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Tips & Tricks

A Lesson in Gratitude: Thank You Letters for Santa

December 11, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment


How many kids write letters to Santa asking for the stuff they want for Christmas? We all know it’s a lot! But how many of those kids write thank you letters to Santa after Christmas? Probably not nearly enough.

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You might be saying, “But what does it matter?” It matters because it is an opportunity to teach children a lesson in gratitude. Teach children how to write thank you letters for the gifts they receive and the kind acts done for them because it is a worthwhile task. Raising grateful children reaps dividends as they grow older. Gratitude positively affects attitude and behaviors for everyone!

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Here are some tips to help you teach your children how to write thank you letters. It really doesn’t even matter if your children are pre-school age or teenagers. There are tips to help with every age:

  • No matter how old your children are, explain that receiving thank you letters makes other people feel happy.
  • Write the thank you letters as soon as possible, but skip out just because you think it might be too late. Later is better than not writing one at all!
  • Spend a little time with your child talking about the gifts he received and why he feels thankful for them. Help your child translate those thoughts into his thank you letters.
  • Keep fun, colorful craft supplies on hand for creating and writing thank you letters. This helps make it more fun so that your child will want to participate.
  • If your child isn’t writing yet, allow them space to draw or scribble on the thank you letter before adding the words. Try to write down your child’s own words about the gift. This makes those thank you letters more special to the recipients.
  • Let your child do as much as his age allows, including applying the stamps and dropping thank you letters into the mailbox.
  • Allow older children to come to the store and pick out their own cards if it helps create interest in the project.
  • Play music and drink hot cocoa while writing thank you letters to Santa to keep it fun!
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Make writing thank you letters a regular part of your child’s upbringing. It’s worth the lessons in gratitude he will learn and apply for the rest of his life!

For more tips on thank you letters, see Emily Post.

Filed Under: Crafts, Parenting, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: A Lesson in Gratitude, gratitude, Gratitude Lesson, Letters to Santa, Parenting, Santa Claus, thank you letters, Thank You Letters For Santa

12 Days of Christmas Activities for Kids

December 10, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

This year, make amazing memories with 12 days of Christmas activities for kids. With something to look forward to each day, the kids will remember the 12 days of Christmas with fondness for the rest of their lives.  And if you prepare ahead of time, it doesn’t have to be a big deal. Check out this list of suggested activities the kids will love!

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  1. Use paper plates and construction paper to create paper wreaths. You can also get the whole family in on creating a more permanent wreath for the front door.
  2. Talk about the needs of the homeless population in your area. Look for a clothing, gift, or food drive where the family can purchase or donate goods this Christmas. 12 Days of Christmas Activities for Kids | 12 Days of Christmas Activities | Christmas Activites | Christmas Activities for Kids | Christmas Crafts | Christmas Crafts for Kids
  3. Bake and decorate Christmas cookies. And to make it extra meaningful, decide as a family who to share them with.
  4. Have a Christmas movie night and watch a favorite show everyone can agree on. 12 Days of Christmas Activities for Kids | 12 Days of Christmas Activities | Christmas Activites | Christmas Activities for Kids | Christmas Crafts | Christmas Crafts for Kids
  5. Create some fun 12 days of Christmas popsicle stick puppets. If you’re really motivated, make some to match each verse of the 12 Days of Christmas song. “On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me….”
  6. Challenge the kids to go about their day today doing secret acts of kindness for others around them at school or at home.
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  7. Time for Christmas cards that the kids design and make for their friends. Here are some fun ideas to inspire you!
  8. Get out the Legos and have a 12 days of Christmas Lego challenge. On slips of paper, write down things featured in the song, or other Christmas-themed objects. Everyone has to draw a paper and try to build that item out of Legos in a specific time limit you set. Have fun with it!12 Days of Christmas Activities for Kids | 12 Days of Christmas Activities | Christmas Activites | Christmas Activities for Kids | Christmas Crafts | Christmas Crafts for Kids
  9. Craft some paper Christmas ornaments for the tree. Check out our post featuring 10 Christmas Tree Crafts for Kids.
  10. Cut out snowflakes and hang them from the ceiling over the kids’ beds. They make going to sleep more magical every night!
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  11. The kids will love playing with glitter slime! Add sparkly colors to make the slime look like ice, or make white snow slime. It’s all fun for kids!
  12. Time for a holiday light tour to get everyone really into the spirit of Christmas. Check out spots in your area where the lights are irresistible. In my area, the zoo is one place to go!

These are just some of the possible 12 days of Christmas activities for kids. Do you have some activities you love that aren’t listed? Please share with us in the comments!

Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Kid Stuff, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: 12 Days of Christmas, 12 Days of Christmas Activities, 12 Days of Christmas Activities for Kids, Christmas, Christmas Activities for Kids, Christmas Activity Ideas, Christmas Activties

Christmas Gift Ideas That Aren’t Toys

December 9, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Thinking of Christmas gift ideas for kids can be tricky. You want them to enjoy their Christmas, but you don’t want to add too many toys to the pile they already never play with, right? This year, try giving your kids gifts that aren’t really toys at all. And don’t worry, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t fun! Check out the following Christmas gift ideas that aren’t toys.

Christmas Gift Ideas That Aren’t Toys

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A garden tool kit might be the perfect thing to help introduce your child to the wonders of gardening. And what kid doesn’t really love digging in the dirt? This gives them license to do it, but learn and explore at the same time. Who knows? You may have a budding green thumb on your hands! This kit is available at Amazon for under $17.

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This “toy” is certainly not meant for mindless fun! With the Lego Boost Creative Toolbox, your kid can learn all about coding and programming–useful skills in today’s technologically based world. This kit won a Toy of the Year Award for 2018. That’s how awesome it is!

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Does your kid enjoy musical theatre? Give them tickets for their favorite Broadway show! Anytime you can give an experience rather than a toy, it’s a definite plus. Creating memories is always better!

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Puzzles are one of my favorite Christmas gift ideas. Puzzles teach kids how to think analytically. The sense of accomplishment they can gain from completing a difficult puzzle is worth the time spent. Older kids might enjoy a 4D puzzle such as this Harry Potter 4D puzzle with over 890 pieces in three layers. Work on it with them for valuable family time!

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Give your child the gift of art–an art class, that is. If they aren’t into art, give a gift that reflects their interests. How about a karate or dance class? Christmas gift ideas that encourage your kids to develop their talents are gifts they’ll thank you for as they grow older.

What Christmas gift ideas that aren’t toys do you have? Share in the comments!

Filed Under: Kid Stuff, party, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids, Christmas Gift Ideas that aren't Toys, Christmas Gifts, Christmas Gifts for Kids

Ingenious Ways To Manage Your Child’s Halloween Candy {Without Hiding It!}

October 26, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Every Halloween, a lot of parents worry about how to manage their child’s Halloween candy. Do you resort to hiding it–and then re-hiding it every time your child finds it again? Well, there’s a better way. Today I’ve got some ingenious ways to manage your child’s Halloween candy–without hiding it. Free yourself from Halloween candy stress once and for all!

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Ways To Manage Your Child’s Halloween Candy

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As with anything else, the best way to manage is with a plan. Plan ahead for the Halloween candy you know you’re going to have to deal with, and you’re halfway there to maintaining control.

  • One way to plan ahead is not to buy your Halloween candy too early. If your house is like mine, everyone knows it’s there, and that means we’re all fighting to stay out of it before Halloween. That just doesn’t happen! So don’t buy it too early and you won’t be tempted {and neither will the kids!}.
  • If you get the chance to have a say in your child’s class Halloween parties, push for healthier choices. So many times our kids get sugared up before they’ve even left school–and trick-or-treating hasn’t even happened yet! A party full of games and healthy snacks is just as much fun, and I’m sure other parents will thank you for it.
  • Hiding the Halloween candy isn’t actually managing it. What happens when you hide it? The kids just go on an all-out quest to find it and when they do they’re going to eat even more than if you just let them have it in the first place. So there’s something to be said for establishing rules over the candy.
  • Rules to manage your child’s Halloween candy are individual, but I find that when they include all the times the kids CAN have some of their candy, they’re much less likely to go crazy. For example, your rules may state that you child can choose a piece or two of candy after meals, or as part of their after school snack. You might let your child choose some candy to include in his school lunch.
  • Practice some swap outs. Have healthier choices in your pantry that the kids like and can swap out some of their candy to get.
  • Some parents establish a candy buy-out after trick-or-treating. This allows your child to give you some or even all of their candy in exchange for money. For some kids, money is preferred over candy!
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Do you have any additional ways to manage your child’s Halloween candy {without hiding it}? Please share with other readers in the comment section. And before you go, check out these deliciously spooky Halloween snack ideas!

Filed Under: Kid Stuff, Parenting, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Candy, Halloween, Halloween Candy, Parenting, Tips and Tricks, Ways to Manage Your Child's Halloween Candy

Toddler Halloween Costumes Not as Frightening as the Terrible Twos!

October 26, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

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At least for one day, a two-year-old should look cuter than he acts sometimes. {We can hope!} Today we have some of the most adorable toddler Halloween costumes you can find, plus some DIY ideas if you like to make your own. This Halloween, your toddler’s costume won’t be as frightening as the terrible twos!

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This dashing little Dracula is too cute! All you would need to sew for this costume is a little black cape with black ribbon ties. I don’t think anyone is going to be too afraid of this toddler Halloween costume!

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Fashion a face mask out of felt for an easy superhero costume. Add a cape in a coordinating color and your toddler is set. You could take this toddler Halloween costume a step further and add a felt letter to the front of a t-shirt in a color that matches the face mask.

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Is this the most terrifying shark you’ve ever seen? Well, it’s definitely the most adorable shark I’ve ever seen! You can find this plush {and warm} costume at Amazon for under $25. This is one of the comfiest and coziest toddler Halloween costumes on the market.

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Loving this Wonder Woman costume in toddler girls’ sizes! It comes with everything you see in the picture–headpiece, dress & cape, arm bands and boot covers. Girl power!

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Any little guy will feel pretty awesome wearing a cowboy costume. The set includes the hat, vest and chaps. Add a bandana from Dollar Tree in his favorite color, and this toddler Halloween costume is complete!

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Now here’s a little witch who’ll stand out from the rest! The Disguise Storybook Witch costume is available at Amazon in size 2T, 3T or 4T for less than $30. It’s going fast, so don’t miss out if you want one!

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Sock Monkeys are still cute–and even cuter as a toddler Halloween costume! It includes the costume jumpsuit, headpiece, boot covers and a detachable tail. You’ll also find this one at Amazon. Again, this is one of the coziest and comfiest toddler Halloween costumes out there, so it’s probably a great fit for your fussy two year old.

Happy Halloween!

Filed Under: DIY, Kid Stuff, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: DIY Halloween Costume Ideas, DIY Toddler Halloween Costumes, Halloween, Halloween Costume Ideas, Kids' Halloween Costumes, Toddler Halloween, Toddler Halloween Costume Ideas, Toddler Halloween Costumes

Popsicle Stick Crafts For Fall

October 5, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Looking for fun crafts and activities to do with your kids this Fall?  Popsicle stick crafts and engineering projects are the answer!  Read on for some fantastic ideas to STICK it to boredom.

Gobbling Fun

Gobble up some fun with these friendly popsicle stick turkeys.  Use sticks for the body and feet and construction paper for the face, head, and feathers. Source

Stuffed of Fun

This scarecrow project will stuff your afternoon full of creativity and fun.  Use permanent marker, wiggly eyes, and craft paper for the hat and hair. Candy corn makes a cute nose and a perfect treat to snack on.  Scare up some more details from Activated Nest.

Jack Be Nimble

Jack be nimble. Jack be quick. Jack jump over the candlestick crafting-stick.  These cute Jack-O-Lantern popsicle stick crafts are great for more Halloween fun after you’ve already carved your real frightful gourds.  See the original ideas and more here.

Caught Up In Fun

These popsicle stick spider webs will have your kids all caught up in fun.  Simply paint popsicle sticks black, orange, and white before winding yarn of the same colors around the sticks to make spider webs worthy of the best eight-legged arachnids.  Source.

Boo To You

Boo to you with this ghostly view.  Buttons and wiggly eyes bring these haunted apparitions to life using eight black popsicle sticks to frame out a window.  Orange paper is used as a background to make the white ghosts pop into sight.  Take a peek at The Pinterested Parent for more information.

A House of Sticks

Even the Big Bad Wold will agree that this house of sticks will scare up some Halloween fun!  Older children in particular will really enjoy putting their engineering skills to use with this one.  Source.

H Is For Haunted House

If younger kids are too little to build a 3D popsicle house with their older siblings, this alphabet inspired haunted house is a boo-tastic solution.  What other house designs will they be able to spook up?  Source.

Picture Perfect

For a non-holiday Fall project, this popsicle stick schoolhouse frame is picture perfect!  What an educated idea for sharing all your kids’ best back-to-school photos. Get schooled on the project here.

He’s Alive!

This Frankenstein popsicle craft is electrifyingly amusing.  What a perfect way to shock some fun into this Halloween season!  Source.

Something To Crow About

This happy scarecrow craft is something to crow about.  The body is made almost entire of popsicle sticks while the head and hat are made of paper, straw, and wiggly eyes.  Source.

R.I.P

Rest In Popsicle with this creative haunted graveyard project.  Paint small popsicle sticks black and wrap them with thin wire to make the fence.  Dig up some more info from Lil Blue Boo.

Up It With Puppets

Up the fun with these simple Halloween puppets.  Use different colors of paint, wiggly eyes, sharpie, pipe cleaner, and more to create your spooky starring cast.  Source.

Popsicle Pilgrims

Teach your kids about the Mayflower Voyage and First Thanksgiving before making these cute popsicle Pilgrims.  Source.

Look No Feather

Here’s another turkey craft to help you count your blessings.  After making a body and head from craft paper, use colorful popsicle sticks to make a full tail of feathers.  Write one thing you’re grateful for on each feather to celebrate Thanksgiving in true holiday spirit.  Cluck out the idea from Preschool Alphabet.

Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Kid Stuff, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Crafts for Fall, DIY Crafts, Kid Art Projects, Kid Stuff, Popsicle Stick Crafts, Popsicle Stick DIYs

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