The More We Get Together the Happier We Are!

I was fortunate to have lots of company during the holidays. Not only did my grandkids stay with me for almost a week, but one of my grand doggies got to join in the fun, too! Although my honey bunnies range in age from 4 to 12, they often engage in the same activities helping each other along the way. Whether we're setting the table, prepping a meal, building candy sculptures, creating art, or blowing bubbles for the dog to pop, there's always something that requires everyones help. The time moves pretty quickly and settling down for a movie each night is a welcome unwind and treat (especially the complimentary popcorn) for all!
Thanks for stopping by!
Bubbie and her Grandkids
Games for Older & Younger Kids
Older Kids Helping Younger Kids

Pretend Play~Great Exercise for the Body and Soul

Dress-Up Can Teach Kids to be Good Humans "Trying on other mindsets and character traits lets the pretender experience feelings that they might not experience otherwise," Golani says. 

Why Kids Love to Play Dress-Up
"Literally walking in other people's shoes may give kids valuable experience in, um, walking in other people's shoes. In fact, studies have linked role-play to empathy: Kids who engaged in it were more skilled in judging how other people might feel than those who didn't."

Who knew:?) I thought kids were simply having fun! This kid is apparantly on his way to an African Safari and ready to lead his animal friends on an exciting run through the jungle, two times around! And believe it or not, before changing costumes, he just finished a harrowing escape from the bad guys as he and his Super Hero friends rescued three innocent kids from the BG's clutches. Whew! Pretend play can be quite an exercise for the imagination!!! 

Virtual hugs, 

Bubbie and her Grandbabies

Tot in a Box

This "tot-in-a-box" is one happy camper. With toys, treats, and his bestest, furry friends along for the ride, Grayson is up and running in his new, mobile, cardboard, recreational vehicle. Only downside for me was to be appointed the Head Hauler of said box from room to room...and let me note, without financial compensation!!! Hmm...let me take that back. I did get plenty of payback in the way of giggles, singing and lots of words of encouragement, such as, "More!" "More please!" and "Bubbie, more!"
Between cardboard boxes, paper cups, and paper plates, there's always so much fun to be had!
I've included a few links below for lots of active, play ideas for the kids.
Virtual hugs from,
Bubbie and her Grandkids
The Genius of Play
Cardboard Box Play
Fun and Easy Games with Dad

At Your Service

Yeah, I'll have one of those scrumptious pink, plastic, ice cream scoops, and a bag of waxed fries...so sorry...I mean a number one meal with a vanilla shake! Oh, the goodies you'll be served at this McDonald's is beyond belief. This three year old can keep up with the best of 'em! He's hard working, attentive to detail, and doesn't skimp on product. I think he's ready for the next step!...Bubbie's kitchen! Filled with ingredients for a good old fashioned ice cream soda and plenty of wet wipes on the side!
Stop by anytime. Hours of operation are dependent on naps :)
Comments always welcome!
Bubbie and her Grand Babies
Pretend Play 
"Pretend play serves many purposes and helps to push the boundaries of play.
The imagination of a child is priceless. Pretend play is a thinking skill."
How Children Benefit From Pretend Play

Playing Dress-Up

"Believe it or not, dress-up play is vital to a child’s development. According to licensed child psychologist Dr. Laurie Zelinger, “It fosters the imaginative processes, and allows for play without rules or script. Dress up allows for experimentation, role play and fantasy. "
...With hats on and Jude's imagination in full gear, Jude and his pal Woody,  just spent the last half hour running, jumping and zooming 'to infinity and beyond!' I must say that the dog and I were a little sad we weren't invited in on the fun, but then again, we did forget our hats!
P.S. What types of things do you offer your grandkids to encourage pretend play?
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
Related Articles:
How Playing Dress-Up Shapes Your Child
Why Kids Love To Play Dress-Up

Music Does A Body Good

"Research shows that kids who are actively involved in music (who play it or sing it regularly):

• do better in reading and math when they start school
• are better able to focus and control their bodies
• play better with others and have higher self-esteem"

So glad to learn the stats because it makes Jude's playing a lot easier to listen to.  When he gets into his musical interludes now, it's  music to my ears!  (Although, I think the cats and dog would strongly disagree with me!)



Music does a body good,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Have you any experiences to share regarding children and music?

Related Article:
Introducing Toddlers to Music 
Benefits of Music 

Keeping Kids Happy and Busy

What's in the box?  I don't really know if it matters, as long as it's filled with stuff that can be pulled out, lined up, stacked up and put back. 
My kids used to love to play with all the little loner toys that made their way into my junk drawer.  These play things were some of the lucky soles that might have been found under the sofa after their counter parts were tossed, left over from a kid's meal, or brought home from a party in a goodie bag.  And if I grabbed a few and stuck them in a bag or box, look out!  Their play value would hit the top of the chart.
Here's to some good old fashioned fun,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Have you found your grandkids to like the same type of play as your kids once did?  If so, tell us about it!


Related Article:
101 Ways To Keep Kids Busy 

Learning With Blocks

Playing with blocks can help with language, spacial, math, and problem-solving skills, among other things.  The "other things" according to observing Jude are: throwing them across a room into an empty box, making noise by clapping them together, and balancing them on his foot while sitting down.  Best part about playing with blocks for me would be... no batteries required!
Keeping it simple,
Bubbie and Jude


Related Articles:
Play and Learning With Blocks 
Blocks: Great Toys For All Ages 
Parenting Science: Toy Blocks 

Play Time is Learning Time

"But this isn't how Mommy plays,"  Jude thought, as he threw another block into the shape sorter box.  I couldn't  argue with that!  He was right!  Mommy helps guide Jude's block choices into their matching holes every time...quickly and confidently!  That's because, Mommies can do anything!  And I must admit, this feat does appear easier than it is.  I tried it!  They just didn't fit through their holes!   After three attempts at turning those colorful blocks every which way 'til Sunday, I gave up, pulled the shaped lid out of it's socket, and gave Jude a hole built for a king!  Not only did that cut down on my frustration, but we could get in two or more at a time, toss them in while standing, and place other odd and assorted things in there, too!  For instance, Jude figured out that he could fit his one foot in easily, as long as he didn't add his hand.  But if he traded a hand for a foot...no problem!
Always trying something different, just for the fun of it,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. How do you and your grandkids, or kids, change up your regular play ?
Related Articles and Video:
Mommy Knows Best YouTube Video 
10 Ways Babies Prosper From Play 
Learning Through Play 

Water Safety

No...seriously...How could I possibly have passed a dog's water fountain with no dog line, on a record-breaking, hot day, and not have stopped to let the baby play .  I mean, it wasn't as though any dogs were drinking from the fountain at the time!  We didn't waste any water.  Jude caught every ounce of it with his face, hands and clothes.  What were we supposed to do?  Just walk on by?  Ignore the fact that we were hot, and this fountain needed testing to be sure it was still operational for the next dog expecting to quench it's thirst?  I say we did the neighborhood a favor!  Everyone can rest easy knowing the water spigot at the park works, even under the extreme circumstances of a dog wanting to hold it's paw over the spout.  In that case we learned, depending on how many fingers (or paws) used, you can still receive a satisfyingly, delicious, and hilarious spray of water , to please the most finicky of users.
You're very welcome! 
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  In what ways do you have fun with your grandkids and/or kids?
Related Articles:
20 Fun Things To Do With Your Toddler
Water Safety 

Playing With Household Items

See Jude.  See Jude play.  See Jude play in Bubbie's plastic bins which she emptied, just for him!  Bubbie's bins were filled with very important files and paperwork, five minutes before this picture was taken.  Bubbie was forced to make an executive decision concerning Jude's need to open and close each bin while in it's frame, with the distinct possibility of catching his pudgy, little fingers along the way.  Dismantling and emptying each bin, and placing them on the floor kept Jude busy for the rest of the morning.  Jude demonstrated over and over again, how these bins can be climbed-in, sat-in, jumped-in, and scooted-in, picked-up, stacked-up, pushed-along, and sat-on!  Never underestimate the creative mind of a 14 month old!

Best,

Bubbie

P.S. See Bubbie spend the rest of the afternoon trying to put everything back together again!

P.S.S. How do your grandkids and/or kids turn everyday household items, into play things?

Related Article:

Tips On Keeping Your Toddlers Room Clean