My youngest recently found some little Australian animal figures tucked away somewhere and snakes became an immediate favorite in our house. So we’ve been looking at pictures, reading books, and learning a bit about them. It was a good opportunity to discuss the natural habitats of animals and how we should respect them, so we… {read more}
Character Building Activities
Helping Children Recognize and Practice Kindness in Speech
As a parent, it can be surprising to see your child copy your behavior, mannerisms, and even word-for-word things you have said. It is lovely when the things they repeat are good things (like “I’m happy to help!”), and alarming when those things which are not so good (“Stop. That. Right. Now”). When your child… {read more}
Create Your Own Kindness Corner: A Fun Way To Foster A Loving and Helpful Family Culture
Today I am proud to be contributing to the fabulous Kids for Kindness series in which Lauren from Tutus & Tea Parties challenges families to do an act of kindness each week which is do-able and fun. Go here to check out this lovely series of posts – there are many creative and inspiring ideas… {read more}
A Simple Random Act of Kindness: Teaching Children To Think Of Others
Teaching anyone to think of others before themselves is, I believe, a life-long endeavor. For me right now, it might mean not buying that extra shirt or a cup of coffee and instead saving the money to help someone in need. For my kids, it might mean sharing toys, happily taking turns at the playground,… {read more}
The Rain Game: Teaching Children Listening Skills
Listening is a skill. We are born to listen (remember how beautifully babies stare up and listen to your voice?) however it seems as we grow up and more thoughts enter our heads, we have to learn to balance thinking and listening. If you have ever tried to explain something to a child who only… {read more}
Teach Children Friendship Skills: How Tying Knots Can Help
In the past few months I have noticed that my four-year-old’s relationships with peers are getting more complex. Therefore we have been discussing qualities such as forgiveness, being patient, accepting differences, and being a steady friend more often. It can be difficult to share long-term vision with small children, as they really do live in… {read more}
30 Cooperative Games for Preschoolers
This document has now been turned into a beautiful FREE ebook which you can read more about here! I am very excited to offer a new resource consisting of 30 games for preschoolers! These games are not competitive like many games commonly used… they require children to cooperate, be observant, or simply “play” without… {read more}
{Homemade Place-Mat Printable} Encourage Respectful Behavior At The Table
With small children who have a hard time sitting still or doing any activity for an extended period of time, meal times are constantly on my list of areas to work on. In our case the biggest struggle is staying in your seat for the entire meal (or even three minutes in a row). Whether… {read more}
