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Need a reason to go outside?

Published
by
amy
on July 15, 2008
in activities and toys
. Closed

I love being outside- I need no invitation and it seems my daughter doesn’t either. She wants to head outside the minute we head downstairs from waking up, barefoot, wearing pjs (or sometimes nothing). Once we are outside we play in the baby pool, draw with sidewalk chalk, blow bubbles, garden (or just dig in the dirt), run, swing, really anything. But I came across this great guide at the mightyjunior blog. It’s called the Go Play Outside! Backyard Guide, now granted some of these things are for the age group that is a little bit older than my little lady, but its a good list of stuff to keep boredom at bay.

I love the idea of the sidewalk chalk paint sprayer, it would take our asphalt masterpieces to a whole new level. What else might I buy? The Kick Croquet. Love it, I had thought about getting the croquet set from my mother’s house until I envisioned the 2-3 year olds swinging around mallets in the air. Scrap that. So, this is a fun way to have a semi organized game, that is still safe for the little ones to participate it. Or if I am tired of blowing bubbles or my fingers are thoroughly slimed from the solutions I might try a bubble machine.

So, what are you waiting for? Go outside!

Trips to the Library

Published
by
amy
on May 16, 2008
in activities and reading
. Closed

librarytote.jpgWith summer coming and days at the beach and lounging around, abound, trips to the library are a must for the 4+ crowd. While the ones under 4 are probably still a little too rough on books and using the library mostly for storytime, the older ones are starting to enjoy the wide variety of children’s books a library has to offer. Reading can be a source of lifelong enjoyment and bringing your children to the library helps to foster their enthusiasm and interest in reading.

While babies and toddlers enjoy repetitious reading, the 4 and 5 year olds start to appreciate new and different stories read to them as well as some that are beginning to read. Going to the library to pick out new books to read not only saves money, keeps boredom at bay, fuels the imagination, but gives your child a better understanding what borrowing is. Borrowing books from the library teaches simple responsibility, they need to make sure it stays in good condition and doesn’t get lost. They not only learn new things and enjoy the books but the actual process has small lessons to be learned. Most libraries let children of any age sign up with a parent or guardian to co-sign the membership. Now many states are linking all their libraries through the internet, and allow check out at any in the consortium as well as copies to be exchanged throughout the system and some even do books by mail. Make sure your little one goes with a backpack or tote to lug home their new selection of books (lest your into carrying the pile for them!)

Need to get started?
Library Finder
Some book suggestions from the Boston Public Library (by subject)
Best Stories list from Chicago Public Library

Check out these sweet library totes for kids and adults at Abba Dabba Bags

Hitting the road? Download some FREE podcasts at Storynory’s children’s books audio library

5 Tips to Being and Staying a Healthy Mom




Published
by
amy
on August 1, 2007
in Uncategorized, activities, eating and healthy ideas
. Closed

Tips, tips and more tips, so we’ll keep it simple. Some are obvious, some easy to forget (or avoid!) but all can help you get and stay on track.

1. Think of yourself being healthy. Really- I think therefore I am, mind over matter has a proven track record. It is the first step to getting yourself to make some of these tips part of your day.

2. Eat right~ choose lots of fresh vegetables and fruits with your meals and snacks, make sure you get enough fiber and drink plenty of water, and keep sugar and fat intake low. This can help you to maintain or lose weight, and might help guard against certain cancers and heart disease.

3. Exercise~ I know as a mom fitting it into the already busy day can be tough. Try for the 30 minutes of recommended time. Hit the pavement with a friend and your babies in the stroller. It can be a good way to combine socializing with exercise.

4. Relax~ find at least 15 minutes a day to unwind, it will help relieve the stress of the day. No doubt about it, stress is bad for your health. Read, have a cup of tea, take a deep breathe, garden, whatever you can to tune out for a little bit.

5. Sleep~ the elusive past life pleasure. Being a parent wreaks havoc on your sleep. I ask myself will I ever sleep for 8+ hours again? I hope so and I should be putting more effort into it. For me and many others it is the easiest tip to ditch, a little more organizing, laundry, emailing, whatever. But it is as important to your health as the rest. Try, to get yourself in bed so you’ll awake with 8 or as close to it as you can.

Good luck and happy health to everyone!

Fitness for Moms

Published
by
amy
on June 13, 2007
in Uncategorized, activities and healthy ideas
. Closed

It’s hard to find time to workout as a mother. Your energy and attention is generally focused on your little ones. But it is important to take care of ourselves too. After my daughter was born, I tried to get out and walk or run, but it was challenging to have a consistant routine. Paying for a babysitter, much less finding one anytime I wanted to go to the gym was too tough. I ended up finding a great exercise program specifically for moms and their babies. It is Stroller Strides, moms get to workout while babies ride along in their stroller. There are intervals of walking or running with weight training and cardio stops. Not only is it a great way to get back into shape but you meet other moms in your area. You can try a class free to see how you like it!

Baby Gymnastics = Fun Exercise!




Published
by
Albert
on April 27, 2007
in activities and healthy ideas
. Closed

We hear it all the time; move, keep active, exercise. Showing our kids early in life that being active can be fun, so it won’t seem like such a chore later in life. I have my daughter in baby gymnastics, it is the best hour of constructive play. Walking on the balance beam (with assistance), jumping on the trampoline, crawling through a tunnel and summersaults. She learns to follow instructions, be patient waiting for her turn, trust someone other than her parents, all the while she is using her body and in motion.

We go to the park and play outside as much as we can, and I see her more confident in her abilities. I hope as she gets older, being in motion keeps as one of her favorite activities and that being healthy is easier because of it.

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