After listening to Mum and Dad talking about dinner on the hands free while in the car:
Jaz: in a slightly horrified but also very interested tone: "Are we having snake for dinner?"
Mum: "No bub, we are having steak for dinner" stifles giggle
Jaz: "What's steak?"
Mum: "Meat" Mum looks in the rear vision to see a very puzzled look on Jaz's face. (to understand this you may first need to know that to Jaz, all meat is called chicken, except fish which is called salmon, unless you are having fish and chips in which case it is called fish. Get it? No? Us either)
Anyway...
Mum: "kind of like chicken but different"
Jaz now in a very understanding tone and nodding "Ohhh like Penguin?"
Mum laughing uproariously: "Well a chicken is somewhat like a penguin but different I guess, but no, we are not having Penguin for dinner, we are having steak."
Jaz: "Penguins flap their wings in the water like a butterfly."
Mum: "ummm ok"
Jaz: "I can flap my wings in the water like a butterfly penguin too, can't I Mum?"
Mum: "ummmm, yes, yes you can bub"
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Stick it!
I have come to a realisation that many other people are most likely aware of... I just cannot seem to stick with things...
OK, that's not exactly a revelation, anyone who knows me would be aware of that fact, it's just that I have never really given a great deal of thought as to WHY I find it difficult to focus on things and see them through. It is not so much that I am an instant gratification junky (though I do like projects that I can finish relatively quickly - uh oh, maybe I am). It is more that I have so many interests, so many varying things I like to focus my energies on that it seems almost impossible to stick to just one. But doing more than one is often just not feasible, especially when raising a family... oh who am I kidding? I was like this long before starting a family!
So, I can either continue like this, not finishing things I start. Proclaiming that I am going to do something only to get sidetracked and start a new venture before really getting stuck into the previous or... hang on I'll get to the 'or' in a tic.
You see, to some on the outside I guess it may appear that I am lazy, that I don't see things through because I cannot be bothered. but you see that couldn't be further from the truth. It is because there is so much I want to do that I jump from one thing to another before I can even get stuck into the idea I had previously.
OK, I can hear you saying 'SO WHAT?!' yeah, I agree, not really all that interesting of an observation but wait there's more... and it's not a set of steak knifes either, here is the 'or'...
OR I can do something about it, so...
I am going to start something and stick with it. The challenge I had was finding something I could stick with, something where my other interests, thoughts, imaginings, day dreams and so forth would not interfere but may instead actually benefit the undertaking of this task. What is this new venture????
I am going to blog and not 'The Daily Motherism' type of blog. The type you come back to, again and again and again. Not necessarily because it is funny, though it will be, not because you know me and want to be kind and read, though I hope you do... But because it will have a truly eclectic mix of all things of interest to me and hopefully to a bunch of other people too.
It will contain random snippets of information that float around in my head because I am able to learn and retain random things but cannot for love nor money remember my times tables.
An example:
How to make clear ice blocks - use boiled water, this will ensure your ice cubes are crystal clear, no fog or cracks, just perfect ice cubes. Seriously... who needs to know such random *ahem* crap. Well I seem to retain irrelevant information like this on a regular basis, so I will share it in a section just for random, uselessly useful info.
Further to my random ramblings I will have sections on kids, courtesy and etiquette (my pet peeve is people who appear to have lost their manners somewhere), recipes, craft projects, weight loss, great reads and... well, the list just goes on and on.
You see this does not fight my scatterbrained approach to life, it embraces it, relishes it revels in it, like a pig rolling in mud or a kid wearing gumboots jumping in puddles. It may not make sense when you say it but it works!!! At least I hope it will... Stay tuned... I have a lot of research, reading and writing as well as planning and creating that needs to take place. I hope by saying it out loud that this is something I will stick with and actually create... Wish me luck. xo
OK, that's not exactly a revelation, anyone who knows me would be aware of that fact, it's just that I have never really given a great deal of thought as to WHY I find it difficult to focus on things and see them through. It is not so much that I am an instant gratification junky (though I do like projects that I can finish relatively quickly - uh oh, maybe I am). It is more that I have so many interests, so many varying things I like to focus my energies on that it seems almost impossible to stick to just one. But doing more than one is often just not feasible, especially when raising a family... oh who am I kidding? I was like this long before starting a family!
So, I can either continue like this, not finishing things I start. Proclaiming that I am going to do something only to get sidetracked and start a new venture before really getting stuck into the previous or... hang on I'll get to the 'or' in a tic.
You see, to some on the outside I guess it may appear that I am lazy, that I don't see things through because I cannot be bothered. but you see that couldn't be further from the truth. It is because there is so much I want to do that I jump from one thing to another before I can even get stuck into the idea I had previously.
OK, I can hear you saying 'SO WHAT?!' yeah, I agree, not really all that interesting of an observation but wait there's more... and it's not a set of steak knifes either, here is the 'or'...
OR I can do something about it, so...
I am going to start something and stick with it. The challenge I had was finding something I could stick with, something where my other interests, thoughts, imaginings, day dreams and so forth would not interfere but may instead actually benefit the undertaking of this task. What is this new venture????
I am going to blog and not 'The Daily Motherism' type of blog. The type you come back to, again and again and again. Not necessarily because it is funny, though it will be, not because you know me and want to be kind and read, though I hope you do... But because it will have a truly eclectic mix of all things of interest to me and hopefully to a bunch of other people too.
It will contain random snippets of information that float around in my head because I am able to learn and retain random things but cannot for love nor money remember my times tables.
An example:
How to make clear ice blocks - use boiled water, this will ensure your ice cubes are crystal clear, no fog or cracks, just perfect ice cubes. Seriously... who needs to know such random *ahem* crap. Well I seem to retain irrelevant information like this on a regular basis, so I will share it in a section just for random, uselessly useful info.
Further to my random ramblings I will have sections on kids, courtesy and etiquette (my pet peeve is people who appear to have lost their manners somewhere), recipes, craft projects, weight loss, great reads and... well, the list just goes on and on.
You see this does not fight my scatterbrained approach to life, it embraces it, relishes it revels in it, like a pig rolling in mud or a kid wearing gumboots jumping in puddles. It may not make sense when you say it but it works!!! At least I hope it will... Stay tuned... I have a lot of research, reading and writing as well as planning and creating that needs to take place. I hope by saying it out loud that this is something I will stick with and actually create... Wish me luck. xo
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Family Ties
A few days ago I had the amazing opportunity to meet a cousin I had only met once before when I was very very young. You see I have three cousins who all live in the US. My Uncle also lived in the US until he passed away last year. I met my Uncle when I was young also but not since, though I have always felt as though I knew him from the stories I was told by my Dad. Uncle Kenny was older than Dad by quite a bit and moved overseas before Dad started his family. I have always known I had family overseas and being as family orientated as I am have always wanted to know more about them, often asking questions and paying particular attention to everything I was ever told about them.
The beauty of the Internet and in particular sites such as Facebook is that they can allow you to connect with people you may otherwise never get to meet but definitely should. Over the last 12 months or so I have communicated via the net with all three of my US cousins, with a lot of communication between myself and one cousin in particular, Michelle. When I heard that Michelle was coming to Australia with the intention of simply seeing and getting to know some family I was instantly excited. After a few emails backwards and forwards it was settled that Michelle and her husband Gary would venture down to my Mum and Dads with my two Aunts (one of whom they were staying with during their trip) on Friday and stay the night at my parents home in Somers.
On Friday I not only got the pleasure of seeing my Aunts who I see far too sporadically but I also met Michelle in person. Not to sound too 'airy fairy' but I felt an almost immediate connection. I could have sat and talked with her for hours, she was just one of those people who makes you feel instantly comfortable. I cannot describe the feeling other than instant comfort and acceptance. Maybe it is because we are family and it is ingrained into us to have a connection or maybe she is just a very special person who makes everyone feel at ease when they meet her, I don't know. My only regret is that I will not get to see her more often. We may live on opposite sides of the world but I cannot wait to see her again, to chat, to share stories and ideas (She too is looking at starting a new blog and doing so 'properly') and to get to know each others families.
When I got back from Mum and Dads on Friday I couldn't stop telling Craig how wonderful the day had been and when he later found me researching the cost of flights to Colorado I think he realised that I was serious. Not this year (Wedding, Bali etc etc) and probably not next (will probably still be paying for the wedding lol) but soon, I want to travel to America, I want to spend time getting to know my extended family. Of course we will have to see as much of the US as we can but now more than ever I am determined to get there. And when we do I will hopefully get to meet my entire extended family and build connections that will last the rest of my life
The beauty of the Internet and in particular sites such as Facebook is that they can allow you to connect with people you may otherwise never get to meet but definitely should. Over the last 12 months or so I have communicated via the net with all three of my US cousins, with a lot of communication between myself and one cousin in particular, Michelle. When I heard that Michelle was coming to Australia with the intention of simply seeing and getting to know some family I was instantly excited. After a few emails backwards and forwards it was settled that Michelle and her husband Gary would venture down to my Mum and Dads with my two Aunts (one of whom they were staying with during their trip) on Friday and stay the night at my parents home in Somers.
On Friday I not only got the pleasure of seeing my Aunts who I see far too sporadically but I also met Michelle in person. Not to sound too 'airy fairy' but I felt an almost immediate connection. I could have sat and talked with her for hours, she was just one of those people who makes you feel instantly comfortable. I cannot describe the feeling other than instant comfort and acceptance. Maybe it is because we are family and it is ingrained into us to have a connection or maybe she is just a very special person who makes everyone feel at ease when they meet her, I don't know. My only regret is that I will not get to see her more often. We may live on opposite sides of the world but I cannot wait to see her again, to chat, to share stories and ideas (She too is looking at starting a new blog and doing so 'properly') and to get to know each others families.
When I got back from Mum and Dads on Friday I couldn't stop telling Craig how wonderful the day had been and when he later found me researching the cost of flights to Colorado I think he realised that I was serious. Not this year (Wedding, Bali etc etc) and probably not next (will probably still be paying for the wedding lol) but soon, I want to travel to America, I want to spend time getting to know my extended family. Of course we will have to see as much of the US as we can but now more than ever I am determined to get there. And when we do I will hopefully get to meet my entire extended family and build connections that will last the rest of my life
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Name Change update
OK, so I have actually decided to keep this blog just as it is but I will be creating a new site for a new, more refined purpose. I will keep you updated on when it is up and running and will be sure to be plugging it relentlessly ;)
Well, I have so many things to chat about... As I am typing this I am watching J tumble from the lounge chair onto one of those flip out couch thingys while singing out 'Mum mum mum watch me, watch meeee'. And as she tumbles she laughs and squeals both at the same time...
I am thinking back over the past few days, to things that I have rambled to myself about (mostly in my head but not always) and that I would like to note, if for no other reason than not wanting to forget them along with so many other things that have long left my memory.
On the weekend we took J and K to the Animal Zoo. Not the zoo, the animal zoo. J has been asking us every day for the past two weeks to take her to see the animals at the animal zoo, singing to us (most things are sung at the moment) that she wants to see the munkeeeez, the eflaaants and the Jeeeraaaaafs... She tells us that her cousin who is the same age as her went to the zoo with his Mummy and Daddy and baby and he has told her all about it. i find this incredibly fascinating. The kids are mostly playing raucously when they are together but I have never really noticed them having much of a 'conversation' as such. Sometimes they say the odd thing to one another such as 'look at me' or 'come with me' and often they yell at each other 'that's MINE, give it Baaaaaack!!!' but never have I heard them just having a chat so finding that he has told her all about the zoo and had her so excited by what he has told her is completely fascinating to me.
Anywho it was off to the Animal Zoo for our little team. It was a beautiful sunny 28 in Melbourne on Saturday, just gorgeous. Really good weather for drying washing, that was something I had lots of due to the terrible drying weather that had graced us over the last fortnight, but I didn't have to worry about that, I, sorry, we were going to the Zoo.
Off we went and there we arrived along with gazillions (no exaggeration there really were gazillions) of other zoo going folk who were also wanting to take advantage of this glorious weather. But that did not hamper our spirits, we arrived in time for lunch, we picnicked, we visited critters and we constantly heard each other saying 'c'mon J, c'mon, you'll get lost, don't go over there, come here, COME HERE, STOP Grrrrr Hmph' But don't worry that didn't dampen our spirits for the day either. J was just being a typical excited three year old. Loving the gardens and the animals and the general excitement of the day.
We took the Phil & Teds so that she could climb into the pusher when her legs got tired but she didn't spend long in there, most of the time was spent on Dads shoulders getting the best view of everything. I love watching her riding all the way up there. It is a special father child activity, a right of passage.
I took lots of photos looking very much like a Japanese tourist, watching most of the goings on through a viewfinder. K slept a majority of the time and spent the rest of the time cooing and laughing at strangers enjoying lots of attention and quiet time gumming Sophie (His Giraffe teether).
We grown ups enjoyed offering J such a special day, I enjoyed walking in the sunshine with someone to share the kid wrangling with and when all was done and dusted I even enjoyed the cruisy drive home as a passenger and a whole 45 minutes of alone time with my family.
Hearing J tell us that her favourite animal was the Efalents (mine was the giraffes) got me to thinking of some of the funnier words and mispronunciations we have had the pleasure of experiencing so far and I thought I would share them with you.
Moogoo (the first oo is pronounced as in book or look and the second as it is spelled 'goo') this is J's name for a mandarin and has been since she was about 16 months old.
Gunzel - otherwise known as Rapunzel
There are many more of course that I am sure I will remember as soon as I hit the 'post' button and then there is the one that a wonderful friend of mine uses all the time since her darling son came up with it. It is 'Toonkynunk' (hope I got that one right) I just love this word and think her son is a complete genius for coming up with such a literary gem!
I must admit we use Moogoo all the time, hardly ever referring to the fruit as a mandarin. J also has her very own word for her privates and since she started using it we do too.
What funny / nonsense words have your treasures come up with that have become family favourites?
Well, I have so many things to chat about... As I am typing this I am watching J tumble from the lounge chair onto one of those flip out couch thingys while singing out 'Mum mum mum watch me, watch meeee'. And as she tumbles she laughs and squeals both at the same time...
I am thinking back over the past few days, to things that I have rambled to myself about (mostly in my head but not always) and that I would like to note, if for no other reason than not wanting to forget them along with so many other things that have long left my memory.
On the weekend we took J and K to the Animal Zoo. Not the zoo, the animal zoo. J has been asking us every day for the past two weeks to take her to see the animals at the animal zoo, singing to us (most things are sung at the moment) that she wants to see the munkeeeez, the eflaaants and the Jeeeraaaaafs... She tells us that her cousin who is the same age as her went to the zoo with his Mummy and Daddy and baby and he has told her all about it. i find this incredibly fascinating. The kids are mostly playing raucously when they are together but I have never really noticed them having much of a 'conversation' as such. Sometimes they say the odd thing to one another such as 'look at me' or 'come with me' and often they yell at each other 'that's MINE, give it Baaaaaack!!!' but never have I heard them just having a chat so finding that he has told her all about the zoo and had her so excited by what he has told her is completely fascinating to me.
Anywho it was off to the Animal Zoo for our little team. It was a beautiful sunny 28 in Melbourne on Saturday, just gorgeous. Really good weather for drying washing, that was something I had lots of due to the terrible drying weather that had graced us over the last fortnight, but I didn't have to worry about that, I, sorry, we were going to the Zoo.
Off we went and there we arrived along with gazillions (no exaggeration there really were gazillions) of other zoo going folk who were also wanting to take advantage of this glorious weather. But that did not hamper our spirits, we arrived in time for lunch, we picnicked, we visited critters and we constantly heard each other saying 'c'mon J, c'mon, you'll get lost, don't go over there, come here, COME HERE, STOP Grrrrr Hmph' But don't worry that didn't dampen our spirits for the day either. J was just being a typical excited three year old. Loving the gardens and the animals and the general excitement of the day.
We took the Phil & Teds so that she could climb into the pusher when her legs got tired but she didn't spend long in there, most of the time was spent on Dads shoulders getting the best view of everything. I love watching her riding all the way up there. It is a special father child activity, a right of passage.
I took lots of photos looking very much like a Japanese tourist, watching most of the goings on through a viewfinder. K slept a majority of the time and spent the rest of the time cooing and laughing at strangers enjoying lots of attention and quiet time gumming Sophie (His Giraffe teether).
We grown ups enjoyed offering J such a special day, I enjoyed walking in the sunshine with someone to share the kid wrangling with and when all was done and dusted I even enjoyed the cruisy drive home as a passenger and a whole 45 minutes of alone time with my family.
Hearing J tell us that her favourite animal was the Efalents (mine was the giraffes) got me to thinking of some of the funnier words and mispronunciations we have had the pleasure of experiencing so far and I thought I would share them with you.
Moogoo (the first oo is pronounced as in book or look and the second as it is spelled 'goo') this is J's name for a mandarin and has been since she was about 16 months old.
Gunzel - otherwise known as Rapunzel
There are many more of course that I am sure I will remember as soon as I hit the 'post' button and then there is the one that a wonderful friend of mine uses all the time since her darling son came up with it. It is 'Toonkynunk' (hope I got that one right) I just love this word and think her son is a complete genius for coming up with such a literary gem!
I must admit we use Moogoo all the time, hardly ever referring to the fruit as a mandarin. J also has her very own word for her privates and since she started using it we do too.
What funny / nonsense words have your treasures come up with that have become family favourites?
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Name Change
Not mine, my blog...
A short entry only tonight, not because I don't have a million things to say. Anyone who knows me knows I could chat all night, and day, and then through the next night, all without stopping to catch my breath but tonight I wont go into any of that.
Tonight I just have on my mind the possibility of changing the name of my blog. Despite the fact that I have not been the most diligent blogger I feel that my blog is deserving of a more suitable and appropriately reflective name. As a matter of fact a different look entirely. I really do have a serious case of blog envy and the only remedy is giving my own a makeover. It will be a slow and gradual makeover, following my gradual education on blogging and how to make my blog better.
I have a lot to share, a lot to communicate and a lot to learn and I want my blog to represent the me I want to be. Not the me I was, not even the me I am but the me I am striving to become... Hmmm something to sleep on, what will my new blogs name be? I think I know but will wait until I am sure before I click the change button!
Ciao
xo
A short entry only tonight, not because I don't have a million things to say. Anyone who knows me knows I could chat all night, and day, and then through the next night, all without stopping to catch my breath but tonight I wont go into any of that.
Tonight I just have on my mind the possibility of changing the name of my blog. Despite the fact that I have not been the most diligent blogger I feel that my blog is deserving of a more suitable and appropriately reflective name. As a matter of fact a different look entirely. I really do have a serious case of blog envy and the only remedy is giving my own a makeover. It will be a slow and gradual makeover, following my gradual education on blogging and how to make my blog better.
I have a lot to share, a lot to communicate and a lot to learn and I want my blog to represent the me I want to be. Not the me I was, not even the me I am but the me I am striving to become... Hmmm something to sleep on, what will my new blogs name be? I think I know but will wait until I am sure before I click the change button!
Ciao
xo
Friday, January 14, 2011
Going Bananas
I am not sure but I think I may be living with a family of monkeys not a family of humans. How else can I explain the extraordinary amount of bananas I need to purchase every week?
Just this last week my family has consumed 30 bananas. Maybe we are single handedly (not so sure that's a word but I'm sticking with it) keeping a banana farmer somewhere in business...
It actually became a talking point over a cuppa with a friend when my youngest brother (I have two) popped in and asked if we had acquired a monkey recently... I wondered what he was on about until I turned to see him staring at a reasonable sized bunch of bananas, if only he knew that those had been purchased to replace the pile that had already been consumed.
I really don't think it is just us. Bananas are just so very versatile, they come prepackaged, can be eaten raw or cooked (Mmmmm sauteed in Tia maria or Cointreau or deep fried with a serve of ice cream and maple syrup).
They go great in cakes and muffins, make the best smoothies and work really well as a baby food. What's not to love?
I am certain we will soon see a sharp increase in prices due to the Queensland floods and I distinctly remember the last time banana prices soared. It was around March 2006 when Cyclone Larry hit. I recall a friend of mine giving her son his first taste of banana, it was a real luxury, from memory bananas were approximately $17 per kilo, not bad considering an average banana can easily weigh up to 250g!!!!
I just hope that when prices soar again it is the farmers in QLD or the flood victims who receive a large proportion of the price rise, that they are not paid the same amount as they would usually be paid per kilo and then the retailers try to keep their income the same as it otherwise would be by hiking up prices. I understand the concept of supply and demand and completely accept the need for prices to rise in the wake of such a natural disaster, I just hope that the farmers are looked after too!!!
Now back to my light hearted look at mymonkeys family and their amazing banana consumption.
I would love to know what your family eats, drinks, uses, consumes at some phenomenal rate.
Leave your comments below to share.
Just this last week my family has consumed 30 bananas. Maybe we are single handedly (not so sure that's a word but I'm sticking with it) keeping a banana farmer somewhere in business...
It actually became a talking point over a cuppa with a friend when my youngest brother (I have two) popped in and asked if we had acquired a monkey recently... I wondered what he was on about until I turned to see him staring at a reasonable sized bunch of bananas, if only he knew that those had been purchased to replace the pile that had already been consumed.
I really don't think it is just us. Bananas are just so very versatile, they come prepackaged, can be eaten raw or cooked (Mmmmm sauteed in Tia maria or Cointreau or deep fried with a serve of ice cream and maple syrup).
They go great in cakes and muffins, make the best smoothies and work really well as a baby food. What's not to love?
I am certain we will soon see a sharp increase in prices due to the Queensland floods and I distinctly remember the last time banana prices soared. It was around March 2006 when Cyclone Larry hit. I recall a friend of mine giving her son his first taste of banana, it was a real luxury, from memory bananas were approximately $17 per kilo, not bad considering an average banana can easily weigh up to 250g!!!!
I just hope that when prices soar again it is the farmers in QLD or the flood victims who receive a large proportion of the price rise, that they are not paid the same amount as they would usually be paid per kilo and then the retailers try to keep their income the same as it otherwise would be by hiking up prices. I understand the concept of supply and demand and completely accept the need for prices to rise in the wake of such a natural disaster, I just hope that the farmers are looked after too!!!
Now back to my light hearted look at my
I would love to know what your family eats, drinks, uses, consumes at some phenomenal rate.
Leave your comments below to share.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Rain rain go away come again another day?
On a day when many of us are glued to our TV screens watching the flood disaster unfold in Queensland and in between crosses to Brisbane we are hearing of wildfires in Western Australia and Flash flooding in New South Wales and Victoria. I feel very lucky to be living in Victoria, in an area where today's weather is muggy and a little uncomfortable with no flooding or fires in sight. I cannot get my washing dry for the humidity and the constant showers and the kids and I are sticky and uncomfortable. Yet I am feeling very lucky to be living safely, not having to worry for the safety of my nearest and dearest (though Jaz did lock herself in the toilet and it took me nearly a half hour to get her out but that doesn't really count as a crises as I knew she would be fine).
Having said this I cannot believe the complaining of those who think we are hard done by with this weather. Oh how dare it rain on school holidays, keeping the kids cooped up indoors!!! If this is the biggest problem you face then I really do think you should consider yourself lucky. I know I do. Then again, for the most part I truly enjoy spending time with my motley lot, though I often feel guilty for short changing them while I do my own thing and leave them to their own devices I feel that it is probably good for children to learn to play creatively and independently. Is it really so awful that you are forced to be in the same space as your school aged children? Or your kindergartners, preschoolers or toddlers? OK, so you are feeling frazzled and maybe you are stuck for ideas on how to keep them entertained, especially if they are 'outdoorsy' kids who would otherwise be out playing in the yard, here are some ideas to help you stay sane...
1. First and foremost - who says they have to stay indoors? It might be raining outside but it is delightfully warm, let them play in the rain, jump in puddles, look for frogs, make mud cakes and all without them freezing in the process. What is the difference between rain and say running through the sprinkler on a hot day (ahhhh those were the days). Forget the rules and encourage some rain play. Grab your camera, find some shelter (I'm worried about the camera not you) and start shooting. Rain looks amazing in photos.
2. OK, so you are not into soggy children, why not make a cubby inside, use some sheets, boxes, furniture, pretty much anything you have handy, help when needed but otherwise let them create their own little hideaway.
3. Make some musical instruments, fill some plastic bottles with rice for maracas, a plastic bowl with baking paper laid over the opening and held taught with a large rubber band, or even a length of wool makes a great drum with a small plastic spoon ideal as the drumstick. If you have a more 'rambunctious' child, go the upturned saucepan and wooden spoon as it is a much sturdier option. Don't forget to make yourself an instrument and sing away.
4. Create an obstacle course, it's OK if you don't have a large room, you can use a hallway or even a range of different rooms, two chair with a broom across them makes a great limbo obstacle, a hula hoop to go through, ribbons laid across the floor to hop skip and jump over, the ideas are endless and will keep kids amused for ages, you can time them or they can do it to music.
5. Speaking of music, remember the days of creating a production to put on for your parents? (or was that just some strange thing our family did?) Anyway, encourage your children to star in their own production, they can wear makeup, dress ups, have their hair done and put on a dance and song for Mum and Dad.
Still think you're hard done by? I didn't think so.
Having said this I cannot believe the complaining of those who think we are hard done by with this weather. Oh how dare it rain on school holidays, keeping the kids cooped up indoors!!! If this is the biggest problem you face then I really do think you should consider yourself lucky. I know I do. Then again, for the most part I truly enjoy spending time with my motley lot, though I often feel guilty for short changing them while I do my own thing and leave them to their own devices I feel that it is probably good for children to learn to play creatively and independently. Is it really so awful that you are forced to be in the same space as your school aged children? Or your kindergartners, preschoolers or toddlers? OK, so you are feeling frazzled and maybe you are stuck for ideas on how to keep them entertained, especially if they are 'outdoorsy' kids who would otherwise be out playing in the yard, here are some ideas to help you stay sane...
1. First and foremost - who says they have to stay indoors? It might be raining outside but it is delightfully warm, let them play in the rain, jump in puddles, look for frogs, make mud cakes and all without them freezing in the process. What is the difference between rain and say running through the sprinkler on a hot day (ahhhh those were the days). Forget the rules and encourage some rain play. Grab your camera, find some shelter (I'm worried about the camera not you) and start shooting. Rain looks amazing in photos.
2. OK, so you are not into soggy children, why not make a cubby inside, use some sheets, boxes, furniture, pretty much anything you have handy, help when needed but otherwise let them create their own little hideaway.
3. Make some musical instruments, fill some plastic bottles with rice for maracas, a plastic bowl with baking paper laid over the opening and held taught with a large rubber band, or even a length of wool makes a great drum with a small plastic spoon ideal as the drumstick. If you have a more 'rambunctious' child, go the upturned saucepan and wooden spoon as it is a much sturdier option. Don't forget to make yourself an instrument and sing away.
4. Create an obstacle course, it's OK if you don't have a large room, you can use a hallway or even a range of different rooms, two chair with a broom across them makes a great limbo obstacle, a hula hoop to go through, ribbons laid across the floor to hop skip and jump over, the ideas are endless and will keep kids amused for ages, you can time them or they can do it to music.
5. Speaking of music, remember the days of creating a production to put on for your parents? (or was that just some strange thing our family did?) Anyway, encourage your children to star in their own production, they can wear makeup, dress ups, have their hair done and put on a dance and song for Mum and Dad.
Still think you're hard done by? I didn't think so.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)