Everybody likes a little treat now and then. But I’ve recently learned a shocking (to me) fact: Not all kids love sweets. Also (this one is much less shocking) not all parents want their kids to have sweets—or other junk food—on a regular basis. And when it comes down to it, it’s a good idea to teach our kids that a “treat” doesn’t always have to be a consumable.
My son and I were both off work and school yesterday, and we had all kinds of plans for how we’d spend the day together. But first, I said, I needed his help with something for a post. “I thought you didn’t have to work today?” he asked with a somewhat accusatory tone. “I want you to test out a fake laser maze that I’m going to create using streamers in the hallway,” I responded. “Oh, let’s DEFINITELY do that,” he said, his tone noticeably less accusatory.
Most parents know that although kids like playing with toys, they love playing with non-toys. The actual TV remote rather than the bright plastic version you bought them. A wooden spoon and a soup pot, rather than the toy drum you thought they’d go nuts over. To this list, let us add: a colander, plus some pipe cleaners.
This time of year can be a bit of a bummer. The holidays are over, the kids are back in daycare or school, the weather is cold and grey (but still largely snow-free, depending on where you are). It can be hard to come up with fresh new ways to switch up the day-to-day, to create a little mid-winter spark of joy. My suggestion: Dump your kid’s DUPLO bricks into the tub and let them have a LEGO bath.
My favourite type of activity for little kids is something that keeps them busy and accomplishes another goal. Like when they help sort laundry or “prep” dinner with you. Kids like hands-on activities and they like to be helpful. And this mum scratches both of those itches with this simple toy-washing station.
iOS: Throughout the day, I always know I should be doing things to better my health and overall disposition: Standing at regular intervals, drinking a lot of water, telling my friends they are great and we should hang out, and so on. And while these thoughts hit me on occasion, they're never enough to create a regular lifestyle pattern. Thankfully, the free iOS app Aloe Bud is happy to help out.
Exercise and eating healthy are key to a healthier, fitter lifestyle, but there's something to be said for small changes as well -- ones that can make a big difference if you make them into regular habits. This graphic is packed with them, starting from when you wake up in the morning to how you wind down for bed at night.
