The post My Shit Day As a Mum – We All Have Them Right? appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>You know those days where by the end of it you are completely and utterly exhausted? Those days you can barely holding it together? Well this was me yesterday.
I am usually a very laid back person, it takes a lot to break me. But I can say with all honesty that I have never in my 9 years of being a parent ever had a day that shit! I was woken by fighting kids, breakfast everywhere, my kitchen resembled a holding cell for untamed animals.
I thought once I dropped the boys at school surely my day would improve. I was wrong. So unbelievably wrong! My 2 year old daughter seems to have embraced the terrible two’s with open arms. There was just no letting up. She is a very strong willed child which I’m hoping will be a benefit in her older years but for now, she is driving me to breaking point. I ask her to do something. No. Please do it. No.
I am not typically a parent who resorts to bribing my children to do things (toilet training excluded, they can have whatever they frigging want if it means they will crap in the toilet!) however yesterday I was at my wits end. I did not know what to do. I was stressed, time deprived with my husband and I cannot remember the last time I left the house to do something for myself or by myself.
I’m just tired of being tired.
As the afternoon went on it didn’t improve. Homework arguments, racing the clock for swimming lessons because their class times had changed. Rushing out the door with an extremely overtired 2 year old, 3 month old baby and the boys, only to get there and be told they changed our lesson time to the next half an hour slot which meant I had to entertain the devil child, I mean toddler, for an hour instead of 30 minutes in what can only be described as a sauna. *It is a heated indoor pool in a shed that is ONLY for lessons.
By this point I was barely holding it together. I made dinner and was counting down the hours until my husband came home. He walked inside and asked me how my day was – I couldn’t contain it any longer – “It was fucked!”. There was no other way to explain it. The tears started flooding my face and as my husband comforted me, I fell into a messy sobbing heap. He asked me what had happened to make it such an awful day and as I told him, the crying got worse. But as I talked and cried, I began to feel lighter, less stressed, less irritated (possibly less irrational).
My husband being the wonderful man he is reminded me that everyone has bad days. It is ok to not be on top of everything every single day. Not to bottle it up until breaking point and that tomorrow will be better! And like always….. He was right.
Have you experienced days like this too? How do you prevent it from happening?
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]]>The post 5 Foodie Ways to Get the Kids Through Witching Hour appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Guest post by Simone Emery from Play with Food.
My favourite tool to have in my parenting arsenal is a good afternoon tea. A good afternoon tea sets the kids up for a decent window of opportunity to be productive without the “I’m bored” and “I’m hungry” complaints during the witching hour*.
*Actually, let’s be honest it should read hours. Next to afternoon tea is having something ready to occupy the youngsters. (Unless homework is in the picture for you and that is causing a whole lot of other “fun” at your place.)
Here are 5 foodie ideas to get through the afternoon that don’t require too much preparation. You should have most of the ingredients / resources on hand.
1. Vegie Painting
Using some vegetables, try painting (or drawing around) them onto paper. You can make an edible paint by mixing a teaspoon of yoghurt with a drop of food colouring. Vegetables that make good brushes include asparagus, broccoli, rosemary stalks and carrot tops. Or you can cut a potato into two and make circle / oval stamps.
2. Grouping and Counting with Vegie Scraps
This is great if you have potato / carrot / sweet potato or the outer leaves of a leek available. Have the children tear them into pieces and then line them up in order from smallest to biggest. Or put them in groups of similar size pieces. Then they can tally up the number of pieces they have sorted out.
3. Mystery Sensory Challenge
In a shoe box, place some dry rolled oats and some small mystery fruits and vegetables for the children to find and determine what they are just by feeling them. This works well for small items like apricots, plums, cherries, beans, sugar snap peas and cherry tomatoes. You could use shredded paper, dry rice or dry pasta to surround the mystery foods too.
4. Bubble Painting
In a small beach bucket over a messy mat or outside, place some detergent, food colouring and water. Put some paper over the bucket and poke a straw through it. The child then has to blow OUT to make bubbles that will reach up and colour the paper.
5. Food Sculptures
A great way to use their imagination and also to make some use of your scraps again too. With toothpicks, get them to try and make things like a car, digger, castle or dog out of food items. This can be simply done on a placemat on the floor beside you while you are making dinner.
Simone, from Play with Food, has plenty of tips to help you master your family mealtimes, especially with fussy eaters. She always aims to delight the taste buds and imagination of children with food.
How do you incorporate food into play? Tell me in the comments.
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]]>The post Easy Christmas Craft Ideas For Kids appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Christmas is a time of magic, creativity and joy.
Seeing the joy on a child’s face when they get into the spirit of Christmas is all it takes to make a parent slow down and embrace the merry season. This typically starts with Christmas activities!
It is no secret kids love doing arts and crafts, it is also no secret that craft is beneficial for children and their development. (CLICK THE LINK TO SEE HOW). But most importantly, it is fun. If you and your little ones want to get into the spirit of Christmas make sure you create these festive Christmas activities seen below!
Bauble Decorating
Decorating your own baubles can be so much fun. Not many crafts items are required to make this and yet you can create something special and that will treasured for years to come.
You will need: plain bauble, paint, glitter, sequins/confetti.
How to: Design your bauble and craft a beautiful decoration. You can use the paint to make a pattern, add glitter or sequins to wet paint (this eliminates the need for glue). My 2 year old daughter thought feathers were fun so added as many that would physically stick on.
Once you have your beautiful bauble looking how you like it, hang it up to dry.
Christmas Card Making
Christmas cards are almost an essential part of the season. Instead of using the same old generic cards though, create unique ones at home. You can show of your creative flare and add that extra love we all want at Christmas.
You will need: Cardboard, paint, tinsel, glitter, sequins/confetti, pens
How to: If your cardboard is not already cut to size, cut it and then fold in half. Draw/paint/glue your design on the card and let it fry before writing your special message inside.
Each of my kids created completely differently cards with the same items, it is great to see how their imagination and creativity allows them to be so different.
Mini Wreaths
These mini wreaths are so incredibly easy to make! Requiring only two products to make them, they are extremely budget friendly and make a great decoration or gift.
You will need: Pipe cleaners, bells (in assorted colours and sizes)
How to: Thread the bells onto the pipe cleaner, alternating the direction with each one. Leave a little pipe cleaner spare at the end so you can close it off. Twist the ends and hang it on your Christmas tree!
The Christmas craft ideas are simple and easy to make which makes them great for children of all ages. My two year old had an absolute ball, as did my 6 and 8 year olds. The is no age limit for craft and each child / adult deserves to get into the Christmas spirit! Ho Ho Ho!
What are your favourite Christmas craft activities?
This is an S1 POST written in collaboration with Child.com.au.
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]]>The post DIY Printables And Educational Games For Kids appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>With school holidays fast approaching, it’s great to have some creative tools up your sleeve. Keeping the kids entertained, learning and laughing over the Christmas break may sound like an impossible task, but it’s not – with some printable activities and fun learning games, you can keep their boredom at bay in an educational way.
These nifty little puzzles are a great tool for increasing motor control and aiding in cognitive development and spatial awareness in toddlers and pre-schoolers. They can also be a great idea for presents!
Here’s how to make them:
1. Print a recognisable character, picture or word on thick, laminated paper.
2. Glue the back of your paper to a stack of connected LEGO Duplo bricks (or regular LEGO pieces for older kids).
3. Simply slice between the seams of each Lego brick.
4. Take the pieces apart and let your little ones put them back together.
Another activity to keep your kids’ minds at work these holidays is teaching them the parts of the body. A fun way to beat the old “heads, shoulders, knees and toes” song could be to create your own jingles. Depending on your child’s age, you can introduce new body parts to the song, such as tummy, elbows, chin and chest. If you’re after a really crafty afternoon, print out diagrams of the body and see what parts they recognise (just the basics is fine – nothing too challenging!).
It’s no secret that children have huge imaginations. Make the most of this by keeping a night-time journal with your children. Even if they can’t write yet, work with them to create a personalised journal featuring their own pictures and stories. For example, you could print out a picture of their favourite character and dedicate a diary page to them. A diary is a great educational tool as it teaches your child the benefits of reflecting and remembering. Best of all, you can laminate and frame it for their 18th birthday!
Print out large letters of the alphabet and glue them onto sticks. You can pick them up in order, or make a game out of spelling words. The ageless ‘pick up sticks’ game has never been so educational!
Print out a graph of the timetables on bright, colourful paper. Laminate it and stick it somewhere in the house to help your child or children get more familiar with them.
Mix and match art with maths. Have your child design a ‘greater than, less than’ monster such as a crocodile and teach them maths with a deck of cards.
Printable activities can be useful for kids of all ages, but the value of printed materials extend beyond childhood as well! Education and training providers find that printed documents are effective training tools in all kinds of industries – particularly when created with expert printing companies like The Print Group (click here to learn more).
For the kids, quality learning doesn’t just have to happen in school. Learning at home can prove just as good for stimulating and pushing your children to their full potential.
What are your favourite ways to inspire learning through DIY activities?
This is an S2 POST.
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]]>The post 5 Things You’ll Need For A Batman Party appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>You’re never too old for a Batman party. No, seriously. DC Comics’ Caped Crusader is one of the most enduring icons in popular culture, with legions of fans among kids and grownups alike.
Whether you’re throwing a weekend birthday bash for your child or just having a fun get-together with friends on a Friday night, a Batman-themed party is sure to be a smash. Here are 5 things you’ll need to help you get started.
The Batman universe is filled with great ideas for potential costumes, with the most difficult to put together being that of the Dark Knight himself. Luckily, there are plenty of costume purchase and hire outlets like Disguises that stock authentic Batman costumes, in kids’ and adults’ sizes, from every era of the character’s history – and that includes his allies and rogues gallery too! Some villains, like Two-Face or Harley Quinn, you might even be able to put together yourself if you’re feeling creative.
When decorating for a Batman-themed party, you should consider pulling from his storied history for ideas. Maybe put the “Gotham City: 14 Miles” sign from the ‘60s TV show in your front yard, or hang an Arkham Asylum sign above the door. If you’re not afraid of anything being broken, you can also invest in replica rubber Batarangs found online, or apply Bat symbols, Joker ‘HA HA HA’s and Riddler Question Mark wall decals throughout your home.
The best game you could come up with for any Batman-themed party is a mystery for the guests to solve. It’s a Batman party, after all, and he is the World’s Greatest Detective. Come up with an amusing story to go along with it involving a Batman villain, and tailor it to your audience. Keep it light for a kids’ party, but feel free to get darker and grittier for adults. Provide clues for guests to collect, analyse and ultimately use to solve the mystery for a prize.
Atmosphere is key to any good party and there are lots of ways to build it around your Batman theme. Danny Elfman’s theme from Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman is a fantastic song that embodies the character perfectly. You could even take background audio from the excellent Batman: Arkham Asylum videogame for the perfect villainous backdrop. Add a portable smoke machine and a DIY indoor Batsignal and you’re looking pretty good!
If you’d like something to throw on the TV in the background (or if your party is a viewing party), there are so many films and shows to choose from. For films, Tim Burton’s Batman Returns or Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight would be choice picks. From TV, Bruce Timm’s now-legendary Batman: The Animated Series is perfect for either kids or grownups.
These are just a handful of the things you’ll need to put on a successful Batman-themed party. TIP: Don’t forget to send your guests home with a “utility belt” gift bag full of Batman goodies and enjoy your night in Gotham.
You have a lot to do and party planners – like Batman himself – never rest. To the Batcave!
This is an S2 POST.
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]]>The post GO NUDE! Join Nude Food Day 2015 appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>This year I am a Nude Food Day Ambassador and I feel humbled to be a part of it. Unlike previous years where it has been promoted on a specific day; this year Nude Food Day is being celebrated across any day of October, all of them if you are that committed!
I am actively taking part in Nude Food Day this October to reduce the amount of wastage and rubbish we use when packing lunches, storing leftovers and even the products we buy. By making small changes in our choices, we are seeing a positive impact on not only our environmental influence but also our selections in food. Our improvement in fresh and healthy food options has been outstanding and one that we will continue as often as possible.
Nude Food Day encourages both parents and children to make conscious choices that result in healthy eating and a healthy planet. For more information on how you can be involved and encourage kids (and adults) worldwide to join the Nude Food movement, click the link.
Every small effort makes a difference – start by sharing your favourite fresh food and or Nude Food Mover on Instagram and Facebook. Use the hashtag #NudeFoodDay
All Mum Said has been sharing pics that you can see here: Instagram: @allmumsaid
Check out Nude Food Day at www.nudefoodday.com.au | Facebook: National Nude Food Day
To get you in the mood for celebrating and embarking on this fresh challenge; All Mum Said has got a great giveaway for you all. I have got 5 – YES 5 – incredible SMASH NUDE FOOD MOVERS packs worth over $50 each to giveaway!!
5x WINNERS!!
Each prize contains: (RRP $50+ each) Total prize pool $250+
**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Terms & Conditions:
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final.
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.
If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.
If you would like to learn more about the Nude Food Movers range by Smash check out:
www.nudefoodmovers.com.au | Facebook: Nude Food Movers | Instagram: @nudefoodmovers
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]]>The post Develop Logical Thinking With Games appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>A child’s mind develops in stages. This is a crucial part of them learning and retaining the information.
To develop logical thinking kids must be given opportunities to discover if I do this than that is going to happen. Basically, if this … than that. This is why from the age of two children will basically ask ‘Why?’ for everything. They are learning how to put 2 and 2 together in a way they understand and makes sense.
To encourage your child to embark on developing this skill, there are many things you can do to help. With the simple use of strategy games, construction, toy parts or simple ask questions and answers. When they ask a question, ask them what they think the answer is before you answer it. This gives them the chance to consider the ‘ifs, that’s and why’s’ of their question.
By allowing children to develop their logical thinking in a variation of stimulated environments, you are giving them opportunities to discover who they are. Watch your child and see what really interests them and make connections from that. If they love being outdoors, embrace the butterflies and where they are going, if swings get them excited – ask them what happens if you go too high or you don’t hold on, why does your hair blow in the breeze when you swing?
As these skills are enhanced they will be able to incorporate past and present connections, patterns in everyday routines and even discuss their feelings.
Every day mundane tasks are more important to the learning process of children than many parents realise. Kids learn from unpacking groceries; where do things go? Why do they go there? When stopping at traffic lights in the car; what do each of the colours mean? When picking herbs and vegetables from the garden; they learn not only how to sustain them but also what each food good looks/smells/feels like.
• By giving children chores, even if it’s just a few; they are learning that they have to work for what they want. In addition to this important skill; they are also learning about the value of money which is a great way to introduce learning to count money.
• By mentioning time periods in conversation – “In 5 minutes we will go and play ……” you can start to familiarise your child with clocks and telling the time. Can you show me what time it will be in 5 minutes?
• Incorporating spelling into fun activities such as craft, you are encouraging learning a new skill in an exciting activity. Alphabet stamps are a great way to mix learning to spell with arts and crafts.
It is no secret that children have a limited attention span. But don’t let that discourage you. Here are some things to keep in mind to maximise the concentration period and get the most out of each experience.
• Allow them to steer the learning in a way that is fun for them.
• Know when to step back and leave them to discover alone. Equally as important, know when to join in.
• Encourage and support their questions every day!
Play time is crucial for kids to learn skills and extend their ability to understand situations further. Playing allows children to develop these skills at home by encouraging them to try new things and experiences along with growing their confidence as they discover understandings first-hand.
This is an S1 POST.
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]]>The post Benefits Of Pretend Play For Preschoolers appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Don’t dismiss pretend play for preschoolers or toddlers because it doesn’t interest you. This is a crucial part of learning for kids. Read this to understand how!
Your child constantly sees you completing mundane everyday tasks, but to them it is not boring jobs. To them you are doing amazing and complicated activities. They want to learn how to be as amazing as you and this is where the benefits of imaginative play begin.
Pretend play helps children of all ages improve skills they need later in life but because they can advance these talents through fun activities, they will enjoy it and continue to grow. Here are just some of the ways creative play can benefit your child:
• Encourages imagination – the ability to be creative and make up scenarios that can be acted out, allows children to not only be original but also permits them to express themselves in a way they feel comfortable whilst allowing their imagination to progress.
• Social skills – when playing in a group environment, pretend play encourages team work and cooperative behaviour. This is important for their basic social skills to develop and encourage flexibility with ideas.
• Thinking – this is relevant to social skills because when playing with others, not everything is going to happen the way your child expects or wants it to. This allows your child to problem solve and consider other possibilities to achieve a solution. This is often how they develop the skill to improvise!
• Inspires them – playing gives kids the ability to be whatever they want to be. They can be a fireman, astronaut, mum/dad, shop keeper and absolutely anything else that makes them happy! This joy and imagination stimulates their senses and encourages them to further explore possibilities that they previously hadn’t considered.
• Language skills – pretend play offers children the ability to improve their language skills by talking, listening and sharing their emotions. This is so important to the development of a child because it is something they will continue to use for the rest of their life!
Children learn a great deal by simply watching how people around them interact. By mimicking common scenes they witness at home, they are enhancing their cognitive skills and developing behaviour that is appropriate later in life. While imaginative play is something children will learn to do on their own; you can certainly do things to further their interests. Many of which require minimal effort on your behalf!
• Designate room – not everyone has space to assign an entire room to pretend play but most can reserve at least a corner. This is a great idea if possible because it gives your child the space they need to pretend. By filling ‘their area’ with old containers, a bench or table with a sheet over it, boxes, old phones and even dress ups; it is ready for creativity.
The items in this area do not have to be new or costly! Your child will decide whether it is a kitchen, space station, shop, etc. and will ultimately make it whatever they want.
• If you have a new baby in the family, let your child help or copy you complete the parenting jobs. For example: if you are changing a nappy, let them also change their babies (aka doll) nappy or feed it when it is hungry. They want to be involved and are learning each and every time they pretend to be like you!
• If you are doing the washing, vacuuming, making lunches, gardening, etc. – LET THEM HELP!
• Play with them – if they want to play doctors, be the patient. If having tea parties, drink the tea. Place your order and let them bring you your food. Let them be the mail lady. Whatever the situation is – ENCOURAGE IT and BE EXCITED with them!
Childhood is full of learning and development. There are so many options that allow kids to learn while having fun; for more ideas on how you can get involved with imaginative play (click the link).
It is critical to a child’s progress that they are encouraged every day; so make pretend play for preschoolers important to you too.
This is an S1 POST in collaboration with Child.com.au.
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]]>The post How To Reduce Headache In Children appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Don’t freak out at the first sign of a headache in children, read this, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce their pain.
No parent wants to see their infant or child suffering from headaches and sometimes they need more than a cuddle to make it better. Consider the following to help ease their discomfort.
While you want to do everything you can to make your child’s aches go away instantly, sometimes you have to wait just for medicines and methods to take effect.
• Reduce sugar intake – we have all heard the stories about how addictive sugar is, well unfortunately it is true. Too much or too little amount of sugar, especially if your child is regularly eating/drinking it, can cause severe headaches. Slowly reduce the amount to a healthy level to avoid future withdrawals and overindulges.
• Rest – Lack of sleep is a common cause for headaches. Your child should be regularly getting sufficient rest to minimise this tiredness. A damp washer or towel placed over their forehead will also help to relieve their pain.
• Drink water – Dehydration, no matter how mild will cause headaches. Not just in children but adults as well. Ensure your child is drinking sufficient water throughout the day, particularly in the warmer months!
• Exercise – Regular exercise does amazing things for the body by reducing stress, improving moods and helping to maintain a healthy weight. All of these factors contribute to headaches.
• Tech free time – Get your children away from the screens, Tv’s, iPads, etc. When they are staring at these devices for long periods of time their brains become overstimulated and result in headaches. Monitor and reduce the time with technology.
• Medicine – Whether you opt for a natural supplement or Nurofen to help ease headache in children, they will generally begin to improve within 15 minutes. If their pain persists, please seek the advice of your doctor.
Unfortunately not all headaches can be relieved easily; this is when there is probably another underlying cause. Your medical professional will be able to advise if your child has an ear infection, viral infection or another cause entirely. For more information on headaches in infants, children and teenagers click the link.
Parents want to relieve a headache in children as efficiently as possible which is why you should bookmark this page for future reference!
This is an S1 POST.
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]]>The post Book Week Costume Ideas For Kids appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Book week is a tradition that is growing in popularity in schools and the general community. A week completely dedicated to celebrating books, their Australian authors and illustrators.
By using fun as the main attraction; kids all over the country are learning about the importance of reading. Book Week ideas for kids are hugely popular in classrooms as they allow children to understand how much fun they can have with books and their characters.
There are so many crazy and wonderful ideas to encourage reading and embracing stories. This doesn’t just have to be novels; it can include picture books, comics, and any other type of book you can think of for children.
Dressing up is one of the most popular ways for schools to get kids and their teachers excited and understand their favourite characters. There are so many characters for children to choose from and if you are like me, you may not be the best with a sewing machine. Truth be told, my husband is the seamstress in our home. This is why I am thankful for costume shops that offer affordable options and a vast range for children of varying ages.
Popular costumes include: Cat In The Hat, Thing 1 & Thing 2, Harry Potter, Little Red Riding Hood, Super Heroes and princesses.
So with all of these great ideas in mind; it came time for my boys to choose their costume and being the individuals they are, they decided on Star Wars characters. B1 is Darth Vader and naturally B2 has followed his big brothers lead and taken on the role of a Star Wars Clone Trooper.
The costumes the boys received are full of detail from head to toe. Both included the outfit and mask which forms a complete outfit; if however you want to extend the costume even further you can maximise your look by adding accessories.
The only thing I can really fault about these costumes are that the masks are quite hard to see out of so they wouldn’t be great for long periods of use.
Costume Box offers not only the most current and up to date costumes at affordable prices, they also supply those more unusual options like: gladiators, Horrible Histories, Indiana Jones, Buccaneers, Egyptians and the list goes on.
Bring literary characters to life in time for Book Week 2015 by ordering your child’s costume from Costume Box. They offer FREE express shipping for Australian orders over $75 and a flat rate of $5.99 for orders under $75. Most orders delivered within 1 business day!!
Everyone loves free stuff which is why with each purchase you have the option of also scoring yourself something for free. Find all the Costume Box discount / freebie codes here.
Check out the full range of costumes from Costume Box!
When is Book Week? 22 August – Friday 28 August 2015.
Disclosure: I received the Star Wars costumes (as seen on B1 & B2) for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
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