Activities for Kids

Brighten Up a Dreary Rainy Day with These Fun Online Activities

Published: 4 March 2019
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
1 Comment
Categories: Marriage, Pregnancy and Parenthood

Before your child even gets a chance to utter those annoying “I’m so bored” rants on rainy summer days, be sure to prepare yourself with some options. Visiting local children’s museums, indoor trampoline parks, or your local library to join the summer reading club are all great options, but you can also create plenty of fun right in your dry, cozy home. Try tapping into your child’s love of technology, and use a tablet or computer to enjoy these great online activities.

Make a Personalized Recipe Book

Pick up a colorful three-ring view binder. View binders have a pocket on the front that can display artwork, so you can use the computer together to create a personalized cover. Next, search together for kid-friendly recipes that your child likes. Cooking with your child is a wonderful way to work on both reading and math skills. You can read the recipes together, teach counting, weighing, measuring, and even fractions when you show children how to half a recipe, for example. Teaching children to cook also has lots of other benefits, like family bonding time, enhanced communication skills, nutritional eating, and the art of patience.

Introduce Your Child To The Cat In The Hat

No one can turn rainy days into fun (with a side of mayhem) quite like Dr. Seuss. Check out the online Cat in the Hat book video and introduce your child to the creative genius of one of the greatest children’s authors of all time. They’ll enjoy seeing just how crafty one crazy cat can get on a rainy day. There are also plenty of other Dr. Seuss classics online for viewing.

Take Online Music Lessons

Introducing your children to musicology on a rainy day is a great way to turn idle time into something fun and productive. Do you have an old woodwind stashed in the attic or basement that could use a little love? Order a batch of reeds online to breathe new life into that old instrument, one that your kids can quickly learn and enjoy with some patience and a little help from YouTube. According to Parenting magazine, learning an instrument can help children in numerous ways, such as developing social skills, boosting self-esteem, learning discipline and patience, improving academic performance, and honing physical skills.

Get Scientific

Most children love hands-on learning. If your child enjoys building things, there are lots of projects that will teach math and science skills to kids of all ages in a fun way. If your child is curious about the natural world, take a concept like volcanoes and teach your child how to gather information online. Read details together about how volcanoes form and erupt. Find and view recent news stories and images from a volcanic eruption. Next, amp up the fun by making a cup of lava, and finish off the project with some volcano coloring sheets.

Do a Fun Workout Together

One of the most powerful things you can do for your child’s health is to be a role model for good physical health. One way to go about that is by introducing them to exercise. Exercise for children doesn’t have to be the old humdrum of sit-ups and jumping jacks, though. Head online together and find some fun online routines that include activities like dance and yoga.

Teach Your Child the Value of Volunteering

When children learn to volunteer, they’re also learning valuable skills. They learn what it’s like to have less, and the immense privilege of having everything they do. They can learn new life skills. They can understand the emotions that arise out of volunteerism like feeling appreciated and making a difference for someone. It’s also a great chance for children to develop valuable communication skills. Common Sense Media lists a range of apps and websites that children and parents can visit to find a volunteer project that would be meaningful for them.

Rainy days can provide excellent parent/child quality time. They allow time for you to talk and share, and give you wonderful opportunities to serve as a good role model. You get a close-up look at what strengths and weaknesses your child has so you can offer help. And best of all, you’ll become closer to your child, and they’ll feel your love and support.

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These Hobbies Can Help Your Kids Put Down Those Screens

Published: 2 November 2018
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
1 Comment
Categories: Parenthood

Here’s another great article from our guest poster Maria Cannon. To read more from Maria, go check out her website here. It’s “Your Place for Hobbies”!

Do your kids spend their weekends staring at screens?

Well, you may be surprised to know that too much screen time can actually be bad for their health. That’s one of the reasons it is so important for children to spend time discovering new hobbies. More than just a way to burn time, hobbies can provide stress relief, help little minds develop and even be beneficial for their health. Need some ideas to get your kids started? Here are some hobbies guaranteed to get them away from those screens and having actual fun instead.

Make New Friends With Play and Sports

If your children are glued to the couch too much, it could have a major impact on their overall health. Studies show that teenagers these days tend to be less active than seniors, and that means more instances of obesity and related health issues. Keeping your children active, whether it’s by encouraging them to play or try a new sport, can help prevent some of those problems from becoming major issues. Play is also a great way for your kids to connect with other children their age, so try to schedule some play dates with friends or other families that you know. You can also encourage your child to get involved with organized sports. Basketball is a great sport for kids to try and keeps them moving the entire game. Before your kid hits the court, look online for the best basketball shoes that offer comfort while staying affordable.

 Connect with Nature and the Outdoors

Want to improve your child’s self-esteem and help them relieve stress? Get them to take their hobbies outside. Spending time outdoors can help children in several key ways. Kids who spend more time outside tend to have improved vision quality, better social skills, and more focus than those who do not. Exposure to sunlight can also increase vitamin D production, as well as decrease stress and feelings of depression. Wondering what hobbies you can do outside with your children? The possibilities are endless. You can start simple by planning some backyard bird watching, or you can teach them how to garden. If you are feeling adventurous, you could even take your family for some hikes or other excursions into nature. There are also scouting groups that can help your children develop a love of nature, as well as other essential life skills.

Unleash Their Creativity on Arts and Crafts

Did you know that the arts can aid development in your children? By practicing arts and crafts as a hobby, your kids are enhancing their fine motor skills, learning to make decisions and developing visual-spatial skills. The arts are also a fun and creative way for kids to explore other cultures. So encourage your children to put down their tablets and pick up a paintbrush or some clay instead. Visit a local arts and crafts store to pick up some basic art supplies, or look online for budget-friendly starter kits that have all budding Bob Rosses’ need. Children benefit the most from art when they have the space to create freely, so let them have fun and keep the experience positive from start to finish for everyone.

Boost Self-Esteem by Baking for Others

When you think of hobbies your kids might enjoy, you may not consider cooking and baking. Studies show, however, that baking for others can have some very positive impacts on self-esteem and mental health. Putting together a meal or baking a cake can help your children practice creative expression, an important element in nurturing positive mental health. You can get your children started by planning a family baking session. Select a kid-friendly recipe and try to keep things simple at first. Depending on your children’s ages and abilities, you may even want to pick up some kitchen equipment that can make the experience safer for little hands.

Kids need hobbies to keep them healthy. So, give your kids a break from those screens and encourage them to explore a new passion. Their bodies, minds, and health will thank you!

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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8 Simple Steps to DIY Storage Bins

Published: 6 August 2018
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
No comments
Categories: Marriage, Pregnancy and Parenthood, Parenthood

Organized Decor

A couple years ago, while I was pregnant, I had a strong urge to nest and prepare for the arrival of my baby. One of the ways I wanted to prepare was by decorating the nursery.

I wanted to take a practical, cost-effective approach to setting up the nursery, starting with organization. There are so many cute and unique ways to decorate and organize at the same time! (Just look at Pinterest!) One of these ways is by using fabric storage bins to put on shelves, in closets, or even in drawers (hey, baby clothes are tiny!).

Fabric storage bins help to add color and life to a bookshelf or hutch. I knew I wanted to get some to decorate with, but when I priced them out, I quickly decided I wanted to try my hand at making my own.

How to Create Your Own Fabric Storage Bins – No Sewing

Here are 8 Simple Steps I used to create fabric storage bins for my son’s room:

  1. Collecting Boxes – We order from Amazon (more often than I care to admit), so I started collecting boxes of various sizes based on where I thought I might use them. I save a couple medium size boxes for toys and other baby shower gifts that were coming in. (I also wanted a few small ones to put in the drawers of my son’s dresser, so I saved Kleenex boxes. These I lined with twine, which was a very tedious and completely separate project!).

    Fold the fabric under to create a clean edge.
  2. Picking out Fabrics – Next up, my husband and I went to Hobby Lobby to my favorite section in the store! FABRICS! We picked out a pattern for the outside, trains, as you can see, and an off-white color to line the inside.
  3. Cutting the Boxes to Size – As I was using shipping boxes, I wanted to cut the top flaps off. I also trimmed a couple taller boxes to fit on the shelves I knew I wanted to put them on.
  4. Taping or Gluing on Sheets of Paper. (Optional) – I did this because my fabric pattern had enough light spaces and I didn’t want the text from the box to show through, so I used the paper to help even out the tone all over my box.
  5. Cutting the fabric to size. – Admittedly, this took some trial and error for me, but the best way I found is to lay the fabric on the box and wrap it around and then cut it accordingly. I did a separate piece for the bottom. Leave some fabric to overlap the top and into the box.

    Use a hot glue gun to attach the fabric
  6. Gluing the Fabric on the Boxes. – Ideally, I would have liked for the cloth to have been removable instead of permanent for cleaning purposes. But in the spirit of a no-sewing project, I used hot glue instead.  I glued the bottom piece first so that I could hide the rough edges when wrapping and gluing the final piece. It is best to hot glue a couple inches at a time because the glue cools too quickly to do a large area. (If the glue dries too fast, you can peel it off, but it does waste the glue sticks.) When you get close to an edge, fold it under to create a cleaner look.
  7. Gluing the Inside Fabric. – Now it’s time to glue the fabric on the inside of the box. Start with the bottom and work your way up the sides. Once at the top, fold the edges at the top to create a clean look.
  8. Use the Bins! – Start storing and decorating at the same time! Now your box is complete, and you can start storing things right away.

    DIY Fabric Storage Bins

Still Practical? Absolutely!

These bins are still being used in my son’s room to hold toys, clothes, diapering supplies, crafting supplies, and socks! The best part is, my son noticed the pattern I picked out just the other day. He crouched down and looked at his toy box, and exclaimed, “choo choooooo!”

What about you? What practical DIY projects have you found the most useful?

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do…”
Proverbs 16:3a

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Hobbies That Benefit Kids

Published: 23 July 2018
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
No comments
Categories: Parenthood

Hobbies That Benefit Kids

Guest Post from Maria Cannon

You can find more articles by her at her website: http://hobbyjr.org/

Hobbies That Benefit Kids

As parents, we want to help our kids make the best choices for their success. And one of the best things we can do is to help them choose is good hobbies. Hobbies are more than just a pastime. They have real benefits that help children grow into mature adults. Let’s learn what those benefits are and which hobbies are best.

Overall Benefits of Hobbies

Constructive, useful hobbies can teach kids life skills, set them on a career path and nurture their creativity. Hobbies are also a good way to avoid unhealthy temptations. They fill a child’s life with goal-oriented tasks that allow him to pass up the temptation of troubling problems such as overeating, trying drugs, and bullying other kids. According to the Child Development Institute, LLC, hobbies:

  • Teach kids about goal setting and achievement,
  • Allow them to learn about themselves, and
  • Build their self-esteem.

Read more benefits that hobbies offer kids in this post from Parent Circle.

As a parent, you may wonder, which hobbies are especially beneficial for your child. Recent research has plenty of answers. Here are a few of those ideas.

Learning A Musical Instrument

A recent study showed that “children who learn to play musical instruments are better able to control their emotions, reduce anxiety and focus on any given task.” Playing music has also been shown to induce what’s called the “Mozart effect.” Research has shown that simply listening to Mozart’s music seemed to enhance cognitive abilities.

If you are going this route, you might want to buy your child an instrument so that he can practice it whenever he likes. Having the instrument at home can encourage him to practice and it might end up being less costly than renting one. If you are buying a woodwind instrument, like a clarinet or saxophone, it’s actually safer if he is the only one using it.

Journaling And Blogging

Journaling has long been known as a tool that helps people to cope with their emotions. It has other benefits, too, such as helping kids  to see the world in new ways and helping them recover from scary and traumatizing events. Read this mom’s advice on how to help your child start journaling.

Surprisingly, blogging may be even more beneficial, especially for teens. Time reports on new research that shows that blogging benefited teens who struggled to socialize or who felt isolated.

Martial Arts

Martial arts provides countless benefits for a child, including discipline, self-esteem, and even concentration. Children also learn to keep physically fit but it has also shown to be beneficial specifically to kids with ADD or ADHD. Read more about that phenomenon at Yahoo.

Video Games

Surprisingly, according to this article from the American Psychological Association, certain video games can provide mental health and social benefits as well as cognitive benefits. Those include improved spatial navigation, reasoning, memory and perception. Even a game like Angry Birds has been shown to improve mood, promote relaxation and fend off anxiety.

While your child might love this suggestion, we suggest you limit your child’s screen time as much as possible. Encourage him to play interactive video games that teach a skill, like programming or deductive reasoning.

If you still feel hesitant to indulge your child in video games, traditional games and crafts are great hobbies to stimulate his brain, creativity and interest. Here are seven educational activities for young kids from Earth Science Jr.  You can engage your little mad scientist in experiments such as how to make your own edible glass. Turn your home into a lab as you and your kid use household items to make the magic happen.

Getting Your Child Started

Once you’ve chosen a hobby you think would be a good fit for your child, how do you get him started? According to BHG.com, it doesn’t have to be difficult. You can:

  • Get him excited by setting up a special space devoted to whatever he wants to try.
  • Work with him or give him helper tasks with one of your own hobbies.
  • Provide some introductory guidance and then step back and let him take the wheel on the activity.

Introducing your child to a hobby has lots of benefits for his mental health and personal growth. Start today by finding a hobby that suits him just right.

For more hobby inspiration by Maria Cannon, go to Hobby Jr.!
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10 Exercises You Can Do WITH Your Baby

Published: 28 February 2017
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
No comments
Categories: Marriage, Marriage, Pregnancy and Parenthood, Parenthood

The New Mama Workout

If you’re like me, you’re already wearing your sweatpants around the house and have your hair pulled into a messy bun anyway. So what’s a Mama to do when she’s all dressed up for the gym with no time to go?

New and seasoned mothers alike know how difficult it is to work exercise into your day to day activity.

Having a baby significantly changes our bodies and we need time to recover. But once your healthcare provider gives you the all clear, here are 10 exercises you can do with your baby.

(By the way, Dads, you can do these too!)

Baby’s Tummy-Time = Exercises on the Floor

1. Push-ups. When my son is playing on the floor, I’m putting in floor time too with 5 sets of 10 push-ups. (Yes, I do the girly ones.) Sometimes my son even stops to watch Mommy work.

2. Sit-ups or crunches. Another good exercise to do while baby is playing on the floor. You may even want to get real creative and hold your baby in the air while doing reverse crunches. This one has been especially hard for me postpartum. I started with just 10 sit-ups, twice a day and I could barely do them. It’s ok to start low and work your way up!

3. Pelvic Rocking. This is also a great exercise for pregnant women. To help strengthen your back, get on all fours. Keeping your shoulders still and knees planted, relax lower back, which allows pelvis to tilt forward, then level your back and tuck hips under. Do slowly and rhythmically. (Exercises from The Bradley Method handbook.)

4. Stretching. You know what stretching is and what your body needs so do whatever stretching you need for that day. Legs, arms, back. Goodness knows, my whole body gets all out of whack on a daily basis!

Exercises for a fussy baby or to help put baby to sleep

5. Squats. This one is good to do when your baby simply won’t let you sit. I tend to do these as a part of our nap time routine since he likes me to stand and bounce him anyway. Try doing 2 sets of 10 for each nap time and increasing as your baby gets older. They really add up when your baby is napping 3 times a day!

6. Lunges. Another unique way to hold your fussy baby who won’t let you put him down. So get up and get moving! 2 sets of 10 for each nap, increase number of sets as baby’s nap number decreases with age.

7. Torso Twists. Swaying with a baby is a great way to encourage them to take a nap. 20+ Torso Twists are just swaying with form and a duel purpose!

8. Walk or Pace. Can you tell I have a child that doesn’t like me to sit still? Get a step counter and see how many steps you can take around the house. Going outside for some sunshine will also be good for both you and your baby.

Exercises for the Couch Potato (Or Tired Parent)

9. Chest presses. Ok, ok significantly modified chest presses, but finally one you can do on the couch! Use your baby as your weight and lift him into the air doing reps.  As a bonus, you’ll probably get some smiles or giggles from your baby too! Each baby’s weight varies so how many can you do before your arms feel like Jell-O? (Remember, these weights naturally increase over time so be consistent or one day that baby’s heaviness may surprise you!) Be careful to hold him around the chest and not by the arms or stomach. Good head control is also a must before doing this one.

10. Leg lifts. Again modified, but we sleepy parents do what we can, when we can. Lower the leg support on your couch or La-Z-boy and do some leg lifts. 5 sets of 10 should do the trick (for each leg – oh come on, no complaining. We’re not that lazy!)

Share your story:

Can you think of other exercises you can do while holding or playing with your young baby? Share them with us!

“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
1 Corinthians 9:27

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