Musical Balloons

My girls love their balloons.  We've been having a blast with the luminary balloons.  Those things can get expensive, though!  I was trying to think of something different we could do with them that didn't cost so much money!  After looking back at posts from 2011 I revisited our Sensory Balloons post.  I thought I would put a little twist on it.  It led me to this...

All you need are some balloons and various objects to stick inside.  We used 12 inch balloons.  They were very easy to fill. I did set up an invitation for this that you will see below.  However, my girls had so much fun just dancing around with these and shaking them.  







After 30 minutes of dancin' and shakin' the questions starting rolling in.  "Mommy, what is inside of there?  Do you hear that?  What does that sound like?"  


The invitation

We had six balloons.  I placed what was inside each balloon in a small container.  These containers were purchased in a pack of six at the Dollar Tree.  

Top row from left to right: Marbles, bells, and lentils
Bottom row from left to right: Pony beads, sand, and water


My 22 month old placing her bell balloon on the bell container.  She was right!  My oldest had to check all the ones my 22 month old did to make sure they made a match.  There was a lot of switching going on.  LOL  I left the tops to the containers out so that they could shake the container and make a comparison.  I wish I had more pictures of this but my youngest was up.  Speaking of that... depending on what you put in the balloons, this activity is LOUD!  At least if your children are anything like mine with the shaking.  :-)  



All matched up.  



After 5 or 6 rounds my oldest asked to cut them open.  They cut them over a bin to contain what was inside.  


Watching the balloon deflate.


"Bells!!!!  I made a match!!!"


"I think this one needs to be switched.  Those are marbles"


Cheater!!!!!  LOL LOL  


My 22 month old loves the scissors now, too.  

RL

The Best of (the Last Seven Months of) 2011


Technically, we have only been around since May 29, 2011.  That is when we started our facebook page.  Our blog came even later than that.


Wow, what a fun ride it has been so far.  We had NO IDEA Play at Home Mom would turn into such a great community and we are so grateful.  What is it all about for us?  Its about changing lives, helping families reconnect through play, helping parents "let go" a bit....play more, be present more, focus on the process more, say "YES" more, let children lead the way more, and ENJOY our children more.  Our gratification comes from that simple comment on our wall saying "thank you, I had so much fun with my child today", and even the long, heartfelt emails that we receive from time to time.  We are looking forward to 2012 with all of you, but for now, here are our favorite posts of 2011.  ENJOY!!

(PAHM introduces the world to the LIGHT panel)

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....and one more for good measure:
Courtesy of Rhythm of the Home
ARTICLE HERE





Thank you all for letting us into your homes, for being inspired, for being interested in child-guided play, and for opening your lives to us.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

PAHMs

Using Snacks to Instill Capability



We all know that children like to feel  like they have control over their lives.  We want our children to have a healthy relationship with food, and giving them power over their own eating is a great place to start.  Children need several small snacks throughout the day.  This keeps their blood sugar levels consistent and gives them fuel for all of those Play at Home Mom activities we do with them.  ;)



When we dictate to our children what to eat and how much, we are taking away their independence and teaching them not to listen to the natural signals from their body that tell them when they are full.  Does that mean eating is a free-for-all?  No.  It means we offer healthy options and allow our children to make choices and listen to their body.  The easiest way to do this – don’t keep junk in the house.  Desserts and sweets can be a part of a healthy diet, but when sugar becomes a staple, then it’s a problem (and Im guilty of having days where we all consume too much sugar).

I started making snack bags a few months ago for my son, and was recently inspired to organize them even more into containers (as seen in pics).  How does this work?  When my son gets hungry, he gets his own snack - instilling independence and capability.  What about meal time?  We still have breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  If he goes for a snack just as lunch is being served, then the snack becomes part of his lunch.  Pushing back lunch time and dinner time is also an option for us, if need be.  Here are his current snack options.  He doesn't have to ask, he just gets a snack when he is hungry (though he typically asks).  He is not limited to these, but they are what is readily available to him at this time........




granola bars, raisins, bananas, oranges, sunflower seeds, and pistachio nuts



watermelon, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, carrots and cream cheese, and probiotic drinks



- AK
(MESE, MECD)





GiveAway: Simplicity Parenting Webinar

Winner of the Simplicity Parenting Webinar:
Karen of Ottawa, Canada!
Congratulations Karen!


Finding the support we need to help us connect with our kids is a great way to start the new year. Recently I posted about Kim John Payne's upcoming Simplicity Parenting Webinar here. And now I have some good news for all of you...they have generously offered us a free "seat" for the webinar to give to you!

Here's how to play: comment on this Play At Home Mom blog for one entry and share it on your facebook page for a second entry (be sure to let us know you shared it in a second comment). Giveaway begins today, December 29, 2012, and ends Monday, December 31, 2012.

Also, don't forget to check out the Simplicity Parenting FaceBook Page and Website for more information on how you can use "the extraordinary power of less to raise calmer, happier, and more secure kids."


Happy New Year!
PAHM



An Outpouring of Generosity






"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."  - Schweitzer



It seems everyone feels all three families are deserving, and we couldn't agree more. A number of you asked how you can personally contribute to help the three families chosen in the Pay It Forward Giveaway, so we set up a PayPal account for those who wish to make donations to the families. Donations will be accepted until midnight on Sunday, December 25, 2011 (EST). Then we will divide the money between the three families and send out the gift cards. Please click on the button to donate. And thank you for the outpouring of generosity.

To read about the families you are helping, click HERE.

 - PAHMs