IRONKIDS Casey

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7 Ways to Enjoy Life's Everyday Moments

 

Are you finding it difficult to carve out quality time with family? Even during the pandemic - when life has forced so many of our lives to a significant slowdown - it still hasn't been easy for some of us parents to dedicate ourselves to family time activities. Maybe we're too bogged down with work, homeschooling, or household responsibilities; or maybe the current (and crazy) events in our word are taking up too much emotional space for us to focus on anything else.

Taking the time to experience bonding activities with your family and loved ones can result in fond memories and a deeper sense of security for all involved. Here are 7 easy ways to make this happen:
1- Build Strong Bonds
Life gets busy, and in the shuffle it’s easy to overlook the importance of quality time with your friends, family, and significant others. Commit to regularly (and safely) spending one-on-one time with each loved one as a special treat you can all cherish. Even if it’s just snuggling and watching a favorite show together, crafting, or doing an activity you both enjoy, try making an effort to slow down and strengthen your bonds.

Want to raise kids who are compassionate? Be sure you're doing this essential thing!

Do you think you're on the right track for raising kids who are kindhearted and compassionate, and then they say or do something so inexcusably mean or inconsiderate, and it makes you wonder, "Where the heck am I going wrong?"

There’s a saying that goes, “Preach the gospel. If necessary, use words.” Along these same lines, I’d like to say “Show your children how to be compassionate towards others. If necessary, use words.” This basically means that while verbal guidance might be necessary at times, we should primarily show / teach with our actions, because these actions are what will most influence others – especially our own kids. It's true, and I have the letter that proves it!

The other day, I ran across a stack of 7 folded notes written to/from my 15-year-old and 6-year-old daughters. Because I’m a nosy mom (I bet you are too!), I took a seat and read through them all, and it appears as though the first note that initiated the back & forth exchange was from the teenager. It was an apology to her baby sister, telling her she was sorry that she was too busy with schoolwork the previous day and couldn’t play with her. The note went on to ask “If you have a chance, we should have a meeting at 2pm today. If you think this is a good idea, please meet me in the kitchen at promptly 2:00.”

You’ve been Boo’ed and Elf’ed! Here’s something new: Get Ball Dropped!

 

 

 

When the clock strikes midnight on December 31, this crazy year will finally be over!

You’re probably familiar with the idea of “boo’ing” your friends and neighbors during the Halloween season and “elf’ing” them during the Christmas season. It’s a simple game where you anonymously drop off a fun-filled basket of treats for them to enjoy with the hope that they’ll pay it forward and “boo” or “elf” someone else. 

Let’s compare lists. Here are my New Year’s Resolutions! What are yours?

 

I LOVE making New Year’s Resolutions! Don’t you?

Don’t give me the bogus-ness about not making resolutions because they’re sure to fail, because the truth is it’s very possible to succeed with New Year’s Resolutions if you make SMART goals and then be willing to put in the work. But I admit – I rarely achieve the level of success with my resolutions as I’d like, but I still look forward to opening my brand new calendar and imagining the possibilities that lie ahead for the New Year. And if I get only halfway to a goal – or even a fourth of the way there, that’s better than nothing, right?
 

Experts say your goals need to be SMART (more on that here) and that you shouldn’t make too many goals. That seems like sound advice, but I can’t resist having a resolutions list long enough to reach from here all the way to Downtown Houston, because I just like believing that each new year will be THE year to tackle all my projects and get my life in order! Wishful thinking, but why not?

12 Easy Ideas for at-home memories with your child

Folks, it's true! A day home doing something with your child that she enjoys can be just as memorable and special to them as a day out spending tons of money. Kitchen projects are our favorites, and my daughter always talks about the time spent cooking, even after the meal is long gone.  

 

Keep reading for some super simple activity ideas your little one might enjoy doing at home with you today:

Win "Mom of the Year" with these gifts for your teen!



Are you shopping for a teenager for Christmas this year? Groan. I know the feeling. Most teenagers are difficult to shop for. I mean, how are you supposed to know what they want when most times THEY don't even know? Unless they have some specific interests, choosing gifts are sometimes a shot in the dark. But... it really is possible to find gifts they will love. Here are some really great options that most older kiddos - and even some adults - will enjoy: [We may get commission for purchases made through links below.]

Your child will love these Thanksgiving lapbooks!

School's out! So what can you do with your child during the Thanksgiving break? We're so glad you asked! In addition to baking zucchini bread, watching TV, reading, and playing around the house, your child is sure to enjoy a lapbook activity about Thanksgiving!
 
Lapbooking is a cute, creative, hands-on way for your child to learn about a specific topic in a fun way. The best thing about lapbooking is that it's so simple! You'll use a file folder or a school folder and some tape and/or glue. From there you'll find a lapbook that's suitable for your child (there are hundreds available online - some are free, some require a small cost), print the interactive templates, and help your child assemble the lapbook. Lapbooking involves cutting, folding, coloring, gluing, and other fine motor activities that are great for your child' development!

Editor's Book Pick: "The Ugly Vegetables"

Have you read The Ugly Vegetables by Grace Lin? We suggest getting your hands on a copy of this memorable, delightful book that we recommend for ages 4 to 10 years old. Not only is it a precious, well-told story, but the book is a wonderful lesson in gardening, patience, and culture appreciation. While it's not a Thanksgiving book per se, it's one of our favorite books for reading during harvest time, and we've personally read it to our own kiddos over and over and over again!

Why you must add pop-up books to your library!

There’s nothing quite like a pop-up book. Their intricate designs have come a long way since the days of my childhood, and even those were fascinating enough. If you haven’t added pop-up books to your home library, I highly recommend investing in one or two, and eventually having a whole collection, regardless of your child’s age. As a grown-up, I enjoy our special books as much as my kids do, if not more. The adventures spring to life before our very eyes, and each page is a pleasant, beautiful surprise. When we’re not currently reading them, we keep our pop-up books stored away in their plastic sleeves to preserve them for many years to come.

Full Year of Lesson Plans for Little Ones!

To babies, everyday is an adventure as they begin to explore the world around them. Your baby is counting on you! Every waking moment is an opportunity to teach him something new - a movement, a sound, a song. Our Editors have made it easy for you with these theme-based lesson plans designed especially for infants. Each fun learning theme is for babies up to 2 years old, and each "lesson" is designed to be used for a week. Enjoy! 
 
Your toddler has quickly begun to connect with the world around him. Each day is an adventure -  an opportunity for learning new animal sounds, fun songs, age-appropriate concepts, and more! We make your job easy with these free theme-based lesson plans designed especially for toddlers up to age 4. Each "lesson" was created to be used for a week. Be sure to print out the seasonal/holiday-themed lesson plans when the time of year dictates. Enjoy!
 
 

Recipe: Okra-Shrimp Beignets

Okra is in season! We’ve been noticing some beautiful okra in our local grocery stores lately. But what does one do with this slimy green veggie? First of all, you should know that okra is a nutritious food with many health benefits. It's rich in magnesium, folate, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, K1, and A. Okra maybenefit pregnant women, heart health, and blood sugar control.
 
You can batter and fry okra, sauté it, or even throw it on the grill. Whenever I think of cooking okra, I think of making a mean gumbo or some type of creole soup. But the weather’s not quite cold enough for that. I adapted this Southern Living recipe I found to create these delicious Okra Shrimp Beignets that ended up being a wonderful crispy and savory midday treat for my family.