Whew.
This past summer has been a crazy one for us. My better half spent the summer a few states away, and this past week the rest of us finally came to join him. We’re enjoying a somewhat accidental experiment in minimalism as we spend the next few months in a furnished rental with only the things we could fit in one minivan (while still squeezing in 6 passengers) and some bonus crevices in my in-laws’ truck. Fingers crossed, we’ll have a home built around around New Year’s, and we can finally settle in after about 18 months of transition.
Thankfully, life seems to be finding a pleasant, new rhythm so I’m back with Weekend Reads, as well as some new content and projects coming up!
I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading lately too!
Articles:
Teaching Children Empathy {The New York Times}
“Empathy goes beyond being able to see another person’s point of view, Rick Weissbourd, the co-director of the Making Caring Common Project, explained in an email. He points out that sales people, politicians, actors and marketers are able to do this kind of “perspective-taking” in pursuit of their professional goals. Con men and torturers use this ability to manipulate their victims for personal gain. In order to be truly empathetic, children need to learn more than simple perspective-taking; they need to know how to value, respect and understand another person’s views, even when they don’t agree with them.”
It’s Their Day Too {Coffee and Crumbs}
“I did not check off many to-do boxes today, but my little ones did: learn, play, eat, sleep, read, and repeat. And I helped them do those things. If I measure each day by my list, they are not always very good, but when I look at each day like it is their day too, because it IS their day, too, well, then most days are better. A lot better.”
Risky Play and Skinned Knees are Key to Healthy Child Development {The Star}
“…She subscribes to the notion of making things “as safe as necessary, but not as safe as possible.” (To me, that distinction says it all!)
Activities:
Kids’ Tinkering Kit {Katy Did and Kid}
We just picked up our hand drill from this set, and I’m getting excited about putting the rest together and setting our boys loose on it! Great for building creativity and motor skills!
Paint Chip Number Recognition {Reading Confetti}
Whether it’s sitting out at preschool or on your kitchen table, this simple activity will get kids counting and strengthening their hand strength all at once!
17 Unique Materials for Building and Creating {Modern Parents Messy Kids}
Hands-on building develops spatial awareness, and these creative spins on the classic block building concept will keep everyone thinking outside of the box!
Fun Crayon Wands {Kids Activities Blog}
One part science and one part cool tool, this idea is one that I know my own boys will get a kick out of!
Enjoy Your Weekend!
Leave a Reply