Showing posts with label child development. Show all posts
Showing posts with label child development. Show all posts
Showing posts with label child development. Show all posts
Showing posts with label child development. Show all posts

Limit Smartphone Use App: Are You Addicted?


Put Down Your Phone! It Can Save Your Child’s Self- Esteem



Do your kids have mobile phones? We recently purchased a smartphone to use as a house phone. Though, my kids have tablets and free access to computers, I worry about the cell phone, the texting, the access to the world in the palm of your hand. Smartphones have become addictive. I wondered, is their an app for that? Of course, there's an app for everything! Should we limit smartphone use? In this post, Hilary Smith, shares some insight on the overuse of technology combined with our kids, but it might not be the child who has the problem. That's right, Mom (or Dad), you might need an app to limit smartphone use. Enjoy!


Cognitive Craft Benefits for Children: Twig Log Cabin Ornament

Twig Ornament Highlights Benefits of Crafting with Children

Crafts aid in child development; it is proven to be true! There are cognitive benefits to crafting with your kids. So, get out your crayons, glue, pom poms, felt, and glitter, and get crafting. Scroll down for details on our fun craft activity for school-age childrenEnjoy!


How to make a twig log cabin ornament decoration with children.
Make a twig log cabin ornament.

If you are a busy working mama don't worry- enroll your child in a local class, take them to a library program, or sign them up at a childcare program like ChildTime.

Many child care programs, often considered as only day care for preschoolers, offer before and after school care, homework help, and summer camp in addition to their preschool classes and care.

At ChildTime, fun and educational mornings and afternoons await your child. The My Best Self! program for school-age students focuses on goal-setting and reflection, and is complemented by homework support, team-building opportunities, and physical activity. The programs give children structure with a mix of independent and organized activities (including crafts), education, and recreational opportunities.

So, what are the cognitive benefits of Crafts?

Crafting can improve coordination between the right and left side of the brain, as well as, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

In small children, using crayons, scissors, and glue helps develop muscles in fingers and hands. Think small motor skills.

Adults can build bonds while interacting with children during craft time. The social interaction promotes language skills through face to face engagement. Older children need these bonds to feel a sense of security during all the changes they face in puberty. Learn more about emotional bonding.

As children age and want to spend more time with screens and less and less time creating with their hands, before and after school programs are a great way to encourage human interaction and continue to build skill for following directions and completing projects.

Want to bond and practice the cognitive benefits of crafts at home? You might like this fun craft activity!


How to make a twig star holiday ornament decoration.
Make a twig star and wrap it with your favorite color yarn for a fun, holiday ornament.

How to Make Twig Ornaments

You've probably seen the stars made out of Twigs on Pinterest. We thought we'd try that with the kids. This is not as easy as it looks! I would not try it with preschoolers. After playing around with the twigs, some wire, and wood glue, we came up with little log cabin twig ornaments!


How to Make Twig Ornaments star log cabin

Make fun twig ornaments after a nature hike with children.


This a great activity to bond with your kids of all ages. Preschoolers will especially enjoy the prep required to make them. We headed out for a nature hike. Find a small twig and challenge your children to find straight twigs the same diameter. Collect several in varying lengths. 

After your hike, lay out the twigs in the shape of a house.

Older kids can attach the twigs at each overlapping corner with some small wire, floral tape, or kite string.

Be sure to attach a loop at the top to hang as an ornament.

Next, lay more small twigs across the house so they look like the logs of a log cabin. Attach with wood glue or strong school glue.

Let dry for 10-15 minutes.

To Make a Twig Star:

If you are a skilled twig designer, you can make a star and wire it together at the overlapping corners as seen above. Once complete, cut yarn, and have children wrap the star in their favorite colors. We cut several 6" pieces of yarn and then glued then ends down so that it doesn't unravel.

Imagine all the crafts your kids can make at ChildTime!




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Stick Man*


This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Learning Care Group. The opinions and text are all mine.

Whimsical Kids' Decor for the Nursery: Baby or Toddler Room

Whimsical Nursery Room Decor for Baby

A lot of thought goes into designing a nursery. Many future moms dream about and plan their baby's nursery room long before the baby is even a twinkle in their eye. The rest have nine months to mull over it. So, what design elements should go into your baby's nursery? The baby's room can be whimsical, sophisticated, or comfortably shabby chic. No matter the style, kids room design should be vibrant, inviting, and engaging to stimulate the baby's developing brain. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.*

Whimsical Kids Decor for the Nursery: Baby or Toddler Room
Whimsical Kids' Decor for the Nursery: Baby or Toddler Room.

Cool Toddler Bed: Universal Design Bedroom Furniture
Universal Design Bedroom Furniture: Cool Toddler Bed* at Amazon.

Cool kids dresser for nursery
Cool kids dresser for nursery*.


Toddler Bed Tent or Pop up Playspace
Toddler Tent Bed Playspace*

Whimsical Wall art for Kids Room Nursery BABY
Whimsical Wall Art For Kids Room*


Cool, Comfy Chair for Kids room or nursery
Cool comfy chair for kids* for reading and snuggling.

Colorful Curtains in Soothing Shades for baby's room: Jungle
Soothing, colorful, curtain panels*.

Use bright, complementary colors for a fun and soothing environment for baby. Differing hues of orange are perfect for the nursery. Orange is  a warm soothing, spicy earth-tone. Pair green and purple with a splash of orange for a pleasing triad color scheme.  

When planning your design think about the psychological effect of colors. Orange is known to invoke feelings ranging from comfort to anger and hostility. Therefore, orange should not be placed on large surfaces such as walls or floors. Use an orange accent, like drawer pulls or a bed tent, to give the room a punch of color. 

Paint the walls in a cool, light green or pastel lavender for a calming effect. Plop purple and orange throw pillows into a green chair to make a cozy reading nook, and accent your baby's room with whimsical character shapes to set a fun mood.


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Disney Princess Wall Decals *

Wall Art for Baby's Room: SimpleShapes.com

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Child Development Psychology: Sensory Play Aids in the Learning Process

Early Childhood Development: Learn with Sensory Play



The psychology behind a child's ability to focus academically or follow rules can be positively influenced by the environment. Parents and caregivers can help children with sensory processing disorders or developmental issues ease into everyday activities with simple games and activities.


Child Development Psychology: Sensory Play Aids in the Learning Process