Fine Motor Activities for Kids
An OT told me this one: use small writing utensils such as golf pencils and broken crayons. This helps prevent children from grabbing the utensil with a fist and encourages the correct pencil grasp.
Dressing dolls, especially barbies. When my kids were really little this usually involved me sitting and playing/dressing dolls with them and then they gradually learned to do more and more on their own.
Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids (That Work for Us)
Picking weeds outside, watering flowers/plants/herbs and raking leaves is a chore that my kids find fun. (Added bonus if you buy their own gloves/watering can).
I started showing my children by having them wipe the tables and taking the dishes to the sink. They then moved to washing the cups and bowls until they could do them all. Then they moved to taking out the trash until they were cooking and dying it all. My grandchildren started the same way they know how to clean and take out the trash, they know how to do their laundry and clean their designated areas. I'm currently teaching them how to cook and how to do the dishes.
Fun Facts For Kids That Will Blow Their Minds
The Chinese soft-shelled turtle pees from its mouth.
Belugas are the only whales that can turn their heads.
Exciting First Day of School Traditions
My husband and I will usually take the day off work (when we can) so we can be there for drop off and pick up on the first day, which makes it feel extra special for all of us.
First day of school photos on our front steps, and couple more in front of the school too.
What are your favorite inspirational quotes for kids?
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ~Maya Angelou
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. ~ Dalai Lama
What are some fun animal facts?
The world's deadliest animal is the mosquito.
Frogs eat their skin after they shed it.
What helps the school year go more smoothly?
My boys pick out their clothes the night before, and always check what the weather will be like to plan for it, as well as if they have gym or not. It makes getting dressed in the morning much easier!
The kids are responsible for getting their backpacks ready before going to bed, and making sure they have all their homework, books, permission slips, etc in there, and that it is zipped up and ready to just grab and go in the morning. We sometimes need to remind them to do this, but as it becomes part of the nighttime routine it gets easier and easier!
