Sometimes I forget that in my previous life I was a creative, dynamic Elementary School Counselor who taught and entertained children for hours and hours on end with enthusiasm and creativity. It was exhausting work, but I LOVED it, and I was rather good at it if I don’t say so myself :). So why in the world do I fail so miserably at teaching and entertaining my own children? Well….because I would so much rather they teach and entertain themselves, that’s why! However, we all know that kids are not the best at coming up with their own safe and parent-approved activities. Sometimes they need a bit of a push in the right direction. (Enter stage right, my hero.)
Every night after dinner, the Hubs and I love to take a stroll by the river and every night my children whine, complain, and cry that their feet hurt. Our evening pattern of walking, only to have our kids poop out, whine, complain, cry, and end up being carried or scolded all-the-way-home is getting beyond ridiculous. So today (duh!) I remembered this fabulous idea from this book pictured above. Make a nature bracelet. Simply stick a piece of tape around their wrists sticky side up, and while on your walk let them explore for treasures to place on their bracelets.
Do you see my children post-walk? No tears to speak of. In fact they look rather radiant!
As an early interventionist and a former special day class preschool teacher, how did this book miss my radar?! Thanks for the tip! I cannot wait to peruse it!
My son has Sensory Processing Disorder and I have loved Carol's other books on this issue.
Thank you for sharing this; will pass it along to the Sis. Since I have an 18 yr old and a 13 months baby, I will just have the oldest babysit! ahhhh, the joys of free child labor.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the tape bracelet idea! My kids are older and I still think they would LOVE this! I am going to find that book! thanks Beth:)
Thanks for linking this up, Beth! 🙂
Looks fun! Great idea- very creative!
This is such a creative idea! I don't have any little ones, but I know a few people who do whose kids would love to do this.
what a great idea!!! i may need to get that book!
I just posted a bunch of kiddo summer ideas on Monday. I can't wait till my little dude is old enough to play with and enjoy! I was also going to ask you to check out my Christmas in July series invite and see what you think. God Bless.- Julia
Beth,
I wanted to recommend a great site for this sort of thing with your kids. You actually may have already heard of it:
The Crafty Crow
http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/
And thanks for the FB birthday props! Makes my day:)
Beautifull idea!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a great idea Beth. I love that. I am definitely doing this with my kids this summer.
xoxo
Jen
Your boys are so cute! Such a great idea and book. Thanks for sharing
Oh my stars and hearts!!!!! I needed this post! I am a former elementary school teacher. I have crates of stuff upstairs, and what do I do most days? Wonder what I am going to do with my child!!! How awful is that?!? I love the nature bracelet! That is fabulous. I keep saying I am going to pull a tub out and do a unit of study with her, but I just don't. I hate to say that I am lazy, but I think I am when it comes down to it! Bad mom! Bad mom!! You have motivated me to do just the simple things. Going to buy this book! THANK YOU!!!!
Neat idea!! Knowing my kids, they'd probably find a cigarette butt or half-eaten candy bar to stick on there before I could stop them. :s
I have a post about Summer Activities going up tomorrow with an impromptu linky…hope you might stop by and link this up. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this! I always find it easier to take a recommendation (and the blogger themself) seriously when I know they aren't being compensated to say that they like something.
What a great idea! I'm always delighted when there's picture of Asher & Zephan on your blog 🙂
Beth,
thank you for sharing this with us. It looks like a great book and I think all of us (not just the kids) will have a blast making some nature bracelets! Fantastic idea 🙂
Wendy