Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in houston, TX

Favorite silly characters from children's books

August 03, 2009

Who doesn't love a good laugh and a good story with funny characters? Reading with kids is so important, and books are such a great way for kids to learn, not just to read, but to enjoy flight of imagination. All the better if the story gives us a good laugh. Laughing relaxes tense muscles, especially in the face, and releases endorphins. Although it may seem like being silly can give kids a second wind at the end of the day, it can also be a good and healthy release of the last of the daily tension and what we call "the willies" (that fun, crazy energy all kids have). Additionally, I can only offer anecdotal evidence, but I fully believe going to bed with a smile and happy heart can lead to better rest and happier dreams. So feel free to enjoy fun and silly books, even at bedtime.

We've got some favorite silly characters from funny books that I'd like to share -- and please feel free to share your own!

Those crazy letters from Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Why in the world would the entire alphabet want to climb up the coconut tree? But it did -- with bets, dares, boasts and silliness. We love this book, especially after hearing the Scholastic song. So we hum and sing the great rhymes and enjoy the alphabet lessons, too, as we giggle.

That silly demanding Mouse from If You Give  Mouse a Cookie (and similarly, Moose from If You Give A Moose A Muffin, Pigfrom If You Give A Pig A Pancake, and Cat from If You Give A Cat A Cupcake.)

Laura Joffe Numeroff writes great silly books. This one is funny, but our main fun is making up our own guesses about what else that Mouse might ask for above and beyond getting a cookie. It's also become a family joke for those times when the children get demanding and are never satisfied. it would be (and is) so easy to get annoyed when we do something nice for the kids -- such as take them to a favorite restaurant with a play place -- only to be besieged by them demanding more and more. Instead we can crack a joke such as, "Are you the Cookie Mouse? The Muffin Moose? The Cupcake Cat? The Pancake Pig?" Whether reading the book or incorporating it as a reference in our lives, we always get a laugh from the silliness of any of the Numeroff characters.

Skippyjon Jones from the Skippyjon Jones series

We were first attracted by the funny cover, which shows a kitten with huge ears. it reminded us of our cat, Bubba, when he was a big-eared kitten. Then we fell in love with the crazy and adventurous Skippyjon Jones, who has a huge imagination and likes to pretend to be so many things beyond what he is. Our family can really relate. The book is upbeat with energetic illustrations -- which suit the energetic Skippyjon Jones -- and is another that stimulates good conversation, imaginination, and some foreign language (it includes some Spanish, which most kids are familiar with from Dora).

Ian Falconer's Olivia

That Olivia -- bright, independent, and always with a plan, which often stretches boundaries or breaks a rule. Sometimes loud, sometimes silly, Olivia is always fun and entertaining. My 4 year old identifies very well with Olivia, especially her penchant for dressing up. Olivia Trains her Cat is a current favorite, now that our family has acquired two new kittens.

The ensemble cast fromThe Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

If you like fairy tales but prefer something with a more modern twist, you might really like The Stinky Cheese Man And Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka (illustrated by Lane Smith). By modern twist, I mean crazy, silly, and sometimes gross -- all the very things that get kids giggling and keep them laughing. Allegedly this book is for ages 3 and up (or 4 and up, depending who you ask) but we just introduced it now, when the youngest is nearly five. it can be a little harsh in places (if you are senstive to sarcastic humor) but I admit that the one-liners entertain me, too. So it ends up being a pretty silly laugh for all. Don't be afraid to talk about it -- even if some of the humor is beyond your comfort zone, it can be a good teachable moment for you and your kids to discuss what to do when something crosses a line for you or someone else.

 Read more...

Best Recommendations for Preschooler Friendly Cartoons

July 28, 2009

Vicki Gamble, a teacher recommends these cartoons as the top two best educational cartoons:

1. Little Einsteins -- Gamble likes this show because it includes exploring, learning, music, and problem solving. She said, "The neat thing about this cartoon is that they show animals and places through out the world with real video clips, not cartoons. So your children see these places and things as they actually are."

2. Higglytown Heroes -- Gamble says this show does a good job of illustrating how people can work together to solve situations. She said, "Children not only learn about the community, but how each person in the community is a vital part of it."

Lucy Brandon, a former teacher and mom to a preschooler, recommends these cartoons as the top three most wholesome cartoons:

1. The Backyardigans -- Brandon appreciates the imaginary adventures, music, and camaraderie among the characters in this show.

2. Max and Ruby -- Brandon finds this to be a "clean" cartoon that preschoolers love.

3. Little Bill -- Brandond likes that this show centers around family, and was created by Bill Cosby. (For the record? Me too. We love this show here.)

Mariel, mother of 4, recommends these cartoons (among a few others):

1. Franklin -- Mariel likes the good social skills, social solutions, and good examples this cartoon provides.

2. Charlie and Lola -- Mariel suggests this show for its sweetness, including resolving sibling rivalry.

3. Little Bear -- Mariel says this cartoon is much like Franklin in that it also includes sweet life lessons.

4. Olivia -- Mariel said, "She is sweet, opinionated, innocent, and curious. Super cute one!" (We love this one for the same reason, and also similarly because we are big fans of the books. it's exciting for the kids to see one of their favorite book characters "come to life.")

These are all shows we like too, and make a good starting point of preschooler friendly cartoons if you are considering which shows to let your child watch.

 Read more...

5 fun and funky spots to wow preschoolers in Houston

June 23, 2009

All moms know about the zoo, the Children's Museum, the location of every jumping place (and free jump time) (or maybe that's just me), and the rest of the great, but standard, fare to entertain and wow preschoolers.

But what about going off the beaten path every now and again? I'll tell you about 5 fun and funky spots that will wow your preschooler!

The Art Car Museum

Museum highlighting art cars of Houston, custom-decorated cars with zany themes prominently displayed in the annual Art Car Parade. Free admission.
Open Wednesday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
140 Heights Blvd.
For more information, call (713) 861-5526

Lawndale Art Center

Known for its offbeat art happenings, such as the Hair Ball and the 20th Century Modern Market, Lawndale Art Center displays contemporary works by more than 500 artists each year.
Located in a period Art Deco building at 4912 Main Street in the Museum District.
Admission is free during regular gallery hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
For more information, call (713) 528-5858

Museum of Health & Medical Science

The Museum of Health & Medical Science’s Amazing Body Pavilion gives visitors an exciting tour through the human body. The exhibit contains huge sculptures of human organs, including a 10 foot brain and a 22 foot rib cage, with more than 80 interactive exhibits.
Every Thursday is Free Family Thursday from 4-7 p.m.
For more information, call (713) 521-1515

The Mad Potter - River Oaks

The Mad Potters are “paint-your-own-pottery” studios, where children and adults alike can try their hand at becoming the next modern day Picasso. Individuals and groups come in and choose a piece of pottery from over 400 shapes and sizes. They then design and paint their pieces with The Mad Potter’s instruction, brushes, tools and paint... all you need to bring is your creativity and desire to have a great time.
Hours: Mon-Thur 10-10, Fri-Sat 10-11 sun 12-6
1963-A W. Gray
Houston, TX 77019
713-807-8900
central@themadpotter.com
(Three other locations around Houston---check the Mad Potter Web Site)

Armand Bayou Pontoon Boat Cruise

Start your weekend by enjoying a leisurely Saturday morning breakfast drifting down the bayou on our "Bayou Ranger" pontoon boat. Observe wildlife searching for their breakfast on the bayou. This trip through the heart of the Nature Center presents an uncommon opportunity to watch and learn about bayou life. Enjoy rolls, juice and coffee while underway. The "Bayou Ranger" will pick you up at the Bay Area Park boat launch. Maximum: 12 people
Hours: Saturdays from 8 - 9:30 am
Ages:  5 - adults (An adult must accompany children under 18.)
Fee:    Members: $20 adults, $15 children & seniors
Non-members: $25 adults, $20 children & seniors.
Armand Bayou Nature Center
8500 Bay Area Blvd.
Pasadena, Texas 77507
281-474-2551
Web site: http://www.abnc.org/things-to-do/pontoon-boat-cruises.html

 

 Read more...

Summer Survival Game Plan for Moms (who need to get things done)

June 08, 2009

Oh summer. Today I and many other moms let out a collective groan on this, the first full of summer with kids at home full-time. Many camps and activities haven't yet begun, and all of us are trying to keep up with our workload---regardless of whether it's home chores or an assignment from a boss---while managing kids who aren't used to free-range summer life at home yet, and who are probably a little testy or troublesome. At the least, there are moments when they feel more like Impediments to Getting Things Done than the usual Treasures and Joys we view them as.

So what is there to do?

Create a plan!

Here's what we do....

Early morning: Take it easy because you can.

The girls and I normally have to hop out of bed and make a run for it. So, the good thing about summer is the chance to take a minute and breathe. The mornings really offer that chance. Although the temptation might be to hop up early and get some work done, think about sleeping in a bit (for us that means 7 a.m., maybe) and having some cuddle time.

Breakfast: Consider letting a few rules slide and eat out of the kitchen.

The kids enjoy a bit of couch lolling and show watching first thing in the morning. They may get up early, but they're a little slow to the start line. In the summer I let the kids eat breakfast and watch a show.

Exercise: Load up the bike and take a ride, go for a walk, or use one of the kid-friendly exercises

Get those willies out, have a bit of fun, and freshen up your own mind. Plus it's good for you.

Important Thoughts: Work is a lengthy composition, with parenting as frequent intermezzo

The rest of the day will be a careful balance between tending to your kids and your work. If you're like me, constant interruptions get your mind off track and make it hard to keep focused and moving along at a good pace.

In a full symphony, there is sometimes an intermezzo, which is a short movement separating the major sections of a lengthy composition. It's also a bit of entertainment between two acts of a play.

So think of your work as the lengthy composition, and the kid activity as the intermezzo. You could consider it an interruption, but you can also think of it as the important mind and body stretch away from the computer and phone.

Unlike music and theater, we begin with an intermezzo and intersperse them frequently among the work acts.

Important Thoughts: Setting up your intermezzo in advance

Nothing is quite so interesting to children as the forbidden fruit. In our house, that's the bins of toys we keep up on the high shelves in the closet. I highly suggest that you pack up activities and toys into boxes, and put them away. Leave out only a few toys. This creates fresh, "new to them" toys and activities for kids---which are always more entertaining than the same old toys they can get to every day. In the summer, the big, big fun for my kids is Taking Down the Bin.

We have junky fast food meal toys, stuffed animals, games, Legos, blocks, and more. You can sort any way you want.

Right this minute my kids just got a giant box of stuffed animals they haven't seen in a month.  They are busy playing with those stuffed animals while I write this. At last glance, they were sorting the animals by type: birds here, bears there, and so forth.

Another bin has plastic animal and people figures and paper and colors. That's for kids to set a scene and draw it. It may just be scribble scrabble with the younger ones, but it's still fun, and they often choose matching colors, so it's a good color lesson.

The blue bin is filled with blocks and cars. I encourage the kids to create a city and roads for the cars when they play with that bin.

The opaque bin is filled with what the kids think of as treasure.  It includes Mardi Gras beads, action figures, whistles, toy cameras and phones, and other little assorted "toys" (aka junk). They love to dig through that and make fun finds.

Get creative with how you create activity bins. Think about burying things in a sand bin for kids to take on the porch and dig through. What about a blanket and doll bin? A wooden toy bin, such as "dress the bear," and maybe even some of those lacing games? A musical instrument bin! A dress-up for playacting bin! How about getting a big box and letting the kids color on that, and add toys to it or make a club house?

My kids love the arts and crafts bin, and sometimes I let them do watercolor body art outside---easy to hose off, afterward.

The idea is simply to create activity bins that are easy to pull out, start the play, walk away, get work done, and clean up easily.

Plan your bins to match the length of time you need for that portion of your work. For example, a bin that might require some assistance should be left to a time when you don't plan on being on the phone. Most activity bins should last anywhere from 30 mins to an hour.

Intermezzo: Activity bin 1

Tip: Turn on some music. Sometimes I pop in a classical CD, and sometimes I turn on Radio Disney.

Work: 30 mins

Intermezzo: Check in, is it time for bin 2?

Always make sure to have the children pack up one bin before diving into another. This way, kids learn to be responsible for cleaning up, and for putting away one thing before moving on to the next. Also, you don't end up with a colossal disaster to clean up in the evening!

Work: 30 mins

Lunch time!

Let lunch be an activity. One of our favorite fun lunches is build-a-cracker. I use the divided lunch plates and the kids choose four toppings for crackers. Favorites here are peanut butter, cheese, jelly, and ham. On the side I add a vegetable and a fruit. They have fun creating their lunch, and then fun eating it.

Let little hands help clean, too.

Think about taking a quick walk, blowing bubbles outside, set up a sprinkler for the kids to run through, or another active activity that lets everyone get fresh air.

Intermezzo: Bin 2 or Bin 3.

Clean up last bin before getting next!

Work: 1 hour.

Intermezzo: Give the kids what I call a "creative play" bin.

I like to give them dress up, some props, a few books, and ask them to get inspired and create a performance to show me. I tell them they have until I call them to get ready.

Work 30 mins.

Intermezzo: Take an activity break.

Clean up last bin before getting next! 

Let the kids do their performance It may only last a few minutes, and you can decide if that's long enough before the next kid activity, or if you should take a longer break and run an errand, bake bread, do a chore, or something else.

Repeat.

Hold up a promise of fun---is everyone cooperating and helping out? Offer a swim in the late afternoon or evening as a reward.

Will this always work as perfectly as it sounds here on paper? No, and never expect it to. Or count anything as a failure when it doesn't work. Just try the next idea. If there is fighting or bickering, try separating the kids into different rooms with their own play bins. What "play on my own" things would interest each of your children?

Keep it creative and workable for you. Take this game plan and customize it day to day and for you and your kids. Different ages have different abilities, different jobs have different requirements (regardless of whether you are meeting an employer's demands or doing a load of laundry), and different kids have different interests.

And don't try to shoulder too much on yourself. I find that mother's helpers now and again are wonderful. A 12 to 14 year old who loves kids and is responsible is a useful helper for a couple of hours, and in my neighborhood that shouldn't cost more than $5 an hour. I'll gladly sacrifice something in my budget to buy a few hours of sanity, whether I use it to go de-stress in a coffee shop or to put my nose to the work grindstone.

Always remember the value of the playdate and trading off of kids.  If you keep some kids for the morning, trade off for the afternoon. Another fun outing is to schedule a fieldtrip.

It doesn't matter what work you do, if you're a mom at home, it helps to create some structure and schedule to get things done. With a good game plan, you can lower your stress, and before you know it, it's been a fun summer that's already coming to an end.

Tomorrow check back for a list of kid-friendly local places with wi-fi---places moms can work and kids can have fun!

 Read more...

7 Magically Fun Tricks for Preschoolers on April Fool's Day

March 31, 2009

This year is the first year my kids are paying any attention at all to April Fool's Day. They had a Closed Door Conference in their bedroom today and I was instructed to Keep Out. I was mildly concerned, in that amused sort of way, but I decided I'd better plot a few tricks and pranks of my own so the kids could get the full fun of the day---and anyway, any reason to be goofy, right?

Here are my top pranks and tricks (and I'm not saying which will happen, I'll play it by ear) but they are all preschool-aged friendly (and friendly in general, rather than malicious) so feel free to grab and use them yourself!

1. Food fun

It's always fun to hide or disguise food on April Fool's Day. Imagine biting into what you think is a meatball on spaghetti and finding out it's a malt ball instead! I'm not the most creative chef, but I can think of a few silly things to do with food. My kids love cereal in the morning, usually granola with fruit. Instead of fruit, I'm going to sneak in some small marshmallow pumpkins. It will crack them up and they'll love getting a treat. I'm going to try the spaghetti with malt balls for dinner. You could also swap out breakfast for dinner and vice versa.

2. Clothes

I'll come out in the morning with my clothes on backwards and pretend not to know or believe my kids. I know they'll giggle until their ribs hurt trying to convince me of my folly. 

3. Teddy at the Table.

My kids have an enormous pink Care Bear. I'm going to set the bear at the kitchen table posed as if reading a magazine.

4. Baby you can drive my car

My oldest is very interested in driving, so tomorrow I'm going to pretend I'll let her drive us to school. Or maybe I'll pretend the car won't start and joke that she'll have to push the car to school. Play it by ear...

5. Magic toothbrush

After the kids are asleep tonight, I'll stash the toothbrushes and toothpaste under their pillows---a secret message from the tooth fairy. This will thrill my youngest, who has watched her elder sibling get tooth fairy treats. I'll have the tooth fairy leave a picture in the drawer as a clue of where she hid the tooth brushes.

6. Finally, a toilet that helps me

How many times have I said, "flush the toilet" and "close the toilet" and "wash your hands" to the kids? Never mind, I lost count a few years ago. Tomorrow the toilets will do my talking for me! I'll put sticky notes on the lid and rim with instructions! (Obviously you need a reader in the family for this one.) (Which, luckily, I happen to have.) You can also use a Sharpie (or similar) to write a note on toilet paper and float it in the toilet for the next user to find.

7. The old powder bum trick

A little talcum in a chair that someone happens to sit in never caused any harm but sure can bring some laughs.

 Read more...