Building Your Child's Confidence.

 

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt  

   Recently our older two (8 and 4 years old at time of post) have had some crowning moments in their extracurricular activities that turned my thoughts to the topic of confidence. I would have called myself a confident child. Even with the praise of a diligent mother, I could easily be swayed from being sure of myself. I can pinpoint a few times before I turned 18 that could be labeled as moments where I felt confident, and sports teams appear to be the top contenders for how that happened.

   For our 'Lil Miss, she joined a small cheer team. After near two months of practice, they performed at a college in front of hundreds of people. For a girl that can second guess every social situation to tears, she said her butterflies left her body as the team took the floor and they performed a near flawless routine. The energy was coming off of her the entire time and such a great showing made the day that much more sweet for her. It was her first trophy and you could tell how much the whole experience meant to her. In the short time following, she's already expressing interest in other activities that we are sure will build on the confidence that we're already seeing grow within her.

   For our 'Lil Man, T-Ball is about half over, and hitting off the T was replaced with coach pitching. I had been working on that at home, but never expected it this season. During the allotted 90 minutes, my little buddy swung with all his might during his first and second at bat with no success. His third clipped the top of the ball for a bunt-like single. As the game came to a close, and coach yelled out "last batter" to the other team, my 'Lil Man swung once, then connected on the second pitch. The ball sailed into the outfield and brought in loaded bases. The entire group of parents cheered him on and the coach scooped the entire small team of 6 boys in his arms saying how great they ended the game. Our little guy was beaming the rest of the day, and couldn't wait for his next game.

  As I recalled the events with a neighbor, I thought how much these activities can give to our little ones. My comment was that whatever my little ones were destined for, it was my job to give them opportunities to shine, build character and confidence, and be their biggest fan along the way. We can provide the vehicle for these budding minds to be strong and independent. I think we just need to keep trying to be selfless and give them their time to build their courage.

J.

Cheap Summer Fun Activities

 

"If we didn't have any money, WE didn't know it." - Grandma Schofield

 

   My grandmother past away this past year, and one of the lessons she taught me was that you don't need money to have fun. She pointed out that the days as a married couple with little money were some of the best memories she had. Granted, looking back one can say that. While in the midst of things being tight, I can have a MUCH different perspective. As an adult you have a more complicated set of responsibilities.

   That being said, there are some fantastically cheap summer fun activities out there to participate in. When I was a kid, my mother bought a super cheap plastic pool, filled it with water, and then gave us old Cool Whip bowls to play with. If a toy or ball flew out into the dry weeds (no grass yet at that point), we'd put the bowls on our feet as "shoes" and walk into the brush to retrieve whatever was lost. We were young, broke, and happy.

   Fast forward to today, and while we're not "poor as church mice" as we were once labeled, we're still in a place where we need cheap entertainment. While on a work trip, we stayed with family and the weather got warm. My mother, in her traditional way, grabbed two buckets, turned on the hose, and my little ones were on their way to a pile of summer fun, right in the front yard. I came home to the scene pictured above. Memories came rushing back and I'm grateful The Wife and my mother could provide a much needed diversion for some VERY active minds.

   So here's my short list of cheap summer activities you can try out:

 

Home based water park - Get creative and it can be ten times the fun you think.

Treasure Maps – I did this with the kids once, and they now ask to do it again a least once every two weeks.

Public Library – Whether you grab some new books, or find a free event, there’s a lot to do there.

Costume Party – Mom or dad, you get dressed up too. Join the fun.

Home Theatre Production – This can follow on the heels of the costume party!

Craft Day – Throw down some newspaper and get messy.

Nature Walk – There’s more out there to look at than you’d think, if you’re looking.

Movie Night – You can rent movies for a buck these days. See something new.

Ice Cream Night – Grab a few flavors and a bunch of toppings and go “nuts”.

Fort Building – Find boxes, blankets, couch cushions and get to work. Combine with movie night! Childhood Outdoor Games – Hopscotch, kick the can, tag, hide-and-go-seek, kites, etc. all work.

Farmer’s Market – There’s always one nearby. Search one out and try something new.

Marshmallows – Get a fire going and toast some mallows. S’Mores optional.

Lemonade Stand – We’re doing our first this summer. They were always more work than profit, but fun regardless.

Picnic – Always a good excuse to get out, have lunch, play at the park, beach, or wherever.

Stargazing – Can be fun no matter the location, but I saw my first satellite fly over while looking at the stars with my dad.

Local Baseball – This can be super cheap and good old American fun.

 

Hope your summer will be as great as ours!

 



 

J. 



Nature Boxes - A Fun Outdoor Weekend Project

"That's the thing about Mother Nature, she really doesn't care 

what economic bracket you're in." - Whoopi Goldberg

   In a time where many of our children seem like Neo from The Matrix, I try to get the kids outside for some period of time each day. While the older generation marvels at how good our kids can be at today's technology, we as their parents like to limit the time they spend on iStuff in order to keep them balanced in all areas. Hence, the outdoor projects. 

   Just like the indoor activities, I've noticed my children's interest can be lost in the outdoors as well. If they migrate into the garage to dig through my tools, ask to help paint, etc., I know they're bored. So I keep a keen eye on the situation to determine if there are other children to play with, if certain toys have not been pulled out to ride one, and so on. It's a delicate balance, even if we as parents have ourselves convinced that "we played outside until the street lights came on without any problems staying entertained!" 

   So one recent weekend, I noticed how much of our yard was usable for projects. The kids are always picking stuff up and making pretend items, worlds, etc., so I grabbed them both a box and told them to start making something like a pixie/fairy or mini troll house. They got right on it and spend a LOT of time putting them together. The best part was that these "nature boxes" were never finished. They pulled them back out over the next several days and into the next weekend. They even had them out up through this Memorial Day weekend these past three days. It's been fun to see their imaginations run wild. The stories about the invisible inhabitants were as much fun as when they found caterpillars in the bushes and made them the new home owners. 

   It's about being creative yourself. People have often complained that they are "not that creative". It's not hard. I think you simply need to let go. Think back to your childhood and how easy it was to make believe. I pretend to be successful every day, so pretending with my kids should be a snap! Try something new with your kids, and let it be outside. See what happens. 

J. 

Rock Climbing - A Family Affair?

 

"Those who say it can't be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it." — Unknown

   One of the best parts of my teen years was my love for rock climbing. It started one summer at scout camp, and then blossomed when my father indulged as he was interested too. We hit Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and others. It was such a blast and I have such great memories of it. I didn't climb as much once my little ones came along. Time and safety became deterrents. But these next pics prove that I've tried to bring it back by including my family. 

   The Wife has expressed a desire to try it out and I KNOW my children would love to give it a go. Luckily my father has plenty of gear to spare a bit for us if we get serious. In the mean time, the best place to get started is a climbing gym. Average price is $10 per day per person. If a movie is that much for 2 hours, and Disneyland is $100 for the day, I'll take an indoor climbing gym as an alternative any day. Most gyms will rent you shoes and a harness too, as well as show you some pointers. There will be classes, specials and such. All you have to do it google "rock climbing gym" around your area and you'll find one. I have one within 3 miles and never knew it for the past 2 years!

   So look one up, pay a visit, and give it a try. I think this is an activity that my family will enjoy doing together. See you at the top!

J. 

Neighborhood Activities For Kids

It is never too late to have a happy childhood. ~ Tom Robbins

 

   We were lucky to have some recent additions to the neighborhood. Three girls living within three doors of our place makes for some fun evenings in our cul-de-sac. The big questions is what kind of activities are there for our children to keep them engaged and entertained, just in case the imagination runs out for the day? I read a quote that mentioned playing outside with our children is a lost art. I spent most of my childhood outside, though my father wasn't really there to participate. I'm just a big kid these days, so it's easy for me. I'm on my bike, with my 'Lil Man riding on the bar in front of me, chasing the girls on their bikes around our quiet street. When they're not playing bunnies, princesses, or just chatting, we've offered some alternatives.

   I've always had boxes on hand. Cardboard tunnels are ALWAYS a hit, and are disposable or re-usable afterward. Sidewalk chalk is also a neighborhood favorite. The kids practice their names, pictures, and quite often create mini roads of their own to travel on their bikes and scooters. We also keep a supply of Otter Pops, fruit snacks and such on hand for the kids to always have something to slow down and socialize while eating something fun or healthy, depending on the day.

   Finding neighborhood activities can depend on location, traffic, number of kids, etc. Before our new friend additions, I was out front with the children regardless, making it fun. I challenge us all to try harder, for they will demand you to leave them alone with their electronics and cell phones soon enough.

 

J. 

Treasure Maps

Andy: Do you think there's really any treasure here? 

Mikey: Andy this whole ship is a treasure.

- The Goonies (1985)

   I've always wanted to do a treasure map, ever since I was a wanna-be Goonie. I remember the Map of One Eyed Willie oh so well. I did a small, lame one a few weeks back that went over extremely well with my older two pirates. They begged for another. So we found the right treasure, that the kids were kind of in need of for their rooms anyway, and I set to creating the map. This took me about two days of minimal time in between stuff. 

   I started with pencil, to map out the rooms with a ruler. I then penned them in with Micro pens (ohhh....I've got a thing for these pens...). I did some tracing and some lettering for the letters that would eventually lead the kids to the "treasure". I did some water color to give that "weathered" look. It ended up better than I thought it would. 

   The treasure hunt was fun. My 'Lil Miss was going way to fast, so I had to carry the 'Lil Man a bit. I put sticky diamonds in the locations where the letters would be in each room. After they were found, they were numbered so they would spell a sentence of where the final treasure location would be. The hunt was super fun for the kids and lasted around 15-20 minutes. I know I can add layers to add more time. A word find, maze, etc., would help, but this was my first attempt. I know we're all at different levels of creativity, but anything will do. The kids are worth it, as they are our treasures. Have fun!

J. 

Summer Approaches

“If you saw a heat wave, would you wave back?” - Stephen Wright

     Oh it's so true. As summer approaches, all the familiar sights and sounds are here. Shoes stay off and sun dresses come out. The ice cream truck swings by more often, causing a riot within the house that rivals the Black Friday rush. Ceiling fans are installed where there once was a simple light, and calls for popsicles from the garage freezer come loud and often.

     So where are you with summer around the corner? Gearing up for the next summer blockbuster? Planning the week trip to the beach house? Fearing the all night slumber parties for your youngster? Oh, it's on mom and dad, and you'd better have your game face on. You get points for waking up, feeding the little ones and making sure they don't hurt themselves. Bonus points come with trips to the pool, splash pad, lake, or even putting on the sprinklers with a Slip 'n Slide. Double points for the larger water parks, including a movie night with snacks, including friends, or any other additional act that goes above and beyond.

Keep your own scores and we'll tally at the end of summer. Winner gets bragging rights, and I might even fashion a lame trophy.

Good luck!

J.

Activities For Your Kids

"Boy, n.: a noise with dirt on it." - Not Your Average Dictionary

     So I was getting my old bike ready for a quick ride with my 'Lil Man and he asks if he can help. I remember wanted to help my old man with stuff as a kid. I never really got my hands dirty with tinkering. Either dad wasn't interested at the time, or I wasn't when he offered. I've made a little promise to myself, that of all the activities for kids out there, teaching mine to use tools would be one of them.
     There is a cool tool kit for girls at Target here that 'Lil Miss has been begging for.Currently 6 years old, and she wants her own hand tools. Interesting. As for 'Lil Man, he grabs the cordless drill and hits anything he can! I'm trying to encourage it, 'cuz I'm still nervous around anything with more than four parts. The thing is to get them to try stuff, get dirty, learn how things work, etc.

Good luck, and keep the soap handy.

J.

Rainy Day Activities

     So, it's raining in our neck of the woods. One of the first things that my daughter requests for our rainy day activity is our "Gutter Races". They started when she was a little girl and I would carry her in my arms during the races. Nowadays, she can hold her own.
     Granted, it looks a bit like the Redneck Games, chasing odd items down the gutter until they disappear into the abyss of the sewer system. The fact remains, we have fun doing it. I've learned that as fall approaches and you have several colored leaved to choose from, color does matter. Green is the slowest, red is faster, and yellow is the fastest. I think it has something to do with the amount of moisture in each leaf as they begin to die.
    So next time it rains, throw on 'yer jacket, grab the nearest and lightest leaf, and get to racing!

J.