Looking for Age Appropriate Chore Ideas for Your Kids? Check These Ideas Out!

Posted on February 22, 2018 by Jeremy Leake

Getting kids involved in the everyday cleaning of a home can be hard. Knowing what chores are age appropriate can also be hard. We found this article with information on why giving your kids chores are important as well as what chores are appropriate for each age group. We hope it helps in teaching your children to be contributing members of your household and that your house stays cleaner!

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From the article:

The Value of Chores for Children
Parenting expert Jim Fay, co-founder of the Love and Logic website, says we all need to feel needed and to know that we’re making a contribution — even kids. “But they can’t feel that way if they don’t have chores and make contributions to the family,” Fay says.

Roger W. McIntire, University of Maryland psychology professor and author of Raising Good Kids in Tough Times, says, “A child has to have some responsibilities.”

Chores for children ages 4 to 5

Any of the above chores, plus:

Make their bed

Empty wastebaskets

Bring in mail or newspaper

Clear table

Pull weeds, if you have a garden

Use hand-held vacuum to pick up crumbs

Water flowers

Unload utensils from dishwasher

Wash plastic dishes at sink

Fix bowl of cereal

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Looking for information on after school snacks? Then checkout this article about after school snacks that could be of interest to you.
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For all the ideas click here: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/chores-for-children

Looking for Some Cheap Winter Family Fun? Checkout These Ideas!

Posted on December 25, 2017 by Jeremy Leake

It can be hard to come up with fun family activities in the dead of winter. Especially activities that are free or almost free. We found this article with 100 different activities. We hope that you find some you and your family will enjoy!

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From the article:

Winter brings with it snow, hot chocolate, fires and CABIN FEVER!

In an effort to direct all the pent up energy my children have, I made a list of 100 free or inexpensive activities for us to do. I hope they inspire you to spend quality time together as a family.

Nerf dart gun war!!

Work a 1000 piece puzzle.

Cook Snickerdoodle cookies.

Play a classic board game (Sorry, Clue, Chutes & Ladders, Candyland, Monopoly just to name a few).

Pillow fight!!!

Build a snowman. Think creatively. It can be 6 inches tall, look kind of like Jobba the Hut, or be have a red scarf.

Watch a movie marathon. Anne of Green Gables, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, 80s movies, Little House on the Prairie, Lord of the Rings, Disney Princesses, or Toy Story would all make great movie marathons on a dreary winter day.

Play shadow puppets in a dark room with a lamp or flashlight. Then make stick puppets from your shadows.

Read aloud a classic children’s book.

Color in a coloring book. Our local dollar store has seasonal coloring books.

Build a house with Lincoln Logs.

Snowball fight!!!

Cook chocolate chip pancakes for supper.

Attend a free children’s craft/building clinic at Lowe’s or Home Depot.

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Looking for educational electronic toys? Checkout this article on educational electronic toys for busy parents article that could be of interest to you.
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For all the ideas click here: http://stephaniesmommybrain.blogspot.com/2011/02/100-free-or-cheap-family-activities-for.html

Looking to Get Rid of Stress in Your Life? Try These Ideas!

Posted on December 11, 2017 by Jeremy Leake

As parents we all have a lot of stress in our lives. Stress is just a fact of life but how we deal with the stress is most important. We found this article with 10 different stress busting ideas. We hope they help you deal with the stress in your life more efficiently!

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From the article:

The daily pressures of family life can consume our peace of mind as easily as they consume our energy. How can we find serenity amid the chaos — and hold onto it for more than a fleeting moment? Here are 10 strategies from the experts.

Be Here Now
Like the sixth-grader worrying about the SATs, our minds constantly bring future worries into the present. Richard Carlson, Ph.D., author of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff (Hyperion), calls this “anticipatory thinking.” “The best way to avoid stress is to immerse yourself in the moment,” he says. And avoid the trap of comparing notes with other parents about how busy you are.

Take a Break
Let’s face it: We’re never going to finish everything on our “to do” lists. In fact, as director of the Stress Program at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, Witkin finds that the average mother runs 21 minutes short per day. Usually, the first thing to go is relaxation time. “We’ll never have any downtime unless we schedule it,” she says. You should be able to complete this sentence: “What I do every day to relax is….”

Just Let Go
“We have to recognize that chaos is a part of life,” says Carlson. “Then we must recognize our own contribution to it. That’s the only part we can control.” The irony is that by taking steps that seem to signify giving up control — like “outsourcing” certain household jobs — you will actually be gaining more freedom to enjoy your family life.

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Looking to create a better work / life balance? Checkout this article with helpful tips for work life balance for busy parents that could be of interest to you.
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For all the ideas click here: http://www.parenting.com/article/10-stress-busting-tips-for-busy-moms

Looking for Fun Ideas on What to do With Your Family Around the Campfire? Get Ideas Here!

Posted on October 19, 2017 by Jeremy Leake

As the weather gets cooler it’s fun to spend time as a family outdoors. One way to do it is to spend time around a campfire. Just sitting there staring at each other can get boring though. In order to help you out we found this article article with fun things you can do as a family around the campfire. We hope it helps you create some fun family times!

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Looking for fun family activities to do around the campfire? If you???re planning on going camping with the family, you need to be prepared.

Glow in the Dark Bubbles at Night
Kids love bubbles. I???m sure they???ll love it even more when it glows in the dark.

Glow in the Dark Capture the Flag

Glow in the Dark Bowling
Put a little twist to an old family entertainment.

Campfire Recipes
Try some campfire recipes. They won???t even taste like you just made it in a campfire.

Stargazing
Here???s your chance to teach the kids about constellations. Appreciate the beauty of the night???s sky by simply looking up.

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Looking for family game night ideas? Checkout this article about fun family game night ideas that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://pioneersettler.com/fun-family-activities-around-the-bonfire/

Want Your Kids to Become More Interested in Science? Try These Experiments!

Posted on August 31, 2017 by Jeremy Leake

Some kids love science. Others not so much. Regardless of which category your child or children fall into its important to understand and appreciate science. In order to help you out we found this article with over 30 different science experiments to do with your kids. We hope that you and your children enjoy them!

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From the article:

Science is so fun, and there are so many COOL experiments kids can do outside in the Summer. Here are over 30 must try Summer Science activities that will surely wow the kids, and all while keeping them engaged in learning.

Make a Bottle Rocket
Is It Hot Enough To Fry An Egg
Flower Experiment for Kids
Grow Beans in a Bag Teach Preschool
Ice Volcano Experiment

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Kids begging for a playhouse? Checkout this article about playhouse ideas that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/05/science-fun-for-kids.html

Looking for Some Healthy Snacks for Your Kids That are Store Bought? Try These!

Posted on August 28, 2017 by Jeremy Leake

Most parents think that it’s important to feed their kids healthy food. Not every parent has the time to prepare healthy food though. In order to help you out we found this article with 18 different healthy snack foods that are store bought. We hope they help and your kids love them!

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From the article:

Snacks are awesome because they can help you hold you off your hunger until the next meal. Although light snacking is actually beneficial for you since it helps to keep your metabolism active, poor choices in snacks can hurt your diet. Homemade snacks are great, but sometimes there is just no time in the day to prepare them! Check out these healthy, kid-approved and store-bought snackies to pick up during your next grocery run!

CrunchPak:
Also known as America???s #1 sliced apple, these pre-packaged apple slices are tasty, convenient and adored by many. CrunchPak makes a variety of snack options, but you can never really go wrong with sliced apples and caramel. Yum!

Buddy Fruits:
Fun and cute little pouches, filled with a healthy and delicious treat that is definitely kid-approved! Buddy Fruits only use real fruit juice with no added sugar, no preservatives, no fat, no GMOs, and no added water and is naturally dairy- and gluten-free! This flexible and tasty snack is perfect for a wide range of eaters.

Mott???s?? Healthy Harvest Granny Smith Applesauce:
Applesauce is a snack that can be appreciated by people of all ages! At only 50 calories per cup with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners, Mott???s?? is in the lead for one of the best store-bought snacks! Try sprinkling a little bit of cinnamon on top of this tasty treat, and enjoy!

Quaker?? Popped Caramel Corn:
This store-bought snack by Quaker Oats is gluten-free, has 10 grams of whole grain (per 30 gram serving), and is only 110 calories! This sweet treat is a must-have, so try ???em out!

Stretch Island Fruit Co:
These delicious fruit strips can satisfy any tiny palette for snack time. This company comes out with a huge variety of different flavors that all taste amazing. Each strip has a quarter serving of fruit at only 45 calories.

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Looking for more healthy snack ideas for your kids? Checkout this article about healthy snack ideas for kids/a> that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: https://www.skinnymom.com/18-healthy-kid-approved-store-bought-snackies/

Toddlers Always Wanting to Help Around the House? Learn Ways They Can Help Out Here!

Posted on August 24, 2017 by Jeremy Leake

Toddlers are curious creatures. They love to make our lives crazy and be incredibly loving and helpful. Sometimes it can be hard to come up with ideas on how best to have them help around the house. In order to help you out we found this article with 11 different chore ideas. We hope they help!

From the article:

It is sometimes easy to underestimate the abilities of our children, especially when they are toddlers. It is easy to just do everything for them. I get that. Letting them do stuff themselves is definitely the hard way but it is not the best way to raise responsible and independent people. Getting your toddler involved in chores can be an important step in developing responsible and independent behaviour. It???s also a good way to help your child build positive self-esteem knowing they have not only contributed to the family and household, but that you also trust them to do a good job. That???s why I???ve come with a few chores your toddler can do all by themselves.

Keep in mind that your toddler is not an adult. Do not expect perfection and remember to praise and encourage your child as they are working rather than waiting for them to finish.

Pick Up Toys
Your toddler is definitely capable of picking up their own toys each day. Because your toddler is the one making the mess, it???s important that they are also the ones to pick up those toys, making picking up toys a great chore to start your toddler with. This will help your toddler become more organized and you???ll love not stepping on Legos on your way to the bathroom.

Wash Produce
Sit your toddler at the sink and have them rinse off your produce as you prep your meals. This is a fun way to keep them occupied while you cook.

Wipe Door Handles
Your toddler is the perfect height for this fun chore! If this chore is on your toddler???s to-do list, then hand them a Clorox wipe and let them run around wiping all of the door knobs off. Not only will your child be responsible for a weekly chore, they???ll also be ridding your home of a lot of germs. It???s a win-win for any mom.

Make their Bed
Don???t forget to add your child???s bed to the chore list. This is a great daily chore that you can assign to your toddler. Simply have your toddler make their own bed before leaving the bedroom. To do this, your toddler will need to straighten the pillows and pull the blanket up over the pillows. Not only is this a good chore to teach your child responsibility, it???s also a great habit to learn.

Wash Dirty Dishes
Your toddler will love this job between the bubbles and the water. Get them to wash up and dry any non-breakable dishes such as plastic cups, spoons, pots etc..

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Looking for a better way to store your kid’s toys? Checkout this article about toy storage that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.frugalmomeh.com/2015/04/5-chores-toddlers-can-do.html

Looking to Have a Family Night at Home? Try One of These 40 Ideas!

Posted on August 17, 2017 by Jeremy Leake

Having time together is so important. Knowing what to do though to involve everyone in this digital age can be a big challenge though. In order to help you out we found this article with 40 different family activities. We hope it helps you plan many fun nights with your family!

From the article:

Game night: This is a fun one! seriously??? we hope to even bust out the old candy land when our kids are older. just for goofiness of it!

Cooking night: cooking with kids can be as easy or complicated as you want. pizza, grilled cheese, MACARONI and cheese, salads.. these are all great kid friendly meals that everyone can help with. As they get older, more complicated meals would be fun, and they will also be gaining some kitchen knowledge!

Minute to win it game night: This is something that my youth group goes nuts over! you can find so many ideas of games on pinterest, or even just make up your own relays.

Inside camping: You can make a tent, or put one of your own up. and enjoy a camping night, in the warmth of your family room! Have a camp food meal, tell spooky stories, etc.. My kids love this!!

Baking cookies: are you a family who realizes 2 days before christmas that you forgot to bake the cookies? Well, if you have one or two family baking nights, then you could freeze some cookies and never have that problem again! genius!

Time capsule: wouldn???t it be neat to start this family night in tradition by creating a time CAPSULE, hide it in the ATTIC.. and in 5 years or so, open it up! I???m sure you???ll get some laughs and ???momma sighs??? with this one. SENTIMENTAL goes a long way!

Sundae party: set up a buffet of different toppings and ice cream flavors! If everyone has a small dish, then they can create all sorts of different combinations. This is a great option to do combined with another event, like movie night or game night!

Karaoke night: ???Let it go!??? anyone? I???m sure we can all think of some family friendly songs to sing karaoke with??? Disney songs are rockin??? for this! And the best part is, even if you don???t have a karaoke machine, you can just look up the songs on YouTube, and it will play the music instrumentals And show the lyrics! What a fun night!

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Looking for family fun ideas around the campfire? Checkout this article about family campfire fun that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.creativelyhomespun.com/2015/10/29/40-at-home-family-nights/

Kids Begging You for and Outdoor Playhouse? Get Started Here!

Posted on December 29, 2016 by Jeremy Leake

With it being the middle of winter it’s easy to get cabin fever and start dreaming of playing outside. One thing that might make the outside even more fun, especially for your kids, is the addition of an outdoor playhouse. WE found this article with different ideas for you to consider. We hope they help encourage your dreams!

From the article:

As a parent, you surely know how important it is your children to have a playhouse in the home. In a child???s development, a playhouse not only provides a great place for fun games, but also can help your kids to express their creativity.

Building a backyard playhouse for your kids is the best options, if you are still looking for a place without caring about your limited interior space and the safe problems. To inspire you, we have collected some interesting projects with ???How To Build Tutorial???, to help you beginning your amazing works.

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Looking for tree house ideas? Checkout this article about tree house ideas that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.woohome.com/outdoor/16-fabulous-backyard-playhouses-sure-to-delight-your-kids

Looking for Better Ways to Store Your Kid’s Toys? Get Ideas Here!

Posted on October 31, 2016 by Jeremy Leake

Kids are notorious for not putting their toys away where they belong. In order to help you and them out we found this article with toy storage ideas. We hope it helps!

From the article:

These clever containers will corral four common, constantly underfoot sources of kiddie clutter.

Low-Effort Lego Drop
A lightweight, lidless vessel makes it easy for little ones to grab and go???and dump their stash of blocks back in when they???re done building.

Matchbox Carport
This mountable hardwood ???parking lot??? has a dozen slotted shelves and a clear acrylic door to keep mini cars in place. Hang it low on the wall in a kid???s room or a playroom.

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Looking for playroom storage ideas? Checkout this article about playroom storage ideas that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/toy-storage-solutions