Turning Busy Days into Playful Moments: Toddler-Friendly Tips for the Holidays
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How to turn your whining toddler into a playful toddler when you are hustling to get it all done.
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Creating Play Spaces: A Guide to Encouraging Independent Play at Home
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Three tips for more independent play at home
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Read MoreHow to Handle Kids' Shopping Demands: Holiday Edition
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If your child is constantly asking for things this holiday season, you are not alone! I’ve got a few strategies for you when it comes to responding to your kids when they are asking for EVERYTHING!
Read MoreOne Phrase That Will Transform Your Holidays With Kids
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"You really wished you had that too.” Sound simple? This phrase is about to become your go-to, especially when the kids' presents are being flaunted, and feelings of envy start bubbling up.
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We've all been there: Your child rips open a gift, and the look on their face says it all – it's not what they were hoping for. Read here for some strategies to gracefully navigate these all-too-common situations
Read More8 Kid-Friendly Tips for Stress-Free Thanksgiving Hosting
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Hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be a daunting task, especially when you have little ones to consider. But with some creative planning, you can make the holiday enjoyable for guests of all ages, including YOU!
Read MoreNarrating Play: Boost Your Child's Growth & Independence
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Sometimes playing with your baby can feel daunting. Here’s a way to play that will not only boost development but also build the foundation for independent play later on. (plus our favorite play for baby!)
Read MoreHalloween Rice Krispie Treats Simplified
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Simple spooky treats for Halloween. Tips on how to decorate without the fuss.
Read More5 Ways to Enhance Your Child's Decision-Making Skills
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Read More5 ways play helps children develop a strong sense of self
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Free play is a crucial aspect of childhood that significantly contributes to a child's development of a strong sense of self. Plus, it’s free! And pretty low-lift for us busy parents.
Read MoreHow to Host a Playdate at Home
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Playdates are an important way to support your child’s socialization. Don’t miss these tips on how to make them run smoothly.
Read MoreIntroducing Toddlers to Chores: 5 Tips for a Smooth Start
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Starting chores early with toddlers can instill a sense of responsibility and help them develop essential life skills. Click here for three tips to introduce chores to toddlers effectively.
Read MoreThe Magic of "Alone Dates": The Essential Bonding Time Every Child Needs
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Being together as a family is a beautiful mosaic of laughter, chaos, messiness, and even occasional bickering. But sometimes, amidst the shared moments, the individuality of each child needs to shine.
Read MoreBook Suggestions By Age
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These delightful reads will ignite the imagination, foster early development, and create precious moments of connection with your little ones.
Read MoreHow to Talk to Children About Their Artwork
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You know that moment when your child proudly shows you his drawing and you have no clue what it is? Click here to learn the best ways of handling that conversation.
Read MoreWhen Your Child Doesn't Want To Go To School
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Is you child having a difficult time transitioning back to school? Check out this blog post for tips on how to make that change a little easier.
Read MoreKeeping Kids Occupied in the Pediatrician's Waiting Room
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Keeping young children occupied in a waiting room can be a bit of a challenge, but with a little preparation and creativity, parents can make the wait more enjoyable and less stressful
Read MoreOrganized Creativity: The Magic of Using Divided Trays for Kids' Art Supplies
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Scissors / Stickers / Masking Tape / Metal Tray / Google Eyes / Roll Paper / Play Dough / Paint Brushes / Pencils / Paint / Paper / Markers / Crayons / Chalk / Kwik Stix / Glue / Mini Paint Cakes / Neon Paint Cakes
I always use a tray when I set out art supplies for kids and it’s not because it looks cute.
Using a sturdy tray for supplies will allow your child to spend less time opening packages, less time searching for that one color they love, and more time creating. The more confident your child feels about creating, the more likely they are to keep going!
Here's why a tray will get your littles creating longer and more often:
Encourages Independence: Divided trays allow children to see all available materials easily. They can make independent choices about what they want to use without needing to ask where things are or fumble through containers.
Fosters Creativity: By having a variety of materials neatly displayed, children are encouraged to experiment and combine different elements. The layout itself can be an invitation to explore and innovate.
Teaches Responsibility and Self-Regulation: Children can learn to take what they need and put it back where it belongs. This helps in developing a sense of responsibility and an understanding of the organization.
Minimizes Overwhelm: Too many options or a cluttered workspace can overwhelm some children. A divided tray keeps everything visible without feeling chaotic. It helps kids focus on the task at hand by presenting options in a clear and accessible way.
Promotes Fine Motor Skills: Picking up small objects from divided compartments helps in developing fine motor skills. This encourages the child to use pincer grasp and other pre-writing skills.
Enhances the Aesthetic Experience: A well-arranged divided tray can be visually appealing, which is in line with the philosophy of creating beautiful and inviting spaces for children to work in. This can heighten their enjoyment and engagement with the art activity.
Facilitates Collaboration: If working in a group, a divided tray can create a sense of community, where children share the materials. It encourages communication, negotiation, and collaborative creativity.
Ease of Clean-Up: Divided trays are typically easy to clean and reset for the next activity. This practical aspect makes them a favorite choice for many educators and caregivers.
Using a divided tray for art supplies aligns with the child-centered approach that emphasizes independence, creativity, and intentional design.
Plus, it’ll get your kids creating independently so that you can get some time back for YOU!
See our favorite trays and storage options below!
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5 Creative Ways to Ease the Back-to-School Transition: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
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With the back-to-school season upon us, the excitement, anticipation, and sometimes anxiety can be felt by both parents and children alike. Here are five creative, child-centered strategies to help ease this transition.
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Has your child requested an item this holiday season that you are not on board with? Read this.