Weekend Reads 1.10.14

Articles:

“My word for 2014 is PRESENT. I want to be here this year–to soak every moment up, good and bad. To not allow future or past to take away from what is. To relish every ounce of joy, even if I have to mine it out of an otherwise pathetic day.”

Why Arent’ We Rude to Grown-ups the Way We Are Rude to Kids? {Good Men Project}

OK, first I have to make a language disclaimer on this one. I didn’t find it overly offensive (what I call “Grandpa Swear Words” ….yes, there’s probably a story there), but I wanted to give you fair warning. The message, however, is critical. Do we talk to kids in a tone that we wouldn’t use with other adults, or more so, that we wouldn’t find acceptable for others to use with us?

“In each of these cases, the rudeness occurred in the context of doing something helpful or special for the kids involved. It was all just tokenism. The fake-gold medal, the swimming certificates decorated with smiley-face stickers, the special games for the class, and the extra help with homework were all designed to bolster self-worth, but were all undercut by a lack of basic patience and consideration.”

I needed this reminder to listen to myself a little more carefully!

Supporting Your Child’s Independent Play {Janet Lansbury for The Mother Co.}

“If your child comes to you saying she’s bored, allow her to have that feeling without worrying or feeling responsible for changing this dynamic. Let it be okay to be inert, without ideas – that place of discomfort often leads to the most creative places. Remind yourself this discomfort is a healthy part of life and happening for a reason.”

Go Away! What to Do When Your Child Won’t Let You Connect {Peaceful Parent Institute}

“The big challenge and the big success lies in the parents ability to manage and care for their own feelings and stress levels at such times. In becoming more aware of their urge to argue for instance, they can instead choose to respond with empathy, even when setting clear limits.”

“When children are upset, they cannot be reached by reasoning. When angry, they respond only to emotional balm.” Haim Ginott

Activities:

Usually I feature activities from all over the blogosphere, but this week, as I sat down to compile this list, I found I had marked several all from one blogger, so I thought I’d feature her!

Asia is a teacher with a Master’s degree who’s traded the classroom scene in for life as a stay at home mom to two lucky kiddos. She’s got loads of brilliant ideas that she shares over at her blog, Fun at Home with Kids! Here are a few of my latest favorites!

Homemade Paint Recipe: Crystallizing Watercolors {Fun at Home with Kids}

Simple ingredients with an extraordinary result! And winter is a perfect time to observe and talk about crystals! Isn’t it awesome when science and art collide?

Simple Small Worlds: Dragon World {Fun at Home with Kids}

My husband is currently reading The Hobbit to our boys, so with their renewed fascination with dragons, this sensory box/small world play would be a huge hit! (And I can’t resist the shimmery sky and puffy clouds!)

Erupting Volcano Dinosaur Valentine for Kids {Fun at Home with Kids}

I don’t know that I could make these for all my boys’ classmates, but I think my kiddos would love sending it off to a few cousins! (And making a few for themselves, of course!) Volcanoes, dinosaurs, and homemade eruptions. So much to love here!

Winter Window Art: Mix and Match Foam Snowman {Fun at Home with Kids}

If you have a window (or mirror, or smooth bathtub wall, or…) you need to have some fun with this with your little ones! Great for creativity and fine motor skills!

Enjoy Your Weekend!

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