One fall Saturday, a hungry and bored couple (newly enamored with Iron Chef and pumpkin coffee) had an idea … That couple was me and my husband back when we had the kid-less luxury to lay around all day and scheme up pastimes. Now Pumpkin Day has stuck. It’s our own made-up holiday, but our … More Pumpkin Day!
Check out my “Inspiritivies” board on Pinterest for a grab bag of DIY toys and activities to try with your tot. Here are a few of my favorites:
As Dr. Shelley Carson points out her book Your Creative Brain, creativity is not limited to artists or writers. “We are all creative,” she insists. “Creativity is the hallmark human capacity that has allowed us to survive thus far.” And she’s not just talking about surviving external events. She’s talking about surviving the internal ups and downs of … More Wallet Exercise
Make your own kids’ art smock, in five minutes or less! It’s (a) easy, (b) takes two minutes—no sewing—and (c) lets your kid go all Jackson Pollock on that paint and paper, worry free. All you need is an adult-size t-shirt. Then you can create this: Well, yours probably won’t be a Myth videogame smock like Szaba’s (unless you’re … More T-Shirt Smock
Bored at home? Try out a new park. Bring a picnic lunch. Better yet, take a friend’s kid, so she can go get a pedicure (and swap the favor next week). We recently tried Bayview-Kinnear Park (below Kerry Park) on Queen Anne hill in Seattle. The play gear was completely different from anything Szaba (or I) … More Free Seattle: Bayview-Kinnear Park
In the constant need for something to amuse my 2 year old, I’ve considered everything but the kitchen sink. Wait, why NOT the kitchen sink?
That’s right, parents. You, too, can subject your toddler to child labor. Best of all, they LOVE it! Szaba is a big fan of washing the car in particular. Come on, what toddler doesn’t like: (a) being outside, (b) hanging out with Dad, and (c) playing in sudsy water with sponges?
My Castle Heart Publications 