noodle. Cut into small pieces, then unleash your inner artist using googly eyes, pipe cleaners, feathers and whatever else you have stashed in your art kit. Get all the details over at Clumsy Crafter.
Get the littles outside and learning to count with this simple DIY pool noodle abacus. The simple to create project uses rope, pool noodles and a knife to cut, then is simply strung up in the backyard. You can find all the details over at Happy Hooligans.
This activity is so fun, the littles won't even realizing their learning! Pool noodles are cut into C shapes, then a popsicle stick with a letter is added. Say the letter, roll a ball and see if you can knock it down! For all the details, be sure to head to Toddler Approved.
Summer STEM just got a whole lot more fun. This easy to pull off activity uses an inexpensive pool noodle and toothpicks––that's it! Let your little builder develop their building, design, math, fine motor and problem-solving skills with this simple activity from Little Bins for Little Hands.
Go the distance with a pool noodle shooter. Get the need-to-know details to make your own from Jaime over at Frogs Snails and Puppy Dog Tails. Then, set up a target shooting range in the backyard for hours of outdoor play. Take aim!
Whether you upcycle your own star or flower-shaped noodles or buy them pre-cut from the craft store, your kidlet will love blowing bubbles through them. And the best part? That you can make wands for the whole neighborhood. Skip to My Lou is where you’ll find out how to make this cute summer supply.
The race is on down this simple marble run dreamed up by Jen over at Mama Papa Bubba. Set it up on a sunny day and kick back while your little ones play, play, play. Psst…cars race well on this track too.
After sprinkler dashes and plenty of time wading in the kiddie pool, your mini-me can change it up but still keep cool on a sunny day playing at her pool noodle water wall. We love the idea of mounting one on a moveable pegboard like Claire from Casual Claire does. But, if you don’t have pegboard on hand a fence works just as well. Splash away, all!
Indoors or out, these quick-to-assemble basketball hoops are just the right size for your sidekick to practice lay-ups and three-pointers, or to play a quick game of H-O-R-S-E with a sibling. Ever Never Again is where you’ll get the tips you need to set them up at your place. She shoots, she scores!
Giddy-up, little pardner! Saddle up this cute hobbyhorse for hours of outdoor imaginative play. Find out how to make one yourself at Molly Moon Crafts. Trust us, it’s easier than you think! Hi ho, away!
Turn your pool noodle into the best kiddie pool accessory in town, by converting it into an overhead sprinkler. Ondria at Mommy’s Block Party can walk you through the process. It’s like a trip to the splash pad, without leaving the house. Sounds like the perfect summer pace to us!
Whether you kid is a Rey-in-training or she’s crossed over to the Dark Side, there’s no denying that Star Wars is one of the coolest themes for an afternoon of hands-on fun. From Wookie Bookmarks to Light Saber sensory bottles, we’ve found a dozen ways to amuse your little stormtroopers for days to come. Keep reading to see them all.
Make a menagerie of your favorite Star Wars characters with some toilet paper rolls, construction paper and simple instructions from Hello, Wonderful. Psst … you can even make the droids you were looking for with this cute craft!
Make treat time totally troop-worthy with this easy little track (makes a great cupcake or cake topper, too). Just put marshmallows on a stick and use an edible pen to draw the masks on.
Everyone knows the best stories take place a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. Make a cute Chewbacca bookmark to act as place keeper in your petite Padawan’s galactically good tales. Mom Start has the need-to-know details on this roaringly awesome project.
Make this cute puppet, you must. In a do, not try kind of way. Little hands can easily assemble this googly-eyed, paper bag Yoda puppet found on Gluesticks and Gumdrops.
Even the littlest Padawans can create this adorable geometric R2D2 to tag along on their adventures. It’s a cut and paste project that’s easy to master. Find templates and the noteworthy deets from Danielle at Mom Inspired Life. Roll on, R2!
Create a flurry of excitement when you and your Jedi-in-training cut out Star Wars snowflakes, designed by Anthony Herrera, to hang around the house. You don’t need expert lightsaber skills to slice and dice these intricate designs, but you do need patterns. Pick your favorite from the sleek collection. Let it snow!
Create Thumbprint Art
Courtesy Klutz
Young Jedis can make an impression when they try their hand at Star Wars thumbprint art. Use the inspiring character designs found in this Klutz book to storyboard an adventure worthy of Luke, Leia and Han. Picture it! A long time ago…
Every Jedi-in-training needs a trusty lightsaber at his side. Let your Rebel fighter fashion his own using a pool noodle, duct tape and his mad design skills. Gain the knowledge you need for this project at muddyboots.com. Train you must!
Good news is you’re still going to be alive and well at 47, which should come as a definite surprise considering you think people my age fall into the old category. You are clueless and naïve about the aging process, despite your beautiful innocence.
In a couple decades your understanding of middle age will enlighten and humble your firm edge lines. Not to mention drain your wallet when you realize how many panty liners and expensive pee proof undies you will have to buy to ward off your leakage issue.
Listen, mini me, I can still move, shake, grind, and toss one back with the best of them – even in my limited capacity. Never mind I how I may feel the day after pretending I’m half my age. Pain, discomfort, and hangovers are relative. Not to mention, badges of aging honor.
I’m here to share with you ten important things I’d like your twenty something self to know, which is a mere microcosm of wisdom you need to absorb. Consider these tips the most important, and build off each one to further your journey into the real world.
1. Die to self This can’t happen soon enough. Although it may come as a surprise, you aren’t the center of your own universe. Life is about relationships and the faster you learn who you are as a part of someone else, the sooner your selfish ways will fade. We are on this planet to serve, not to be served. Crazy, I know.
2. Join SPA (Smart Phone Anonymous) Instant access to everything across the globe at the touch of a finger is overrated, so you should get help for your addiction sooner than later. Lasting wonder exists all around you in real time: live human beings, beautiful nature, sporting events you pay gobs of money to watch; to name a few. Plus walking with your head down is hazardous for you and others. Slow down. Savor the moments. Rely on your own brain instead of the google noodle.
3. Laugh often. Smile every day. Cry whenever you feel like it. Each one empties the soul, allowing more life energy to flow back in.
4. Spend time with the elderly Senior citizens are walking TED talks. Pay attention and learn from their triumphs and failures. They know what’s important in life by now. Chances are you don’t.
5. Learn to love yourself and the unique blessing God created you to be You have value, worth, and purpose no matter what anyone tells you otherwise. Learn to cherish the person in the mirror.
6. Ask yourself if __________ will matter 10 minutes, one hour, 3 days, 2 weeks from now. If the answer is no, let it go
7. Be a good listener, not just a hearer Communication is paramount to success. Listen first. Don’t interrupt. Repeat back what you’ve heard to clarify. Listen some more. Speak last.
8. Pursue your dreams and listen to your heart Trust yourself and rely on your inner compass. You get one shot at life and greatness awaits those who keep striving.
9. Be real. Own your authentic self. Don’t waste your time pretending. Be you. Be bold. Be brave.
10. Be LOVE Love is the Nike swish meaning of life. Just do it.
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Got some pastafarians in your house? We’ve got some seriously fun and super cheap spaghetti play that will really have them using their noodles. Read on for some awesome 4 ways to make create games they’ll love.
Spaghetti Race Put two pieces of uncooked spaghetti side by side on a table (or floor). Be sure it’s a table you can either move around or that isn’t too long. Each person blows on their spaghetti noodle trying to race to the “finish line” at the other end.
Colored Spaghetti Boil pasta as you ordinarily would, but add a few drops of food coloring to the water along with a dash of salt. The results will vary depending on how many drops (and how much spaghetti you are cooking) but you’ll end up with some pastel noodles that you can eat, or just play with.
Spaghetti Engineering Use spaghetti noodles (dry) and marshmallows to build a structure. The marshmallows act as joints and supports. See who can build the tallest, the fanciest or the fastest structure in your crew.
Be Board There’s some serious fun to be had when it comes to spaghetti-themed board games. We’re super fond of Yeti in My Spaghetti, a new board game that has players removing the “spaghetti” one by one without making the Yeti fall.
What’s your favorite creative play with spaghetti? Tells us in the comments below!
