Raising Playful Tots | Simple Parenting

  My guest today is a traveller so it’s hard to say where she’ll be when you listen to the show. When we recorded the show Tsh author and blogger of The Art of Simple.net was living with her family in Oregon. As the show is published I believe the whole family are travelling around the world and are in Africa.When you listen- who knows?  How cool is that! We’re not talking about her worldwide travel with a family- yet! Instead we’re talking about being intentional whether we’re on the road travelling or at home. Our conversation is inspired by her book: Notes from a blue bike. The things we talk about really impact our family atmosphere.   During the interview Tsh shares * how she creates boundaries around time online? * how to maintain friendships around intentional living when you’re living in different places? * the value of routines when you travel * of the surprises about raising her children overseas? * examples about the way you play after living somewhere else? * Some excellent advice when you’ve had this excellent idea and how you bring it home to your loved ones and bring it up! * when to act after you’ve had aha moments. Do you wait or do you move quickly? *  a few things she’s done to put family first that’s strengthened her marriage and relationship with her husband.     Raising Playful Tots – the podcast for parents who want to make the most of their playtime and enjoy simple parenting Click the play button above and let’s get some ideas Show notes:   Family goals and priorities for February ( Printable)     I’d love to hear your ideas your answers to these questions posed to Tsh.   WHAT TO DO NEXT: So you’ve listened to this episode – if you liked it and want to hear other ones – and I really think you will….you should do this right now:           How to listen and subscribe to this show   New to Podcasts? If you’ve enjoyed the show please take the time to share it with friends and leave a review for it on iTunes or Stitcher.

Setting up our home for learning. We gather a few things for the kids but are they the right things? During this show we talk about setting up our home for learning for boys.  Since boys and girls are different there are some environments that support and help a boy learn more than others. This show is from a mother of all boys perspective from aged 11 and younger. There will be lots of cross overs with girl and boy/girl families. As we all things simple parenting and simple play take what works for your family and run with it, discard those that don’t fit. We know our children and if you find something here that works for your family, boy or girl, go for it!  I’m sharing practical activities and ideas and our experiences. Raising Playful Tots – the podcast for parents who want to make the most of their playtime and enjoy simple parenting Click the play button above and let’s get some ideas Show notes: * Have a family gathering time * Be intentional about where and how much boys have strong attachments, touch, bonding and the right learning environment. * Be a good stress home * Offer good choices that are reasonable *  Verbal tips and ideas to get them talking more * Don’t neglect the fine motor work but you’ll probable need something else before you start. *  Make space for sound (and no sound)  appreciation creatively   Benefits of side by side time for boys Two actions that will save your sanity The Minds of Boys I’d love to hear your ideas about how you are creating learning environments for your boys. What’s working for you right now.   WHAT TO DO NEXT: So you’ve listened to this episode – if you liked it and want to hear other ones – and I really think you will….you should do this right now:           How to listen and subscribe to this show   New to Podcasts? If you’ve enjoyed the show please take the time to share it with friends and leave a review for it on iTunes or Stitcher.

Has family game night been on your to do list for a while now?#It’s the type of thing we’d like to do but somehow we don’t get around to doing it.   This show we talk about 5 ways to have a better time with family game night. Instead of it being a chore we find some solutions. Raising Playful Tots – the podcast for parents who want to make the most of their playtime and enjoy simple parenting Click the play button above and let’s get some ideas Show notes: What I’m listening to this week    WHAT TO DO NEXT: So you’ve listened to this episode – if you liked it and want to hear other ones – and I really think you will….you should do this right now:           How to listen and subscribe to this show   New to Podcasts? If you’ve enjoyed the show please take the time to share it with friends and leave a review for it on iTunes or Stitcher.

Small World Play is a really lovely way for children to use their imagination and play with others or independently for a while. Pretend play is often troublesome to beginning with for some of us. It feels strange to play like this now and then there’s when is a good time to play these type of activities with the kids? Many times all these loose parts end up scattered in bins, boxes and around the house instead of in the hands of the kids. Come view small world play with fresh eyes. Today’s show has a quick explanation of small world play. I’m sharing ideas for small world play. I also go into detail about common problems with small world play like when they get stuck playing the same scene or the big question- how can I encourage the children to play longer with these small world pieces.   Raising Playful Tots – the podcast for parents who want to make the most of their playtime and enjoy simple parenting Click the play button above and let’s get some ideas Show notes: Dinovember– plastic dinosaurs that come to life in your home each November. Benefits of Small World Play ‘ small children need to have this type of play clearly modelled to them’ : Supporting small world play   This post contains affiliate links. Something to play in or on * Open a large cardboard box like the ones for appliances or your big box TV 1. Diorama  2. Cardboard box * Large gardening trays * Bins with lids * Empty large containers * old tyres * shelves * landscape mats * trays * cookie sheets * dirt * rice * water Ideas for Small World Play themes Seasonal like Christmas, winter, autumn, spring, outdoors, beach, Themes like: Ocean, water, artic,

Contributions are better than chores. Really they are This is bumper show exploring contributions and how you can get them working in your family. I’m sharing our ups and downs with contributions. * Which contributions work and why some won’t…ever. * The best ways to share contributions with the family and how to work with the family to have contributions. * Evaluating contributions and how you can teach skills through contributions along with the benefits of doing contributions in our homes. Lots of practical ideas to make this a peaceful practice in your home   Raising Playful Tots – the podcast for parents who want to make the most of their playtime and enjoy simple parenting Click the play button above and let’s get some ideas Show notes: Contributions via Vicki Hoefle the podcast What’s contributions like in your home? WHAT TO DO NEXT: So you’ve listened to this episode – if you liked it and want to hear other ones – and I really think you will….you should do this right now:           How to listen and subscribe to this show   New to Podcasts? If you’ve enjoyed the show please take the time to share it with friends and leave a review for it on iTunes or Stitcher.

On the herbal tea bag instructions it says, ” Pour boiling water over tea bag in a cup and steep for 3 to 5 minutes.” That’s pretty much what happens around this time to us. We find ourselves being that tea bag in hot water steeping in all things holiday with work, family and children. Follow me in this special episode of Raising Playful Tots as we take a moment out of the swirl of Christmas and Holiday activities. Come to a place that’s relaxed, slow and nature inspired to reconnect to your families reason for the season. Take a pause in your day, plug in while you shop, during lunch when you need that break. Hear a few stories, conversations and encouragement  as you move through your day.   Breathe… How are you finding time to be grounded during this holiday season? Raising Playful Tots – the podcast for parents who want to make the most of their playtime and enjoy simple parenting Click the play button above and let’s get some ideas. WHAT TO DO NEXT: So you’ve listened to this episode – if you liked it and want to hear other ones – and I really think you will….you should do this right now:           How to listen and subscribe to this show   New to Podcasts? If you’ve enjoyed the show please take the time to share it with friends and leave a review for it on iTunes or Stitcher.

When we look at our first sweet baby we have the highest intentions for our family. Fast forward a few years and a lifetime of experiences our intentions have wavered. We’re doing more of something we thought originally we wouldn’t do. We’re on a path that we’re not happy with. Today we’re taking small steps and deliberate decisions so we parent on purpose. Finding our way as a family and keeping agile, modifying our systems to suit our ever changing situations instead of rooted and bound to one system we once tried. There’s that tool, phrase, system or habit you’ve read about but how can you find a way for this to happen in your family? Wouldn’t it be good to have some clear steps to help you become the intentional family you want? Judgement free place where you can explore what’s working, what’s not and what you want? Imagine becoming a more intentional family. Parenting on purpose Listen in to the conversation about becoming an intentional family and how try a few of these ideas. I’m sharing how we’ve stumbled in this area recently and how we’ve found a way to work on a troublesome area more intentionally. Raising Playful Tots – the podcast for parents who want to make the most of their playtime and enjoy simple parenting Click the play button above and let’s get some ideas. INFORMATION FROM THE SHOW   What we’re playing with this week: Garland of thanks :: MamaPapaBubba   What does it take to become an intentional family? 5 Approaches When Becoming an Intentional Family * We are in charge of what comes in the home. * Avoid following fads just because * Plan and schedule what happens * Do family things together regularly * Feed your mind Start your family meetings    Family roundtable:: Play Activities No more band aid solutions to parenting. Work on Creating a family haven: An intentional family plans to get to their goals, fun and activities   Simple Parenting and Play Planner  Finding your people Some suggestions.. Toddler Approved Positive Parenting Reader Question Zone Support for Sensory Needs Gentle Parenting International The Way of the Peaceful Parent Q&A Group Parenting with Positive Guidance Discussion Forum Homeschooling Waldorf Support Group  

  Focusing on the good stuff. If we want more good to happen we have to make good the priority. It’s the light at the end of the tunnel that helps us persevere. It’s the rainbow on a stormy day. It’s the smile that changes the mood. All the things that aren’t working really well are right there on the tips of our fingers and ready to bubble over. When the kids get angry and frustrated it’s hard to work with them in this state. They need to be calmer. Wouldn’t it be good to have a written reminder of your awesomeness when you’re feeling less than awesome? Imagine that the awesomeness comes from your family ( and they really mean it!) Listen in to the conversation about Appreciation boards and how they encourage writing +  saying how grateful we are for each member of the family- an awesome addition to our homes. ( I just loved the alliteration to death didn’t I!?) Do you have an appreciation board? Raising Playful Tots – the podcast for parents who want to make the most of their playtime and enjoy simple parenting Click the play button above and let’s get some ideas. INFORMATION FROM THE SHOW   Why you need an appreciation board in your home? How you can use an appreciation board to change the atmosphere in the house?   Frozen Stars Fizzy Baking Soda Science :: Little Bins for Little Hands Top 10 Summer Science Experiments for Kids :: Fun a day TOP 10 Summer Learning Activities Blog Hop :: This Reading Mama Parenting Quotes -board                                                               Positive Family- Positive you!– board                 WHAT TO DO NEXT: So you’ve listened to this episode – if you liked it and want to hear other ones – and I really think you will….you should do this right now:           How to listen and subscribe to this show   New to Podcasts?

  Dipping our toe into the world of interactive media and apps for our playful tots this week. We have Dr Petra Kern, owner of Music Therapy Consulting. She is online professor at Marylhurst University and the University of Louisville, Editor-in-Chief of the early childhood music therapy online magazine imagine, and acting Past President of the World Federation of Music Therapy. She is back to share research and information on interactive media and apps for young children. There are well known and recognized guidelines about screens for young children and we as parents also know ultimately what’s the best thing for our family. However we’re still left with when. When do we try these apps, how long? and which ones should we start with.? For some this answer might be never or not now. This isn’t the right season, time or stage for all sorts of reasons.  For others this media is all around them in the home, school, car and how do you handle  interactive media with the kids? Whether you’re on the fence, use or don’t use interactive media and apps with your children this show will give you some new information to make the choices when the time comes. Raising Playful Tots – the podcast for parents who want to make the most of their playtime and enjoy simple parenting Click the play button above and let’s get some ideas. INFORMATION FROM THE SHOW   * What do you think about using interactive media with young children? * Are there any national guidelines for using technology and interactive media with young children and what do they say? * Are there any checklists that can be used to identity the most suitable ones? * What makes a good app ? * Recommended music apps, a live demonstration and evaluation using a checklist   ____ “Key Messages of the NAEYC/Fred Rogers Center Position Statement on Technology and Interactive Media in Early Childhood Programs” ::  Fred Rogers Center More, C. M. & Travers, J. C.  (2013). What’s app with that? Selecting educational apps for young children with disabilities. Young Exceptional Children, 16(2), 15-32. * Kern, P. (2013). Resources within reason: Technology applications to support your work, Part 3. Young Exceptional Children,16(3), 39-40. * Kern, P. (2011). Cool music apps for little ones. imagine 2(1), 91.   Spaghetti Shop for Kids :: WhereImaginationGrows.com Parenting Quotes -board     WHAT TO DO NEXT: So you’ve listened to this episode – if you liked it and want to hear other ones – and I really think you will….you should do this right now:           How to listen and subscribe to this show   New to Podcasts?

  Sometimes we need to warm up our children to an activity and it’s not because it’s the morning. Sometimes we need to calm the kids down. We often know what our triggers are as adults when we need a pick me up and a calm me down, but do we read and share with our kids how to do this for themselves. This show we talk about the 7 senses and some play activities that wake us up and calm us down.  Raising Playful Tots – the podcast for parents who want to make the most of their playtime and enjoy simple parenting Click the play button above and let’s get some ideas. INFORMATION FROM THE SHOW Multicultural Meal Plan Monday :: Multicultural Kid Blogs 50 ideas for Sensory tubs Messy Sensory Tubs For Kids :: No Time For Flashcards Touchy-Feely Sensory Tub Ideas :: Kids Activities Blog ____ Growing an In-Sync Child: Simple, Fun Activities to Help Every Child Develop, Learn, and Grow In-Sync Activity Cards: 50 Simple, New Activities to Help Children Develop, Learn, and Grow! Understanding Your Child’s Sensory Signals: A Practical Daily Use Handbook for Parents and Teachers WHAT TO DO NEXT: So you’ve listened to this episode – if you liked it and want to hear other ones – and I really think you will….you should do this right now:           How to listen and subscribe to this show   New to Podcasts? If you’ve enjoyed the show please take the time to share it with friends and leave a review for it on iTunes or Stitcher.

  Today we’re talking about planning for slowed down moments so that simple parenting and simple play happens. What if…..what if you set out to find our own beat. Instead of following the herd, you adjusted to your family  and with your family…..and started planning  these slow moments. I’m sharing some practical tips and resources for making these small but significant changes in family life, play and family relationships.   Raising Playful Tots – the podcast for parents who want to make the most of their playtime and enjoy simple parenting Click the play button above and let’s get some ideas. INFORMATION FROM THE SHOW Raising Imaginative Kids: Lily Writes a Story :: Mamasmiles I’m Done Making My Kid’s Childhood Magical :: Huffington Post   ____ On Monday 31st March, we started the Simple Parenting and Play Planner– on tour! This is cool for you as this 51 page planner will be visiting 10 blogs where you’ll learn a little bit more about the planner AND have a chance to win a copy. So not just one copy but 10 chances. Here’s how it works…… Check out the list below for each of the stops. Visit each blog and enter into the giveaway. Monday 31 March    My Healthy Beginning Tuesday 1 April        The Mom Writes Wednesday 2 April    RainyDay Mum  Thursday 3 April         Megan Flatt Friday 4 April             Pickle Bums Saturday 5th April       Bliss Beyond Naptime Monday 7 April           A Free Spirit Life Tuesday 8 April           Simple Kids Wednesday 9 April      Mama Scouts Thursday 10 April       Plannerisms Friday 11 April           Raising Playful Tots This is the last stop on the Blog tour. After entering here, circle back down the list and enter each time for a chance of winning a planner there. Q:What’s the one individual child/adult activity you would pick first to do? Answer that question in the comments for a chance to win one of TWO planners. This is a digital download.   * The giveaway will run from today until Wednesday 16th April 9pm BST 2014( London)  * Winner picked at random and will be posted here + on the Facebook page. * one more redraw if winner(s) don’t respon...

    Raising Playful Tots – the podcast for parents who want to make the most of their playtime and enjoy simple parenting Click the play button above If you’ve always wanted to know how elimination communication and play go together you’re in for a treat today. Elimination communication is also called going diaper free. If your baby or young toddler is diaperfree learning to share their potty cues how do you have play without …..well it being messy. Not a problem says our guest this week, Andrea Olson of godiaperfree.com. With clear advice and answering candid questions we get to learn about play, attachment parenting and Elimination communication. After telling us about her journey to a diaper free lifestyle  we learn about the best time to start training. What you do when you need to run those errands and have a diaper free child? How to play and be diaper free? INFORMATION FROM THE SHOW Tinkerlab’s Sketchbook Challenge– April Interested in  learning more about Unschooling? Listen to the interview. Andrea Olson- Interview- check out her website goDiaperFree.com Facebook Chit Chat Jen with baby let pottying- check out her website: bornready.co.uk Conversation starters ebookfrom Alissa of CreativewithKids.com Montessori Inspired Activities from Jo of My-Organized-Chaos.com ____ WHAT TO DO NEXT: So you’ve listened to this episode – if you liked it and want to hear other ones – and I really think you will….you should do this right now:           How to listen and subscribe to this show   New to Podcasts?   If you’ve enjoyed the show please take the time to share it with friends and leave a review for it on iTunes or Stitcher.

  Raising Playful Tots – the podcast for parents who want to make the most of their playtime and enjoy simple parenting After school time can be so tricky. Right!? …any of the afters… After preschool, After work, At the end of the day we have our little ones back. Back from school, nursery, babysitter, creche, our mom. they’ve done all kinds of awesomeness over there and now it’s your time. Today’s episode is for you if you have one on one time with your little one and are plum out of ideas about what to do today. Or you just want a better solution to the play that happens in this special ‘after’ ( school) experience . I’m going to look at three areas that we all find ourselves from time to time.   Moms with siblings stuck at clubs Moms in from work and want a ‘pick up do it now’activity Moms who’ve never really organized activities Click the play button above and let’s get some ideas. INFORMATION FROM THE SHOW Take the Raising Playful Tots Survey Ladybug and Bee Spring activity  :: Cute and fun seasonal activity Something to remember. Pin now and use when you need it. I mentioned the black bean tostadas that the boys love in their lunchbox. I got that from Momables. I get the lunchbox subscription. After school Pinterest ideas to try * http://www.pinterest.com/cpetruescu/after-school-activities/ * http://www.pinterest.com/babareki/after-school-care-activities/ * http://www.pinterest.com/meyerem43/after-school-activities/ * Educators Spin on it- excellent after school linky ____ WHAT TO DO NEXT: So you’ve listened to this episode – if you liked it and want to hear other ones – and I really think you will….you should do this right now:           How to listen and subscribe to this show   New to Podcasts?   If you’ve enjoyed the show please take the time to share it with friends and leave a review for it on iTunes or Stitcher.

Separation and divorce are difficult times for both parents and children. Wendy Young, mom of three teens, and award-winning Child and Adolescent Therapist and founder of Kidlutions.com is our guest today. Wendy gets the heart of this difficult subject with practical ideas, playful suggestions and ideas for us all whether this is something we’re experiencing or we know of a family  that is in the midst. She is  also the author of numerous workbooks for children and the co-author of “Bloom: Helping Children Blossom” 1. What emotions are around the strain the divorce we might see in children? 2.  What activities do you suggest to build connection during stress? 3.  How do you deal with the keeping in contact or not with the divorced person ( If it’s an uncle that’s not an uncle anymore etc) 4. Is there a particular age that we need to watch out for with emotion? 5. Which gender impacts divorce or separation the most? 6. How can we help a child through a divorce or separation Raising Playful Tots – the podcast for parents who want to make the most of their playtime and enjoy simple parenting   INFORMATION FROM THE SHOW   Magna doodle activities : http://happyhooligans.ca/magna-doodle-activities/ Visual Chore chart from listener Audrey Was It the Chocolate Pudding?: A Story For Little Kids About Divorce  Two Homes Take the Raising Playful Tots Survey Listen to the show to get details of Creating a family haven, that starts soon along with  how to apply for scholarships!  Contest: Wendy of Kidlutions has offered one reader a chance to win one of her books. There’s a choice from her store here or the divorce child’s workbook One person will be picked at random and will receive ONE ebook. It will be a download. Open worldwide. Winner chosen by random.org and emailed. Closes Sunday 23rd February  7pm GMT ____ WHAT TO DO NEXT: So you’ve listened to this episode – if you liked it and want to hear other ones – and I really think you will….you should do this right now:       

Montessori activities look like so much fun and then when you look at the equipment- Woah! If this has been your experience stick around because my guest this week, Jo Ebisujima of jojoebi.designs and my.organized.chaos shares how to start simply with Montessori at home without buying all the equipment.  You get stuck in using the everyday resources you have at home or ones you can pick up in most places. Perfect if you’re trying out a new play approach or want to try something new. Nothing’s worse than buying new stuff  just for one purpose for it to just lay there gathering dust. If you’re already into Montessori then you’ll find some new activities.  Jo kindly gifted me her ebook. Raising Playful Tots – the podcast for parents who want to make the most of their playtime and enjoy simple parenting   INFORMATION FROM THE SHOW Talking about Diversity with Children Using Playdough by Katie Myers of Bonbon Break :: BonBonBreak Creating Magical Days with Halina Sorensen :: Bliss Beyond Naptime Creator of Creating Magical Days ::  The Cherry Farm Take the Raising Playful Tots Survey Jo has written an ebook to share with other families how easy it is to start simply with Montessori at home. Look at this book  Montessori Inspired Activities for Pre-Schoolers is available on the Book Depository ( Good if you’re not in the US or Europe)  with Free International Shipping. Look at Montessori Inspired Activities on Book Depository   WHAT TO DO NEXT: So you’ve listened to this episode – if you liked it and want to hear other ones – and I really think you will….you should do this right now:           How to listen and subscribe to this show   New to Podcasts?     If you’ve enjoyed the show please take the time to share it with friends and leave a review for it on