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

Halloween Covid Style

 

Pumpkin, pumpkin along the wall, who's the cutest of them all? Yes, I am biased when it comes to my grandkids, so I'd have to pick Finn!
Halloween is certainly different this year and not all neighborhood streets are permitted to be open for business. Anticipating this possibility for this little one, I came a knocking at his door with enough Halloween goodies to create one humdinger of a party. Finn had a blast setting the table, decorating cupcakes, giving everyone a different color cat hat, filling each plate with goodies, and of course, lots of activities to keep him busy for the two hours spent celebrating Halloween, Covid style...indoors and no guests. Although, we did invite his bestest and furriest friends, Raccoon and Kermit, both hand puppets and amenable to anything we wanted to do. The party ended on a happy note with enough left-overs to play out and play over for several days to come. And...he is doing just that!
It's always fun finding ways to overcome obstacles, especially when it comes to our kiddos.
I've included a few links below for more ideas to help create an enjoyable Halloween experience this year!
Happy Halloween from Bubbie and her Grandkids!

Halloween and Covid 19

Celebrate Halloween Even in Quarantine

Candy Land or Bust

 

Candy Land was one of my all time favorite board games growing up! I loved the bright colored board and the huge assortment of candy that dreams are made of for kids. Setting-up was quick and it always drew big crowds. There was often a player or two sitting by just waiting to jump in when a seat at the board would empty. We didn't worry about recharging, screen eye strain, or being alone at play as often happens with electronic games. Laughter, chatting and discovery were ongoing as time was spent socializing with family and friends. These memories incentivized me to introduce this game to my grandson.

I was thrilled to see him take to it like a duck takes to water. He dove right in, and with minimal instruction we were moving up and/or across the board with delight. He couldn't wait to draw his next card, giving his red gingerbread man a chance to run towards the finish line. His enthusiasm was contagious. I heard he hasn't tired of the game and it's been weeks since his adventures in Candy Land began. I'm already debating on which game I'd like to bring over on my next visit. Little ones are so much fun, especially when I get to sneak in reliving some of my most precious childhood moments!

Virtual love, 

Bubbie and her Grandkids

Board Games vs. Video Games

A Brief History of Board Games 

13 Ways Playing Board Games Benefits Your Child

Candy Land Was Invented for Polio Wards 

Blowing Bubbles at the Beach

The day was clear and warm (but not too warm). Actually, it was a perfect day to hit the beach! With very few beach goers other than us, and the "us" refers to myself, my son and my grandson, we were happy campers! I learned that when you pick the middle of the week, earlier in the a.m., not a holiday and with many folks staying in because of Covid 19, you can pretty much have the pick of the land.

So, after staking our claim, time was spent building castles, snacking and jumping the waves. Bubble blowing came last and that was the highlight of my day! Since there was a bit of wind, we had a lot of help with the blowing part. What a great sense of calm we enjoyed as we watched (and Finn giggled) at the size of the bubbles and the distance each traveled before popping. And, my favorite part was that it all happened high enough off of the ground to be sandless :))))))

Hope you're all staying safe and well!

Virtual hugs from Bubbie and her grandbabies!

Enjoy a few wonderful links regarding the many benefits of bubble blowing for young and old:

11 Benefits of Playing with Bubbles
The Health Benefits of Blowing Bubbles for All Ages
Using Bubbles to Help Kids Relieve Stress

The Story of Finding Montana

Dear Parents and Grandparents,

I am excited to share with you a book written by a very good friend about her sweet, boxer named, Cherokee. I had the privilege of illustrating this 32 page, children's story which is now on Amazon in Ebook and paperback forms.  This very true story is about the unusual attachment and love two sibling puppies had for one another before being separated and brought to their new homes. Although Cherokee was moved twice, he eventually and miraculously finds his sister, Montana. With the help of their families, they were able to rekindle their friendship forevermore.

If your kids and/or grandkids love animal stories with happy endings, I believe they'll want to read and re-read Cherokee's telling of "Finding Montana."

Thanks always for stopping by!

Stay safe!

Virtual hugs, 

Bubbie and her Grandbabies

 

Kids Needing Glasses

I was six years old, in first grade and loved my red 

and white striped glasses. Being allowed to pick out

my first pair made all the difference in the world.

Being able to read the blackboard like all the other

kids, helped a lot, too! It was great to learn my

grandson's experience was much the same.

Although, Jude was a bit older when needing his

first pair, he's thrilled with his selection and can't

believe how his world has opened up. His first

hours were spent excitedly discovering everything

readable without the need to squint. Ain't life grand!!

Keep on staying safe and washing those hands!

Virtual hugs,

Bubbie and her Grandbabies

How to Encourage Children to Wear Glasses

Five Easy Ways to Get Kids Wearing Glasses

Fighting Boredom During the Shut-In

Have your kids or grandkids been shut-in a little too long? Are they literally climbing the walls like my grandson, Elliot? Fortunately, there are still an enormous amount of things he hasn't seen or tried yet. Spending just a little time scanning the web, I was able to point some sites out to Elliot which I'm also happy to share with you in the links below. A few favorites of ours are, Mo Willems Lunch Doodles at the Kennedy Center, for those who love drawing and Dance Along to Pharrell Williams' HAPPY, for those who have a lot of energy and whose parents would like them not to climb their walls, clean feet or not!
Stay safe, and be well!
Virtual hugs, 
Bubbie and her Grandkids
Fighting Kids' Boredom during Covid Outbreak
Keeping Kids Pre-K thru 5th Grade Busy 

Virtual Kid's Birthday Parties

Who said, "Virtual birthday parties can't be fun?" Not Finn! His day started out exceptionally early in his back yard filled with balloons, signs, presents, cupcakes, and let us not forget the "Happy Birthday" chalk drawings all over the ground. You see, this day he turned four years old and this day will not be forgotten. There were video chats sprinkled throughout the day with friends and family taking part in the excitement of watching Finn blow out his candles, open his presents and reveal his newly appointed finger ready to count past three. It was a long day for the birthday boy and it was reported he slept soundly that night, along with his parents...Zzzz...!

Happy Virtual Birthdays!

Virtual hugs,

Bubbie and her Grandbabies

Birthday Ideas While Social Distancing
Virtual Party Performers During COVID Times 
Creative Ways to Host Kid's Virtual Parties

Getting Along Lovingly During Quarantine Time

 Getting along with one another, in the same house for weeks at a time during our quarantine, doesn't have to be stressful. Take it from this two-year-old. Grayson uses his often successful snag-them-when-they're-not-looking technique. It's pretty simple. Step 1- Look for an unsuspecting soul, who's totally self-absorbed in something they adore. Step 2- Carefully and quietly, sneak up from behind them. Step 3 - Take hold of their arms if you can, and begin with a slight squeeze while working your way into a comfortable body hug. Step 4- Be sure to get away before you're found out, then advance to another family member who is also in need of some sweet, baby love!
Stay well and stay safe!
Virtual hugs,
Bubbie and her Grandbabies
Families Together in Quarantine
5 Ways to Minimize Family Fighting During COVID 19 

Picnic in the Park-ing Lot

When the going gets tough, the tough get going! And, I can't think of a better time to practice this quote literally than now. Especially when you're shut-in with a three-year-old who loves the outdoors as much as you do. All it takes is a car, some favorite foods, and a place to park. A beach with a harbor full of docked boats was the setting for this outdoor excursion. It had all the ingredients needed for a fun and memorable experience. There were lots of things to count and talk about. Photos were snapped, songs were sung, and a round of "I Spy with my Little Eye" turned out to be a perfect end to this lovely day in the parking lot by the sea!
Hoping you're all staying safe and well!
And thanks always to everyone helping others. You are our heroes! 
Virtual Hugs, 
Bubbie and her Grandkids
Safe Play for Kids During Covid19
Best List Ideas Ever for Kids during Covid-19 

Zoom Time with the GrandKids

 

It's been quite a while since I've been able to visit my grandbabies because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Not knowing exactly how much longer I'd be waiting, I took to YouTube videos and learned how to Zoom. I was ready to test out my newly acquired skills on my 6 honey bunnies.  I invited them all to a Show and Tell party. Considering they ranged in age from 2 years old to 10, I decided to begin with the youngest and work our way up. My invitation mapped out my plan to their parents. Each child was asked to have something ready to share. Our call began with our two-year-old holding his favorite horsie while we sang Old Macdonald. He loved filling in all of the animals' sounds as we went along. Without missing a beat sweet pea number 2 showed us how to carefully build a Batman car with his legos. Cutie number 3 performed acrobatic tricks while her sister tumbled masterfully alongside her. My two oldest grandsons then dazzled us with a magic trick involving 2 sofa pillows and a ton of giggles, for our grand finale. Since this event gave everyone a chance to share their favorite things, it ended on a happy note! We're all looking forward to another Zoom-a-Palooza!

I've included a few links with ideas for your own video chats. Enjoy!

Stay well, stay safe, and keep in touch with family and friends. 

Virtual hugs, 

Bubbie and her Grandbabies

Zoom Games and Activity Ideas

Fun Video Calls with the Kids 

Home Alone with the Kids!

I can't tell who's enjoying themselves more, Finn or the lego guy! And, if you think that was fun, you should have seen Finn using balloons as balls, sock-skating on wooden floors, and oh, yeah, building spiders with marshmallows and pretzel sticks. Now, that may sound like a lot to you, but if you've got little ones, you know that took less than an hour! The day was young and it was on to somersaults, relay races, scavenger hunts, and acting out rhymes. 
So, if you're home a lot with the kids these days, don't forget your camera and your imagination for lasting memories. 
Stay safe, stay well and a gigantic  thank you to everyone helping others through Covid 19. 
Virtual hugs,
Bubbie and her Grandkids
P.S. I've included some links below, with great ideas for "Home Alone" with the kids!
Happy, Busy Learning for Kids at Home
Creative DIY Kids Learning Games 
25 Indoor Exercises to Get Kids Moving

A Dissectologist in the Making

A dissectologist is a person who enjoys jigsaw puzzle assembly. I don't know if Jude was ready to claim this title just then. Sorting out the edges was a no brainer. Lots of smiles there. Piecing them together, on the other hand, furrowed his brows a bit and slowed down the process a lot. Concentration set in and I'd catch him looking up every once in a while wondering if there's a "group all" button hidden along the table's edge. (Where's a computer when you need one?) As the hours went by, with breaks in between, more picture was revealed, his smile returned, enthusiasm grew and I believe Jude was ready to thank John Spilsbury for inventing the jigsaw puzzle in 1767.
With the need to stay in, for now, puzzles can be a welcome stress reducer for all ages. Not to mention so many other benefits puzzles claim to produce in the links below. 
Stay in! Stay safe! And don't forget to wash your hands, a lot!
Virtual hugs,
Bubbie and her Grandkids
Best Jigsaw Puzzles for Kids-2020
6 Reasons Jigsaw Puzzles are Great for Children
Benefits of Jigsaw Puzzles for Toddlers Development 

Adorable Animal Links for our Kiddos

"Hello, Mr. Tails" said the toddler to the new pet goldfish in his home. This new presence is a welcome addition to this household. Waiting out the Coronavirus is giving many of us a chance to slow down and pay attention to things, people and animals, we would normally pass right on by.
Besides that, I'm up to a dollar twenty in change. With nothing to do, I found myself walking around with a rag, cleaner, broom, and vac. My house now has a wonderfully clean smell with a bit of a shine, too. Who knows? This could become habit forming! But, I digress. The real reason for this blog is to share some sweet links I found, which might give our kiddos something to "ooh" and "ahh" about. I know I did! (And don't miss Fiona, the baby hippo. Cute as can be for a hippopotamus!)
Stay safe, wash your hands, and don't forget to floss!
Virtual hugs,
Bubbie and her Grandkids
Fiona, the baby hippo learns to walk up and down a ramp!
Explore Livecams/Farm Sanctuary, Penguins, Kittens and so much more!
Kinder Playtimes' have a day at the zoo with you.

Having a Covid 19 Break Not a Breakdown with the Kiddos!

The kids are at home. Check! Parents are at home. Check! Everyone is at home at the same time for an unknown amount of time. Aughhhh!!! You've probably gone through your "list of things to do with the kids while waiting out the Coronavirus" in three days or less. Movies, popcorn, board games, baking, charades, Facetime, Zoom and other assorted and experimental activities have been checked. What to do now, you say loudly and in a most disturbing way. Well, I'll tell you exactly what to do. Here it is. I've been thinking about this all week as I sit alone, in isolation, and I got nothin'! Ziltch! Nodda! But, I did some research and hopefully, you'll discover bunches of activities to do with the kids and lots of good advice from those in the know in the links below! Move forward and may the force be with you:)
Stay safe. Wash your hands. And, don't pick your nose!
Virtual hugs and kisses,
Bubbie and her grandkids
What To Do With Kids On Coronavirus Break Without Losing It
Tips For Families/Zero to Three: Coronavirus 
Avoid Cabin Fever/125 Ideas For Kids During Covid 19

Cutting Down Fears, When Cutting Off Hairs!

"I'm not afraid of no haircuts!" explains my seven-year-old grandson!
Well, not anymore he's not. But, once upon a time, in the not-so-distant past, this sweetheart hated haircuts. Tears and fears surrounded just the mention of a trim. Fortunately, today, not only are trips to the salon fine, but he doesn't like to leave the house without his hair combed and coiffed. Hurray for getting older, gentle approaches, and lots of favorite treats after the big event.
See below for some great articles on the subject including a great site showing some stylin' cuts for boys and girls!
Best,
Bubbie and her Grandkids
How to Help a Toddler's Fear of Haircuts
Tips if your Child Hates Haircuts
Kids Hairstyles and Haircuts
An OT's Tips for Kids Who Hate Haircuts

The Many Benefits to Playing "Hide and Seek"

 

Hmm...I wonder where Finn is hiding? I've looked under, over, and behind everywhere I can think of! And he's so quiet, too! Oh, no! He's under my desk! Why didn't I think of that! He's tricked me again. I've got to become a better finder because I'm really not good at hiding either, as my grandson would quickly agree!

Hide and Seek is a great game to be enjoyed by all with many wonderful skills to be practiced and learned.

I've copied a few links below on the subject for your reading pleasure! Lots of ideas on ways to elevate the game, too!

Do share a game you play with your kids/grandkids! Always love to hear from you! 

Talk soon,

Bubbie and her Grandbabies

14 Reasons to Play Hide and Seek 

Playing hide-and-seek is a traditional part of all of our childhoods and with the benefits it gives growing children, it’s a tradition that should be carried on into the future.

Continue reading at https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/child-activities/why-playing-hide-and-seek-is-good-for-your-child/#gs.vz5f0d |

Why Playing Hide and Seek is Good for Your Child

Playing hide-and-seek is a traditional part of all of our childhoods and with the benefits it gives growing children, it’s a tradition that should be carried on into the future.

Continue reading at https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/child-activities/why-playing-hide-and-seek-is-good-for-your-child/#gs.vz5f0d |

Playing hide-and-seek is a traditional part of all of our childhoods and with the benefits it gives growing children, it’s a tradition that should be carried on into the future.

Continue reading at https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/child-activities/why-playing-hide-and-seek-is-good-for-your-child/#gs.vz5f0d |

Teaching Empathy

With a bucket full of lego squares, and not much else to do, the boys started stacking. This venture began as two solo players, but soon, with much frustration on not achieving their goal of, "the first person to reach the ceiling wins" it quickly morphed into "let's work together!" There was still quite a bit of failure, but with their eye on the prize and encouraging each other all the way up, they had their 30 seconds of a free-standing, 6-foot tall structure and all was happy in their world!
Here's hoping you had a wonderfully peaceful and happy holiday and may it continue throughout the New Year!
Bubbie and her Grandkids 
Always happy to hear your stories about your kids and/or grandkids!

"What many people don’t realize is that empathy is a learned skill and that teaching empathy from a young age has not only been proven to make children more emotionally and socially competent, it also greatly reduces bullying and can also help them be more successful as adults in the future."
BrightVibes Amplify The Good In The World

Teaching Empathy
Zero to Three Helping Your Child Develop Empathy

I Spy with my Little Eye, a Chicken!

Yes, my friends, that is a chicken in my vacuum hose. Kids do do the darndest things!
While de-sticky-ing my house after a great visit with my grandkids, I discovered this little, plastic chicken, clearly left behind by my 2 year old grandson.
During their visit, I had given each child a single-sized can of Pringles. Within minutes the youngest dumped and smashed the chips all over the floor. Pulling out my trusty vacuum cleaner, the mess was cleared, and the vacuum was once again put away.
Obviously, somewhere between snacking on a few Pringles myself and putting the vacuum back, my honey-bunny managed to put the chicken in the hose for a quick game of Hide and Seek.
Thankfully, I found Mr. Chicken before any harm came to him. Mr. Chicken now waits patiently in a basket by my door, which has been designated my official "Lost but luckily Found Things."
Happy Holidays,
Bubbie and her Grandbabies
Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to share your kids/grandkids stories. Love to hear them!
Some sweet and funny grandparent quotes.

A Perfect Kid's Gift

She liked it! She really liked the gift I gave her. I believe I was more excited than my granddaughter.
Unless I'm given the exact spelling of what my grandkids want, I'm at a loss.  It turns into one big guessing game. I find myself asking store clerks for advice. (Actually begging for advice.)
When the time comes to give my gift, I'm sure to attach the receipt, apologize as it's being opened, and usually have some cookies waiting in the wings. But this time was different. Katie's response was immediate. No receipt or apology was necessary. It was love at first sight. She adores drawing anywhere, anytime. This sweet "Pipity", oil-clothed tote, opened up to all the accessories needed to bring her ideas to life. With an easel, pockets and a shoulder strap, this little honey was ready to get to work at home, in the car, or even at Bubbie's house. 
Share with us your successes, suggestions, and thoughts on gift-giving for kids. Love to hear from you!
Best, 
Bubbie and her grandbabies 
How To Choose The Perfect Gift For Your Child