Chickens join the family!



We introduced four new members to our family at Easter - Four Black Chickens!  We wanted to introduce Lucas to the responsibility of owning a pet (so why not introduce four?!) and getting fresh eggs was just a bonus!

 

 

Lucas went to the shop and picked out the chickens with his dad. They brought them home and settled them into the pen.  Lucas' dad had made a big nesting box and he placed some straw in it to make the chickens comfortable (in hope that this would make eggs appear in the not too distant future..... waiting..... still waiting.....and more waiting).

 

The chickens were named by Lucas - Riely (after his best friend at Kindy), Lucas (of course), Joshua (his baby brother) and Joshua (his baby brother).  Yes, that's right.  Two chickens have been given the name Joshua.  At first one was named "Mummy" but the next day it was re-named Joshua.  Go figure the logic of a 3 year old!

Each morning we leave the comfort of the warm house and venture down to the cold backyard to feed the chooks.  It's Lucas' job twice a day.  He scoops up the chicken feed into a bucket and takes it into the pen.  We fill up their water containers and usually stop for a little chat.  "Hello Chickens".

 

On two occasions in the last four weeks Lucas has said he didn't want to go feed the chickens.  I just reminded him that it was his job to feed the chickens and what would happen if we didn't feed them?  "They will be very hungry mummy".  It didn't take much convincing on either of these occasions and he soon put on his boots and we were on our way.

I can't wait for the chickens to start laying!  It will be a magical moment when we discover the eggs.  Look out for a post when that happens!!  Do you have chickens or other pets?  Do your kids help out with the care of them?

The wonder of Mist

One morning last week we were outside especially early (feeding the chooks).   It was very misty and Lucas (3yo) was very intrigued.  "We are on Misty Island Mummy!".  I made the most of this "moment of wonder" and we spent some time trying to catch the mist, poking at the spiderweb dew/frost, and watch the water droplets run down leaves ("but it's not raining?"). 

Spending moments like these with Lucas is just priceless.  Love the magic and wonder he brings to our lives!

What magical moments have you had with your kids? - Ange.

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.

Camping with Kids

Any successful camping trip requires PLANNING. Before you leave on your camping holiday make sure you have researched your destination - check weather conditions and permit requirements.

Ensure you test your gear before loading up the car too. There is nothing worse then getting to your camping spot and finding that rip in the tent you forget to get repaired after the last camping trip.

Make sure you have a checklist of items you will need during your stay and tick them off one by one before you go.

Our region has some of the best camping destinations in Queensland. Try a local camping spot like Elliott Heads. Canya Gorge or Hervey Bay. If you plan on camping in these popular spots book well in advance.

When you arrive at your destination make sure you check your surroundings. Ask locals or site management about the best place to set up. Make sure the kids are aware of local wildlife and know how to appropriately interact.

Stretcher beds are great for kids and mean you dont have to pack air mattresses for them. They can be folded away during the day to create more space and can be re-used at home for sleep-overs.

Pack the fishing rods, bikes, scooters, board games, cricket set and cards. Plan your activities early in the day and let the kids help choose them. Take in the beauty of your surroundings and head off on a walk of the bushland. Go bird spotting or play a game who can identiy the most animals.

Pack your swimmers and head to the beach!

Keeping the Kids Cool in Summer

The Summer Months can be terribly hot and kids will especially feel the heat.  I have compiled a list of 10 tips to keep the kids cool this Summer, so we can ALL enjoy our Summer School Holidays! 

1.     Buy some water pistols and play a game of tiggy. If little ones cannot use a water pistol, spray bottles will work just as well.

2.     Make coloured ice shapes. Fill different sized plastic containers with coloured water and freeze overnight. Place the coloured blocks in a wading pool or in a watertable. Kids will love how the water slowly melts away. Fill the pool or water table with a small amount of water and see the coloured shapes bob along in the water. Preschoolers and toddlers will love this one.

3.     Go to the pool. Make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen and a hat. Bring some food with you too so you can stop for a snack and then head back into the pool for some more fun!

4.     Go to your local museum or library. They are air conditioned and if you go at the right time there will be activities on during the school holidays just for the kids.

5.     Buy some ice blocks or make your own. Grab an iceblock as a treat for coming inside and having a drink of water.

6.     Bring out the board games. Sit down indoors under a fan and have some fun playing some of your old favourites with the kids.

7.     Go to the movies. Treat yourself and the kids to a movie at the theatre. Invite your friends and their children and everyone will enjoy the day.

8.     Try some indoor craft activities like: bottle top stamping; fabric button bracelets; and bubble painting. Step by step instructions on how to create these fun activities are on our website.

9.     Outdoor craft activities are fun too, like: water table, sprinkler fun, slip and slide. Make sure outdoor activities are in the shade.

10. Go to a shopping centre. There will be activities for the kids and plenty to see.

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.

Glitter Time Out Bottles

I saw this idea on Pinterest and was so impressed I had to try it out for myself. You shake it and the glitter settles slowly as you watch and relax. I love the idea for getting children to focus on something else and relax while having a time out or quite time. It took me a few goes to get the consistency right and it will probably be the same for you. 

 

What you will need: Bottle (water bottle or any clear container with a screw top lid), clear glue (or glitter glue), ultra fine glitter and superglue.

 

What you will need to do: Fitt the bottle 3/4 with hot water (the water needs to be hot enough to melt the glue - not boiling but very hot). Add your glue and glitter and shake until it dissolves. Keep adding glue or water to get the consistency right. I used a LOT more glue then what's pictured above and still could use some more. The more glue you add the longer it will take for the glitter to settle. You want it to take at least 5 mins to settle. Superglue the lid on.

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.

Music, Movement, Singing and Dancing

I'm ashamed to admit it but music is not played everyday in our house, in fact it's really only played for any period of time when we are in the car.  I'm surprised when Lucas starts singing "Ba Ba Black Sheep". Woa! When did you learn that song?  I like to think I'm giving my kids a happy and fun environment to grow up in, but truth be told I'm not covering all the bases (or experiences) that could enrich their lives.  

Mission:  Spend at least 10 minutes every day signing, dancing, moving or listening to music.  

Result: We love it! :)  Both Lucas and Joshua get involved. And even my husband is dancing around the house.  Babies and toddlers love music!  

Here are my tips for engaging your kids in music?  

1. Sing. Weather its "Itsy, Bitsy Spider", "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" or the latest single from your favourite artist.

2. Dance.  Download songs or view songs online.  Make up dances or follow the dance moves suggested.  Focus the attention on the music and words.

3. Pick up your child and hold them while you sway to the music (*my favourite).

4. Go marching.  March around the house to a song with a strong beat.  Add in a clap, hop, or stomp.

5. Make instruments. Tie metal spoons together at different lengths – hang in a breezy area.  Place rice inside two paper plates stapled together and shake.

It's all about creating memories that will stay with you and your child forever.  Do you listen to music in your home?  What's your favourite thing to do while listening or creating music?

- Angela

Getting Set for Prep - Tips for Starting Preschool

My nephews are heading off to Prep next year.  It’s not only an emotional time for us as parents, but it’s also a major change for kids.  It’s exciting and stressful all at the same time! 

According to Prep attendance data, most families in Queensland send their child to Prep - even though it's not compulsory.  Children can enter Prep the year they turn five - as long as their birthday falls before June 30.  Prep is 5 days a week and for some kids it will be the first time they have been apart from their parents, adding nerves to the experience.  But never fear!  We have found some easy tips to help you make the transition into prep enjoyable.

Encourage your child to be independent by helping them get used to:

• putting on and doing up his or her shoes

• eating and drinking without help (opening lunchboxes, wrapping and  unwrapping school lunches and drinking from drink bottles)

• going to the toilet independently

• using playground equipment safely

• carrying his or her own bag

• identifying his or her own belongings

Work with your child to develop his or her communication skills. Help your child to:

• make his or her own needs known

• use appropriate greetings

Familiarise your child with the school environment and routine by:

• attending an orientation program or open day so you can meet your child’s teacher and see the classroom

• showing your child where to put his or her things, such as a school bag and hat

• visiting the school, if possible, when other children are there so that your child can get used to the number of children, the playground and the movement of children around school grounds

• checking with your pre-Prep provider (kindy, childcare) about how they can help children make a smooth transition to school

• encourage children to understand that teachers are at school to help  

Is 4.5 too early to start formal education in a School setting?  Lucas will not be attending Prep until after his 5th birthday as it falls due in December - I'm pretty happy about that.  I'm a believer that kids (especially boys) need to be emotionally as well as developmentally ready.  What do you think?

- Angela

Christmas Budgeting Tips

Experience Christmas by sticking to a budget and you will enjoy it even more! We have put together some great money saving ideas and tips for a fun, family Christmas.

Plan
1. Sticking to any budget requires planning. Work out what you have to spend and then what needs to be purchased. Are you hosting a Christmas Party? Who do you buy gifts for at Christmas? Are you planning a Christmas holiday? 
2. Set up a Christmas Savings Account with your bank. 
3. Leave your credit card at home when you go gift shopping. That way you will not be tempted to use it.

Gifts
1. Decide on a family budget for gifts. 
2. Suggest to your family you have a homemade Christmas this year. Gifts made at home by family members are unique and made with love. 
3. Discuss if you will be buying for extended family members or just the children in each family. 
4. Save money on gifts by having a "Secret Santa" gift giving. Each person only buys for one other person.  Everyone still receives a gift, and you will probably end up with something you really want instead of several small unwanted gifts.
5. Wrap presents with colouring pages or paintings the kids have created at school or daycare during the year. You can also buy wrapping paper in bulk or buy plain green and red paper for a cheaper option.
6. Make your own Christmas cards at home. Get the kids involved, they will love creating something that will be mailed to family and friends.
7. Go shopping for gifts with a list and stick to it. Make a list early (start now!) and wait for items to come on special. 
8. Research big item purchases, if you can get something cheaper at another store, talk to the Manager about matching prices. 
9. Head to an Op Shop or check out some Garage Sales - you never know what you will find!
10. Recycle your old formula tins by spray painting them and then filling with homemade cookies.
11. Check out Wide Bay Kids Christmas Catalogue for super specials this Christmas!

Decorations
1. Use paper to create streamers. Recycle newspapers or coloured wrapping paper.
2. Check out Wide Bay Kids Christmas Crafts Page for ideas on home made Christmas tree ornaments.
3. Head to Crazy Clarks or similar bargain shop for cheap decorations. Op Shops may also stock donated decorations.

Menu
1. Buy items like nibbles and softdrinks in advance. Hide them away at home so you wont be tempted to eat them before they are needed. Start a "Christmas Box" as early as June. Start buying and putting items away each week so you wont have a huge grocery bill the week before Christmas
2. Keep your menu simple. Why not have a cold Christmas lunch with a selection of hams, salads, and seafood. Use foods in season and try the local markets for fresh and usually cheaper produce.
3. Check out Wide Bay Kids Christmas Recipe Page for quick and cheap Christmas meal ideas.  

Did you find this information helpful?  Comment below.  What are your budgeting tips? Tell us by commenting blow.  

- Angela

Yoga for Kids...A Good Idea?

Is yoga, especially for children a good idea? I think it is! 
Yoga classes for children rarely focus on perfecting poses. Instead, they teach yoga basics. Yoga also helps improve coordination. Some reports say yoga can help calm children and helps kids with various disabilities. A 2012 report in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy found yoga helped improve school performance and sustained attention in children with autism. It also found when introduced to yoga at a young age, children are more likely to continue the practice as they get older as opposed to learning about yoga as a teenager or adult. That’s important as obesity rates are on the rise. Children who learn to exercise early in life are likely to continue that. 

What is Yoga?It’s not sport or exercise, it’s non-competitive and non-striving. It’s a system of practices based on ancient Indian principles aimed at helping people to live better. Living well is both an art and a skill. Yoga helps us to become more skilful and creative at the business of being a human being. Yoga is much more than moving the body into different shapes. Yoga brings into harmony the body, the mind and the breath. It provides an antidote to the stressed-out, auto-pilot, rushing around that we do in our society. It helps us to feel more balanced, calm and confident (in mind and body). It helps us to deal more skilfully with the unexpected bumps in the road that can cause so much stress and suffering. Yoga combines gentle physical movement with breathing and concentration. It is fun, it is empowering and it will change your life.
Leanne Toy at Bundaberg Yoga says children are natural yogis, they still remember how to drop out of their busy heads and into their playful, active bodies. They know how to be in the present moment. Many yoga postures (asana) are named after animals or things in nature, so it’s a perfect match for children to practise yoga. But more than just fun, Kids Yoga helps young people to realise early on how much power they possess, how much responsibility they can have for their own well-being. Awareness of breathing and of posture plays a big part. Reminding children to breathe fully, through their nostrils, will set them up for optimal development, learning potential and enjoyment of life. Yoga also helps them to develop skills to deal with everything that comes their way, including difficult circumstances and emotions. Kids today are coping with a very sophisticated world. Anxiety, self-doubt, perfectionism, low self-esteem, fear, insomnia are just some examples of what our children are up against. Yoga helps children to develop a tool-box of techniques that they can use every day to feel confident, strong, calm and creative.
What do you think about kids doing Yoga? Comment below. 

- Angela.

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

Surviving Moving House with Kids...

Recently our family moved house. It was the first time my husband and I had moved since having our two children. They say that moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do, and sadly I can attest to that! Everyone in our little household was on edge.

Our 2.5 year old son didn’t cope very well with the move and it took him quite a while to adjust to his new surroundings. It got me thinking about what we could have done differently to help prepare him for the move and what things we could be doing now to help him settle in.
On reflection, here are my top moving tips:-

1. Make a list of all the big jobs and prioritise them. Tick them off daily, it won’t seem so daunting that way. Big jobs include disconnecting phone, gas and electricity and changing your address with agencies and suppliers.

2. Make a list of all your items and organise them into categories. For example moving, storage, dump, donate, garage sale.

3. Start packing with about 3 weeks til moving date. Start with items you don’t currently use like out of season clothing. Involve your kids by asking them to pack their own bedroom items. Explain that the items will be packed away for now and will be at their new home when they move in.


4. If you’re moving to a new city, choose a new dentist, vet and medical centre. Look up where your local school and child care centre will be. Investigate local parks, sporting clubs and community groups which you may be able to join once you have moved in. Visit with the kids so they get used to their new surroundings. Business and Service Provider information for families new to regions can usually be found on Local Council websites.

5. For younger school-aged children it’s a good idea to let them have a goodbye party with their friends. Ensure they understand they can still be in contact with their school friends via telephone, email or post.

6. Involve your kids as much as possible by taking and showing them your new home before you move in. Let them choose their bedrooms and if you can, buy new bedspreads and bedroom accessories so they can personalise their rooms.

7. On moving day make sure you have activities planned to keep the kids busy while you pack and load. Have a box of toys/games put aside that can easily be transported in the car with the kids. Include items like matchbox cars or barbie dolls, a few small reading books, colouring in book and pencils, deck of cards and your child’s favourite DVD.

8. And finally, once you arrive at your new home take the time to show your child around. Ask them what their favourite thing about the new house is and allow them time to ask you questions. Get your child’s room set up first and get them settled with some familiar furniture and toys before you start unpacking the remainder of the house. The boxes will still be there in the morning!

- Angela.