Indoor Fun

I'm usually all for getting the kids outside but let’s be real … we live in South Louisiana and it is HOT. As much as I wish that we could have always have outdoor adventures, we’re all like, “Bring on the AC!” by this point in the summer. Here are some activities that can help you survive the long, hot days before school begins. Oobleck Warning: it is messy BUT it is so easy to clean up. Oobleck is, by far, my toddler’s favorite activity. I didn’t make up oobleck so Google away to find a lot of ideas for things to do with this mixture. Oobleck can be made in a big container using cornstarch and water. I usually don’t measure...

Our five year old has finally gotten into board games, and it makes playtime much more fun! I love a good game night and love that I'm sharing it with her. At five, Etta Mae hasn't quite figured out much in the way of strategy, but she has a blast playing. Of course, she hates losing and playing games has given us the opportunity to work on how to lose (and win) gracefully. Board games are a great way to teach kids critical thinking, cooperation and sportsmanship. Here are a few of our family favorites: Hoot Owl Hoot Ages: 4-8 Players: 2-4 We love Peaceable Kingdom games at our house! This is one of their cooperative style games. The players work together to get...

I can't believe Thanksgiving is already here. This year has gone by too fast! My kids have already gone through the Toys R Us magazine circling what they want for Christmas, which is EVERYTHING. If you are looking for a fun and easy Thanksgiving craft to do with your kids that incorporates the meaning of being thankful, this thankful turkey craft is perfect. Items Needed I was able to find all the items I needed at Walmart for under $5. Any craft under $5 is always a win in my book. I grabbed felt sheets in 5 different colors, 1 sheet of brown foam paper, and adhesive googly eyes. I already had a sharpie/markers, scissors and glue at home. Steps to the...

My 3-year-old LOVES KidTube, the kid-friendly version of YouTube. In all honesty, she spends way more time on the iPad than I would like her to, but in these past few months, we have gone through our home being flooded, a pregnancy that landed me on bedrest for a while, and going in and out of the hospital after delivery ... not to mention bringing a newborn home and already having another baby under a year old. Whew. I'm exhausted just thinking about the last six months. Needless to say, I've needed a nap or two during this time. She has started saying, "Mommy, can I watch my 'bideos' while you nap today?" And while we are beginning to wean...

We all have them. Those toys we thought were fantastic ideas at the time, but ones we've grown to despise once they are in our house. Most of these toys provide an excellent opportunity to develop physical or cognitive skills, or simply provide hours of entertainment. For that we love them. But for all those times we've stepped on a Lego piece or found a puzzle piece in our purse, we loathe them. Here's our top toys we love and hate: 1. Puzzles When the kids are quietly occupied putting together a puzzle it's bliss. After their masterpiece sits on the coffee table for a few days, getting all of those pieces back into the box is like herding cats. 2. Stickers They are...