Preschool Jitters

Summer is almost over and it’s time to begin a new school year. For many this will be the start of a brand new world. Some children who never entered a classroom will walk into preschool for the first time. It will be the first time some children are away from their parents for any length of time. The first time a child may be expected to sit and listen. The first time a child will be introduced to lessons and classmates on a regular basis. It is a very exciting world yet it can be overwhelming and intimidating for … Continue reading

Simple Christmas Cards to Make With Preschoolers

Oh, Christmas cards. I enjoy getting them, but I can’t stand writing them. In spite on my online ramblings, I’m not really much of a hand writing person. I can never think of anything profound to say in cards. That said, people still seem to like getting them, in spite of my deeply boring commentary, so we continue to send Christmas cards. Perhaps this is because we do enjoy making crafts. It’s the making of the Christmas cards that we enjoy, far more than the writing in them and sending part. If you’re planning to make cards with your preschooler … Continue reading

First Week of School

After Jessie’s time in school last year and a very successful first day this term, she showed promise for easy transition each day. Jessie had a great first day of school. Her second day resembled the day before less and more like the school days last year. Each morning I parked and walked with Jessie to the school gym to wait in the Pre-K line with her. When the lines were dismissed by grade to go to their classes, I’d walk Jessie to her room and then leave. The second school day brought the first wave of tears. We stood … Continue reading

Food Play: Haba’s Pretend Food Toys

It’s okay to play with your food. Especially if that food is pretend food. No mess or worries of a kitchen disaster made my little hands. HABA is a toy manufacturer whose endless supply of imagination sparkers and creative toys will keep children engaged for hours. Now you can find brand new pretend food to keep your little chefs busy. The Food Sets: Grill Set Sizzle: From personal experience I can tell you this is adorable. The little grill has kept my three year very happy grilling away even on a rainy day. The set comes with a steak, little … Continue reading

The Time for Costumes is Quickly Approaching

The time for costumes is quickly approaching for those who partake in Halloween. Soon everyone will be looking for the latest Halloween costumes for kids. It is hard to plan too far ahead since children are always changing their minds. Yet if you wait too long the costume you child is dreaming of will be out of stock. A better strategy is to look online for costumes. While it does happen that stock runs out online at times you will at least not have to wait in line or search through dozens of costumes only to find the size you … Continue reading

Back to School Books

If your child is starting school there are some great books that will help him to prepare for this big event in his life. You may have a child who is excited or you may have a child who is a little fearful. This may be your child’s first year of school or it could be their third year. For some children every year is difficult for them until they get the hang of the routine. After all, they have had the summer off with a completely different schedule. They have not had homework either. Bedtime did not come with … Continue reading

Pillow Pets Make Affordable Gifts

Are you looking for a great gift this year that won’t break the budget but will thrill your child or to be the hit of the next birthday party? I have found the solution! The solution is Pillow Pets. Pillow Pets are made of chenille for ultimate softness and fold for a stuffed animal friend or open up for pillow your child will be begging to sleep on. Unlike many stuffed animals that come and go in my home, I would never dare dream of throwing away a Pillow Pet. My girls would stage a mutiny! I figured Pillow Pets … Continue reading

Meet the Teachers Night

All our parents visited during the last three weeks of July. Having so much extended family around is exhausting. I wish we lived closer to all our families so everyone could see everyone more. In the meantime, visits are infrequent and packed full of activity. One of my favorite moms’ group events, Manicures and Munchies, was not long after all the parents had departed. I wanted to go, but didn’t buy my ticket fast enough. I wanted Chris to be well rested first. By the time I went to buy, the event was sold out. I was disappointed, but it … Continue reading

Entering Kindergarten

I must admit it: I have a bad attitude. Although I attempt to be enthusiastic about my child’s upcoming educational career, I grieve the end of our close relationship. Yes, I work outside the home, but I am home with my daughter a fair bit as I only work part time during the day. We have adventures, we sleep in upon occasion, we go to fun classes, and our days are pretty much our own. This is the luxury of having a preschooler, and an only child at that. It’s a joy to be with my daughter, and I really … Continue reading

Great Books for Children Starting School

As children get closer to starting school, you will find them both excited and a little wary, which is perfectly normal. Some children will embrace change, finding school a wonderful experience while other children feel fear and nervousness. In this article, I wanted to provide you with some excellent books that you can read to your child to make the transition from home to school much easier. -Little School – This picture book is great for four to six year old children, teaching them how to prepare for change. By outlining, everything the child would expect helps him/her feel more … Continue reading