School-friendly closed toe slip-on shoes for toddlers and kids
You already know it’s back-to-school time in many parts of the world, but what you may NOT realize is that many schools (at least those in the Northern Hemisphere) have a closed-toe shoe policy firmly in place. Rather than argue if this makes sense or not (I admit I don’t completely understand the reasons behind the policies — safety? Nail polish?), it’s way more fun to cruise the internet for sparkly and/or brightly-colored closed-toe slip-on shoes like these red wool shoes by the folks at TOMS ($29).
Craft a magnetic table in a few steps — perfect for doctor’s visits or road trips
You know those magnetic tables that usually fill the lobbies of pediatrician’s offices and the like? Jamiee at Craft, Interrupted has made one for her kids — and she’s got all kinds of templates and designs you can use to scheme up your own!
Take a plastic children’s table and turn it into a fancy spot for kids who dine
Caroline scored a plastic kid’s table at a yard sale a few months ago. She kept it in her kitchen for her son’s snack time, but recently decided she was tired of the faded red, yellow, and teal and wanted to chic the table up a bit.
How to make your own glittery soap
I was inspired by This Halloween-themed soap tutorial from Cap Creations, and I had a great time making these! Each soap has a fun little surprise in the center, which my kids go nuts over.
How I failed at making rainbow slime and ended up with ’80s-themed goop instead
I recently found what I believed would be a SUPER simple tutorial for making your own rainbow slime with glue, liquid starch, and food coloring. You may recall that I’m somewhat DIY challenged, so I must have still been riding the high I achieved last month with my shiny leaf art on Offbeat Home. I was all, “Rainbow slime? I’VE GOT THIS.”
Preschoolers and the art of persuasion
In real life, how often do we do something (or not do something) simply because someone told us to (or not to)? Not that often, really. And yet adults assume that children should do things (or not do things) simply “because I said so.” I don’t do that. Instead I engage in what I call “the art of persuasion.”
Knowing when to call the game: we don’t care if our son doesn’t play team sports
As I have been diagnosed with ADD and can spot the signs, my husband and I anticipate our son will end up with an ADD diagnosis down the line. Until it interferes with his happiness, success, and self-esteem we’re quietly (nervously) watching from the sidelines. And if he’s not into sports… that’s fine.
5 beautifully illustrated children’s books you’ll want to read over and over again
Children’s books that both tell beautiful stories — whether they’re of small yet courageous mice or artists flitting around Paris in the 1920s — have always captivated me and been part of our bedtime reading ritual. Here are few that I especially adore!