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

Coloring Books Verses Blank Paper

Draw anything your little heart desires...imagine that! 
All you need is a piece of blank paper and a writing tool and you're off and running...I mean drawing!
This little sweetheart jumped right in with his blue marker and a plan. He clearly had something in mind as he drew his loop-d-loops, squiggly lines and came to his big finish with lots of dots. It was then off to the refrigerator for display and then back to the drawing board for his next dive into a million possibilities.
Although I have coloring books on hand, I usually offer white paper with crayons or markers for coloring fun. My grandkids never turn down the chance to show me what they can do. It's always exciting to hear the stories that lie within the lines. 
Share with us your coloring ways with your kids and/or grandkids. Always enjoy hearing from you.
Best, 
Bubbie and her Grandbabies
Scholastic/Coloring Inside the Lines
"Preschool (and kindergarten) is a time of exploration, experimentation, and creativity. It is best not to expect your child to try to work within the lines or to try to make perfect letters at this stage."
Why I Don't Buy Colorinng Books for My Kids
"If you want to raise creative kids, skip the coloring books and give them paper and crayons. Encourage them to draw for themselves."

To Pretend City or Bust

"We build better brains at Pretend City Children's Museum"
After reading this,  I decided I'd better take in as much as I can, since I'm not getting any younger! But for this youngster, without any effort, the learning kicked into high gear from the moment we stepped through their doors, until the need to bribe him to leave. With so much to do, his first decision was where to start. It wasn't too tough to come up with an answer once he spotted a police jacket, hat and car. The outfit stayed on throughout his visiting and working in their store, restaurant, garden, and even performing on stage. What a blast he had!  More visits will be coming up in order to explore some more of this beautifully designed play experience.
Although I've been to many great please-touch-me museums over the years, this one has impressed me the most and surely has left a lasting impression on my grand baby! We'll be back!!!
Pretend City Children's Museum
Please share your experiences to museums with your kids and/or grandkids. Always looking for more ideas.
Thanks,
Bubbie and her Grandbabies

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

When Big Brother is Away...

When big brother is away, little brother will climb on his bed, get into his toys, rearrange his room, and then Bubbie has to remember where everything went, and put it all back together before big brother comes home! Whew! I get quite a workout on those days!
BTW: The little one and I have discussed telling his big brother about this little secret of ours, but we both decided that some things are best left unsaid...especially when the telling will get us in a heap of trouble :))))))))))
How do you keep your little ones from messing with their siblings belongings? Would love to hear your ideas!
Best,
Bubbie and her Grandbabies
How to Sibling Proof Your Room

"Keep a box of things in your room that your siblings are allowed to use. This will encourage them to play with only what you allow them to. Consider changing some of the items in it once a week or so. Tell them that they have to clean up after themselves whenever they use it, or you won’t add new items to the bin.^"

Adventures in Cooking with the Grandkids

Spending time with my grandkids is always fun, sometimes an adventure, and often messy... especially if it's their first time scrambling eggs. Since our recipe called for four eggs, I brought out a dozen to be on the safe side:) Although my honey was ready to go, I started him off with a quick demo and accidentally got to show him how to retrieve some shell droppings from the mixture. Jude did better than I by the time we were on egg number four. Beating the eggs to a light and airy place took a little bit more concentration. With my hands over his, I helped him tilt the bowl and whisk the eggs with a fork. Boy, did he feel great once he got the hang of it. After conquering the eggs, everything else was a piece of cake. And, if we were baking a cake, it would have tasted just as good as our fried matzah!
Happy Cooking,
Bubbie and her Grandkids
If you've got any easy cooking tips while cooking/baking with your kids or grandkids, I'd love to hear from you!
A Guide to Cookery Skills by Age
"Children will vary in their ability to undertake different cooking activities. Use your own judgment to choose tasks you think are suitable for your child. Safety is the biggest concern, beyond that a little trial and error is all part of the fun."
Baking With Kids: Crack An Egg Like A Pro

Ready, Aim, Open!

Not knowing how much help would be needed for this meal, I came prepared with extra spoons, napkins and wet wipes.  Buckled into his seat belt, with tray snapped in place, I sat close, but not too close. There was no hesitation as he grabbed the spoon and aimed for the cherry sitting at the top. It was love at first bite for this tasty treat. Yes! Hands, fingers and both ends of the spoon were used to scrape every last drop from it's container, but it was worth it...especially for this Bubbie's viewing pleasure!
Best,
Bubbie and her Grand Babies!
Always loving to hear your babies/grandbabies feeding experiences! 
Teaching Baby To Feed Himself
"Learning to scoop cereal in a spoon, stab a green bean with a fork and steer a loaded utensil to the mouth are all great ways for your baby to practice hand eye coordination skills , or "Visual Motor Skills" as child development nerds like me call them."-Rachel Coley-
When Should You Give Baby A Spoon
Toddler Milestone: Self-Care

A Water Colorist : The Real Deal

Who knew how much joy I could bring into the life of one of my kiddos with a blackboard, a thick paintbrush and a small amount of water in a cup? Well, apparently a lot! And, who knew he would take it so seriously? The places he went on this adventure was extraordinary! Starting out with lines, which circled back to shapes, and with some added dots, he explained his compilation of monsters, ghosts and a dinosaur pushing through the crowd! With so much effort and concentration called for, a snack was in order. Soon my grand baby was satisfied and ready to create another work of art on a completely dry canvas. This Bubbie was also overjoyed with this mess-free activity!
Please share your no-mess or just-a-little-mess solutions for your kids and/or grandkids:)
Stress-Free, Mess-Free Water Play
13 No-Mess Activities for Kids
See you next time,
Bubbie and her Grandbabies

Drawing Out the Best in Kids

Bringing out large sheets of white paper with drawing supplies is always a hit at Bubbie's house. My grand kids know I can't wait to hang their masterpieces on my fridge, for all to admire.
This fine day my five year old started slow by choosing and sharpening her favorite colored pencils, while my seven year old jumped in, pens first, anxious to get his ideas recorded quickly.
I watched these kids and observed decision making, eye-hand coordination, concentration and imaginative skills developing. They looked at it as the best part of their day...especially since their Bubbie always has their favorite treats sitting by their side. Works for me!
'Till next time,
Bubbie and her grand kids!
How do you get your kids and/or grand kids to the drawing table? 
Why Drawing is Important for Children
The Importance of Drawing for Young Children

Kids and their Nintendo Switches/Game Consoles

After being told where my grandson was playing with his friend, I stepped into his room. Something didn't sound right! It was completely silent. There was no movement. There was no interaction between friends. Just two boys, on opposite sides of the room, playing on their Nintendo Switches (game consoles), each absorbed in their own worlds.  "Hmm..." I thought out loud. "Here's a novel idea. How about you both find a game you like and play together on one Nintendo Switch?" They did! They liked it and in my book, they were now playing! I left the room hearing laughter, squealing, smiling and lots of communicating. Music to my ears :)
What kind of activities go on between your kids/grandkids and their friends. Care to share? I would love to hear about it!
Gaming Consoles in 2019
Handling Children's Gaming Play Positively
Till next time,
Bubbie and her grandkids

Grayson's Fifth

Since this 22 month old grandson of mine loves to climb, keeping him off of the piano has become a losing battle. Pulling himself onto the center of the bench is now routine. Once situated, he then proceeds to entertain me with not one, but many versions of Grayson's 5th. Although he's practiced this piece many times, it seems that it has a way of banging itself out differently each time he plays. Fortunately, this pleases him so much that he has a tendency to play louder at each performance. (Maybe I should applaud less :)))) I'm just thankful that he can't reach the pedals yet!
"Learning piano at a young age offers many benefits. It builds confidence and develops creative expression, and studying a musical instrument increases spatial awareness and helps children score higher in reading and math tests than their non-musical counterparts.", so states Bump.com.

Techniques for Teaching 2-Year-Olds to Play Piano 

Having had music lessons as a child, I offered it to all of my kids when they were young. Two of the three still enjoy playing today.
Please share your experiences with playing music yourself at an early age, or your kids or grandkids. Always love hearing from you!
Signing off for now, 
Bubbie and her grandbabies

Long Lines at the Gate

Yes, it was early in the day, but still the line was long. Patiently waiting, everyone eventually got their turn around the ottoman, past the bucket of blocks and finally back to the unloading zone. This preschooler was smart. As a creative business man, he gave free rides to his first group of customers, and then brought toy money into his storyline. He made out like a bandit! Thirty minutes later, with a pocket full of change, the animals were back in there respective bins and this little sweetie-pie was ready for a snack. I never know what is about to unfold as toys come to the floor, but it's always a blast to see what sits in the mind of a three year old!
I would love to hear about your grand kids and/or kids imaginative play. Also, if you have a favorite kid's link, let me know. Care to share :?)
'Till next time.
Bubbie and her grand babies
"Playing is how preschoolers learn, experiment and solve problems. In fact, play is vital for their overall development and well being."
Imagining, Creating and Play:Toddlers
Preschoolers at Play 

Plush Toys and Kids

It was a beautiful Thursday morning. My grand daughters and I arrived at the mall just as they opened, and we were off and running to pick out their birthday gifts. I told them how much they could spend and insisted they look in 3 stores before they make up their minds. We began our shopping spree in Justice, a kids clothing shop, followed by The Disney Store and last but not least we went into Build-a-Bear. Although they squealed with delight in the first 2 stores, their little hearts melted when they saw a room filled with stuffed animals. It was love at first sight and they had to have them. Not only did they have a blast, but it was great fun for me too! For an hour and a half they enjoyed stuffing, fluffing, brushing, dressing and naming their puppy and kitty. The hugging and loving part started the minute we walked out of the store and continued the whole drive home. I even got in on their love fest as I dropped the girls off and stole a few hugs for myself. 
Until next time, and thanks for stopping by!
Bubbie and the girls
P.S. This reminded me of how helpful dolls and plush were to my own kids when they were young. 
"These playthings have unique advantages over other toys, researchers say. Because kids know that a plush puppy or a princess doll represents a living thing, they can relate and attach emotions to it. Playing with these "friends" allows kids to explore their complex feelings."
Below find links to articles on playing with plush:

Teaching Toys 
The Importance of Plush Toys In Your Child's Life 

Cousins Camp

I tried. I really did! Taking pictures of my 6 grandkids was like getting a new litter of excited puppies to stay still. They were so happy to see each other that the last thing they wanted to do was strike a pose. After many failed attempts I settled on individual shots, and if I got lucky, another grandchild or two would get in on the action. All worked out beautifully and I've already compiled their pics into memory books, which are being printed up by Shutterfly, as we speak. They look forward to their keepsake books which they get to enjoy all year long.
We just completed year number four of our 2 night/3 day sleepovers...( I think I sleep about twice that long once they leave :)
They started this year off with camp t-shirts, assigned camp positions, miniature flashlights and clip boards with paper, pen and stickers. I knew this welcome package would keep them busy for at least 10 minutes, so I had many indoor and outdoor activities, a piñata, foods and movies ready for them. I was determined to find a way to keep these kids entertained and busy. It did work and they all slept well each night.
I would love to hear about your sleepover experiences with your grand babies or kids or whatever comments you'd like to share. Always happy to hear from you!
It has been years since I've posted, but glad to be back! Talk to you again soon!
Bubbie and her kiddos!
Here are a few related links for your reading and learning pleasure:
Camp t-shirts/Camp Fun Stuff for the kids (These are my designs I created for my cousin's camp):
https://www.zazzle.com/kids_camp_camp_t_shirt_bear_personalize_2_sided-235480437631167169
https://www.zazzle.com/collections/camp_fun_stuff-119009907275251819
Lots of great cousin's camp ideas:
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/mini-money-mustaches/cousin-camp-2017-need-free-activity-ideas/
More great camp ideas I found:
https://thedailydigi.com/2013/04/21/tips-for-a-successful-cousin-camp-or-any-event-with-kids/
Shutterfly is my go-to for creating books. In case you were interested, here's their website:
https://www.shutterfly.com