Hi everyone!
Happy Friday! So I survived the first full week of both kids home all week, thanks to a visit from the grandparents and a playdate at the beach! And the best news, it's created more time for me to do all sorts of fun things with the girls to share with all of you...You can keep up with all our
Summer posts here!
Saturday, I featured an activity the girls now request to play almost daily.. an
Invitation to Play: Ice Cream Parlor. A great imaginative and hands-on sensory activity, this post features three different 'ice cream' recipes (flavored play doughs), as well as how to set up an inexpensive tray of topping options. A perfect, summer-themed imaginative play activity, that stores easily for repeat appearances.
On Tuesday, I got a little soap-boxy... but over something I'm extremely passionate about:
The Importance of Play for Early Childhood Development. Play is rapidly disappearing from early childhood curriculum, even in less regulated preschool environments. Learn why play is so important, and what you can do to help. Help us spread the word by joining in my
#KidsNeedPlay campaign on Instagram as well!
Wednesday, the girls and I reviewed a great new subscription box from Encourage Play. Designed and produced by a licensed child therapist, Encourage Play Kits help children develop social skills and emotional intelligence through play. Kit includes materials for two activities, centered around a monthly theme, as well as a brochure outlining how to develop the broader conversation with your children and incorporate the concept into family activities. Take a peek into the
May Encourage Play Kit!
Thursday I shared a round-up of 3 activities, perfect for toddlers. These are my go-to, mommy sanity savers when I just need to buy 15 minutes to finish getting dinner together or emptying the dishwasher, or even just buy myself a little peace and quiet! Each requires simple materials, and can be stored in your kitchen cabinets for quick and easy access. You can see all
3 No Prep 15 Minute Toddler Activities here.
As always,
We Love Weekends is out today - don't miss our great features from last week, all centered around a 'Summer School Ideas for Preschoolers' theme.
Finally, my newest feature -
Featured Friend of the Week! This week, I am featuring
Nicola at Crafty Kids at Home. Ireland-based, Nicola is a mother of 3 (ages 3, 5 and 7), and regularly shares great craft and activity ideas you can easily reproduce at home with your own family. Some of my favorite posts from her lately include
Bubbly Blossom Junk Art and
Old MacDonald TP Roll Farm Animals. I'm such a sucker for trash to crafting treasure!! You can also sign-up for her
free newsletter here!
Don't miss this week's special offer: Up to 65% off Summer Vacations at Beaches Resorts! Offer ends TODAY (Friday, June 12th!).
Happy Friday everyone!
