Stay at home dad, creating a healthy, happy home

Best Homeschooling Websites for Early Learning

homeschooling websites for early learning

If you do a quick search for homeschooling websites for early learning, you’re going to get inundated with options. However, not all of them provide a substantial amount of value.

Having the right resources is critical for parents who homeschool. Otherwise, it’s tough to handle the various learning objectives and to keep your kids engaged.

Luckily, by using some of the best homeschooling websites for early learning, you can enhance the experience and simplify the process. If you don’t know which ones to try, here are a few worth considering.

Best Homeschooling Websites for Early Learning

Reading Eggs

Finding ways to make learning how to read fun makes a world of difference. When you can keep your child’s attention and add entertaining elements, they often make faster progress.

Reading Eggs states that it makes learning to read enjoyable, using games, songs, and rewards to elevate the experience. It can take a child from not being able to read at all through to a grade 2 reading level, making it ideal for early learning.

Parents can choose the online subscription service (which they can try out for free), the workbook packs, or both. That gives families some flexibility, which is a nice addition to the program.

Khan Academy Kids

Designed by a leader in educational resources (based on the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and Common Core Standards), the Khan Academy Kids app offers courses in math and reading as well as social skills. It’s made specifically for children aged two to seven and includes engaging activities, books, exercises, and more.

Parents can use adaptive learning paths or access the library for an independent learning approach. That gives them the ability to align the app to their child’s needs.

Anyone can use the app without having to spend a single dime. Plus, the Khan Academy Kids app is completely ad-free. You don’t have to worry about popups, as there simply aren’t any.

The Artful Parent

Creativity is an important skill for people of all ages. At The Artful Parent, you’ll find a variety of arts and crafts projects for kids. Along with classic options like drawing and painting, you’ll also find sculpture, clay, stained glass, and more. There’s even a section dedicated to toddlers, ensuring each project is ideal for younger children.

Steve Spangler Science

If you’re looking for fun science experience, Steve Spangler Science has you covered. You can go through the library and find instructions for a variety of science-oriented activities, including some that are ideal for younger children.

There are over 100 experiments in the library, and they are all designed to be done at home. Just make sure to preview the options in advance, as some of them are geared to older children.

XtraMath

Developing strong math skills early can make a big difference in a child’s like. XtraMath provides parents with additional instructional options, allowing them to incorporate more math into their programs.

Along with lessons, there are also free videos and activities. Students and parents can also view the learning progress in the reports section, allowing everyone to gauge how far the child has come.

It is important to note that this resource is generally designed for kids who are at least seven years old, based on the standard math progression for children of that age. However, if your child is a bit more advanced, then it may work for them as well.

Duolingo

Duolingo isn’t just for adults. It’s gradual approach to learning a foreign language can work for children as well. The gamified structure ups the level of engagement. Plus, the lessons are bite-sized, making them easier to digest.

While Duolingo is best suited to smartphones and tablets, the website option does work. Plus, it’s completely free, now and always.

HowToSmile

At HowToSmile, you can find a ton of STEM activities for kids. All of the information is available for free. Plus, you can filter the results based on a range of criteria, including a child’s age, the material cost, and the amount of learning time required.

The topics span the gamut, ranging from life sciences to cooking to astronomy. There are even DIY projects for nanotechnology and special lists for events, like Earth Day, to keep your activities highly relevant to the time of year.

Using Homeschooling Websites for Lesson Planning

With so many homeschooling websites for early learning available, most parents simply can’t review everything at their disposal. If you want to use some of the options above for lesson planning, it’s often best to consider your learning objective first. That way, you can limit your resource search to that topic area.

However, do spend some time skimming every website before you get into the planning phases. Consider making a spreadsheet where you can list the site and some notes about what it has to offer, including the subjects it covers. Then, you can search your spreadsheet to see where you should look when you need some supplemental activities for a lesson.

7 Ways to Save Money on Kids’ Clothes (When They Are Growing Like Weeds)

Children can grow quickly. For many parents, keeping their kids in clothes is challenging. If your child is growing like a weed, it can put a strain on your budget. Finding ways to save money on kids’ clothes becomes essential. Otherwise, your children end up spending more time in clothing that doesn’t fit, and that isn’t ideal.

Luckily, there are some easy ways to reduce the cost of children’s clothes. Here are seven ways to save money on kids’ clothes.

1. Sell Old Clothes to Buy the Next Round

When your kid has outgrown their clothes, it isn’t just a signal to buy more stuff; it’s also a sign that the older items need to make their way out of your home. Instead of just tossing out what doesn’t fit, go through your child’s clothing. Identify pieces that are in good condition. Then, find a way to sell them.

If the weather is nice, you might want to throw a garage sale. You may be able to score a buck or two each for regular clothing, and a bit more for items like coats.

For times of the year when that won’t work, consider selling the used items on ThredUp, OfferUp, LetGo, Poshmark, eBay, or Facebook. Heading to a consignment shop might be a great alternative, too.

The idea is to gather up some extra cash by getting rid of the clothing that no longer fits your child. Then, you can use the proceeds to reduce the burden of the next round of clothes.

2. Think Ahead, Then Shop on Clearance

Stores put clothing on clearance as the seasons change. The issue is, some of those items aren’t ideal for the weather you’re experiencing. As a result, getting new items that fit your child now isn’t necessarily the best move.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of these amazing prices. You just have to plan ahead. By seasonal clothes that are a bit too big for your kid today. Then, by the time the right season rolls around again, you’ve left room for them to grow, and there’s a decent chance it will fit when you need that type of attire.

3. Try Consignment Stores for Bargains

Consignment stores are like the fancier version of thrift stores. Usually, the standards regarding a clothing item’s condition are higher at consignment stores, so you might find options that are in better shape. Plus, the prices are still very reasonable, even if they are a bit more than you might pay at Goodwill.

Along with physical stores, like Once Upon a Child, you can also check out online options. Poshmark has a kids’ section, while Kidizen focuses on children’s fashion.

4. Shop the Right Thrift Stores to Up the Quality

Most thrift stores feature items that were donated by a member of the local community. That means, by heading to the right neighborhood, you might be able to find high-quality items at incredibly prices.

Usually, this means heading to thrift stores near affluent cities, towns, districts, or neighborhoods. If you’re in an area where parents typically spend a pretty penny on their kids, then the nearby thrift store donations typically include higher quality clothing items.

5. Make the Most of Garage Sales Every Summer

Once the garage sale season starts, make the most of it. Head out to affluent neighborhoods and make sure to arrive as close to the start of the sale as possible. Bring smaller bills and get ready to bargain. Don’t focus solely on clothing that will fit your child today, but also what may fit them in the next one to two years, especially if the design is timeless or if it’s a clothing basic.

Not every garage sale outing will yield results. However, if you do find some great pieces, you’ll be getting them for a steal, more often than not.

6. Try Discount Stores and Off-Price Retailers

There are plenty of stores that sell new items for less. Ross Dress for Less is a perfect example, as well as T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. These stores usually get overstock from manufacturers that didn’t sell initially. There’s nothing wrong with the clothes in the vast majority of cases; off-price retailers are just giving them a second chance at life.

At times, the items can be a bit irregular. For example, if a tag was accidentally sown on upside-down, it usually can’t be sold for full-price at a department or clothing store. So, it makes it ways to an off-price retailer, where it sells for less, even though the problem doesn’t hurt the clothing item in any way.

Since the discount store is doing the manufacturer a favor, in a way, they get the clothing at reduced prices. That means they can pass the savings on to you.

7. Embrace the Hand-Me-Down Cycle

When it comes to saving money, nothing beats free. If you have two children, stash your older kid’s clothing as they grow out of it. Then, when it fits your younger child, break it out again.

You can also coordinate hand-me-down exchanges with other parents. If you know people who have kids, see if they are willing to give you items that don’t fit and offer to do the same for others. You can even coordinate an exchange event, where parents gather up ill-fitting clothes, put it all in a room, and everyone can search for pieces that will work for their children now.

10 Fun Holiday Traditions That Won’t Break the Bank

The holiday season is an amazing time of year. People go the extra mile to spend time with family and friends, and many households embrace traditions that inspire togetherness.

But the holidays can also be really expensive. Between gifts, traveling, and parties, many family’s see their budgets get stretched pretty thin.

Luckily, even if you don’t have a lot of spare cash, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Here are ten fun holiday traditions that won’t break the bank.

1. Volunteering

Along with being a time to appreciate your family and friends, the holiday season also reminds us to give back to our communities. If you want to spend some time bonding while helping those in need, a group volunteering experience can be ideal. It allows you to spend time together while doing something meaningful. Plus, it usually won’t cost any more than the gas it takes to get to the location.

Just keep in mind that volunteering on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day isn’t always easy to arrange. Many households focus on those days in particular, so some organizations might be overrun with volunteers. Instead, consider picking another day during the holiday season. You can also reach out to a volunteer coordinator in advance to make sure your presence is actually needed or to reserve a spot.

2. Community Events

Many communities host a range of events during the holidays. If your city or town has free holiday concerts, parades, tree lightings, or other happenings, consider making one (or several) a fun tradition. All you’ll have to worry about is attending. Or, if you want to take it up a notch, add something else into the mix. For example, you could all get bundled up in your favorite holiday attire, make some hot cocoa, and then head outside for a parade.

Also, there might be engaging activity days at certain community locations. If you have a local library, see if they are holding special readings of children’s holiday stories or craft events, like ornament making days. Check with area schools to see if they are putting on plays or music recitals. There may be more options than you realized, and many of them happen every year.

3. Movie Marathons

If you have access to cable or video streaming services, you can likely watch plenty of holiday classics and newer releases without having to pay anything extra. Consider picking a day to have a holiday movie marathon. Then, select age-appropriate films, gather up some snacks, and get cozy in pajamas and blankets. It can be a great way to relax as a group, particularly if the weather outside has gotten a bit frightful.

4. Gingerbread Houses

Gingerbread houses are a holiday staple for many. If your family hasn’t made one before, consider giving it a try. You can usually get cookie cutters that can help you make the pieces or buy a relatively inexpensive kit if you only want to decorate.

5. See the Lights

If your neighborhood (or one nearby) is known for its Christmas light displays at homes, then consider planning a yearly walking tour. You can bundle up, carry a hot beverage in a travel mug, and get in some exercise, all while enjoying the twinkling lights.

For areas where it’s too cold, you can look for driving tours as well. Some areas block off sections of the street so that you can slowly roll by the houses, allowing you to take it in while staying warm in your car.

6. Tree Decorating

Instead of just putting up your Christmas tree, consider making it a special occasion. Take time picking out your tree as a group. Then, gather family members together, put on some holiday music, and let everyone get involved.

7. Ice Skating

Most ice-skating rinks are inexpensive to use, even if you have to rent skates. If you haven’t been recently or have never tried it, consider giving it a whirl as a new tradition. It can be a fun option for active families.

8. Play in the Snow

If you’re area usually has snow during the holidays, take a day to enjoy it. Make snow angels, build a snowman, do some sledding, or catch snowflakes on your tongue. It can be a great way to get some exercise, spend time outdoors, and have some fun as a group.

9. Make DIY Gifts Together

Crafty families might enjoy making DIY gifts together each year. Whether you all make the same kinds of crafts or different ones, doing it as a group can be fun. Get together and make a ton of bath bombs or let some family members crochet while others make custom greeting cards with craft paper and other supplies.

10. Thank Local Heroes

Every community has heroes. Your local police and fire departments do a lot to keep your neighborhood safe. Consider making it a holiday tradition to say thank you. Get blank greeting cards and write messages expressing your appreciation. It’s a small gesture, but it can have a surprisingly positive impact.

Winter Activities for Toddlers

If you have a toddler, you know how active they can be. Sometimes, they seem to have an excess of energy, and figuring out how to burn it off during the colder months can be a challenge.

Luckily, there are a ton of winter activities that aren’t just entertaining, but also physical, letting your toddler put their energy to good use. Here are some of the best winter activities for toddlers that engage the body and the mind.

Go Sledding (and Climb the Hills)

Racing down a snow-covered hill is always an exhilarating experience. The brisk air and the sensation of flying across fresh powder are sure to bring a smile to any child’s face.

Plus, when you don’t just sled down the hills, but climb up them as well, it’s a great workout for everyone. Just make sure to stay by your toddler’s side as they conquer the climb, so you can be ready to steady them if they slip.

Catch Snowflakes

Trying to catch snowflakes on your tongue is a quintessential childhood experience. Since it usually involves running around, it’s a great energy burner too.

You can also take this magical experience to the next level by teaching your kids to gently toss the snow in the air. Just take a few minutes to remove any obstacles or potentially dangerous objects, like rocks and sticks, before you start in on the fun.

Build a Snow Fort

Building anything out of snow can be a fun family-friendly activity, but a fort can also encourage fun after the construction process is complete. Start by teaching your toddler how to make “bricks” out of snow by compacting it into the proper shape. Next, guide them through the stacking process, ensuring each new brick provides support. Then, just keep an eye on them as though go, giving them help should the need arise.

Once the fort is ready, you can play new games that make use of the building. If your weather is staying cold and you don’t get any rain, your family may even be able to take advantage of the fort for days after it is built.

Create Snow Angels

Snow angels are another classic winter activity that every child should experience. After all, you are encouraging them to collapse into the snow, which is fun in its own right. Plus, the arm and leg motions get your toddler moving and teaching them to get up slowly to keep their design intact promotes awareness. Just make sure your toddler doesn’t try to make a snow angel by laying face down in the snow as that could be dangerous.

Make Art

Snow can be an incredible medium for art. If it is fairly packed, your toddler can use their finger or hands to draw pictures. They can build up the snow in certain areas to make their design 3-D, or add items like sticks, rocks, or colored ice cubes to create their masterpiece.

Plus, you can easily add color to any part of their drawing with some watered-down food coloring. Just keep in mind that food coloring is safe but can stain, so make sure to dress them properly for the art-filled occasion.

Try Follow the Leader

Even if you don’t have any snow, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun outside with your toddler. A simple game of follow the leader can be a great option as it allows you to retain a certain level of control, something that may be essential in icy conditions.

Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt can be ideal for improving your toddler’s observational skills. You can use pictures or words to guide them through the hunt, letting them know what they need to find and bring back to you. If your area isn’t filled with a lot of items to find, you can also add sounds to listen for or smells to notice. Nearly anything goes, giving you the ability to make this an immersive experience for your children.

Snowman Snacks

If you need to stay indoors, getting your toddler involved in snack preparation can be an excellent activity for everyone. You could let them help you combine ingredients, decorate cookies or cupcakes together, or turn a group of different snack foods into a snowman’s face on a plate. Overall, it promotes creativity, so nearly any option can be fun.

Make Birdfeeders

Food can be a little scarce for birds in the winter. Luckily, you and your toddler can help your neighborhood feathered friends by creating some simply pinecone birdfeeders.

Once you have the pinecones, tie some cotton string onto the end. Next, coat them in peanut butter and roll them in birdseed. Last, pick a spot in a tree to hang them, ideally in a spot where your toddler can see them from a window.

It’s an easy little project that also teaches them about the world around them, making it a great option for curious toddlers.

10 Ways to Keep Toddlers Entertained While Traveling (by Car)

Taking your toddler on a road trip can certainly be an adventure. While your child will get to explore new areas, keeping them entertained in the car isn’t always easy.

Luckily, you do have some options to help your toddler enjoy the entire trip, including the time spent in the car. Here are 10 tips for keeping your toddler entertained when you hit the road together.

1. Have Snacks Ready

To put it simply, a hungry toddler is a cranking toddler. If you want your child to stay calm and comfortable, make sure to pack healthy, travel-friendly snacks for your journey. Having water available is also a must, and consider packing a couple of your kid’s favorite treats along with healthier options.

2. Hold a Sing-Along

What family road trip is complete without music? Younger children often react to music in surprising ways, especially when the songs are simple enough for them to join in on while you are traveling. Nursery rhymes can be excellent if all of your children are younger. However, you can also create a playlist of family-friendly songs from any genre if you want to make the music suitable for a wider range of ages.

3. Download Some Apps

Many toddlers are perfectly capable of playing games on a tablet with a bit help or instruction. Download a few child-friendly apps before you hit the road and let your toddler have a little digital fun while on the road. Just make sure that the content feels appropriate. Learning-based games are generally a good option if they are made for toddlers.

Additionally, before you hand your tablet over, check the app’s and device’s settings to disable in-app purchasing abilities. Otherwise, your toddler may rack up charges without knowing what they are doing.

4. Bring Their Favorite Stuffed Toys

Soft, cuddly toys are great additions to any road trip. They can comfort your toddler, both physically and mentally (due to their familiarity with the toy). Plus, if the toy gets tossed in a moment of frustration, it won’t hurt anyone or break. If the stuffed animals are machine washable, even better. After all, spills happen, so having a quick way to clean the toy is a good idea.

However, for your own sake, avoid toys with noise-making capabilities. Otherwise, you may find yourself on the verge of a fit faster than you’d expect.

5. Try a Whiteboard and Dry-Erase Markers

A whiteboard is great for drawing designs, and dry-erase markers are easy to remove from the surface, giving them endless hours of creative fun. If you have two kids, then they can also play simple games like tic-tac-toe using a whiteboard.

Just be aware that dry-erase markers can damage fabric. While you may be able to remove the stains with a little alcohol and sponge, you might not be able to get all of the pigments out of lighter clothing colors or upholstery.

6. Bring Some Books

A few colorful storybooks can help keep your toddler entertained while traveling. Look for sturdy options, as softer paperback-style covers can be hard for tiny hands to control while bouncing down the road.

If you are traveling with older children or another adult, they could also read the book to the toddler. Since most kids enjoy story time, this is a great way to keep them calm and engaged.

It is important to note that some people do get carsick when they read in a vehicle, so do watch out for signs of queasiness if your toddler has never read while on a road trip before.

7. Pack Finger Puppets

Another great option if you have more than one young child is finger puppets. They can act out scenes and make up fun character personalities, giving them a unique way to interact while on the road.

Finger puppets can also give your toddler “someone” to talk to while on the journey. Plus, they promote creativity and imaginative play, both of which are important for young children.

8. Have Some Action Figures Ready

Many toddlers already have a few favorite characters from movies or television. If there is an age-appropriate action figure available, consider bringing one along on the adventure.

You can even take this to the next level by staging the action figure at various stops for photos. Then, when you get back home, you can make a collage or create a photo book to showcase their journey.

9. Prep a Scavenger Hunt

If you want to keep your toddler focused and engaged, consider creating an age-appropriate scavenger hunt for the trip. This encourages the development of observational skills and can help them recognize objects in unfamiliar environments.

Ideally, you want to make the scavenger hunt list picture-based, particularly if you’re going to add items with words they can’t read yet. However, feel free to write the word next to it too, as it never hurts to work on their reading skills.

10. Bring New Activity Books

There are tons of activity books designed specifically for toddlers. Look for options with stickers instead of pens, as these aren’t as likely to damage upholstery. Just make sure they don’t end up on your windows, or you may have to spend some time scrapping them off before you can roll that window down again.

5 indoor gardening activities for toddlers

Sharing a meal with your family is a wonderful way to come together at least once a day. However, involving your toddlers in a bit of rainy or winter day indoor gardening is an ideal way to spend some quality time together and teach them about the food they eat.

As far back as I can remember, my parents have had a garden. Every spring they would till the soil, create their rows, and plant a variety of summer crops: beans, potatoes, lettuce, radish, carrots, onions, pumpkins, squash, zucchini, cucumber, tomatoes, and more. In the autumn, they would diligently harvest the fruits (vegetables) of their labor; can it, bottle it or store it in the root cellar; and all winter long we would enjoy the vegetables they grew. Even today, many years later, their summer garden is a sight to behold.

Kress - Nice to have in the kitchen! — Kress – Nice to have in the kitchen!

Sadly, I did not inherit the green thumb of either of my parents. I do, however, appreciate the flavors, freshness, and quality of home grown vegetables. There is nothing more satisfying than biting into a ripe tomato you grew yourself.

As a condo dweller, finding a place to plant a garden can be a bit of a challenge. But I was determined to give my children, if not the garden experience of my childhood, then at least an appreciation of what it takes to grow the food we eat and how it differs from what you can buy at a supermarket. I decided to create our own indoor garden using a couple of metal shelves and some LED grow lights for indoor plants I found online.

(NOTE: I turn the lights off when my kids are working around the lights just to avoid them staring directly at one of the lights for too long.)

To introduce gardening to children, here are five ways to get them involved and their hands a bit dirty, which they of course will stick in their mouth at some point; the hazards of playing in the dirt!

1. First, plant some seeds!

Planting seeds is an easy task that is very tactile. My kids love to touch things and watching them poke seeds into the soil is great fun. Initially, I suggest planting seeds for vegetables that grow quickly, such as lettuce, radishes, or green onions. It helps keep young, easily distracted minds focused when there is something to see as soon as possible. Also, don’t plant everything on the first day. Spread out the planting so there aren’t long gaps waiting for things to change.

For older children, maybe ask him or her to select a preferred vegetable and get them excited to grow their own. My oldest loves snap peas, so he’s planted a half dozen seeds and we’ll see how they do this year.

Tomatoes that have just begun to sprout!

2. Keep track of the growing

Have the plants grown? Are they bigger? What has changed? Ask them to feel the soil: is it dry? Damp? Do the plants need water? What colors do they see? It’s a great way to develop your child’s vocabulary and senses. Keep a small log book of what’s happening with the vegetables and maybe ask your toddler to draw a picture or two, if they are so inclined.

3. Repotting as things grow

Have I mentioned how much my toddlers love to mess around in the dirt? Repotting was definitely a hit. I laid old newspaper down on our hardwood floor and brought in some potting soil. I demonstrated how to fill a new pot with the soil and off they went. It was kind of like watching them on a beach, only the sand was much browner.

Once the new pots were full, we worked together to transfer the seedlings to their new homes. Each plant got a name and both of my toddlers got a bath. It was great fun and there were lots of giggles as they dug around in the dirt.

4. Harvest your garden

The moment of truth: did anything grow? Of course! Maybe not as much as we hoped, but there will still be something. The first crop up for us was lettuce so we harvested some, snacking away pretending we were rabbits. We are still waiting on some of the bigger vegetables but they are coming along. I especially enjoy watching my oldest discover how things grow and change. Currently he’s fascinated by tomatoes (why are they green and not red, Daddy?) and beans; we have to check them every day now.

Celery adds a bit of a crunch to any salad.

5. Make some seed storage bottles

Indoor gardens you can keep going all year long, so storing seeds isn’t as big of an issue. However, I’ve been working on seed storage bottles with my toddlers as gifts for their grandparents. It’s an interesting way for a child to share their gardening experience with their grandparents and tell a story. My parents are already planning to dedicate a small corner of their own garden for the kids to grow vegetables from their seed storage next year.

To store seeds they first need to be dried. After harvesting, spread the seeds you want to keep on a newspaper to dry for a week or so. Once they’ve dried, pack them in airtight containers and store in a cool, dry location. We are planning to store ours in mason jars and place them in our storage room in the parking garage.

I’ve enjoyed creating this gardening space for our family and sharing it with my kids. Maybe I don’t have a green thumb, but maybe one of them will develop one. If not, I hope they will at least learn the basics of how plants grow and have a bit of fun along the way!

Do you have any fun or engaging indoor gardening activities you enjoy with your toddler? Send me a message; I’d love to hear about it!

Five Physical Activities For Toddlers

My two toddlers are a handful and keep me on my toes. If it is quiet in my house, then either they are napping or there is trouble brewing! However, even though your kids may be ‘active’, they need a variety of physical activities to help them develop.

Kids running around, playing and doing ‘stuff’ is a great start. Some children are self-motivated to play and explore. Other children, like my youngest, crave direction and tasks to help them bring out their playful side.

To keep my twosome active and busy, I have a variety of physical activities I use throughout a week. Here are five of my favorites.

1. Visit a local park
The first way you can give your toddler a great workout is by simply going to a local park. Walk with them, start a simple game of hide and seek, stomp in puddles, have a picnic, climb rocks, enjoy the playground (if there is one), and so much more. Recently, we went to the park and made paper airplanes. We folded and painted, then we climbed to the top of a hill and let them fly. My two had lots of fun simply up and down the hill fetching the planes so I could throw them again.

2. Indoor obstacle course
Another fun way to exercise your toddler is great for a rainy day: create an indoor obstacle course. Use cushions, chairs, and other objects that challenge your kids to problem solve. Set it up so there are options to go under, over, or around different parts of the course (mine eventually started going through the obstacles, so I had to get creative using boards with a bit of foam on them. You can also use old boxes and connect them by cutting holes on the sides. Whatever you can do that will get them to move their little bodies in different directions safely.

3. Ball games
Another popular activity in our house is ball games. Start with rolling a ball across the floor and watch how they respond. Usually kids will try to emulate what you do and will try to roll it back. Make it fun and surprising. As they get comfortable with a moving ball, try bouncing it or kicking it (obviously, do this outside or in a playroom… remember to create boundaries). Next, get a nerf basketball net or a small hockey net and show them how to aim or put the ball in the net. Eventually, work up to a game of catch (or, as happens in my house, chase the ball while giggling hysterically).

4. Dancing
Put on some toddler-friendly music that has an easy-to-follow beat, and dance with them. Some kids are born with a need to dance and others need to be shown, but I’ve yet to meet a toddler who won’t dance to the right music. Although perhaps not kid-friendly, my oldest has latched on to ‘Uptown Funk’ and dances around singing it without the music!

5. Swimming
Not only is swimming fantastic exercise, it is a vital life skill and a great way to bond with your toddlers. Early swim lessons help build a foundation towards a lifetime appreciation of the water, as well as other sports and physical activities. If you, as an adult or supervisor, need a little help teaching your child to swim, you might want to pick up a DVD or book such as Waterproof Kids. It helps parents update their water safety awareness and provides techniques on introducing kids to water progressively. If you are using your own pool, be sure you keep it clean with proper chemicals and a pool vacuum to keep your little ones from getting sick.

Bonus: Visit a farm or a zoo
This is somewhat akin to visiting a park, but it engages your toddler’s brain, especially if the farm or zoo allows children to touch the animals. My two love visiting our local petting zoo so they can visit all their favorite animals (my oldest has named the youngest goat, “Goaty”). Here they can explore, touch, and get dirty without a lot of stress. It’s a fun morning or afternoon escape for everyone.

Finding activities to help your toddler grow and develop isn’t hard, but it does take a bit of creativity. What I love about all of the ideas above is that it is shared time between parent and child. Not only are we building up our kids but we are developing a stronger bond with them.

What activities do you recommend for your toddler? I’d love to hear about them.

Top 6 toddler-approved smoothies

If your toddler is anything like mine, they are constantly on the move, into everything, and are already rebelling against authority. Before I became a dad, I swore my kids would not be fussy about the food they ate; I would introduce them to foods early and then they would eat everything. Fast forward to today and I will admit to begging my oldest to just eat a little bit of a new food.

How is it they can be so cute and stubborn at the same time?

Getting creative with food for toddlers doesn’t have to break the bank. Sometimes it just needs to come in a different form, like a smoothie or shake. I read about making smoothies for children in a magazine a year or so ago. They are easy to prepare, tasty, and are good for your toddler on the go (when are they not “on the go”?). I’ve experimented with a number of options and thought I’d share my toddlers’ favorites.

Banana & Strawberry
Banana goes very well with strawberries. For this milkshake, you’ll need 250 grams of strawberries, 2 ripe bananas, and half a liter of whole milk. Crush and blend both fruits to form a puree, then add the milk. Add ice and the mix to a blender to bring it all together. For a special treat on a warm summer afternoon, you can substitute a scoop of ice cream for the ice.

Pineapple
This is one of the tastiest smoothies for kids of all ages. To make this smoothie you’ll need a cup of fresh pineapple (substitute canned if you can’t get fresh), ¼ cup of frozen pineapple and orange juice concentrate (or just orange juice if you can’t find the mix), ½ cup of vanilla yoghurt, ¼ cup of water, and a couple of ice cubes. Add to a blender and mix until frothy. I will sometimes add in a tablespoon or two of honey depending on the sweetness of the pineapple.

Raspberry & Orange
Another tasty combination my toddlers love and so simple to make. Take a cup or frozen raspberries, a cup of orange juice (freshly squeezed or with pulp), ½ a cup of plain greek yoghurt, and blend it all together. Once it’s blended taste and adjust the sweetness with some honey or agave syrup.

Banana and oat smoothie
I will admit, this is based on a recipe from Martha Stewart. But it is a great morning option when no one wants to sit still. For this you’ll need a ¼ cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of plain greek yoghurt, a ripe banana, ½ cup of whole milk, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, and honey to taste. Combine it all in a blender and serve.

Apple
It’s like apple pie in a glass! To make this, you’ll need 1 large apple (peeled, cored, and chopped into chunks), ½ cup of milk, 1/3 cup of plain or vanilla yoghurt, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, and honey or agave syrup to taste. Blend together with a bit of ice to make a delicious afternoon snack. Throw in a small handful of almonds or almond powder for a bit of added protein.

Berries & Spinach
Sounds horrible, right? This is an energy packed smoothie that my toddlers just love. I will warn you: dress them in something you don’t care about staining! You’re going to need 2 large handfuls of baby spinach, 2 cups of frozen mixed berries (look for something combining fruits like: strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, and blueberries), 1 cup of plain greek yoghurt, 1 cup of almond or coconut milk, and honey to taste. Blend together and serve with wet wipes handy! It’s a great way to get your toddlers to eat spinach. I like to use this recipe when we’re heading out to the park for the day. It’s a great pick-me-up for my toddlers.

There are plenty of other combinations but these six are my “go to” smoothies. I’m going to be trying out some more vegetable dense smoothies in the coming months, so I’ll hopefully have an update to share later.

What are you favorite smoothies for your toddlers? If you have any tips, I’d be interested in trying them out!

9 healthy foods your toddler will love

Finding healthy foods for your toddler can be challenging, but there are some foods that I’ve found work well for my kids.

When I first became a father, I had no idea how challenging food would become. I figured, “buy food, children eat.” Simple, right? Too simple, it turns out. Kids, or at least mine, quickly develop preferences just like adults. Yesterday, they loved yoghurt, but today they’ll have nothing to do with it. What will they prefer tomorrow? Who knows!

It becomes a parent’s responsibility to encourage your toddlers to try new tastes and textures while keeping in mind that a young body needs healthy, nourishing foods to help them grow. This doesn’t have to mean feeding them just vegetables, but mixing in a diet of proteins, carbohydrates, vegetables, fruit, and dairy. I also believe that kids need to be exposed to nuts (both ground and tree nuts) as early as possible in life, principally because nuts are an excellent source of protein but also because I want to avoid nut allergies. Thankfully, neither of my kids have shown any sign of nut allergies or any other allergic reaction.

Here are some healthy foods I’ve found work well with my toddlers:

Low fat Greek yoghurt

This type of yoghurt contains bacteria that is known to boost immunity and help in digestion. Also, it has double amount of protein and less sugar than other types of yoghurts. To make the yoghurt a bit more interesting, I mix in some fresh fruit, homemade jam, or honey to add a bit of sweetness or tanginess.

Blueberries

Blueberries contain a rich mix of vitamins and minerals — iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and vitamin K — that help with bone growth and important for young bodies that are growing! They are also a great source of vitamin C and help young bodies with digestion.

Milk

I’ve tried to reduce my toddlers’ intake of milk, but there is no denying the benefits the proteins and calcium bring. Proteins aid in building the tissues in the brain while the calcium in the body is used in strengthening of the toddler’s bone and also the teeth.

Fibrous Fruits

kids love fresh strawberries — Toddlers love fresh strawberries!

Apples, Bananas, oranges, strawberries, raspberries – whatever is in season, I try to have plenty on hand. Rather than snacking on junk food, I hand out apple slices or orange wedges whenever one of my toddlers gets ‘hangry’* or asks for food. One of our favorite picnic snacks are prosciutto wrapped figs with cheese (I like both brie and goats cheese), and a bit of arugula. It is perfect finger food for toddlers (and parents) on the go!

* SIDENOTE: I discovered recently that my oldest’s meltdowns were mainly caused by hunger (low blood sugar, perhaps?). Kids can tell you when they’re hungry, but they don’t understand when their body needs a bit of a pick-me-up. So, if one of them is getting a bit whiny or bursts into tears over something trivial, I put some fruit in their hands (or a bit of toast) and get them to sit for 5-10 mins. I’d say 90% of the time, that helps pull them back together.

Eggs

Eggs are rich in proteins and vitamin D. Vitamin D is useful to the toddler’s body since it helps the body in absorbing calcium. Eggs are also fun because they can be served in a variety of ways. My youngest is a big fan of ‘soldiers’, dipping pieces of toast into a soft-boiled egg. Of course, there is a bit more cleanup afterwards…

Cabbage

It may seem like an odd food to choose, but cabbage can help trigger enzymes that clean out toxins in the body. It is also a great finger food and provides an interesting texture when it is raw. Or I can make some sauerkraut or coleslaw to mix things up and play with the flavors.

Salmon

Salmon contains lots of great omega 3 fats and is also known to improve brain development. Mercury is always a question in salmon (especially farmed salmon), so I try my best to only get my salmon from a fish monger I trust. I think the benefits outweigh the risks, but you’ll need to be the judge for your own kids.

Black beans

Rich in proteins, fiber and calcium, black beans offer a lot to a growing toddler. It is also another food that can be served in a variety of ways, so it keeps it interesting for my children. I can have beans as a side, mixed into a salad, as part of a stew or vegetarian chili, and so much more.

Cinnamon

My dad used to make me toast with a bit of butter and cinnamon every morning before he went to work. It’s a memory I’ve cherished and so I love that I can pass this on to my kids. I’ve read that cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar, but I just enjoy this bit of shared experience. I will also sprinkle a bit on an apple slice, again to change the flavor a bit and keep food interesting.

Toddlers are at an interesting point in their development. They are just starting to develop their own set of preferences and opinions, so it can be challenging to get them to eat healthy foods. I find this especially true once they start going to preschool and are interacting with other kids. I try to mix up the foods I offer, mainly through seasoning or style of preparation. This way I can keep my weekly grocery shopping consistent but still offer a healthy variety to my increasingly persnickety toddlers.

What are some foods or seasonings you find work well with your toddlers? I’d love to hear about it.