She Buildeth Her House

hands-on

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Fun Activity to Give Mommy a Minute to Rest!

So I had read about this idea online. And yet I never did it. Sometimes all the ideas just blur together…they seem fun, but too much work. This idea is NOT like that.

My sweet girl has been on an archeologist kick lately. And so it seemed like a good time to try it.

I don’t know what to call it. Maybe a dino dig. Maybe ice digging. But whatever you want to call it, your kids will love it!

Just find some random little toys.

Trucks.

Rings.

Dinosaurs.

Even coins would work!

Then put them in ice trays or Tupperware containers or both and add a drop or two of food coloring if you really want to go all out 😉

Freeze it.

Collect a couple paint brushes, salt, and maybe a cup of warm water. Tell then they are archeologists and have to dig out the artifacts. You can even google facts about archeologists and read them while they are doing it if you’re feeling really motivated.

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Even my two year old who WON’T sit still was mesmerized. Like it bought me at least 30 min or more of time not having to chase him around the yard.

With older kids, you could use money and they get to keep it!

They are begging to do it again.

You’re welcome.

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Three Hands-On Ways I Use to Teach My Littles about Memorial Day

I personally have never served in the military, but I have so much respect and admiration for those who have. If it weren’t for their sacrifice, we couldn’t live in this great land of America. I am so grateful for those who have paid the ultimate price by giving their life. I am also grateful to their families, for they too have paid a price much steeper than I could ever grasp.

Because of this, I have a deep desire to instill in my children from an early age a great respect for soldiers, and to understand that Memorial Day isn’t about cookouts and yard sales.

Here are three easy ways I have sparked conversations with my children, even though they are still very young, concerning what Memorial Day truly is about.

  1. Visiting graves of soldiers and leaving flags. We did this when my daughter was 3, and again when she was 4. This year at age 5, she asked me when we were going. She loves it. We buy a few flags, go to a local cemetery and look for those who have served in a branch of the military, and put flags out as a way of saying thank you. Simple. Memorable. And we’ve had some great conversations about soldiers, as well as spiritual conversations about some of the things we’ve seen there. I’d highly recommend it.
  2. Playing toy soldiers together. I was in the Dollar Tree and grabbed a little bag of cheap toy soldiers and then found some painters tape we had leftover from when we first moved into our house. Stuck some “battle lines” down with the painters tape and wow. My kiddos have HAD A BLAST. And we’ve talked a little more about what it means to be a soldier and fight for your country. So simple I’m a little embarrassed to even make a blog about it, but it was so effective that I wanted to share!!



  3. Make a thank you card for someone in your life who has sacrificed. Maybe someone from church who has a child in the service. Maybe a family member who served years ago. Maybe someone who has lost a loved one in the military. Have the kids draw a picture and mail it or hand deliver it. Again, super easy but effective.

Hope these simple ideas inspire you to do something this Memorial Day to share with your kids what it is really about. It’s often the most simple actives that make memories. 🙂 Happy Memorial Day!