Fine Motor Activities for Kids
Dressing dolls, especially barbies. When my kids were really little this usually involved me sitting and playing/dressing dolls with them and then they gradually learned to do more and more on their own.
Doll houses are great for both boys and girls. It teaches them to be gentle as they try to set things up and play without knocking things over.
Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids (That Work for Us)
Picking weeds outside, watering flowers/plants/herbs and raking leaves is a chore that my kids find fun. (Added bonus if you buy their own gloves/watering can).
Straightening the family's shoe area is a good chore that I'm about to assign to our tween, but any age could do it. Our shoes are on shelves in the bottom of our coat closet, but it becomes a disaster so quickly when the kids just kick them off into a pile and shut the door! Organizing the shoes every day will only take a couple minutes, and will make it so much easier for everyone to find their shoes on the way out the door.
Fun Facts For Kids That Will Blow Their Minds
The Chinese soft-shelled turtle pees from its mouth.
The human nose can identify over one trillion smells.
Exciting First Day of School Traditions
First day of school photos on our front steps, and couple more in front of the school too.
My husband and I will usually take the day off work (when we can) so we can be there for drop off and pick up on the first day, which makes it feel extra special for all of us.
What are your favorite inspirational quotes for kids?
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ~Maya Angelou
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. ~Wayne Gretzky
What are some fun animal facts?
When a bald eagle loses a feather on one wing, it will lose a matching feather on the other wing to keep its balance.
A mantis shrimp can throw a punch with the same acceleration of a .22 caliber bullet.
What helps the school year go more smoothly?
The kids are responsible for getting their backpacks ready before going to bed, and making sure they have all their homework, books, permission slips, etc in there, and that it is zipped up and ready to just grab and go in the morning. We sometimes need to remind them to do this, but as it becomes part of the nighttime routine it gets easier and easier!
My boys pick out their clothes the night before, and always check what the weather will be like to plan for it, as well as if they have gym or not. It makes getting dressed in the morning much easier!
