How to Keep the Little Ones Busy this Summer…and Mommy Sane!

I have determined that there are three categories of moms: the first category is moms who are working and have to go into the office every day. The second category are WFHM’s who have to balance work and kids within their own homes and the last category are moms who are SAHM’s who have a challenge of being with their kids 24/7 and need creative ways to keep them busy.

Therefore, I consolidated the top 10 ways to keep your children busy throughout the summer that is hopefully useful for all three categories of moms listed above.

1. Don’t underestimate the power of the library: Whether they admit it or not….kids love a good book! Every city has a local library where you can take your children to discover the world of reading. If they fight you tooth and nail you can bribe them using the internet stations at the library so that at least you can get them out of the house. Hopefully you can then curl up with a good book while your child surfs the net.

2. Treasure Hunt at the Local Park: What child doesn’t love a good treasure hunt? Before you leave the house make a list of all the “treasures” you will want to find at the park. Then bring the list with you and a bag (to carry the treasures in) and let your kids run free to find the treasures. Bring a picnic lunch too to extend your day there.

3. Explore your own city: Check online at your city’s official website listed should be all the fun things for tourists to do around the city. Act like you are tourists in your own city and re-discover how beautiful it is.

4. Crafty Kids: This doesn’t have to be expensive. Dig out all that spare change from your purses, jean pockets, and backseat of the car to take the kids to the loonie store to buy craft supplies. Let them pick out the craft supplies then spend the afternoon making creations that will last a lifetime.

5. Swap Play dates with a Neighbor: Find a neighbor or a good friend to swap kids one day per week. That way you know you have at least one day to yourself to run errands or even just spend the day at the spa…..ahhhhhh!

6. Build a Photo Album: If you are too scared to let your kids play with your expensive high powered camera then buy some cheap disposable ones and head out on a photography tour. Let your kids take pictures of whatever suits their fancy then you can print them off and make a photo album of their summer vacation.

7. Bowling: Take your kids to the local bowling alley for some fun. Invite friends so that you can make it a social outing.
 
8. Zoo: Usually a Zoo will be around 10 kilometers in total length. Rent a bike or take a stroller and get some exercise while walking through the zoo and teach your kids about the animals. Bring a picnic lunch to keep costs down.

9. Get Wet: Kids love to swim. Check out the summer camps or drop in sessions at your local community pool for some water fun. For more water fun check out local water parks in your area.  If you can’t make it out to the pool, then a sprinkler in the backyard will do just fine.  Kids just love to be in water!
 
10. Create a Production: Kids love to pretend and create. Why not encourage them to script, produce and direct their own play. This activity could last for an entire day and sometimes two days and in the end you will get to watch your kid’s masterpiece.

Have a GREAT summer!

The Joys of Traveling with Young Children

Oh say can you ….gobble gobble…..yes that’s right, the U.S. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and this weekend happens to be the busiest travel weekend of the entire year. With that in mind, here are some great tips and tricks for traveling with small children if you happen to be hitting the highways and byways this holiday season.

I have always been a big proponent of giving your kids the travel bug early on. As a family we have gone on road trips, flights and cruises since our little gaffers were only 2 months up to now, age 6.  The first thing I will say to all the moms out there is….things get a LOT easier as you children get older but it can be fun and rewarding even when they are very young.  There are many ways to make your life a lot easier when you travel so that everyone has a great vacation!

If you are flying with a young one, here are some essential tips for making the flight a successful and stress free one (well, less stressful anyway):

1)      Always, pre-book your seat assignment….I know airlines are charging extra for this these days but it’s worth every penny.  That way you can ensure that you get a seat at the front or middle of the plane (easy access and less noisy).  You want to make sure you can get a seat by a window (great distracter for your child to look out the window even if all you see is clouds) and it’s a bit more private for if you need to breastfeed.

2)      Have a bottle ready to feed your baby on take-off and landing.  The sucking motion will ease the pressure on your baby’s ears that can cause excruciating pain.  If your child is done with breastfeeding and the bottle then you can always give your child something chewy to eat during take-off and landing….the chewing motion acts the same way as the sucking motion for pressure relief.

3)      Bring “brand new” toys or activities on the plane.  It doesn’t have to be anything expensive, just new and exciting for them. Make a trip to your local dollar store and buy a couple of items that you think will interest your child.  Don’t pull them out all at once on the plane.  Strategically reveal them when you see your child getting bored or fussy.  A portable DVD player works great for children who are a bit older.  Make sure you bring a movie that they haven’t watched before to keep their interest for the whole movie.

4)      If possible, try to get flight times during nap time or late at night.  Flight…… $400, a sleeping baby on a flight…… “Priceless”!!!!!!

5)      A flight attendant once gave me a tip to have one parent board the plane first (to get all the bags in the overhead bin and get the seats all set up for the flight….then have the other parent wait until the very last minute to board the plane with your child.  That way cut down on the time your child is confined to his/her small seat as sometimes you can sit on a plane for up to 30 minutes before take-off.

6)      Bring extra clothes……I have been caught so many times where my children have either spilt a drink, dropped food or had an accident on the plane and I forgot to bring a change of clothes in the carry on bag.  My child’s entire wardrobe now consists of monogrammed clothes from various airports as I had to buy a change of clothes once we landed.  I think the airport gift shops have stayed in business because of me 😉

If you are traveling by car….a lot of the above tips are relevant.  The only other tip I would give for car driving is to maybe bring a “throw-up” bag or bowl.  Kids sometimes get car sick way more than plane sick. If you are comfortable giving a tummy remedy like Gravol, talk to your local pharmacist about dosage amounts, etc. Plan some breaks and rest stops to get some fresh air and relieve the claustrophobic feeling of the car ride. A little extra time and flexibility in your schedule can make all of the difference.  The last thing you need on your long car ride is for the entire inside to smell like……well you know. YUCK.

But, the most important tip is to relax, go with the flow and have fun.  It is a great opportunity for you to bond with your family and create some wonderful memories.

Safe travels!