The Value of Art

A few months ago, my co-workers and I were offered the opportunity to take a class that dealt with art experiences in early childhood. I was bummed, because the Husband was out of town, and I was unable to find a sitter for the munchkins so I couldn't go.

Fast forward a couple weeks after the class, and I was talking to one of my awesome co-workers, and mentioned that I wished that I had been able to attend the class.  The response I got literally made my jaw drop- "You wouldn't have liked it; the instructor told us that art experiences have no value for infants."

Cue the sad face.  :(  No value for infants? Really?  I work hard to bring art experiences into the room with the infants I work with, and have noticed a whole list of ways that art benefits the children.

For example....

Finger painting.  Can we say sensory play?  It's cool, squishy, jelly-like, and comes in bright colors.  You can let them explore with color mixing, even if they aren't able to grasp the concept.  Babies are hard wired for cause and effect, so this is a great way to let them explore that concept-  If I squeeze my hand shut, the paint squishes between my fingers.  If I spread my hand out and swipe it across the paper, it leaves a smear of paint behind.  I can use one finger, or all my fingers, or my whole hand.  Capturing finger painting can show an infant provider progress in fine motor control, as you can "read" the smears left  behind.  Are they using their fingertips to paint?  How much of the paper are they covering in their work?  These are things that children need to practice, and what better or more fun way to do it!

Brush painting with tempera or water color.  Here comes that fine motor control again, with holding the brush in a fist.  Add in those cool cups with the funnel in the top to keep the paint from spilling, and you have some hand-eye coordination as well, for when they dip the brush back into the paint.  I've had just-turned-one year olds who were able to grasp dipping the brush through that little funnel to get more paint to put on their paper.  And if you paint with an easel, you get some large motor skill work, with the arm movements and some standing.  :)

Coloring with crayons or colored pencils.  More fine motor skills, as well as some sensory experience.  The feeling of the paper around a crayon, or even the wax of an unwrapped crayon can be a novel experience for a child.  And that cause and effect is great for them, when they move their hand/arm and make lines on the paper.  If you provide these colored pencils (we should get some, the kids would love it!), it adds another dimension of sensory exploration.

Eco-Tree Colored Pencils

Stamping... With actual stamps, this provides fine and gross motor skill practice.  They get to hold the stamp, and move their arm.  They get to see cause and effect of inking the stamp on the ink pad, then seeing the ink run out when they stamp on the paper.  And, really, what kid doesn't get a kick out of art that lets them make noise by hitting the table?  :)  Paint or ink daubers are great here too, just for some variation.

Contact paper collages.  That sticky paper has some great uses.  Letting the babes stick bits of tissue or other small pieces of paper (or leaves, flower petals, bits of fabric, snips of yarn, whatever!) to it promotes some great fine motor control.  

Now, with all of this, are they going to get the same things out of doing art that a toddler or preschooler is going to?  No.  Does that mean that we should not do art with infants?  NO!  There is so much going on for them, we should be giving them art opportunities as often as we can.  

And really, the parents just love when you give them something their little angel has created.  Just for them, of course.  :)

Girls vs. Boys

Yesterday, I noticed that one of the headlights on my truck was burned out. Not a big deal- nothing a quick trip to the auto parts store and a wrench couldn't fix. And I didn't even break a nail doing it! I may have chipped my nail polish, but it was coming off anyway, so I'm not sure how much of that was from digging around under the hood.

By the way, you read that right. I am one of those women who knows how to change a headlight on a vehicle. It may have taken me longer than it would have taken someone with more experience, but according to the directions I looked up (my truck manuel only covered the tail lights and license plate lights), it still took less than the hour estimated.

For myself, I never understood why that kind of thing should deserve so much recognition. While I was working on getting that bulb changed, I kept thinking how much easier it probably was for me to reach into the tiny space left to get at the bulb.  The Husband or my brothers would have had much more trouble- because their hand/ arm would not have fit into the space as easily.

But on to my point...  It makes me so sad to see such distinct lines between "boy toys" and "girl toys", and to see any child discouraged from playing with a toy because it is for the opposite gender. (Thanks, Mom and Dad, for teaching us that learning was more important than who a toy was intended for.)  To go to the stores and see girl aisles full of dolls, dishes, and phones. To see boy aisles filled with building sets, cars, and adventure toys.

I wonder what would happen if more boys were encouraged to interact with dolls and play house- by the marketing gurus who show a disproportionate number of girls vs. boys with those toys.  Would we end up with more boys who feel that contributing to house work and child care is appropriate and expected?  Probably.  (Not to suggest that there aren't already men who do this.)  And, likely, it wouldn't be such a surprise when it does.  One thing I dislike hearing is how a father is 'babysitting' his own child. As a former babysitter, I can tell you  it doesn't work like that when it is your child.  That is parenting. I know that no one calls it babysitting when it applies to me and my children- at least not to my face. :)

What would happen of the girl toys were LEGO sets and tools and cars? Wait, let me rephrase that... What if the girl Lego sets were adventure themed, instead of home, and bakery, and shopping?  What if we showed our girls that they can in fact competently use the same tools that boys use?  Maybe, just maybe, we would get women more confident in their own skills and abilities. More girls having the kinds of adventures that let them do what they dream. (Again, not to say that we don't already have these women in the world...)

We have come a long way in expressing the roles of men and women to our children. But when I only have to walk down a toy aisle to see how far we can still go... Well, I know we still have our work cut out for us.

For myself, I won't be surprised at all when my daughter fixes her car by herself.

Being a Bossy Mom

"You're a bossy mom."

My little man muttered this at me during a conversation this afternoon.  I already can't remember what the instigating conversation was about, but he had been told no to something, and had whined at me.  One thing that I sure don't care for (especially from my older munchkins) is being whined at. I get that whining is a common phase of development for young children, but it can be taught that there are better and more respectful ways to communicate than whining. So, being called a bossy mom for correcting his tone shouldn't have been too unexpected.

After I thought about it for a while, I realized that yes, in fact, I probably am a bossy mom. I insist that my children speak to me respectfully, as do my best to do the same.  There are times that I pull out the "Because I'm mom and I said so," but that's usually after several times of asking/telling/explaining- and I expect them to listen anyway, even if the reason is only because I'm the mom. I expect them to pick up after themselves, and do several simple chores around the house.  I expect them to be (age appropriately) respectful of each other- to take turns with and without prompting, to not take toys that they know will upset another, to help each other out. I expect them to try the foods that are put in front of them at meal times, and not simply spit if they are determined not to like it.

But on the flip side of all this, I expect them to grow into the understanding that these expectations were made with their best interests in mind. Knowing how to speak in a respectful way helps children grow into adults who are able to listen and articulate their point more clearly, and in a way that others are kore likely to listen to. And it will help them with current/future teachers and employers.  Following through on their chores teaches them responsibility for their belongings, as well as a sense of teamwork to accomplish a goal. Learning to be respectful of each other teaches them to empathize and get along with their peers, friends, and future co-workers. Trying new things, and understanding appropriate responses also prepares them for future success, and teaches them that trying new things can turn out better than they expect.  I've lost count of the number of times I've heard one of my kiddos insist they hate something on their plate, only to ask for seconds minutes later.

One of my biggest wishes for my children is for them to grow into caring, responsible adults. I just can't see that happening if I (and my husband and their teachers and extended village) don't model and insist on practicing respect and responsibility now. Children learn what they live. Make time for all the awesome fun, but insist on your values. It's much easier to teach now than undo the habits you don't want later to teach the values that are important to you and your family.

I'll be a bossy mom any day.

Having a Personal Library

Building a personal library for my children has been a goal of mine for quite some time, and I feel that I am well on my way to accomplishing that for them.  We have so many books for the kiddos to look at and read.  :)  There is always something to catch their eye and attention.

When I was first thinking about having a collection of books for my kids, I thought it would be an expensive and difficult task.  Luckily, it turned out to be pretty easy- and very cost effective too.  Here are some of the things I learned...

1.  Utilize your local library.  Seriously, I think our library is one of our favorite sources for books.  Not just the ones you can check out and return, but we have gotten so many books that we can keep and return to for pennies!  One time, I went in and our Friends of the Library group was having a book sale.  Everything I could fit into a grocery bag for $2.  We had brought in a reusable shopping bag (LOVE those- they hold so much more than the plastic or paper ones), and we were able to fill it almost overstuffed- for $2.  We probably had 50 books in there, and only went through one table of books that were available.

But, using your local library for the books you check out and return is a great way to continuously provide fresh reading material for your family, with little to no cost to yourself.  Check them out!  Many have a section dedicated to children, and have exploration areas for them to experience while you are there.

2.  Garage sales.  Gently used children's books are another great way to pick up stock for your library.  Many times, they are in great shape, and you can get them for 5-50 cents.  Super cheap!

3.  Friends whose children have outgrown books that are at the level(s) your child(ren) need.  Host a book swap with friends, or let your friends with children know that you are interested in books that their children are finished with and need a new home.  Then, share the gift by passing them along when your children outgrow them.  :)

4.  Book vendors (like Scholastic and Usborne Books).  Between school and daycare, my kids get about 6-10 book order forms each month.  I love getting these!  I know that the books available from some vendors can be less sturdy than ones that you can buy from the store, but they are still a great way to build up the materials you have on hand.  And the sturdier ones are always a great investment, as those are the ones that can be saved and passed on.

5.  Let your friends and family know that books are always an appropriate gift for your child- as well as the reading level and topics that interest your child.  I know that there are many baby showers and birthday parties that are requesting books for the child as opposed to a card or other gift.  While this is a great way to build up a collection of family favorites, it is easy to end up with lots of duplicates.  Finding a way to share a list of books that would interest and challenge your child is one way to help minimize this.

There are so many great reasons to read with your child.  (Find a few of them here!)  But my favorite is the time that I get to spend with my babies, snuggled up, and (now) hearing them read to me.  There are times when I was just so tired, and didn't want to take the time.  But making the effort regularly is just so worth it.  These become moments that are cherished, by all of you.  Don't wait- start the habit of reading and enjoying time together with books today.

Enjoying the Outdoors

It's been a while since I've written...  There has been so much going on! But, I am here now.  :)

So the snow has been taking a hiatus and we have been getting some nicer (and by that, I mean warmer) weather.  I know that there are lots of people who like the cold and snow, and that there are some great activities to be done with my little family when there is snow on the ground.  But I personally, have a preference for the weather we get in the spring and fall.  Most of the summer is nice here, but sometimes it gets so darn hot and humid, we just don't want to do anything but sit inside and not over heat.

But, spring is here now, and we are finding it much easier to get outside and spend a lot more time enjoying the world around us... Except when it rains, which it is doing now.  But, what do you do?  :)  (Actually, I've always liked the idea of having a rain coat and pair of rain boots on hand to go jump around in the puddles, but my budget so far has not allowed for this.  Sad momma.  But we find lots to do inside when the day is just not what we need for outside play.)

Today, we got outside for probably 45 minutes so the older two could practice with their bikes.  We took little man's training wheels off last weekend, and baby doll wanted her's off too.  So, off they came.  They both are working hard on take offs, heading down the road, and stopping without crashing or tipping over.  So far, there is some progress, and the rest will come with practice.  And all the while, the super baby is loving zooming up and down on his trike, with a smile on his face.  :)

I didn't get any pictures of it, because I am working on not bringing my tablet and/or phone out with me when I am spending time with the kids, but yesterday we played in the backyard on the swing set and with our boccie ball set.  I just found \out how much my kids like boccie... yesterday.  Never would have guessed, but I suppose I shouldn't be surprised.  A game with the objective of throwing a ball?  For sure a kid favorite.

My kids are lucky (and I am lucky) to know their uncle Dave.  Dave is a great hiker, and blogs at Hiker Adventures.  One of my all time favorite blog posts that he has written was about his other nieces and nephew from Florida, and the things he discovered about getting them interested in going on hikes with him.  As a professional teacher of young children, I love that he (an awesome teacher, though not someone who had chosen to make teaching children his life's work) discovered so seemingly easily how to motivate these children to want to hike.  And his tips are so right.  :)  

Uncle Dave

Finding the key to interest and excite a child to a new activity- it doesn't have to be about the hike, but about finding something that interests the child.  Mud, wildlife, bugs, plants, photo opportunities.  Anything to make them realize that they have an opportunity to explore what interests them, and even better, that you want to make it happen for them.  

Stopping before they are bored with the activity can be a tricky balance, but it is good to keep in mind.  If a child gets bored with an activity before they (or you) move away from it, it holds less appeal the next time it is suggested.  They will remember those feelings of boredom, or overdoing, and associate them with not having as much fun.  If you are able to leave the activity while they are still interested and not over tired, that keeps them thinking about it, and wanting to do more.  They associate hiking or biking or boccie with fun times.  :)  Dave also made a great point about ending on a high note.  Ending with the memory of not having fun and enjoying the activity promotes the likelihood of resisting a return to the activity.

Celebrating the activity, and the accomplishments found, is a great wrap-up to any outdoor activity.  Had a great hiking trip?  Go for ice cream.  Mastering biking techniques (without the training wheels)?  It can be as simple as stickers and a high five.  Or, take pictures and/or video of them, and send them later to remind children of the fun times you had together, and all they have learned.  Let them know that you are proud of them and what they are learning to do.  Children (and adults) crave the attention that you notice what they are doing, and the reinforcement that they are doing it right.

All of these tips are great for any activity, but especially for getting children motivated to spend time outdoors.  Teaching children to love the outdoors, and all the movement and learning opportunities presented is a gift that cannot be replaced.  Get up, get moving, and find what motivates your child (and you!) to spend some time in one of the greatest classrooms of all.

Today Was Bread Day

So, a couple months ago, I finally quit thinking that I would prefer to make our bread instead of buying it, and just got started with it. I love to make bread.  There's just something relaxing about the smell of baking bread, and the healthier-food conscious mom/wife/gal in me likes all the things I know aren't in it. I usually do bread in to weekend, but with one thing and the next, it didn't get done told today.

The recipe is nothing truly special, although it is delicious. It's just the second one that I tried off of Pinterest ... Surprise that I would go looking there... Have I mentioned how much I like Pinterest? :)  Probably nothing wrong with the first recipe I tried, but it just never turned out how I was looking for it to.

Tonight was also a great bread making night, because I got to use my new loaf pans that I just bought. :) It's the little things, I know. :)

Anyway, nothing huge or momentous from me tonight.  I just wanted to share how happy baking bread makes me.

By the way, here is the recipe I use, in case you have a few hours and want to give it a shot.  It's so worth it, and another chance to do something with the munchkins, what with all the pouring and mixing going on. :)

Whole Wheat Bread
Makes 2 loaves

2 3/4 cups hot water
1/3 cup olive oil (vegetable oil works well in a pinch)
1/3 cup honey
2Tbsp molasses
6-7 1/2 cups flour (I do 2 cups bread flour and usually about 4 cups whole wheat.  Just not more than the 7 1/2.)
2 Tbsp yeast

Mix the liquids, then add two cups of flour (to cool the water to the right temp.) Add the yeast and the rest of the flour. Mix with a wooden (or other sturdy) spoon until the dough forms a ball.  Wet a light weight towel with hot water, wring it out, and drape it over the bowl.  Let raise for about an hour, but don't worry if you leave it longer, just don't completely forget about it. Butter two loaf pans, all over the bottoms and up the sides.  Dip your hands in flour, then tap the dough so it deflates. Pull about half of it into a ball in your hands, and tuck the sides underneath. Turn a quarter turn, and tuck again. Repeat until you have a nice loaf shape. Lay it in one pan, and repeat with the rest if the dough. Re-wet and wring out your towel. Drape it over the pans again. In about 30-45 minutes, turn in the oven to 350*. When it is hot, gently slide the pans in on the bottom rack, making sure there is plenty of room in case the bread poofs up a lot during baking. (I had the bread bake into the rack above one time- not pretty...) Bake for 35 minutes. Let cool on racks or stove top for 5-10 minuets, then remove from pans and cool completely before bagging for storage.

These freeze well, however, I have noticed that they are less soggy after thawing if I out them top side down as they thaw. 😊

Have fun! This bread turns out super yummy!

Earth Day

I love Earth Day.  Not that I don't give thought to how the choices I make and encourage in my family and friends affect the planet every day, but I love that there is a day dedicated to thinking about how we affect this planet we live on.

Now, I am not insistent that each and every choice be the most green/least environmentally unfriendly choice available.  But I am glad that we do make the efforts that we do to use the resources we need with as little waste as we are able.

Some things we do:

1.  Composting...  I know it's not for everyone, and it took me a lot of thought to make the jump.  But now, it's almost without thought that compostables go into a bucket to be taken out to our compost barrel.  We are coming up on a nice batch of awesome compost to be tilled into the gardens to help our veggies grow.

2.  Gardening and farmer's markets.  This allows me to get as much produce as I can for my dollar, without having a lot of packaging to dispose of with it.  Sure, there is one farmer's market that I go to that will put bushels of beans or tomatoes into garbage bags for me to transport them home.. But I need garbage bags anyway, so they are reused for that.  Otherwise, they are sent for recycling.

3.  Recycling.  Helping keep recyclable trash out of landfills helps prevent piles of un-biodegradable trash from just sitting there, year after year.  It also helps me to not need to purchase or use so many garbage bags, because we are able to use a single sort recycling cart.

4.  Opting out of non-reusable trash where possible.  If I don't bring extra trash home, I don't have to recycle it or throw it away. Both of which save room for the things I do need to dispose of, and makes our overall use less.

5.  Getting the kids outside and using non-battery toys.  I love being outside with my children. I will admit that there are days where my idea of being outside with them is me sitting in a lawn chair watching them play,  but those days are balanced by the days that I go play with them in the sandbox or on the swings, or when we go for a walk or bike ride.  Many of the toys we have don't use batteries, and several of the ones that do do not have working batteries in them-  and my kids don't care!  It's great that they will still use the toy as if it has batteries, but use their own imaginations for what the toy is saying or doing.  :)  Not relying on battery operated (or plug-in) toys decreases our need to dispose of used batteries, or having to buy rechargeable.  I know that you may save with them in the long run, but I personally feel that rechargeable batteries need some tweaking and improvement before I really want to invest in them for the battery operated toys we keep working.

Getting outside and getting your hands dirty with caring for the Earth is a great way to teach children about so many things.  Picking up trash along the road on your block invites the opportunity to talk about littering and the whys (besides the legal fine you could get) on properly disposing of your trash.  Planting a tree can be a way to teach children about growing things, and the cycle of reliance between living things and plants (like the birds who will use the tree to support their nests, and the fruit or nuts you may be able to harvest).  Planting a garden teaches children to appreciate where their food comes from, and allows them a part in getting it from seed to table.

Teaching children about reducing the waste they accumulate and reusing where they are able allows them to learn about really seeing what they have, as well as possibly encouraging them to share what they may not use with someone who has less.

Earth Day- and EVERY day- is a great opportunity to teach your child about caring for our environment, which in turn teaches them about caring for each other.  There really is no learning about one without seeing the other in action.

Make every day Earth Day.  Make every day count.