Trampoline Hockey

Trampoline Hockey is what I'm calling it - Lucas and I played a fun game outside today and I wanted to share it with everyone.

Lucas stood at one end of the trampoline and I stood at the other.  We took turns in pushing his big red monster truck across the trampoline.  If the truck got passed you, a point was awarded to the other player.

We must have stood there and played for 30 minutes (that's a long time for my 3yo to be engaged in one activity!).  I loved spending this time with Lucas - such a simple activity but we both had so much fun!

Ribbon Rings

Even boys have fun with Ribbon Rings!

My mum made a some for our local handmade market and gave us the ones that didn't sell to bring along to Playgroup for all the kids to play with.  Before we got to Playgroup, Lucas had already claimed his Ribbon Ring- he loved waving it around, running, jumping and seeing it follow him.

They are very easy to make, this is what you will need:-

Curtain Rings
7 lengths of different coloured ribbon
Small bells (optional)
Needle and thread

What you will need to do:-
Tie the lengths of ribbon to the ring.  If using the small bells (they really do make a lovely touch), sew one or two to a length of ribbon.

Here are some ideas for using your Ribbon Rings:-
- Gymnastics or ribbon dancing.
- Great as decorations at a birthday party and then can be taken home as a thank you gift.
- Tiggy (pop the ribbon ring in the childrens pockets, kids need to grab the ribbon to be tagged).
- Create shapes and patterns in the air
- Use as a "batton" in a relay race

This is a great activity as kids can help with tying the knots.  We have made basic ones at Playgroup before but I'm happy to say they loved mums ribbon rings too!  Thanks mum!

Cardboard Box Puppet Theatre

I have saved nearly every cardboard box we have used for about 6 months.....cereal boxes, teabag boxes, birthday toy boxes and so on.  I have been wanting to make a puppet theatre for ages and then yesterday we got a package delivered in a box just the right size!

I started by removing all the sticky tape holding the box together, then I cut the box down the short sides, leaving one side flap attached.

I then cut out the "stage" using a Stanley Knife.  We then got to painting which is where Lucas was able to help. 

Side note: From the start this was my activity, (and it showed when I got just a tad frustrated with Lucas' painting - the words "we are never painting again" passed my lips) it took this moment of frustration to pull me back down to earth and realise I was creating this FOR Lucas and if he wanted to paint it multicoloured, well then, that was just fine. :)

Once the paint dried we chose some material to make the curtains.  I tried a few different ways to hang the curtains.  Tacks, tape, blue-tac.  I would have like it if the curtains could be drawn open and closed but I'm just not that handy when it comes to sewing. So, finally we went with the white glue.

All that was left to do was get the puppets out and put on a show!  This worked well in our outdoor area on the table as it's just the right height for Lucas to stand up.  We took the theatre along to Playgroup and it was a bit of a fizzer.  The wind kept blowing it over.  I would suggest if you intend on using this in an outdoor environment, some cardboard supports added to the back panels would work a treat.

What have you made using a cardboard box?  Comment below and attach your photos!

Games to play on Australia Day with your Kids

Here is a list of my favourite Australia Day games to play with your kids....

1. Thong Toss
Set out a line on the ground or in the sand at the beach.  Explain to the kids that the idea for this game is to see how far you can throw the thong without stepping over the line.  The person who throws the furthest will be the winner! Have some fun by adding a hop or jump to your run up. Or add a hoop to hop in.  Kids will love this game!

2. Beach/Backyard Cricket
A truely Aussie game to play on Australia Day!  If you dont have a cricket set with stumps you can use a bin or a chair.  Set up your "stumps" and mark out a cricket pitch.  Set the rules before you start like kids get three outs and hitting over the fence is a six (or out).

3. Water bombs
Works at home, at the beach or in the park!  Cheap entertainment to keep the kids having fun.  Instead of just playing tag with your water bombs, play games like "balloon and spoon" races, "dog and balloon (bone)", "balloons (eggs) in the nest" and "drop the balloon (hanky)".

4. Cards
When it gets too hot outside set up the card table.  Great kids card games are Snap, Fish and Uno. 

5. Eating competitions
 Vegemite, lamintons and meat pies.  Prawn peeling competition is also a great game.  Set the timer and go, go, go!

6. Play Traditional Games
Games that have been around for many years like
- Three legged races: Use old pillow cases to tie the kids legs together.
- Egg and Spoon Races: Set up an obstacle course and cheer on the kids.
- Sack Races: Again, old pillow cases are great to use for this game. 
- Play frisbee: The art of frisbee throwing!  Teaching the kids this skill is so much fun.

7. Dress Up
Make your Australia Day party a theme party and ask guests to dress Aussie. 

8.  Make your own Flag
Create your own Australian Flag with bits and pieces from around the house.  Old cereal boxes painted or scrap material sewen together.

10.

What's your favourite things to do on Australia Day? Comment below.

Travelling with Kids

When travelling with kids it pays to be prepared. You can keep the kids entertained with these handy tips and games.

Pack a portable DVD player or the kids handheld computer game. Let the kids choose the movie or games to take to play in the car – they know what they like best.

Bring along the kids favourite music or a storybook recording. The kids can sing along or follow the story in their books but be aware of signs for motion sickness).

Pack some small items to keep kids amused when you stop for a break. A ball or Frisbee are great to help kids move about and use up some energy.

Take an esky with plenty of food and drinks. Avoid foods that will be messy like popcorn, chips or biscuits. Pack items like apples and sandwiches. For a treat pack some lollypops which you could also use as prizes for car games.
Car Cricket
This less boring version of 'cricket' is perfect for long trips on country roads. Each 'player' takes turns being 'up to bat'. Runs are scored each time a car passes on the opposite side of the road.

Car Spotto
Just like bingo, each time a player spots a pictured item from the spotto card out the car window, they tick it off the sheet. Once the sheet is filled the player yells out 'Spotto' and the first to player to do so is the winner. You can download Spotto game cards HERE.

Name that tune
This is a great game for families to play together. Using the CD player in the car and some music, play the first 2 seconds of the beginning of some song lyrics then press the PAUSE button. Challenge players to sing the rest of the first line of the song. For bonus points the players must name the title of the song and who is singing it.

A-Z game
The aim of this game is to see who can get to Z first. Each player looks for letters on license plates, billboards, trucks, buildings and anything else in view. First you must find A, then B, C, etc. Shout out each letter and point to where you find it. Make it harder by limiting to only license plates or billboard signs for older children.

Number plate game
Make phrases with the car registration numbers e.g. WWW 265 could be Weird Wooly Wombats.

What tips can you share?  Comment below.

Staycation

Tips on making a holiday at home the best holiday you can have.

 

1. Decide what days you will be holidaying. Devote these days to making your STAYCATION fun, exciting and relaxing for the whole family.

2. Clean the BBQ and unpack your banana lounge. Dust off the outdoor setting ready for those afternoons relaxing outside with a drink. Watch the kids play games in the backyard while you catch up on reading your favourite novel or celebrity magazine.

3. Unpack the camping gear and put up a tent in the backyard. Kids love to camp out and how easy is it to let them sleep under a starlit sky right at home.

4. Get out and explore your hometown and enjoy what's on offer. Try out a park you have not visited before or take a scenic car ride. Visit a beach or grab a line and take the kids fishing. 

5. Get on a bus and go across town. The kids will love the new experience and seeing their town from the view of a bus window can make the everyday seem a little bit more exciting.

6. Try a new restaurant or cafe.  Most sporting clubs have great kids clubs and some will also have a special lunchtime menu to keep the cost of eating out down.

7. Enjoy a night in with the family and have a moive night. Let the kids help choose the movie, pop your own popcorn and make home made pizzas.

Rainy Day Activities for Kids

Stuck on what to do with the kids when it's raining?  We've had lots of practice here in Bundy!!  Here are our favourite things to do with kids when it's raining.

Games:
For younger children, classic games such as "Simon says," "heads up, seven up" and "hide-and-seek" can keep their attention. These games require little conversation, so great to play inside.
In Simon says, the children have to follow the directions of the leader, "Simon," whenever he says "Simon says." If he fails to say "Simon says," anyone who follows his directions anyway is out of the game.

In "heads up, seven up," seven children are "it." All of the others put their heads down and close their eyes, while each child who is it taps someone on the shoulder. Those who are tapped have to guess who tapped them. If they guess correctly, the two switch places.

In "hide-and-seek," one child closes his eyes while the others hide. He then has to find them in their hiding places. The last child found wins, and gets to look for the others in the next round.

Board Games:

For older children, board games are a great way to keep them engaged. There are lots of simple games that children as young as kindergarten can enjoy. Classic games includes chess, checkers, Connect Four, Battleship, Mancala, Othello, Mastermind and backgammon. Group games include Sorry, Trouble, Candy Land, and Chutes and Ladders. Older children might enjoy strategy board games such as Risk, Monopoly or Settlers of Catan.Card Games:

Card games are also a great indoor game. "Go fish," for two to four players, is one of the easiest to learn and play. Seven cards are distributed to each player, while the rest of the deck stays in a pile face-down in the middle. Each player takes turns asking a player of his choice whether she has any of a particular set of cards, such as queens or threes. If so, she must hand them over, and the player gets another turn. The object is to make as many sets of four as possible; whenever a set is made, the player who collected it sets it aside. If the player asks for a card but the other person does not have it, the player has to "go fish" and draw a card from the middle. Play continues around the circle until all of the cards are used.

Other Card Games include “war," "slap Jack," "old maid" and "crazy 8s." More complex games for older players are "hearts," "spades," "pinochle" and "rummy." As an alternative, some children enjoy specialty trading card games such as Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! These games work best when players bring their own cards.

Computer/IPad and Video Games:
Many parents and caregivers might be hesitant to encourage children to sit in front of a screen, but a number of computer games are educational and build skills. Websites such as FunBrain.com and PBSkids.org offer games that help kids work on subjects like language, math, logic and science. Not every video game is created equal, so do your research if the quality of the education matters to you. Check out our blog on great IPad apps for kids.
Head to your local Indoor Play Centre or Shopping Centre. There is usually lots to do!

The local bowling ally is a great place to head in the raining weather. Our local is fantastic with lots of activities to keep you enterained for the entire day.

Library - Your local has lots of things to see and do.

Head to the cimemas.
Hire a movie for the kids. Take them with you to choose, it might take a bit longer but they will have fun.

Have a tea party or indoor picnic

Build a rainy day box, full of craft bits and pieces

Have a fashion parade, include the teddies!

Make some finger paints and get painting

Make your own playdough and get creative

Straw painting.. combine straws, food colouring and dishwashing detergent!

Marble painting…combine marbles, paint and a container

Play indoor bowling tin cans from the pantry and a ball

Enjoy a bubble bath and splash in the water

Try some indoor fort building

Try Skating

Make a sock puppet and host a puppet show!

Have fun on the computer together

Make homemade musical instruments

Make potato prints in paint

Make paper planes and fly them around the house

Play “What’s the time Mr Wolf!”

Build a castle from blocks

Toy hunt: hide toys around the house, close the curtains and search for them with a torch

Write an email or a letter to someone special

Head outside and jump in the puddles

Blow up some balloons

Cook some piklets

Get out pens and paper and draw

Make necklaces from pasta, food colouring and string

Play “Hide and Seek”

Use old cardboard boxes to make cities and car garages

Make roads on the carpet with masking tape

Cutting and pasting from magazines

Make a mud pie kitchen!

Do puzzles

Play music and dance!

Read books

Make a book!

Make a bingo board - with colours, numbers or letters!

Go outside and watch the rain and talk about it.. take some tins and catch the rain and listen to the different sounds

Get stuck into the colouring books

Make your own pizzas

Get out the camera and take funny pictures

Play shop!

Set up a doctors surgery with the first aid box (or a vets)

Make some masks from paper plates or cardboard

Paint some rocks

Make some monster men from toilet rolls

Make gingerbread people and decorate them

Show them their baby books- fill them in!

Make some phone calls

Play indoor hopscotch

Play hairdresser

Do some yoga with your Wide Bay Kid

Play restaurants

Host a teddy bear picnic or birthday party for a teddy

Make some papermache

Dye some rice and then play with itPlay “Musical statues”Make a time capsule

Do collage!

Let them just play whatever they want to!

Make a fun car ramp

Make a Cereal Box Sidewalk!

Make an Egg Carton Bus!

Play Bean Bag Toss
Create an Indoor Wall Garden with printouts
Make Hands and Feet from cutouts
Create a Toddler City

Go Laundry Basket Shopping
Play Toddler MTV and Music Moves!

How to Host a Successful Kid's Party

Are you hosting a childrens party and looking for ideas and inspiration?  The one thing all parents have in common is that we all want our kids to be happy. Happy children are a good start to a happy home. As a child, something I looked forward to was attending my friends’ birthday parties.

One birthday party sticks out more then others. I still remember the location (someone’s backyard) the games (bobbing for apples, pinning the tail on the donkey, cat and mouse, musical chairs) and the food (toffee apples and marshmallows ). The mum who organized this birthday party got the mix right…after-all, 26 years later I still smile when thinking about the fun I had.

There are a few key tips to running a successful party, income, lifestyle and location really have nothing to do with it, kids just want to have fun.

1. Help your child think of a theme. Plan the activities and games around that theme. Make or buy invitations and decorations to match the theme. Make sure your child is involved in selecting activities but keep some things a surprise so they can enjoy the excitement of the day too. The unknown leads to anticipation and suspense. All of the kids will be so excited before the party date even comes! Great children’s party themes include:- Dress Ups - superheros, tv characters, sports stars, choose a letter of the alphabet (A = Apple, Aladdin, Angel, Alien etc). Other theme ideas could be Magic, Toy Story, Peppa Pig, Trucks, Fairies, Lego, La La Loopsy, Clowns, Circus or Carnival, Dinosaurs, Jungle Animals, Sport (soccer, football, basketball), Pool Party, Pirates, PJs, Hawaiian, Australiana, Sombrero, Beach Party, Alice in Wonderland, Masquerade, Hollywood, Country and Western.

2. If you are looking at hiring an entertainer for your child’s party, book early! Face painters, clowns and jumping castles book out very quickly so as soon as you set the date, start making the bookings.

3. Invitations should be very clear detailing start and end times (two to three hours at the most) and what the child needs to bring. (Parties at the water will require a swimmers, towel, sunscreen and hat for example). Follow-up after the invitations are sent. Again, depending on the age of the children, parents may never see the invitation. A phone call, email or a quick text to the parents just to make sure they saw the invite will be fine.

4. Fun games and activities are the backbone to a good party turning into a great party. There are countless websites with suggestions for great party game ideas. One game that can suit most age groups are treasure hunts. They can be done anywhere and for any age level. You can play indoors or out, in a pool or at the beach. You can fit this into pretty much any theme too. Other party game ideas include:- Freeze, musical cushions, pin the tail on the donkey/clown (change to suit your theme), Balloon pass (like pass the parcel but put a small prize inside a balloon, pop the balloon when you get it), jelly eating competition, hot potato, sack races, tug of war, dancing competition, kids charades or pictionary, duck duck goose, water balloons or pistols, slip n slide, thong throw, donut eating competition (hang from clothes line and keep hands behind back).

5. Ask your child what food they would like at their party. Select food that’s easy to prepare and serve and doesn’t make too much mess. Have a platter of fruit and vegetables prepared as finger food. Club sandwiches, home-made or store-bought sausage rolls and mini quiches are great filling foods and easy for little hands to hold. Have some fun foods too like Jelly boats, Nutella fairy bread, or themed cupcakes. Make sure you ask about any dietary requirements on your invitations and cater for everyone.

6. Once all the guests have arrived explain what will happen during the party. Kids like to know when things will be happening. Explain when games will be played, when food will be served, when the cake will be cut and when presents will be opened. Make sure you allow plenty of time for free-play too.

7. When opening the presents be sure you record who gave what so you can send them a personalised thank you card following the party.

8. If you are giving out goody bags make sure there is enough for every child and think about siblings not invited to the party too. Goody bags dont have to be filled with candy, chocolates or toys. Great goody bag ideas include: crayons and pencils, play dough, water balloons, small instruments, juggling balls, lip balm, homemade cookies, dress up mask, popcorn, stickers, necklaces, mini notebook.

A successful party will be talked about for years to come. We had parties like this for our birthdays, Mum never put a lot of money into them, but we always had a great time.

Are you planning a birthday party for your kids?  Share your tips by commenting below.

The App Revolution

I have been asking Wide Bay Kids and their Parents what their favourite Apps are, here are the results…

By far the most talked about is the Toca series of applications. Apps include Toca Kitchen, Hair Salon, Tea Party, Doctor, Birthday Party and the list goes on. These Apps range from free to $4.99 and are well worth it. They recreate real life experiences and stimulate imagination. We found them especially good for introducing and developing social skills and turn-taking.

Monkey Preschool Lunchbox is another popular application. This one costs less then a chocolate bar at $0.99 and teaches kids about colours, letters, counting, shapes, sizes, matching and differences. Aimed at kids aged 2 to 5.

At $0.99 Monkey Math School Sunshine is a fun App building on fundamental math skills. Kids learn about sequencing, patterning, counting, adding and subtracting. With so many of us concerned about our kids understanding maths, this one is at the top of our list for kids aged 3 to 6.

Play School Art Maker is a delightful App and does so much especially for being free. Kids get creative making their own pictures and movies with characters they are familiar with.
Dexteria is an App recommended by Queensland Education and it gets kids tracing over letters and numbers doing a bit of fine motor development. Good for kids learning to write and is promoted as therapeutic hand exercises, not games. This one costs $4.99 and worth it.

Doodle Buddy is another popular App where kids use their fingers to draw. Lots of cool drawing tools like paintbrushes, glitter, chalk, text and stencils. Great for developing creativity and its free!


Lego 4+ is a free App for kids aged 4 to 7 years. The boys will love this one, with kids building trucks and aeroplanes - great for developing fine motor skills. Another Lego App is Lego Friends and this one is for the girls. Match outfits by searching a little girl’s bedroom for clothing - great for visual memory.

Spellosaur. This one is really good for kids who have a list of spelling words to learn. Kids enter the words they are learning and then they play games based on these words. The basic version is free with an upgrade available for $4.99.

Good Glue is a Developer who has lots of App based on a certain vehicles including fire trucks, garbage trucks, road rollers etc. Great for younger kids as quite repetitive and costs $0.99 each.

Do your WBKs have a favourite Application? Comment below to share.

- Angela