Monday, June 30, 2014
Teach Your Family About the 4th of July
Simple explanations about the 4th of July that children can understand. There are also pictures with each explanation. What a great FHE idea!
To learn more: Meaning of the 4th of July
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Seven Important Thing to Say to Kids
1. I trust you.
2. You tried and that is important.
3. You always _______. (smile, help others, etc.)
4. How can I help?
5. Parents have rules too.
6. Tell me more.
7. Great question!
Bonus: The MOST important thing you can say to your child is:
I LOVE YOU!
2. You tried and that is important.
3. You always _______. (smile, help others, etc.)
4. How can I help?
5. Parents have rules too.
6. Tell me more.
7. Great question!
Bonus: The MOST important thing you can say to your child is:
I LOVE YOU!
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Photo Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Tired of being the one in charge of the camera every single vacation and outing? Here's a great idea to share the responsibility and capture more memories.
To learn more: Photo Scavenger Hunt for Kids
To learn more: Photo Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Sponge Balls
Do you love water balloon fights but hat the mess. Here is a great alternative!
To learn more: The Great Water Balloon Alternative
To learn more: The Great Water Balloon Alternative
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Some of the Best Water Balloon Games
Hot and bored? That problem can be solved with some water balloon games. The following ideas came from: 20+ of the Best Water Balloon Games
After searching high and low for some of the best water balloon games, here are my top picks:
1) The water balloon version of Hot Potato is a great twist on the original. Get the kids to sit in a circle and start passing around a water balloon. Start playing some music and then, at random intervals, turn off the music. Whomever is left holding the water balloon or whoever pops it is the one out. The last child left in the game is the winner.
2) Paint with Water Balloons - My kids and I have used balloons for painting and the results were absolutely beautiful. Our balloons were filled with air, but adding weight and movement with water balloons is a completely new sensory experience for kids, and you'll be surprised at how beautiful the results can be.
3) Water Balloon Number Target Practice - Combine number recognition review and water balloons for a fun, easy and educational summer game. Read more at Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas
4) Balloon Roll - For this game, you have to keep your water balloon on the ground. The child that rolls their water balloon the farthest, and does not pop it, wins!
5) Nothing is better on a hot summer day than Water Balloon Dodge Ball. Last week, my boys decided that I was the going to play this game with them, even if I was fully dressed. There are too many serious moments in life, so letting your kids hit you with water balloons can be really fun. If you have a group of older kids, you can really get an organized game of dodge ball going. First, make sure you have a lot of water balloons and a bunch of kids. Separate the kids into teams and then, let the kids go at it! If you get hit by an opposing team member, you're out.
6) For older kids and teens, Water Balloon Darts can be a fun activity. Just prop up the balloons on a target, give each one a value (20 points, 40, points, 60, points, 80 points and 100 points.) See who can accumulate the most points for each balloon they hit.
7) Angry Bird Inspired Water Balloon Game - "Inspired by the mega popular video game Angry Birds this takes the game outside into the sun for fun all summer long." Read more at No Time for Flash Cards
8) Water Balloon Relay Race - Set out one chair for each team and place a water balloon in the seat. Then, players take turns running to the chair, and sitting on the balloon till it pops. After they pop the balloon, they run and tag the next player. (You will need to put a new balloon in after each one is popped.) The first team to pop all their balloons and cross the finish line wins.
9) Water Balloon Sight Word Toss - It's really simple to help reinforce sight words while playing a water balloon toss game. Learn more at Royal Baloo
10) Water Balloon Pinatas - Hang balloons from your monkey bars or clothes line. Let the kids take turns hitting the "pinatas."
11) How Far Can You Go? See who can throw their water balloon the farthest. The kid who gets their's the farthest WITHOUT POPPING it, wins!
12) The Water Balloon Challenge is a water game for youth groups – one that’s designed to make a big splash!
13) Keep the music rolling and you can also play a fun game of Musical Water Balloons. Just like musical chairs, you will need 1 less water balloon each round (for instance, 5 players = 4 water balloons). Gently lay the balloons on the grass. Start playing some music and then have the kids walk in a circular motion. At random intervals, turn off the music. When the music stops, the kids need to find a ballon and sit on it. Whomever is left without a water balloon to sit on is out. The last child left in the game is the winner.
14) Splash and Score Baseball - Kids can test their aim and douse their opponent at the same time with this water balloon game of throwing and blocking skills.
15) Water Balloon Spoon Races - Use a plastic serving spoon or a wooden spoon for this simple summer game.
16) Fill the Bucket - This is a great team game perfect for a kid's group or camp. Each team uses water balloons to fill up a bucket. Whichever team fills the bucket first wins!
17) Water Balloon YoYo - Cut a rubberband in half. Then, attach the rubber band to the water balloon. The kids have to yo-yo them up and down until the last one with their balloon intact wins!
18) Water Balloon Tag - Whomever is “it” carries the water balloon. If you get hit and the balloon breaks then, “Tag you’re it!"
19) Even preschoolers can have fun filling up the water balloons. So, this game idea is simple. Just let the kids try to fill up the water balloons with the hose. Whoever can make the biggest balloon without it popping it is the winner!
20) Water Balloon Obstacle Course
21) Pop the Sharks - Draw a simple shark face on about 10 water balloons. Then, fill a kiddie pool with water and add the balloons. Give each child 15 seconds in the pool, and whoever pops the most sharks wins.
22) If you have 8 or more kids, find two sheets or table cloths for a Group Catapult. Have each child hold a corner (4 kids per sheet). Then, throw a water balloon onto the first sheet and have the 1st team try to propel it over to the 2nd teams table cloth. This video shows how it's done.
23) And, finally....everyone loves a good old fashioned Water Balloon Toss. Everyone line up and stand across from your partner. Everyone takes turns tossing the balloon to their partner. The last team to pop their balloon wins!
After searching high and low for some of the best water balloon games, here are my top picks:
1) The water balloon version of Hot Potato is a great twist on the original. Get the kids to sit in a circle and start passing around a water balloon. Start playing some music and then, at random intervals, turn off the music. Whomever is left holding the water balloon or whoever pops it is the one out. The last child left in the game is the winner.
2) Paint with Water Balloons - My kids and I have used balloons for painting and the results were absolutely beautiful. Our balloons were filled with air, but adding weight and movement with water balloons is a completely new sensory experience for kids, and you'll be surprised at how beautiful the results can be.
3) Water Balloon Number Target Practice - Combine number recognition review and water balloons for a fun, easy and educational summer game. Read more at Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas
4) Balloon Roll - For this game, you have to keep your water balloon on the ground. The child that rolls their water balloon the farthest, and does not pop it, wins!
5) Nothing is better on a hot summer day than Water Balloon Dodge Ball. Last week, my boys decided that I was the going to play this game with them, even if I was fully dressed. There are too many serious moments in life, so letting your kids hit you with water balloons can be really fun. If you have a group of older kids, you can really get an organized game of dodge ball going. First, make sure you have a lot of water balloons and a bunch of kids. Separate the kids into teams and then, let the kids go at it! If you get hit by an opposing team member, you're out.
6) For older kids and teens, Water Balloon Darts can be a fun activity. Just prop up the balloons on a target, give each one a value (20 points, 40, points, 60, points, 80 points and 100 points.) See who can accumulate the most points for each balloon they hit.
7) Angry Bird Inspired Water Balloon Game - "Inspired by the mega popular video game Angry Birds this takes the game outside into the sun for fun all summer long." Read more at No Time for Flash Cards
8) Water Balloon Relay Race - Set out one chair for each team and place a water balloon in the seat. Then, players take turns running to the chair, and sitting on the balloon till it pops. After they pop the balloon, they run and tag the next player. (You will need to put a new balloon in after each one is popped.) The first team to pop all their balloons and cross the finish line wins.
9) Water Balloon Sight Word Toss - It's really simple to help reinforce sight words while playing a water balloon toss game. Learn more at Royal Baloo
10) Water Balloon Pinatas - Hang balloons from your monkey bars or clothes line. Let the kids take turns hitting the "pinatas."
11) How Far Can You Go? See who can throw their water balloon the farthest. The kid who gets their's the farthest WITHOUT POPPING it, wins!
12) The Water Balloon Challenge is a water game for youth groups – one that’s designed to make a big splash!
13) Keep the music rolling and you can also play a fun game of Musical Water Balloons. Just like musical chairs, you will need 1 less water balloon each round (for instance, 5 players = 4 water balloons). Gently lay the balloons on the grass. Start playing some music and then have the kids walk in a circular motion. At random intervals, turn off the music. When the music stops, the kids need to find a ballon and sit on it. Whomever is left without a water balloon to sit on is out. The last child left in the game is the winner.
14) Splash and Score Baseball - Kids can test their aim and douse their opponent at the same time with this water balloon game of throwing and blocking skills.
15) Water Balloon Spoon Races - Use a plastic serving spoon or a wooden spoon for this simple summer game.
16) Fill the Bucket - This is a great team game perfect for a kid's group or camp. Each team uses water balloons to fill up a bucket. Whichever team fills the bucket first wins!
17) Water Balloon YoYo - Cut a rubberband in half. Then, attach the rubber band to the water balloon. The kids have to yo-yo them up and down until the last one with their balloon intact wins!
18) Water Balloon Tag - Whomever is “it” carries the water balloon. If you get hit and the balloon breaks then, “Tag you’re it!"
19) Even preschoolers can have fun filling up the water balloons. So, this game idea is simple. Just let the kids try to fill up the water balloons with the hose. Whoever can make the biggest balloon without it popping it is the winner!
20) Water Balloon Obstacle Course
21) Pop the Sharks - Draw a simple shark face on about 10 water balloons. Then, fill a kiddie pool with water and add the balloons. Give each child 15 seconds in the pool, and whoever pops the most sharks wins.
22) If you have 8 or more kids, find two sheets or table cloths for a Group Catapult. Have each child hold a corner (4 kids per sheet). Then, throw a water balloon onto the first sheet and have the 1st team try to propel it over to the 2nd teams table cloth. This video shows how it's done.
23) And, finally....everyone loves a good old fashioned Water Balloon Toss. Everyone line up and stand across from your partner. Everyone takes turns tossing the balloon to their partner. The last team to pop their balloon wins!
Monday, June 16, 2014
14 Super Cool Things to do with Crayons
When you think of crayons do you automatically want to grab a coloring book? Of course crayons are wonderful for coloring but that is not all they can be used for! These creative parents have come up with some really neat things to do with crayons. 14 Super Cool Things to do with Crayons Crayon Stained Glass - Nessa Dee Art Melting Crayon Art on Canvas Water Color Resist - The Artful Parent Window Roadway - No Time for Flash Cards Crayon Monograms - A Mom with a Lesson Plan Sight Word Crayon Rubbing - Sugar Aunts Sun Upcycled Crayons - Mama Smiles Sun Melting
To learn more: 14 Super Cool Things to do with Crayons
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Summer Reading .... Library Tour
This is such a fun way to learn about our local library. It even includes a free printable. What a great idea for a hot summer day!
To learn more: Library Tour
To learn more: Library Tour
Saturday, June 14, 2014
100 Free Things to Do
Looking for something to do? Check out this fabulous website for some great ideas and start your memory making today.
To learn more: 100 Free Things to Do
Friday, June 13, 2014
Get Along Jar
Summertime can be stressful with everyone home and sometimes getting along is hard to do. This family has a great idea that can be adapted to fit your own family.
To learn more: Get Along Jar
To learn more: Get Along Jar
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Summer Fun in Utah
Check out this website for ideas to do this summer in our great state of Utah!
To learn more: Summer Fun in Utah
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Spaghetti Slime
You will need:
* Kool-Aid or Food Coloring
* 1 Box of Spaghetti
* Oil {You can use Vegetable Oil, Coconut Oil, or any oil of your choice}
* Water
1. Divide 1 box of spaghetti in three parts.
2. Put 4 to 5 cups of water in a pot and add one packet of Kool-Aid of your choice and bring it to boil.
The spaghetti will turn the color of the Kool Aid… Have fun choosing!
{You can use Food Coloring instead of Kool-Aid if you want}
3. When the water is boiling cook one portion of the spaghetti in it.
When the spaghetti is cooked it will turn the color of the water.
4. Drain the cooked spaghetti…
5. Drain the spaghetti once again and add about one tablespoon of oil.
{Repeat these steps for each color}
You are done and it’s time to play!
To learn more: The 36th Avenue
Monday, June 9, 2014
Happiness in Family Life
Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”
~ The Family: A Proclamation to the World ~
Monday, June 2, 2014
Nine Lessons for FHE on "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"
Get great Family Home Evening lessons for the next nine weeks! This FHE series, based on the First Presidency's "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," will teach your family the best principles on which to base their life.
LDS Living - Nine Lessons on "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"
LDS Living - Nine Lessons on "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Today's Family: Proclamation Still a Clarion Call
“The Family: A Proclamation to the World” remains “a clarion call to protect and strengthen families,” according to Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who says it is also “a stern warning in a world where declining values and misplaced priorities threaten to destroy society by undermining its basic unit.”
Doctrines outlined in the proclamation apply as much or more today as they did in 1995 when the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles issued the document, which proclaims to the world the importance of the family."
To read entire article: Today's Family: Proclamation Still a Clarion Call
Doctrines outlined in the proclamation apply as much or more today as they did in 1995 when the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles issued the document, which proclaims to the world the importance of the family."
To read entire article: Today's Family: Proclamation Still a Clarion Call