My husband has been sitting down with him nightly and drawing the continents and telling Truman whatever he knows about the countries. Truman relays this information to me throughout the day: “Mommy, did you know it is very, VERY cold in Antarctica?” “Mommy, you know what Mommy? There is a really bad war in Iraq.” “Mommy, did you know people in Sudan are very sad?”

My husband has now taken the “world studies” with my son to the next step – flags. He has printed a list of the thumbnails from this FlagWorld site and my son has been coloring the different flags. Not to sound like the dumb-arse that I am, but I had no idea Tuvalu was a country. (And now that I know, I think I want to live there one day.)

Truman wants to know why each continent doesn’t have its own flag, which was a difficult question to answer. And so my son took it upon himself to design flags for each of the countries. (Here’s Africa on the right.) What a pleasant way to occupy my son’s overactive mind during the rainy days of spring break!

JWJourney

Post from: Blisstree

Kids Discover The World Through Flags

My family and I leave in two hours, for our annual vacation. We will be on the road for approximately three hours. It doesn’t seem like a long time, when it is verbalized, but it is an eternity when there are seven bored and whiny children on board. I have learned, the hard way, to be prepared. Here is a list of road trip survival ideas that I’ve acquired over the past few years at the school of hard knocks and hellish road trips.

1. Bribery works. It is not a tactic that I am above using. I have purchased a bag of non sticky, sugary treats for children who behave well.
2. Games, games, games. The treats will serve a double duty as prizes for the trivia game. My husband and I think up the questions and the right answer is rewarded with a treat. The questions are only thrown out every half hour, and the treats are small in size, to avoid sugar overload. We also play the alphabet game, where the kids try to find each letter of the alphabet on license plates and road signs. My husband taught them the “Never Leave Your Ribs Open Game,” which his brothers played on road trips. Can you guess what that game entails? Yes, it is as barbaric as it sounds and my kids were banned from playing it (sometimes I have to wonder how my mother in law survived 13 kids on a road trip. )
3. Books. For those who cannot read without getting nauseated, purchase books on CD. I bought a collection of Dr. Seuss audio books for the little ones who cannot yet read.
4. Technology. We do not own a portable DVD player, as of yet, but I sooooo wish we did. I am allowing the older kids to bring portable devices of all kinds. Since we do not own video games, they bring CD players, Leapsters and MP3players.
5. Limit liquids. Only allow sips of water and no soda or caffeine, which is a diuretic. Restroom stps can be greatly reduced by limiting the drinking to thirst quenching purposes, only.
6. Provide pillows. The lull of the open road will induce a nap, most of the time. Save the candy treats for after nap time, to avoid sugar rushes.
7. Keep an emergency kit, fully stocked, at arm’s length. You never know…
8. Tissue and baby wipes. They can be easily thrown across the car to a needy/messy child.
9. Plastic bags. Bring ones that seal closed, in case of barfing or poop accidents. That way, the toxic odors can be eliminated until you reach a trash can. Grocery bags are great for storing regular old trash.
10. Insurance cards, list of social security numbers, allergy list, medical cards and immunization records. In case of an accident, you may need these.
11. Sun block. Even if you are not going to a tropical location, you may need to apply some if the car breaks down and you have to be outside for awhile. An umbrella is also good to have, for this reason.
12. Personal phone book. If your cell phone has all of your important numbers in it, make sure you have the chargers.
13. Paper towels. Spills happen.
14. Sun glasses. Your driver will thank you.
15. Extra set of directions. Another, ”you never know” item.

 I think we are all set. If you have any other items that you bring along, feel free to add to the list in the comments section. I’ll let you all know when we arrive!

Post from: Blisstree

Surviving The Ride

Post from: Blisstree

92 Years Of Mother’s Day History

I know it sounds too easy to be effective. It’s not as easy as it sounds, if you’re a person who likes to keep the house clean and accomplish usual household tasks. Step one is forgetting your chores and putting tasks on hold. As my mother in law (mother of thirteen,) always says, “There’s always tomorrow!” But, for me, it takes a lot of effort to keep the cleaning products in their cupboard. Step two is forgetting that you’re an adult. Think like a child. What did you like to do as a youngster? Help your kids think up some fun ideas or just let them have the reigns for the day. Step three is letting yourself experience unrestrained fun. Forget the merriment inspired messes, the fact that you’re way too old to have a tea party and just live in the joy of the moment.

 I understand that this type of behavior is not feasible on a continual basis, as the functionality of the household depends on your consistency. But one day of unadultrated play time and chore shirking will do wonders for your inner child and your outer children. So log off of your computer, put away the mop and pull out the dress up clothes. I myself am planning to don my finest feathered hat, fanciest sequin dress and be a waitress at ”Cafe Prescott” this afternoon. The kids love hearing me say, “May I take your order?” They are so used to, “You’ll eat it because it’s your only choice,” that it brings about a welcome change of tone. They actually utter words of thanks and complimentary phrases, even though it’s the same old turkey sandwich they’ve always had for lunch. After that, we’ll play freeze dance, make crafts and be kindred spirits for the remainder of the day. Today, my inner child will be echoing the words of the great Dr. Martin Luther King, “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

Post from: Blisstree

Survival Of The Silliest

It’s Spring Break season and that means one of two things:

1.  You’re going to be traveling and in need of items to keep the kids entertained on the trip

or

2.  You’re going to be staying at home and still in need of ideas to keep the kids preoccupied

Either way, Printables4Kids has a little something for everyone.

If you have more than one child, you might consider paying a visit to the Everything for a Dollar store and buying up little prizes to award.

Give the kids the same worksheets and whoever wins gets a prize.

This can be both entertaining, educational and an inexpensive headache prevention for any parent.

Do you have an idea for Spring Break entertainment that you’d like to share?  I’d love to hear!

Post from: Blisstree

Printable Entertainment for Kids