How To Boost Children’s Development in the Summer

Summer is a fun and exciting time for children, filled with lazy days at the pool, family vacations, and playing outdoors. However, it’s important to remember that summer break also means a break from structured learning for most children. As parents and caregivers, finding ways to promote continuing children’s development during this time is crucial.

Here are some tips on how you can keep your child engaged and learning throughout the summer:

Encourage Outdoor Activities

The warm weather and longer daylight hours make summer the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. Encourage your child to spend time outside playing games, riding bikes, or going on nature walks. These activities provide physical exercise, help develop gross motor skills, and stimulate creativity.

Plan Educational Field Trips

Summer is the perfect time to take your child on educational field trips. This could include visits to museums, zoos, or historical sites. These experiences will expose children to new and exciting things and help develop their curiosity and critical thinking skills.

Engage in Summer Reading

Reading is a fundamental skill that should be nurtured all year round. Take advantage of the extra free time in the summer to encourage your child to read for pleasure. Visit your local library regularly and let your child choose books they are interested in. You can also organize a book club with other parents and their children, creating a fun and social environment for reading comprehension discussions.

Enroll in Summer Camps or Classes

Summer camps and classes offer a variety of activities and learning opportunities for children. Look for programs that focus on your child’s interests, such as sports, arts, science, or music. These activities provide new experiences and help develop social skills and teamwork.

Involve Your Child in Daily Tasks

Simple household tasks like cooking, gardening, or organizing can be great learning opportunities for children during the summer break. Please encourage your child to participate and explain the reasoning behind each task, helping them develop life skills and critical thinking abilities.

Use Technology Wisely

While it’s important to limit screen time, technology can also offer valuable learning opportunities for children. Many educational apps, games, and programs can enhance your child’s skills in various subjects. Just be sure to monitor and balance screen time with other activities.

By incorporating these tips into your summer routine, you can ensure that your child continues to develop and learn during their break from school. So go out and explore, read, create, and most importantly, make memories with your child that will last a lifetime.  Remember that learning doesn’t have to stop just because it’s summertime – with some creativity and effort, you can promote continuing children’s development all year round!

5 Summer Learning Activities Your Kids Will Love

Summer is a beautiful time for kids as they get a break from their studies and enjoy the warm weather. However, as a parent, you may be worried about their academic progress. The good news is that summer learning doesn’t have to be tedious. There are many fun activities that you can incorporate into your kids’ summer routine that is both enjoyable and educational. Here are five educational activities to incorporate into your children’s summer break.

Gardening:

Gardening is an excellent way to teach your kids about science, nature, and healthy eating. Allow them to plant their vegetable garden and learn about the different stages of plant growth. They can also learn about different soil types, insects, and pests. Plus, the satisfaction they will get from harvesting their crops and using them for meals will make this activity a hit!

Museum Visits:

Summer is the perfect time to visit museums, which can be fun and educational for kids. Many museums offer summer programs for kids to learn about art, science, history, and culture. Visiting museums can help your children improve their critical thinking and analytical skills and will also teach them about the world around them.

Outdoor Science Experiments:

Engage your kids in fun summer experiments that teach them about science. They can explore the physics of water, learn about soil properties, or build rockets with science kits. They can also learn about solar energy, the earth’s rotation, and acidity levels in different substances. These experiments will not only educate your child but also help stimulate their curiosity.

Reading and Writing:

Encourage your kids to maintain their reading and writing skills with fun activities such as book clubs and journaling. With book clubs, your child can choose the books they want to read and discuss them with their peers. Journaling helps with writing skills and also serves as a way for your child to express themselves creatively.

Cooking:

Cooking can be a fun and educational activity for kids. They can learn about measurements, ingredients, and how to follow instructions. Use this to teach them about the different food groups and the importance of a balanced diet. Plus, the sense of accomplishment they’ll feel from serving up a delicious meal will boost their confidence.

Summer learning doesn’t have to be dull and dry. Incorporate these fun activities into your kids’ summer routine; they will be eager to learn while having a good time. With these engaging activities, your child can build upon their skills and knowledge, gain new perspectives, and develop a lifelong love for learning. Happy Summer Learning!

3 Social Skill Activities You Should Try With Your Toddlers

As a parent, it’s essential to encourage and develop your toddler’s social skills. Interacting with other kids is a crucial part of a child’s development, and social skills play a significant role. It’s always early enough to start working on social skills with your toddler, and you can do plenty of fun activities together to help them improve in this area. This blog post will share three social skill activities you should try with your toddlers.

Play Dates:

Playing with other kids is crucial to developing your toddler’s social skills. Arrange a play date with other parents with kids the same age as your toddler. Encourage your child to share toys, play together, and socialize freely. As your child interacts with other kids, they learn to communicate effectively and practice essential social skills like sharing, taking turns, and cooperating with others. While playing with other kids, supervise them, and encourage positive behavior by praising your child when they share or use kind words.

Storytelling:

Storytelling is an excellent activity that helps enhance your toddler’s social and language skills. Select a storybook that interests your child, and start reading to them. Pause occasionally to ask questions, discuss characters’ names, and talk about the different situations in the story. This way, you stimulate your child’s imagination, improve their listening skills, develop their vocabulary, and enhance socialization. You can also invite your child to tell stories or role-play the characters, improving their creativity and communication skills.

Role-Playing:

Role-playing is an interactive activity that helps your toddler to enhance their social skills by allowing them to mimic real-life situations. For example, you can set up a pretend store and allow your toddler to play the customer or the seller. It enhances their imagination, helps express themselves more naturally, builds their confidence, encourages them to make eye contact, and improves their vocabulary. Other role-playing scenarios you can explore with your toddler include playing doctor, teacher, or house.

Encouraging toddlers to interact with others and develop their social skills early in life helps them thrive and become more confident. Playdates, storytelling, and role-playing are just a few activities you can engage with your toddler. These activities stimulate imagination, promote language development, enhance cognitive growth, and improve social skills. As a parent, try regularly incorporating these activities into your toddler’s routine. They help provide an engaging and fun medium for your child to learn and grow. Start nurturing your toddler’s social skills today, and watch your child become a confident and independent individual.

Keeping Kids Active in the Wintertime

The winter months can be especially tough for parents trying to keep their children active. Getting kids to leave the house can be challenging when it’s too cold and snowy outside. But staying active is essential for physical health, mental wellness, and fighting cabin fever! So here are some ideas that can help you get your kids motivated this winter.

Indoor Playgrounds

There are lots of fun indoor playgrounds that are great for kids of all ages. They provide a safe place for your children to play and explore and allow them to interact with other children in a supervised environment. You may find classes or programs at these locations to benefit your child’s development during the colder months. Just make sure that you check out their safety protocols before bringing your children in!

Yoga & Exercise Classes

Your local gym or community center may offer yoga or exercise classes tailored explicitly toward young children. These activities are a great way to stay physically active while having fun and learning new skills. It also provides an opportunity for social interaction with other kids who share similar interests as your child. Plus, you can join them during class if you need a break from indoors all day!

Snow Activities

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean that playing in the snow should be ruled out completely! You can turn activities like sledding, snowball fights, and building snowmen into fun family outings, even when it’s chilly outside. Just ensure everyone knows to bundle up, so they don’t get too cold! If there’s not enough snow where you live to participate in those activities, try visiting a nearby ski resort or ice skating rink instead – both are great ways to stay active while having fun with your family.

Keeping your kids active during the winter doesn’t have to be complicated – plenty of options are available! Indoor playgrounds, yoga and exercise classes, snow activities – all of these can help keep your children entertained while providing plenty of physical activity. So don’t let cabin fever get the best of you; get creative and find ways to have some wintertime fun with your kids today!

5 Winter Break Activities to Keep Your Kids Entertained

Winter break is a great time to relax and spend time with your family, but it can also be when kids get bored quickly. If you’re looking for ways to keep your children entertained, look no further! Here are five fun activities to keep them busy and happy throughout the winter break.

1. Build a fort or blanket tent: This classic children’s activity is always a hit, no matter what time of year. All you need are blankets and pillows to create an indoor fort or blanket tent that your kids can play in for hours.

2. Have a baking day: Many children love helping in the kitchen, so winter break is the perfect time to let them jump in and whip up some sweet treats. Whether you make cookies, cupcakes, or other favorites, your kids will have a great time measuring ingredients and decorating their creations.

3. Go on a holiday-themed scavenger hunt: This fun activity is perfect for children of all ages. Write down a list of holiday-related items, such as candy canes, ornaments, or snowmen, and hide them around your house or yard for your kids to find. This challenging activity will keep them busy for hours!

4. Create an indoor obstacle course: If the weather outside isn’t ideal for playing games or going on walks, an indoor obstacle course is a fun alternative. Set up some cardboard boxes, hula hoops, pillows, and other household items to create a unique and challenging system that your kids will love.

5. Plan winter-themed arts and crafts projects: From making snowflakes out of paper to creating colorful snowman-themed collages, there are endless possibilities for winter-themed arts and crafts projects. Let your kids use their imagination to create fun ideas or search online for inspiration. No matter what they choose to do, they’re sure to have a great time.

The Benefits of Playing Outside For Early Childhood Development

Benefits of Playing Outside for Early Childhood Development

Most early childhood experts agree that outdoor play is essential for young children. Not only does it provide them with the opportunity to explore and learn about their environment, but it also helps them to develop important physical, social, and cognitive skills. Here are just a few of the benefits that outdoor play can provide for early childhood development:

Physical Development

Outdoor play is a great way for young children to get the exercise they need. Running, climbing, and playing games are all great ways for them to develop their gross motor skills. Additionally, being outdoors can also help children to develop their fine motor skills as they pick up small objects or try to climb onto playground equipment.

Social Development

Playing outside also provides young children with the opportunity to interact with other kids and adults. This can help them to develop important social skills, such as communication, cooperation, and problem-solving. Additionally, outdoor play can also give children a chance to practice their leadership skills as they take charge of games or activities.

Cognitive Development

Finally, outdoor play can also help young children to develop important cognitive skills. Searching for objects, counting steps, or following directions are all great ways for kids to learn about their environment and develop their thinking skills. Additionally, playing outside can also help children to develop their imaginations as they pretend to be different animals or characters.

As the weather warms up outside, the best way to spend the days is in our backyards or visiting some of the best parks around your home.

Family-Friendly Activities For Spring in Eden Prairie, MN

What Are Some Family-Friendly Activities You Can Do This Spring in Eden Prairie, MN?

If you’re looking for some fun activities to do with your family this spring, look no further than Eden Prairie, MN! There are plenty of great things to do in this city that will keep everyone entertained. Here are just a few of the many family-friendly activities you can enjoy in Eden Prairie this spring:

1. Visit the Minnesota Zoo. The Minnesota Zoo is a great place to take the family for a day of fun. There are plenty of animals to see, and the zoo also offers educational programs and events that the whole family can enjoy.

2. Go hiking or biking. Eden Prairie is home to many beautiful parks and trails, making it the perfect place to go for a hike or bike ride. There are trails of all difficulty levels, so everyone in the family can find one that’s just right for them.

3. Play at the park. Eden Prairie is home to several great parks, including Miller Park and Round Lake Park. These parks offer plenty of playground equipment and open space for running around, making them perfect for a family outing.

4. Visit the Eden Prairie Center. The Eden Prairie Center is a great place to take the family for a day of shopping, dining, and entertainment. There are over 100 stores and restaurants at the center, as well as a movie theater, an indoor water park, and much more.

5. Take a drive around Lake Riley. If you’re looking for some beautiful scenery to take in, head over to Lake Riley and take a scenic drive around the lake. The views will not disappoint!

In addition to these great activities, Eden Prairie is home to many other great things that your family can enjoy this spring.

The Best Elementary Schools Near Brooklyn Park, MN

If you’re looking for the best elementary schools in Brooklyn Park, MN, then look no further! Here are some of the top schools in the area:

Twin Lakes STEM Academy (Brooklyn Center, MN)

Twin Lakes Stem Academy is a public charter school that opened its doors in 2015. This school is a great choice for students who are interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The curriculum is designed to challenge students and help them develop their problem-solving skills. The STEM focus helps to prepare students for future careers in these fields.

Crest View Elementary (Brooklyn Park, MN)

Crest View Elementary is a public school that serves students in grades K-5. The school has received awards for its excellence in teaching, and the staff is dedicated to providing a quality education for all students.

Zanewood Elementary (Brooklyn Park, MN)

Zanewood Elementary is a public school that serves students in grades K-5. This school has a strong focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Arts and Mathematics), and the staff is dedicated to helping each student reach his or her potential. Zanewood Elementary has a variety of enrichment programs that help students learn and grow.

Edinbrook Elementary (Brooklyn Park, MN)

Edinbrook Elementary is a public school that serves students in grades K-5. This school has a strong focus on literacy and language arts. The teachers and staff at Edinbrook strive to help students develop collaboration and leadership skills

These are just a few of the great schools near Brooklyn Park, MN. If your children are approaching their first year in school, consider looking over the enrollment services for the Brooklyn Park and Osseo area schools.

How Daycare Teaches Kids to Be Resilient

Working parents want to ensure their children are learning the best they can while away at daycare. While there are many benefits of enrolling your child in a daycare program, one of the most overlooked ones is the resiliency it can instill in a child. Here is how child care centers build resilience in children.

Successful daycares set up spaces to allow the children to explore their environment safely, which builds up self-esteem, independence, and confidence. There are many hands-on approaches to learning at daycares, which can help bloom creativity in children. Many skills are learned from this approach, and since children are curious by nature, they will constantly learn more and more.

Empathy is one of the most important traits anyone can develop. At childcare centers, children are constantly working and playing with each other. This can empower children to do good for others, but this can also help them be more confident in themselves. Children are taught social lessons each day, and when they learn that not every child is like them, they begin to understand how to be more empathetic towards others.

Because of the social environment, children learn to self-regulate behaviors and develop patience. Tying in the empathy they develop, children become much more resilient. They may even begin helping other children who might have a difficult time with solving a problem.

Over time, you will find that your child overcomes minor challenges once they’ve spent time in a child care center. Their development is crucial to their success in their adolescence, and much of their learning can start at daycare.

Tips on Making Play Time Learning Time

All children love to play. But did you know that they naturally learn by playing? There is more to “having fun” when children play. Since they are actively making their own choices and being involved in an activity, children can discover meanings and build connections. As a parent, you want to ensure your children are getting the best educational experiences they can get, even at very early stages of life. Luckily, you can incorporate learning into your playtime. Here are ways you can extend your child’s learning through playtime.

For Two Years and Under

While you may not think babies are “playing” in the sense that a toddler would, they do experience with their senses. One of the best educational experiences for babies is a “show and tell” activity. Children start to interact with other materials as they get older, but when they are under two, you can make for an interactive yet educational experience.

Show your babies any colorfully contrasting items, or ones with lots of texture and noise. They will be mesmerized by the sight of some objects. You should have them placed within their reach, and encourage them to play with them. You can use any toy or object that is safe for their age. Many people don’t realize they are already doing activities like this.

Another way to encourage learning while playing is to “tell” them what they are doing. When your baby is playing, interact with them and describe to them what they are doing. You should show that you are curious about what they’re doing and ask them questions. For instance, if your child is playing with a red ball, you can announce, “I see you are playing with a red ball!” You could then begin to ask them questions about the activity, such as, “What does the ball do?”.

Playing With Toddlers

As children get closer to the toddler years, they begin to incorporate what they see others do into their play. They might also begin to play next to other people. If you notice your child fixating on an activity that other people are doing, you should ask them questions and encourage them to try the activity themselves. For instance, if there is another group of children working on a puzzle, the toddler may wander over and watch them figure it out. Explain to them what they are doing. “Those kids are fitting the pieces together to make a puzzle. Can you find the missing piece?”

For many young children, playtime can be an educational experience. As a parent, you should encourage your child to explore their curiosities, and be there to ask questions. The more you pique their curiosity, the more informational the experience can be. Playing can be an incredibly powerful tool for children!

Tips For Teaching Responsibility To Children

Children learn most when they experience the lessons they learn in school or childcare. Responsibility is an important trait that children should learn early on. Here are some tips on how to raise responsible children.

Be a Role Model

First and foremost, as parents, you should model responsible behavior in the home. Some simple steps are apologizing when a mistake is made, cleaning up after every mess, bringing a shopping cart back to the store, etc. Many simple moments in our everyday life require our attention, and involving your kids in them can help teach them responsibility.

Outline and Enforce Rules

Be consistent with your enforcement of rules. Make a few set rules for the house, and make sure you are consistently verbalizing them. You should also make sure you are always enforcing them for every child, and not making excuses for them.

Stay Positive

Maintaining positivity is incredibly important. When you have a chore to do, be cheerful about it when you ask your children to help. If you’ve finished your meal, say “Please put your dishes in the sink”, rather than “Why did you leave a mess?”. Positive reinforcement can be crucial when introducing responsibilities to your children. Another good tip is to involve yourself in the chore. After a meal, you could say “Let’s clean up the dishes now!”.

Parents will begin to realize that their actions rub off on their kids. When you show that you take care of your responsibilities, your children will learn just how important they are. Try to keep your kids involved in your daily activities as much as possible, as this will enthuse them to learn about responsibility.

How to To Support a Child’s Mental Health

Every parent should care about their children’s mental health. And in times like these, many children may feel stress in and out of the home. Regardless of the situations, they are facing at the moment, there are methods parents can take to ensure their children’s mental health is taken seriously. Here are some tips that parents can follow to support their child’s mental health.

Make Routines At Home

Routines are essential for children to follow, as it gives them a sense of structure and security. Many changes have been made within the last year that may have damaged this sense of consistency, such as remote learning, moving around workspaces, and other adaptations we have had to make to combat COVID-19. Try to stay consistent with your routines at home, and if they have questions about why they need to make these adjustments, provide reassurance to them. When children know what they should expect in a situation, they will feel in control.

Don’t Burn Yourself Out

As a parent, you want to care for your children. However, this can often result in neglecting self-care. You aren’t able to pour from an empty cup, so you need to make sure your mental health is in check. Practicing guilt-free self-care is crucial to prevent yourself from burnout, and it also creates a great example for the kids. Try to create a list of things to do each day to bring joy into your life, and maybe share those moments with your kids!

If you want to develop empathy and stress-management skills in your kids, you shouldn’t mask your feelings to them. If you’re having a rough day, share with your children why you feel that way. For instance, due to social distancing guidelines, many of us have not seen our family in quite some time. You might feel bummed that you missed another holiday this year, and your kids might ask why you seem so sad.

By telling them the reasons why you feel this way, you help them identify and validate these emotions. You can then create a coping strategy. For instance, while you were not able to have a face-to-face dinner with your family for Easter this year, you still managed to have a virtual meeting. The concept of reuniting the family on a holiday still exists, albeit in a different format.

Spend More Time Together as a Family

While you develop routines for your family, make sure to put effort into making fun routines. For instance, dedicate your Saturdays to exploring a new park. Look up nearby parks, or venture out into state parks. These small routines can help develop strong familial relationships as well as giving your children something to look forward to every weekend. At the end of the day, ask your children for three good things that happened today. This can help them practice gratitude.

Fun Outdoor Spring Activities To Do With Your Family

As spring begins a new season, many families are excited to finally spend some extra time outdoors. With Covid-19 restrictions still in effect for many states, many parents are wondering how they can entertain their children outdoors. Here is a list of fun and creative activities you can do with your kids outside in the Spring.

Make Your Own Bubbles

Every kid loves bubbles, but did you know that they are incredibly easy to make? The best part, you probably have most of the ingredients on hand. To make your own bubbles, all you will need is dish soap, water, and glycerin. Mix the batch up, and get ready to blow bubbles in your backyard. There are many fun activities you can play with your children, such as a bubble tag, or a freeze dance. Whoever pops the most bubbles while the song plays wins.

Do a Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are incredibly popular during this time of year, especially during Easter. You don’t need to round off some objects to have your kids find them. Instead, let them explore nature. Have them find flowers, pinecones, or even look for the perfect, roundest rock. Kids will love looking for unique items right in your own backyard, which is a great way to get them to enjoy some of the amazing beauty nature has to offer us.

Grow Veggies With Them

There is never an age that is too early to be taught how to garden. Bring your kids to a garden center and have them pick out a vegetable they would want to grow. You can teach them how to take care of the plant, from potting it to watering it, and as soon as you’ll know, it will become a bountiful crop. This can be an exciting way for your children to understand where the food you eat comes from, and it might even be the perfect way to get them to consume more veggies.

Take Spring Pictures

Many parents dread the idea of doing a family photo, especially with multiple kids. However, you can make the idea a bit more fun than just having them get dressed up and smile for a camera. Make the photo shoot a challenge by having your kids look around your yard to find the “best” spot. Then, you can take pictures in their spots. This will be perfect for updating your family pictures, but you can also do scrapbooks with them for a Mother’s Day project.

Spring is an optimistic time. Everybody is excited to see the warm weather arriving, so it’s a perfect time to connect back with your family outdoors. Consider some of these creative activities for spending time with your kids. It will keep them occupied for quite some time, and the best part is that it will all be spent outside.

3 Easy At Home Exercises You Can Do With Your Kids

Exercise is important for everyone, including your children. While your children may get plenty of play outside during the warm months, it is difficult to get them to exercise in the winter. So how do parents get their kids to move around indoors? Here are some of the easiest exercises you can do with your kids at home.

Running in Place

Running is the simplest way to exercise, and it’s a great way for kids to burn off some energy. The key to these “workouts” is to treat them like “play”. Do short bursts of exercises every day, that way you aren’t burning yourself out.

Jumping Jacks

Jumping is a great way to improve muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance, and there’s no better exercise than jumping jacks. Other examples of jumping could be hurdle hops, tuck jumps, criss-cross jumps, or even squats.

Creative Exercise Games

Get creative with the exercises you do. Some examples include squat relays and corners.. For squat relays, have your kids on the opposite side of the rooms. On “go” the kids will run to meet in the middle and do a series of squats. After, they return to the sides of the room, and repeat the process a few times.

Corners is another incredibly fun and energetic play. Put each kid in a corner of the room.

On your cue, have them rotate to a different corner of the room and do a series of exercises. This could be a few jumping jacks, 15 second wall sit, or some push-ups. Let your kids decide which workouts they want to do.

When it comes to getting your kids to exercise, it can be a bit difficult. But with stay-at-home orders, we are all a bit too pent up. Exercise is important at any age, so follow these fun activities at home so both you and your kids can get some form of exercise and a little bit of fun bonding time!

COVID-Friendly Activities You Can Enjoy With Your Family This Autumn

COVID-19 has turned our world upside down. And now that summer is officially over, a new season is upon us, one that is typically loaded with family activities. However, With the typical events canceled, and kids getting cooped up at home with distance learning, many parents are struggling to find ideas for keeping their kids entertained, all the while enjoying some quality family time. But by following CDC guidelines closely, you can still enjoy many popular fall activities with your family. Here’s the top COVID-friendly activities you can do with your family this fall.

Apple Orchards

Every fall, one of the most popular activities is to go apple picking. However, even some of the largest apple-picking events have shut down for the year. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t find an orchard near you. Many smaller, farm owned orchards are remaining open.

To ensure there are strict social distancing measures, they may end up allowing limited tickets and have timed entries, to ensure there are not too many people going in at once. So wear your masks, and wait until you get home to eat the apples. Make sure you and your kids wash their hands and the fruit thoroughly.

Scavenger Hunts

Fall is a great time to enjoy scavenger hunting at farms as well, but because this activity requires multiple people touching hidden objects, it can be a breeding ground for germs. However, you don’t need to bring your kids to an organized hunt. Instead, you can do it at home.

This is a perfect way to keep your kids entertained and enjoy the fall weather, and you can even get more creative with what you’re hiding!

Watching Leaves Change Colors

One of the more popular fall activities is leaf-peeping (a.k.a watching the leaves change to their glorious fall colors). This is quite possibly the most COVID-friendly activity, as well as the most festive fall activity. The best part of this is that you can do this from the comfort of your car or on a bike! You can always bring your family to locations that are notable for their fall leaves, but just make sure you abide social distancing guidelines.

Going on Hikes

Fresh air is the best kind of air, and luckily hiking is a fairly social-distancing friendly activity. The best part is, you can even get your fall-peeping done too! Make sure you check which facilities or parks are open at the time, and of course, be cautious of how busy these can be. Many playgrounds will still be closed in various parts of the country, so finding a park with safe and easy trails will be an excellent option instead. Make sure to bring your own sanitizer just to be extra safe.

There is no risk-free situation for COVID-19. Of course, the best measure to combat the spread of this novel virus is to follow CDC guidelines. But just remember there are alternatives to just staying at home all day.

How to Talk to Your Children About COVID-19

It’s been nearly six months since the initial shutdowns or businesses and schools, but as we are winding down the year, children are slowly returning to the routine of things, adapting to the changing climate of the pandemic we live in. For many children who are starting childcare, they might be simply too young to fully understand the magnitude of COVID-19, and as a parent, you probably are finding it incredibly difficult to talk with them about it. So here are some easy facts that you can share with your children.

Define what COVID-19 is

Let your children know what COVID-19 is by telling them there is a germ out there that can make some people sick. You can inform them of the common symptoms–if they are old enough to understand–such as a cough and fever. You should also let them know that not everyone may develop those symptoms or any at all.

Explain how germs spread

If you have not already gone over the importance of how germs spread, now is a crucial time. Explain to them how germs enter your body. COVID-19 typically spreads to the respiratory system by touching the nose, eyes, and mouth. Some children might not fully understand what germs are, so let them know that they are so small that they cannot see it. The best way to prevent contact is by frequently washing your hands and practicing not touching your face. They should also be aware of social distancing, especially when someone has a cough or a sneeze.

Teach the importance of washing your hands

Taking practical steps will not only prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it will teach them important lessons to use later on in life. Encourage them to wash their hands frequently before meals. If they sneeze or cough, make sure they know to cover it properly, and then follow up by washing their hands.

You can demonstrate these fairly easily. An excellent way to ensure they wash their hands for the recommended 20 seconds is to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. Get creative and have some fun!

Talking to your children about COVID-19 can be stressful for you, but it can be even scarier for your children. The importance of keeping your children calm about COVID-19 is crucial. You don’t want to cause fear in them, rather keep them informed and encourage them to do their part in preventing the spread.

Why Is It Important to Reward Kids for Effort?

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs out there. You’re responsible not just for feeding and clothing your children, but raising and nurturing them into good human beings.

Having said that, there’s no fixed set of guidelines or one right way to parenting. Every child is different, and every parent is different, and therefore, good parenting can be different for everyone.

One aspect that is a must for good parenting is rewarding children.

The Importance of Rewarding Kids

Rewarding children for certain behaviors and rewarding hard work is extremely crucial to encourage them to continue doing it. Continuously rewarding kids for good actions will motivate them to repeat them until it becomes a habit. This is especially important when kids are younger.

The first seven years of a child’s life are quite important as during this time, their brains are rapidly growing, and they’re developing vital life and social skills.
If a parent can teach good habits to their children from a young age through a proper reward system, they have a good chance of sticking with them throughout their lives.

Additionally, rewarding kids, for example, by praising a child, makes them feel good about themselves. Consequently, it helps shape their personality as they have good self-esteem and self-confidence.

Similarly, there are a lot of benefits of rewarding children. It creates a positive atmosphere. Sometimes, it can even help discourage bad behavior.

How to Reward Kids

Some parents might think that getting their children their favorite toy or the latest gadget is the way to reward them. That is not necessarily true. Giving your child a gift is an example of a tangible reward. You can reward your children through intangible gifts, such as praise.

Parents must give both tangible and intangible rewards to not make them too materialistic. A simple pat on the back or praising their actions is enough to make your child feel good and motivated to do it again.

Rewarding kids doesn’t always have to be done after they’ve accomplished something. It’s important to reward them simply for putting in their best effort too, regardless of whether they were able to achieve their goal or not.

Dangers of Rewarding Children

Despite what many may believe, there is such a thing as too much rewarding. The main goal of rewarding kids is to encourage a particular behavior or habit.

If you put too much focus on rewarding, your child might become only focused on the rewards and not on inculcating those habits. Even if it’s intangible rewards like praise, too much of it can turn your child into a narcissist.

For parents, even the smallest of good deeds and tiniest achievements by their children can make them incredibly happy and proud.

From learning to tie their own shoelaces and getting potty trained to graduating from college and getting that first job, achieving these milestones simply fills parents with pride. However, to actually get their children to achieve those milestones, parents need to reward their kids regularly.

How You Can Keep Your Children Calm During The COVID 19 Crisis

COVID-19 has disrupted the world, and many are experiencing the pangs of shelter-in-place. And because people are home 24/7 it’s causing anxiety levels to increase in adults and children. As such, parents are having to deal with their child or children’s schooling issues while trying to provide for their families. This pandemic is exceptional in its magnitude and spread throughout the world. It’s on every media outlet and it’s at the heart of every conversation especially during dinner. And due to the adjustments being made throughout the world, it has placed an increasingly amount of stress on children.

Here are a few ways on how you can keep your children calm during the COVID-19 crisis.

Remain calm. The key to having calm children during COVID-19 crisis or any crisis, is for parents to remain calm themselves. Children pick up on their parent’s behavior. For this reason, it is important for the parent(s) to remain calm in order to reassure their children that everything is okay. If you as a parent is unable to stay calm during the COVID-19 crisis, your children won’t remain calm either.

Create a sense of safety. Getting to know each other as a family is a safe haven to kids in the midst of vulnerability. Since kids are more susceptible and defenseless in many instances, it’s imperative to focus attention on providing a place of safety and giving them tangible provisions such as activities that are calming, their favorite dishes, blankets, or favorite toy used to make them feel safe or that all is well.

Limit exposure to news. News reports can be overwhelming for children especially since certain details about an event are described using sounds and images that may be a little too much for kids and can cause more harm than good. It’s also a good idea to not to depend on the news to provide your child(ren) with the updates about answers they may be seeking. Instead, get verified answers to the questions they are asking by seeking out credible sources to help you explain what is happening in the world concerning COVID-19. Let your children know that their safety is your number one priority.

Take time to listen. It’s important to give space for children to communicate their emotions and anxieties. By asking questions that allow them to give more than a yes or no answer gives them an opportunity to recognize what they want.

Tune in to what your children are saying, rather than giving them the answers allow them space to answer as they see it. Afterwards, reassure them by acknowledging what they have said and what they are feeling is normal.

Let the children play. Play is each youngster’s common type of conveying and preparing occasions. Children can recount tales about what they’ve heard and how they feel, regardless of whether they understand it or not. Besides, allowing children to play keeps them from being preoccupied with events that might be a bit too much for them. Plus, it gives them a way to release their bottled up tension and energy.

Crises have a way of affecting us and can cause a lot of anxiety especially to young people. How we cope is important not only for our well-being but for the well-being of our children. Thankfully, there are ways in which to remain calm during the COVID-19 crisis such as, remain calm as a parent, create a sense of safety, limit exposure to news, take time to listen, and let the children play.

This is not an exhaustive list of ways to remain calm during the COVID-19 crisis.

What are some of the ways in which you are helping your children remain calm during this pandemic? Let us know in the comment section.

5 Ways to Create a Calming Environment for Your Children

COVID-19 has brought a lot of added stress to the world around us, creating a lot of uncertainty and leaving everyone at home. With your children no longer at daycare or school, it can add to that stress and be tough to keep that school. Luckily, there are many silver linings we can take away from this time, a lot of it coming from simply remaining calm. As a parent, you’re going to have to take the lead and help your children make the most of the situation.

Here are some ideas to create a calming environment for your children during quarantine:

Establish a Routine

Many children are used to following a daily schedule with a majority of the structure coming from school. As long as you lock into some form of a routine, your children will become familiar with the cadence and start to take things in stride. It’s all about providing consistency and stability allowing your children to form a new rhythm while everyone is at home.

Make Expectations Clear

One thing you can do for your children is give them a goal for the day and plan far ahead so they know what to expect the next day. Don’t wait until you’re in the middle of the day to course correct, confront each day with a plan that your child can understand. It may vary based on the age of your children, but if you dig deep you can find something that works.

Be Positive

This is a confusing time for everyone, there are bound to be some hiccups along the way, but simply being as positive as possible will be the best thing for your children. They are adept at sensing stress, so being positive will help keep things as normal as possible.

Practice Self-Care

When you and your children have downtime, do things that you can both enjoy and bond over. If you can co-parent, make sure you and your spouse take turns giving you a bit of alone time so you can be refreshed a little bit doing something you enjoy.

Know When to Bend the Rules

When the situation calls for it, try to be as flexible as you can. If you can end your work day a bit early to do something fun with your child, take that opportunity. Reward good behavior by getting creative. Doing this will boost morale around the house and enhance overall positivity.

Fun Places to Take Kids in Brooklyn Park

As a parent it might seem hard to get your kids out of the house and enjoy what nature has to offer. If you reside in the Brooklyn Park area, lucky for you there are plenty of options to bring your kids for a fun day outdoors. Residents of Brooklyn Park have the privilege of the extensive Three Rivers Park system within minutes of their home.

Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park

What sets the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park apart from the other parks on this list is the fact that it provided power and electricity to the area from 1913 to 1966. Located in both Brooklyn Park and Coon Rapids, this popular park boasts over 160 acres defined by our nation’s mightiest river, the Mississippi. The dam has been converted into a walkway for both pedestrians and bicyclists, so you can enjoy a stroll along the river. The dam also connects to various trails for exploring the natural landscape bordering the river.

Elm Creek Park Reserve

Spreading over 4,900 acres, Elm Creek Park Reserve is the largest park in the Three Rivers Park system. In addition to Brooklyn Park, Elm Creek covers areas of Maple Grove, Champlin and Dayton. There are plenty of trails you can bring your kids on, but there are also many activities this reserve has to offer. From spotting natural wildlife, tubing down the snow-covered hills, or swimming in the man-made sandy beach, this park can make for a great family trip during any time of the year.

Bunker Hills Regional Park

Located in Coon Rapids, the Bunker Hills Regional Park offers plenty of exciting activities for the kids and family. If you want to introduce your kids to camping, you can utilize the site’s campground. There is also a waterpark and wave pool, a golf course and plenty of trails for you to explore!

Your Children Will Love These 3 Apple-Related Fall Activities

Fall is known as a time of color, crisp air, and the start of another school year. Another sure sign of fall is all the apples that start appearing on the ground. Fall is certainly apple season, and luckily there is a lot you and the kids can do with apples besides eat them. Here are a few ideas.

Garland

You can make a fun seasonal garland using dried slices of apple. First make ⅛” thick slices, and soak them in a mixture of lemon juice and salt. After 20 minutes, the apple slices will be preserved from the lemon juice and salt and won’t turn brown. Dry them, and sprinkle cinnamon on them. You can then bake them for 6 hours at 150 degrees. Once they are baked and feel leathery, you can string them together with fabric or ribbon. To make this look even more seasonal, use ribbons that have fall colors, and tie it up in a great big bow. You can also add in collected leaves to make it even prettier.

Cooking

Of course, apples are great tasting when you take one out of the bunch and bite into it. But there is a lot more you can do with them to have not just seasonal treats, but delicious ones as well. If you melt 25 caramel pieces with a tablespoon of water, you can make a tasty snack. Slice some apples and drop them in the melted caramel. Then, pour in some chopped peanuts. Let them cool, and you have some yummy and sweet caramel apple slices.

Another option is homemade applesauce. Cut 4 apples in quarters, and put them in a pot. Bring them to boil in about a cup of water. Once they’ve reached boiling, let them simmer until the apples turn tender. Toss in ¼ cup brown sugar, a tablespoon of butter, ⅛ of a teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Heat it all up and mash it. Let it cool, and you have yourself some amazing brown sugar.

Games

There are lots of games that you can play with apples as well, such as bobbing for apples, biting an apple on a string, and having an apple pushing relay race.

When it comes to the fall favorite apple, there is so much you can do with kids to have fun and learn, too.

Making A Ginger Bread House With Children Ideas

Gingerbread House Tips for Kids – TODAY.com

Of all the favorite kitchen-crafty holiday projects, decorating a gingerbread house is second only to baking (and eating!) Christmas cookies. But skip the same old red and green gumdrops this year and check out these adorable (and original) gingerbread house tips. Holiday cheer? We think so!

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Minimalist Decorating

Tania McCartney

Forget covering your gingerbread house in mounds of candy. Instead, add elegant details with white icing, like in this creation from blogger Tania McCartney. Indulge your kiddo’s sweet tooth with chocolate nonpareils as adorable roof tiles and dust them with a blanket of sugar snow.
Get the how-to: Tania McCartney

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Think Pink

Sweetopia

Our favorite new gingerbread house tip: Use candy in shades of the same color, like this pinkalicious palace from Marian at Sweetopia. She also offers a how-to video and a free printable gingerbread house template to make your project go more smoothly.
Get the how-to:Sweetopia

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Cocoa Cottages

Not Martha

Instead of making one big gingerbread house as a family, why not let each kid make his own mini house to perch on a mug of hot cocoa, like these cuties from Not Martha? Keep the decorating simple—and just on the roof —with crushed candy canes, sprinkles and sanding sugar.
Get the how-to: Not Martha

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Graham Cracker Classic

One Charming Party

Attempting a decorating party? One Charming Party suggests pre-making the houses with graham crackers instead of gingerbread to save time, and using melted brown sugar as a super-strong edible glue. This way kids can get decorating right away.

Advent Calendar

Gingerbread Snowflakes

Counting down to Christmas is extra sweet when you get to pluck a tiny sugar cookie marked with each date off the roof of a cute gingerbread house advent calendar, like this one from Pam at Gingerbread Snowflakes. Feling extra crafty? Bake sugar cookies in the shapes of hearts and people and use to decorate the rest of the house.

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Hanukkah House

Little Bits and Blogs

Sari of Little Bits and Blogs used blue, white and silver candy and icing to make a Hanukkah-themed gingerbread house. We love the little frosting yarmulke on the gingerbread man!
See more: Little Bits and Blogs

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Chocolate Lover’s Haven

King Arthur Flour

Cover a gingerbread house in chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate! Dark squares make perfect bricks while the roof is well-shingled in chocolate drops in this luscious creation from King Arthur Flour. Just keep it cool so all that chocolate doesn’t melt.
See more: King Arthur Flour

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Fairy Tale Cottage

Sugar Craft

Shredded wheat makes a perfect thatched roof on this quaint cottage from Sugarcraft. Sugar wafer shutters, gingersnap stepping stones and ice cream cone trees complete the fairy-tale scene.

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Pioneer Log Cabin

No Me Made

Pretzel sticks give this log cabin from Kim at Cakes and Cookies an appropriately rustic vibe. A chocolate-rock (or jelly bean) chimney completes the look.
See more: No Me Made

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Lighten Up

Gingerbread House Haven

Ever wondered how to get the perfect warm and cozy glow in your gingerbread house? Gingerbread House Heaven reveals the secret: windows made from melted butterscotch candies! Just crush the candies, place in the window holes of your cooled gingerbread wall, and bake. LED or Christmas lights inside your house complete the illuminated effect; just figure out where you’ll place them before it’s constructed. Yes, this one takes a little more effort, but it’s worth it!
Get the how-to: Gingerbread House Haven

 

For More Info Visit: https://www.today.com/parents/gingerbread-house-tips-kids-I551492

Father’s Day Craft Ideas

Anyone can buy a tie and call it a Father’s Day gift, but this year, why not use the occasion as an opportunity for your kids to stretch their creative muscles, create a one-of-a-kind gift and build self-esteem in the process?

Here are 29 great craft ideas to get you started. They are for a mix of all age groups and are great ways to say “I love you, Dad!”

These are perfect activities for kids to do with their nanny or babysitter too, in the days leading up to Father’s Day. So print out multiple copies of the directions and have plenty of craft supplies on hand.

Want to make Dad a card for Father’s Day too? Try these Father’s Day Cards Kids Can Make.

  1. Dad, You’re Out of This World Spaceship Craft
    Toddlers will enjoy making this special gift using colorful paper plates, sequins and glue. Make sure you have safety scissors on hand for cutting and consider picking up multiple tubes of colored glue for extra creative, rainbow fun.
  2. Father’s Day WreathFather's Day wreath 
    You’ll need to cut up an old, tailored shirt for this project, plus construct a colorful fabric bowtie. Pop this distinctive wreath on the door as a welcome home for Father’s Day, dad’s birthday or any special, coming-home occasion.
  3. Bicycle Brake Disc Clock
    The perfect clock to grace Dad’s garage, office or man cave, you won’t believe how easy the step-by-step instructions for this craft are. Kids of any age can become clock-makers, but small children will need help with measuring and gluing.
  4. Tie Key Chain
    An elegant, easy craft that requires nothing more than an old tie, scissors, glue and a key ring.
  5. Dinosaur PlanterFather's Day dinosaur planter
    Turn an old dinosaur toy into a home for a plant, with this easy idea. Perfect addition to any dad’s desk.
  6. Awesome Homemade Bookmarks with Tassels
    Adorable bookmarks featuring photos of family members are almost too special to hide within the pages of a book, but Dad will love the surprise of seeing his kid’s faces, every time he opens his favorite read.
  7. Nuts About Daddy Cashew Treat
    This is a super-easy gift idea that needs nothing more than twine, a printer and a jar of cashews. Substitute Dad’s favorite snacking nut or combine flavors like almonds, peanuts, dried cranberries or raisins in a striped design.
  8. Remote Control CookiesFather's Day remote control cookies 
    Simple to make and delicious to eat, these TV remote control cookies look like the real thing. Dad won’t know if he should use them to change the channel or dunk them in milk.
  9. Mustache Mug
    Adorable and easy to make, this is a functional and funny gift for any dad, mustachioed or not. Make sure you use an oven-safe mug.
  10. Golf Cover Sock Puppet Buddies
    Sporting a golf-or-go-home sentiment, plus some adorable googly eyes, this is the perfect gift for any dad, uncle or granddad that can’t get enough of the links.
  11. Sculpey Clay Pens
    Sure to give Dad a smile at the office, these pens, which require low-temperature oven baking, are creative, distinctive and fun to make.
  12. Dad Rocks Salt Dough Paperweight Father's Day rocks salt dough paperweight
    A wonderful last-minute craft that kids will really enjoy making, this paperweight requires supplies you most likely have on hand, like salt, flour and water. Send the kids outside to find interesting pebbles to decorate the paperweight with or, try substituting colorful, glass marbles.
  13. Father’s Day Candy Bouquet
    This easy-to-make candy bouquet is perfect for any dad who has a sweet tooth — no vase required! Turn this craft into a math lesson by letting kids pick out and pay for the candies they use to make the bouquet.
  14. Monogram Mug
    Inexpensive, eco-friendly and dishwasher safe, these monogrammed mugs are functional, distinctive and personal. Put dad’s initial on the mug or any other phrase you choose and fill it with his favorite treat, like caramels, peppermints or an assortment of tea bags.
  15. Father’s Day Trophy Father's Day trophy
    These trophies are too cute and are great for kids of every age to make. You can personalize it with whatever craft items you have laying around.
  16. I Love You Because…” Picture Frame
    This adorable keepsake will tug at any dad’s heartstrings. Just add heartfelt photos and mementos for a special gift.
  17. Custom Cuff Links
    Use Shrinky Dink paper and blank cuff links to create a customized look for Dad. Use family photos or choose pictures of his favorite hobby or profession to create a unique look.
  18. Picture Puzzle
    Try this fun take on a puzzle with this easy Popsicle stick craft. It’s also a fun activity for kids to do with Dad on Father’s Day.
  19. Monogrammed Painted Hammer
    This practical craft can be tailored to your child’s age. Younger kids can finger paint the hammer or use markers to decorate it. Older kids can become creative with more complicated design work. Patience is required for drying time, supplying a great lesson for preschoolers.
  20. Candy Bar Letter
    Kids will enjoy making this hilarious gift just as much as Dad will enjoy receiving it. This is a fun gift for siblings to design and create together.
  21. Lego Cufflinks Lego Cufflinks
    Use Legos, Scrabble tiles or any other distinctive, daddy-cool collectible you can think of to create this one-of-a-kind, wearable-art.
  22. Father’s Day Car Kit
    Give Dad a personalized kit of items he can really use on the road, from flashlights to band aids. Iron-on downloaded appliques are all that’s required to create this one-of-a-kind, functional gift.
  23. Dad, You’re a Cut Above the Rest Shaving Kit
    A free craft that relies on a downloaded printables, this shaving kit reminds Dad of your feelings for him every time he shaves.
  24. Superhero Comic Book Coasters
    Wondering what to do with those old comic books? Consider using them to make these great coasters for Father’s Day. This unique craft project will require Mod Podge and a well-worth-it trip to the hardware store.
  25. Daddy: A Son’s First Hero, A Daughter’s First Love PlaqueFather's Day sign
    This sentimental, print-out plaque requires a 2×10 wooden board, wood stain, furniture tacks and a hammer. It’s a great project for teens and tweens or, for younger kids with adult supervision.
  26. Easy Fleece iPad Cozy
    Cutting and sewing make this versatile craft project a perfect opportunity for kids to work on their fine motor skills. Pick up some fleece (or other cushy fabric) in Dad’s favorite color to sew this iPad cover. It will not only create a distinctive look, but also safeguard his favorite toy from damage.
  27. Father’s Day Tie
    If an actual tie it must be, go for a homemade beauty like the ones featured in this DIY craft, perfect for those experienced in stitchery or for fledgling sewers with adult supervision.Anyone can buy a tie and call it a Father’s Day gift, but this year, why not use the occasion as an opportunity for your kids to stretch their creative muscles, create a one-of-a-kind gift and build self-esteem in the process?Here are 29 great craft ideas to get you started. They are for a mix of all age groups and are great ways to say “I love you, Dad!”These are perfect activities for kids to do with their nanny or babysitter too, in the days leading up to Father’s Day. So print out multiple copies of the directions and have plenty of craft supplies on hand.

Kid’s Valentine Craft Ideas

Valentine’s Day is a great excuse for a crafty session with the kids – after all there is nothing better than getting a little something made by someone you love! In some parts of the world it is traditional that a child takes a little Valentine card or gift in for every other child in the class, and if this is the case in your neck of the woods we’ve got lots of suitable ideas below.

Beaded Ornament

Beaded Ornament

This beaded ornament is fun for kids to make for Valentine’s Day or Christmas – it looks very pretty hung on a tree or in the window – or you could even make a miniature version as a pendant!

Butterfly Magnet

Butterfly Magnet

This butterfly magnet makes a cute craft for kids for Valentine’s Day – perfect for cheering up the front of the fridge!

Coffee Filter Rose

Coffee Filter Rose

Children can try making this pretty coffee filter rose for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day – it’s so pretty, who wouldn’t be happy to receive it!

Cup And Ball Lovebug

Cup And Ball Lovebug

Kids can make this cup and ball lovebug craft for Valentine’s Day or any time they want to make something for someone they love!

Felt Candy Bag

Felt Candy Bag

Here is a cute idea for a Valentine’s Day craft to do with your kids.

Felt Heart Decorations

Felt Heart Decorations

Make these beautiful felt heart decorations with your children and have a beautiful Christmas tree decoration to hang every year!

Felt Heart Pillow

Felt Heart Pillow

Children can practise their sewing skills to make this pretty felt heart pillow – then decorate it with odds and ends to make it really special.

Felt Needle Case

Felt Needle Case

The needle case in the photo has been created for Valentine’s Day, but you could obviously adapt this craft for other times of the year.

Glitter Glue Window Display

Glitter Glue Window Display

This craft can of course be adapted for all sorts of holidays and events, but we’ve done it here for Valentine’s Day.

Handprint Heart

Handprint Heart

If your child prints a handprint heart, it will be yours forever! These make a super quick craft activity for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day and a lovely keepsake, too.

Heart Boxes

Heart Boxes

We used papier mache heart-shaped boxes from the craft store and decorated them for Valentine’s Day – an easy valentines craft for kids!

Heart Flower

Heart Flower

This heart flower makes a quick and easy Valentine’s Day craft activity for kids.

Heart Fridge Magnet

Heart Fridge Magnet

Here’s a handmade kids craft which anyone would be proud to display on their fridge – perfect for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.

Heart Man

Heart Man

This little heart man is a super quick craft for kids at Valentine’s Day – fun as a magnet for the fridge, a badge, the front of a card, a key ring – or just to give as he is.

Heart Mask

Heart Mask

This Heart mask is perfect for kids to make and wear on Valentine’s Day. Start by cutting a pointed heart shape out of card.

Heart Photo Frame

Heart Photo Frame

This heart photo frame is a pretty way to display a favourite photo for your Valentine!

Heart Plaque Key Ring

Heart Plaque Key Ring

Here’s a sweet craft for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day which the kids will enjoy – and it looks very pretty!

Heart Plaque Necklace

Heart Plaque Necklace

This pretty necklace, with a heart plaque made from polymer clay, would be a fun craft activity for Valentines Day, Mother’s Day – or anytime!

Heart Template Card

Heart Template Card or Picture

This simple idea is great fun for the kids, and of course can be adapated using all sorts of templates. How about a Christmas tree, a flower, a simple butterfly or a summer sun?

Homemade Heart Bead Necklace

Homemade Heart Bead Necklace

Here’s a pretty Homemade Heart Bead Necklace using polymer clay that kids will enjoy making for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day – or themselves!

Ladybug Magnet

Ladybug Magnet

This cute ladybug magnet is perfect as a little gift on Valentine’s Day, but can be used for Mother’s Day or other occasions.

Love Bracelets

Love Bracelets

Quick and simple to make, these little Love Bracelets make great Valentine’s Day gifts for friends, family and sweethearts!

Love Wreath

Love Wreath

Make this “love wreath” for Valentine’s Day so that your child can spend some time thinking about all the people (and things) that they love.

Lovebird Craft

Lovebird Craft

This pretty lovebird craft is great for Valentine’s Day. Try it as a class or group project and fill your classroom with gorgeous lovebirds!

Lovebug Card

Lovebug Card

Make this cute “lovebug card” out of many different sized heart shapes – fun for kids of all ages.

Lovebug Craft

Lovebug Craft

Children will enjoy making this cute little lovebug for Valentine’s Day – it’s perfect to give to friends and family!

Lovebug Lollipop

Lovebug Lollipop

This lovebug lollipop is a perfect little Valentine gift for children to give to classmates or friends on Valentine’s Day.

Lovespoon Crafts

Lovespoon Crafts

The giving of lovespoons dates back to the 17th Century. Traditionally, they we given by young men to young ladies in the hope that they would lead to courtship or engagement.

Loveworm Bookmark

Loveworm Bookmark

Make this loveworm bookmark craft for kids for Valentine’s Day – he’s cute, quick and fun and makes a sweet gift!

Marble Heart Card

The finished card is so pretty, I wish our photos did it justice!

Marbled Heart

Marbled Heart

Sam enjoyed watching the paint colours run together when we were doing this Valentines craft. It was a bonus when we discovered the heart looked pretty in the window as a suncatcher!

Marbled Heart Plate

Marbled Heart Plate

We’ve tried an unusual technique for this plate which made the design rather exciting! Of course you could adapt this for all sorts of events and use different shapes and pictures.

Origami Heart

Origami Heart

An origami heart is fun to make all year round, but of course it is perfect for Valentine’s Day too!

Paper Heart Pillow

Paper Heart Pillow

Little kids will have fun making and painting this paper heart pillow. All you need is some newspaper and lots of paint!

Pipe Cleaner Hearts

Pipe Cleaner Hearts

These pipe cleaner hearts are a simple little craft for kids for Valentine’s Day, but they are fun to make and very effective. A good craft for all ages.

Puffy Paint Heart

Puffy Paint Heart

Puffy paint is always a fun activity, especially when you mix it up yourself! And a heart is a simple shape for all children to manage.

Ribbon Heart Key Ring

Ribbon Heart Key Ring

This makes a cute gift for kids to make for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day – or just for themselves! It looks pretty hanging on a pencil case or satchel.

Rubber Stamped Photo Frame

Rubber Stamped Photo Frame

This quick and easy clay photo frame is incredibly effective, and children will enjoy experimenting with the patterns they can make.

Suncatcher Heart

Suncatcher Heart

This suncatcher heart looks very pretty displayed in a sunny window! This is a good craft for little children.

Suncatcher Heart 2

Suncatcher Heart 2

Here’s a pretty suncatcher heart to display in your window for Valentine’s Day. Children will enjoy tearing the tissue paper and creating their design.

Sweetheart Collage

Sweetheart Collage

This is such a simple Valentine craft idea, but effective! Little children especially love scrunching up tissue paper, and even the youngest can get involved.

Tissue Paper Flowers

Tissue Paper Flowers

With this tissue paper flowers craft idea, kids of all ages can produce a stunning bouquet of very pretty flowers quickly and easily!

Tissue Paper Rose

Tissue Paper Rose

Children will enjoy making this tissue paper rose, which makes a sweet little home-made gift for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day or a pretty craft for a summer theme.

Twirly Heart Mobile

Twirly Heart Mobile

This twirly heart mobile is made from card with some simple cutting techniques. It looks very pretty and effective when hung in a breezy spot!

Valentine Bag

Valentine Bag

Here’s a really special recycling and sewing craft that results in a really special gift. We’ve themed ours for Valentine’s Day but of course you could adapt this in many ways.

Valentine Card Box

Valentine Card Box

This Valentine Card Box is fun for kids to make – and it will be a very useful storage place for the many Valentine’s Day cards they will receive!

Valentine Card Collection Box

Valentine Card Collection Box

This is an easy craft for kids of all ages using supplies that you will have lying around your house. Of course you can adapt it to suit what you have at hand.

Valentine Crown

Valentine Crown

Here is a quick and simple Valentine craft which can be adapted to suit the materials you have to hand and the ages of the children.

Valentine Fan Craft

Valentine Fan Craft

Our Valentine Fan is a fun idea for Valentine’s Day – and it’s quick and easy to make, too!

Valentine Holder

Valentine Holder

The Valentine Holder in the photo has been created for Valentine’s Day, but you could obviously adapt this craft for other times of the year – perhaps for favourite birthday cards?

Valentine Lollipop Holder

Valentine Lollipop Holder

Kids can make these to give to friends and family on Valentine’s Day – a sweet valentine treat!

Valentine Mobile

Valentine Mobile

This pretty mobile is made by recycling a kitchen roll or loo rolls. It looks so pretty hanging in the window!

Valentine Shaker Bottles

Valentine Shaker Bottles

Children love to make these Valentine shaker bottles! They make a fun, inexpensive and easy group activity for a Valentine’s Day party too!

Valentine Straw

Valentine Straw

Dress up your Valentine’s Day with these fun Valentine drinking straws!

Valentine's Day Placemat

Valentine’s Day Placemat

Your children can weave this Valentine’s Day placemat in pretty colours to decorate the table on Valentine’s Day.

Woven Heart Craft

Woven Heart Craft

This pretty woven heart craft is a little tricky to master but very effective – and once you’ve made one, you’ll want to try more!

 

FOR MORE INFO VISIT: https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/valentines-day-crafts