Part 3 of 3 in a Moving Series Regardless of whether the kids are excited about the move or not, it’s a big change for them. Planning and preparing can go a long way to help the kids with the transition. I’ve moved with a variety of ages of children over the years of our moves. I’ve had an infant for couple of moves. I understand many of the challenges that come alongside moving with kids. Before and During the Move First, this is probably a given, but talk with your kids about the move. Let them know what to expect. Also, share with them things they have to look…
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Summer Learning Ideas
Ideas to get you Started Planning some simple summer learning activities can create lasting memories. Find ideas that spark your children’s interest and utilize skills you have (or would like to grow). Moreover, you don’t need to be skilled in a subject to learn more about. I’ve included a list of possible ideas. Starting with, some of our past planned learning activities. Past learning activities we’ve enjoyed: Art: I started with basics of art. We did a few separate lessons, including: the color wheel, shading, texture, line, space, perspective. My kids really enjoy art lessons and so this summer we’ll have a day dedicated to art. We may go over…
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Summer Learning the Kids will Actually Look Forward to
Planning Summer Learning Activities What sparks your kids’ interest? What skills or knowledge base do you have that you would like to pass on to your kids? What skills or knowledge would you like your children to have? Planning lessons, ahead of time, for summer vacation creates new learning opportunities and opens additional possibilities to create lasting memories. Before planning, I like to consider my kids interests and what I’d like them to know. Additionally, I consider what skills I have. Still, I don’t necessarily need to be skilled in an area for them (us) to learn. Often, an area I have some skill in is one I would like…
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Preparing for Summer Fun at Home
Interview with my kids What memories do you want to create this summer? The past couple of summer’s I’ve planned themed days for summer vacation- it’s worked out really well! Last year our themed days were: Movie Monday with Mom (I select a movie and add an activity, dinner, snack, or treat that goes along with the movie and time spent chilling together.) Thinking Tuesday (Where we learned something new or a new skill) Water Wednesday (We go swimming at the lake or pool, or some kind of water sport, or even visit a splash pad.) Trip Thursday (We don’t take a trip…
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Writing Through Challenges
How writing personal challenges in my journal helps me I think part of the reason I love my journals so much is because of the challenges I’ve written down, including many I’ve now worked through. Some challenges involve another person or people, or other outside influence, while others are more internal. With any challenge, I find writing about it in a journal is highly beneficial to me working through it. How has writing my challenges down helped me? Writing a challenge, I’m currently experiencing, captures more details of the experience and more expression of my thoughts and feelings. As I read through my journal entries, the times I have written…
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Get Outside!
Capturing Memories How do you like to spend time outside with your family? What outdoor activities do you enjoy together? Is there an outdoor activity you personally enjoy that you can share with your family or with a friend? With the warmer weather, I’m enjoying spending more time outdoors. Additionally, spending time as a family outdoors is a great place to strengthen family bonds and create memories. Have you documented those outdoor memories? Take pictures of your favorite outdoor activities: group and individual activities. Admittedly, I don’t always think to pull out my camera in the moment. However, I am grateful for the moments I have captured with my camera.…
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Moving Tips: Before and After a Move
Part 2 of 3 in a Moving Series I’ve learned something new with each of our moves. As I write this I’m preparing for another move. I have some moving experience (This will be move 10 in our 16 years of marriage-ugghh!). Our family has always done our own moving, with the help of kind neighbors, friends, and family (when we have lived nearby). Before the Move: Start packing early. Moving seems to have a habit of speeding up as the moving date approaches. Part 1 of this series is devoted to packing. Check it out here. Keep a “to do” list. Write your list down on paper or a…
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Separating Easter from the Bunny
Creating a Christ Centered Easter Why separate Easter from the Easter Bunny? My husband and I try to keep the focus of Easter less on the Easter Bunny and more Christ centered. While there are many great ideas for keeping a Christ centered Easter, one of my favorites is reserving Easter Sunday exclusively as a Christ centered day. Our family observes Christ centered Easter activities leading up to Easter Sunday; however, Easter Sunday is exclusively Christ centered (no bunny). Separating the Easter bunny from Easter Sunday helps us center Easter around Christ. Full Disclosure: the Easter Bunny does visit our home- but, a day earlier. This really helps to shift…
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Pass Journal Writing onto Your Kids with their First Journal
Why I Give My Children Their First Journal Before They Can Write and How I Use It: Why? If you have a young child or children in your home, it can be a great opportunity to start their first journal for them (it’s really for you too). This first journal does differ from other journals they may have later. First off, if they are very young, they don’t know how to write yet. I give my children their first journal during their toddler years. This journal provides me with a space to write my favorite memories of them. I’m surprised by how fast little moments that don’t seem they’d be…
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Mapping Family
Involving the family in family history Mapping Family is one way I’ve found to help my family connect to family history. My goal is to make learning about family history engaging and relatable for my children. That can be challenging when the past can feel distant for them. I want to help close that distance. Enter Mapping Family. Challenge: How might I help my kids relate and connect with their past? I’m excited when I’m able to find an idea that does hold their interest. Mapping Family is one of the ideas that I’ve found that involves the children and gives them a good visual to connect with. What You’ll…
