Inside: There’s a place for both being entertained and learning to play independently. Learn the difference and how to make sure your kids are independent in play. There’s a time and place for both playing and entertaining, but it’s important we consider the benefits of both so we can have them in proper balance in our homes. I took a walk the other day with my daughter. I was trying to get my steps up somewhere at least near 7,000 for the days (since I got a Fitbit to avoid Blogger Booty) and she was just trying… well… to play. We picked flowers for my grandmother, threw sticks in the pond ..read more

Children love imaginative play, here’s how you can help encourage your toddlers and preschoolers to use their imagination daily. I’m a big fan of encouraging my children to use their imagination and play independently. When kids play pretend they fully engage in play in a way that has endless benefits. There’s a difference between being entertained and playing, and encouraging imagination and pretend play helps children learn to use all parts of their brain and actively engage in life. This is far preferable than too much screen time. Tidy Routines CHECKLIST Follow this checklist until ..read more

A few tips on how to teach your children to play by themselves. “A child loves his play, not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard.” Benjamin Spock, M.D. One of the best gifts you can give your child is the ability to play on their own. Not only will day to day life with them be easier (both for your children and yourself), but they will learn so much more! Problem-solving and decision-making skills are stalled when there’s always someone to think for them. Imagination and creativity aren’t relied on when games are always made up by someone else! By now you probably know why it’s imp ..read more

Inside: Want your kids to be outside this summer? Here are some ways to make awesome memories outside with your toddler this summer. I am a big fan of the Great Outdoors. When I was little – as an only child – my mom would shoo me outside to play. Let’s say… that’s when my imagination was birthed and I am never a bored adult. Initially kids may be resistant to outdoor play (especially if they’re screen dependent), but they will get into the swing of it. Being outside is good for so many things and there are numerous books coming out in recent years stating the benefits of nature for children ..read more

Inside: Kids can seem to jump from one thing to another with such quickness. If you’re wondering how to teach your toddler focusing skills, here are my thoughts! The ability to focus, sit still and pay attention seems to be a lost art among today’s youth. Experts say it has something to do with the additives and preservatives in our diet, and I am sure it does. But I think it also comes down to our society’s fast-paced-instant-gratification culture. If we help teach our little ones to focus and set them up for success, they’ll have an easier time in school, activities, and home life. Much like ..read more

Want your little ones to be occupied at home? Here are some screen free activities for kids at home that are easy and require little prep. If you are at home with the kids and want to avoid chaos, confusion, and a total disaster of a house… these activities are the way to go. First, one practice I always recommend doing is independent play time every day. Also, it’s important to have a great daily routine for your little ones. These routines will help you order your day at home. Newborn routine 3 month sleep routine 6 month routine 7 month routine 9 month routine 1 year old sleep schedule 2 ..read more

Swimming is so much fun. And yet, it can be even more fun with some awesome pool toys. Little kids can even be encouraged to enjoy pool time with some awesome & fun swimming pool toys. I’m from Florida and I gotta be honest… we spend hours a day swimming for months out of the year. So, if you’re like me and want some fun toys to break up the monotony, or you want to have some supplies to bring to your neighborhood pool. Here’s a big ole list. 101+ 15 Minute Projects In just 15 minutes a night (while you’re in your pajamas!) take your home (and heart and mind) from stressed out to organi ..read more

Looking to do a Christ-centered Easter activity? Here’s a He is Risen activity with a printable included! Post may contain affiliate links for your convenience.  During Lent this year I really wanted to do some Easter activities focusing on Jesus and the story of the cross. So, with my mother’s help (who is the artist) we created a printable to do a 3D version of the day He arose! Here we printed out (shown below) the papers and the kids colored. Or some of them colored, rather. Read These While You’re At It Spring Cleaning Projects (Moms & Kids!) That’ll Reset the HomeSpring Garde ..read more

There are many amazing lessons to be learned from gardening. Here are some things I’ve done to garden with my kids. Also included are some great supplies you may need. This year I wanted to put more effort into gardening with the kids. We have the space, we already eat the types of foods that grow well in summer in our area, and we had the willingness. The kids love to help out so we made a plan… 101+ 15 Minute Projects In just 15 minutes a night (while you’re in your pajamas!) take your home (and heart and mind) from stressed out to organized. “In the spring, at the end of the day, you ..read more

Let’s get our lives in order! Here are some common habits and routines of organized stay at home moms, with a printable for you too! I want to put something right out here right now. I grew up hearing I had very slobby habits. So I’m not naturally super organized and efficient. I do not Micro Organize my drawers or color code them. I like quick tidying habits. And I like simple ways to have the house be in order. Like house walks. Tidy Routines CHECKLIST Follow this checklist until your tidy routines become second nature. So over the years I have found some basic and easy ways to stay org ..read more