It all started with a horse…My son was maybe 6 or 7 years old, and we had just gotten him the Java Edition of Minecraft for the computer. He caught on pretty quickly, but he got frustrated as all get-out one evening because he could not figure out how to ride a horse. After looking it up on Youtube (along with a slew of other newby things), I finally decided it would be easier just to download it for myself.

I wouldn’t admit it to my friends, but it was pretty freaking cool. Much more complex and interesting than I was expecting. Thankfully, my husband felt the same way.

Ever since then, we have played together as a family, and it is one of my favorite things to do with my son.

Sure, it may seem like a silly game, but I have found that playing Minecraft with my son has some unexpected benefits. From getting a chance to bond to teaching life skills, here are some of the many reasons I love playing Minecraft with my kid.

The Benefits of Playing Minecraft With Your Kid

1. It is Great Bonding Time

Playing Minecraft with my son gives us something to do together that we both enjoy, without any of the usual eye rolls or grumbling. There is no pressure to talk about what is going on in his life, and I’m not nagging him to do his chores. We just play.

2. Playing Minecraft Gives us Something to Talk About

Let’s face it, as parents, we’re not always the coolest people to talk to. Getting my son to talk about his day (or anything really) is like pulling teeth. But, when it comes to Minecraft, he’s happy as a clam to spill the beans.

3. I Get to See My Kid’s Creativity in Action

Watching my son create amazing structures in Minecraft is one of the coolest parts of playing the game together. I love to watch him build, and I’m constantly amazed by how crazy fast he is with redstone. It is so cool to see what he comes up with.

4. We Get to Practice Working Together as a Team

When we first started playing Minecraft as a family, my son was pretty selfish with the resources. My husband and I would spend a bunch of time mining and farming, and the kid would swoop in and take whatever he wanted.

Now, things are much better. We’ve learned how to work together as a team towards a common goal. What my son lacks in time spent mining, he makes up for with automatic farms and saving our bottoms during raids.

5. It’s Great for My Son’s Self Esteem

There are still some things I can do better than my son. I generally win at chess, I am a better cook (at least for now), and there are one or two other things that I can do better than he does.

But, when it comes to Minecraft, the tables are turned. If he’s had a tough day, sometimes “letting him win” (ha ha!) in Minecraft mini games is just the ticket.

6. I Get to Learn New Things from My Kid

One of the things I love most about playing Minecraft with my son is that I get to learn new things from him. He has a seemingly endless supply of knowledge about the game – from cool tips and tricks to creative ways to build structures. It’s been fun to see him take the lead and teach me new things, which has also given me an opportunity to bond with him and see the world through his eyes.

7. It’s a Fun Way to Teach Important Life Skills

OK, so my son will not need to worry about how to fight creepers and Ender dragons in real life, but he still learns a lot of important life skills. Together, we learn about resource management (always re-plant your trees!), how electricity works (redstone is cool!), efficiency (automated farms), problem-solving, building, working together as a team, and more!

8. I Get to Impress My Son (Every Now and Again)

I’m not gonna lie…I have done internet searches specifically to find cool little Minecraft hacks and Easter eggs, just to try and impress my kid. He doesn’t care that his t-shirts are folded like a pro or that I weeded and mulched the flower beds, but he was impressed that I learned how to turn a cow upside down.

9. I Actually Enjoy Playing Minecraft

After a long day, sometimes I just want to relax and unwind. It is pretty Zen to make the rounds: harvesting crops, breeding the animals, and then trading with the villagers.

Why Minecraft Will Always Have a Special Place in My Heart

I hope that after reading this article, you can see why Minecraft is more than just a game to me – it’s a way for me to bond with my son and create some pretty cool memories together. From exploring new worlds to learning new skills, Minecraft has provided us with endless hours of family entertainment.

But more than that, Minecraft has brought us closer as a family. We’ve laughed, learned, and worked together to create some truly impressive builds.

So if you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to connect with your child, I highly recommend giving Minecraft a try. Who knows – you might just discover a new passion and make some pretty good memories along the way.

The post 9 Great Benefits of Playing Minecraft with Your Kid appeared first on Wild Edisons.

In the age of technology and screens, getting kids to get outside and engage in physical activities can be a heck-of-a challenge. However, the backyard presents loads of opportunities for children to explore, learn, and have fun while soaking in the fresh air and sunshine.

From obstacle courses to creative projects, there’s no shortage of backyard activities that can capture kids’ imaginations and keep them active.

Here are some exciting backyard activities that are sure to ignite kids’ creativity and energy!

Fun Backyard Activities for Kids

1. Bug Hunt and Study

Kids are naturally curious about insects. Provide them with a bug catching kit with magnifying glasses, bug catchers, and containers for observation. Explore the yard to discover insects of all sizes and teach them about these tiny creatures’ roles in the ecosystem.

2. DIY Obstacle Course

Transform your backyard into an obstacle course filled with challenges that encourage physical activity and problem-solving. Use hula hoops for jumping, cones for weaving, and cardboard boxes for crawling. Kids can time themselves and compete to beat their best scores, promoting healthy competition and active play.

3. Mini Gardening

Teach kids about the joys of gardening by dedicating a small portion of the yard to their very own mini garden. Provide them with child-friendly gardening tools and let them plant flowers, herbs, or even simple vegetables. This hands-on activity fosters a sense of responsibility and an appreciation for nature’s cycles.

4. Outdoor Art Studio

The best place to get messy is outside! Set up an outdoor art station complete with paints, brushes, and canvases. Encourage kids to draw inspiration from the natural world around them as they create their masterpieces. Whether it’s painting flowers, trees, or even the sky, this activity allows children to express themselves while enjoying the beauty of their surroundings.

5. DIY Bird Feeders

Combine crafts and wildlife observation by making DIY bird feeders. Use items like pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed to create enticing treats for feathered friends. Hang these feeders around the yard and watch as kids delight in the flurry of birds that come to visit.

6. Sensory Play Zone

Set up a sensory play zone where kids can explore different textures and materials. Fill containers with sand, water, rice, or even mud. Add in some scoops, funnels, and toys, and let their imaginations run wild as they engage in tactile and imaginative play.

7. Outdoor Story time

Create a cozy outdoor reading nook with blankets and cushions. Encourage kids to pick their favorite books and read aloud to themselves or to their friends and family. The combination of fresh air and captivating stories creates a magical reading experience.

8. DIY Bubble Station

Kids of all ages are mesmerized by bubbles. Set up a DIY bubble station with various bubble wands and mixtures. Let them experiment with different techniques to create the biggest and most intricate bubbles they can.

9. Rock Painting

Collect smooth rocks from your yard and transform them into colorful works of art. Provide acrylic paints and brushes, and let kids paint their designs on the rocks. These painted rocks can be used to decorate the garden or even exchanged as gifts.

10. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Unleash your child’s inner explorer by organizing a nature scavenger hunt. Create a list of items commonly found in your backyard, such as leaves, rocks, flowers, and insects. Provide them with a bag or a basket to collect their treasures. This activity not only engages kids in observing their surroundings but also introduces them to the wonders of the natural world.

Have Fun in Your Backyard!

The backyard is a treasure trove of possibilities when it comes to engaging kids in fun and educational activities. From nature exploration to creative projects, these 10 backyard activities offer a range of opportunities for kids to learn, play, and grow while enjoying the great outdoors.

By encouraging kids to step away from screens and immerse themselves in these exciting experiences, parents and caregivers can help foster a love for nature, creativity, and active play that will stay with them for years to come. So, let the backyard adventures begin.

The post 10 Fun Backyard Activities for Kids to Spark Creativity appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Are you tired of hearing the words “I’m bored” every time your kids are stuck indoors? When it’s too cold, too hot, or too wet to play outside, it can be a challenge to keep kids entertained and engaged. Fortunately, there are plenty of fun and creative indoor activities that can keep kids of all ages occupied and happy.

In this blog post, we’ll share some of our favorite indoor activity ideas that are perfect for rainy days, snow days, or any day when you need to stay inside. Whether your child loves art, science, or just playing games, we’ve got you covered with activities that are sure to keep them entertained and learning. So, get ready to banish boredom and have some indoor fun!

Ideas for Fun Indoor Activities for Kids

1. Have a Paper Airplane Contest

Making and flying paper airplanes is a classic indoor activity that kids of all ages can enjoy. You can find tutorials online for different types of paper airplanes, or let kids come up with their own designs. Once they’re made, you can have a contest to see whose plane can fly the farthest or do the best tricks.

2. Learn Their Favorite Video Game

One fun indoor activity that can encourage bonding between you and your child is having them teach you their favorite video game. This is a great way to spend quality time together and learn more about their interests. Find out some of the many reasons I love playing Minecraft with my son.

3. Tell a Story with Legos

Pull out the Legos and use them to tell a story. You can use Legos that have already been built or build as you go. (You might want to start by separating out the people and accessories, just so you know what you’re working with.)

4. Build a Temporary Indoor Obstacle Course

Setting up an indoor obstacle course is a great way to get kids moving and burning off energy, even when they can’t go outside. You can use pillows, cushions, blankets, and even furniture to create different challenges for kids to navigate. For example, you might have them crawl under a table, hop over a pile of pillows, and balance on a beam made of sofa cushions. To make it even more fun, time them and see if they can beat their own record.

5. Make a Cardboard Castle

Building a cardboard castle is a great way to encourage creativity and imaginative play. You can use cardboard boxes of different sizes and shapes, then let kids decorate them with paint, markers, or stickers. You can also add other items, like cardboard tubes or paper towel rolls, to create towers or drawbridges. Once it’s built, kids can use it as a play space for their toys or act out their own medieval adventures.

6. Have a Puppet Show

Creating puppets and putting on a show is a great way to encourage creativity and storytelling skills. Kids can make puppets out of paper bags, socks, or paper plates, and decorate them with markers, yarn, or googly eyes. Once they’re done, they can use a cardboard box as a stage and put on a show for family and friends.

7. Try Some Science Experiments

Trying out simple science experiments with household items is a great way to teach kids about the world around them. You can try experiments like making a baking soda volcano, creating a density tower with different liquids, or making slime with glue and borax. Just be sure to supervise and help younger kids as needed.

8. Have Some Fun in the Kitchen

Kids can learn valuable skills in the kitchen while having fun making their favorite treats or trying out new recipes. From no-bake cookies to homemade pizza, the possibilities are endless. Aside from learning the concept of measurement, your kids will also have the opportunity to understand what it means to prepare a healthy meal. Be sure to teach them the important of safety in the kitchen as well.

9. Get Crafty

Activities that involve arts and crafts are ideal for kids to build up their creativity. Drawing and painting as well as making wood and paper crafts are examples of art activities you can teach your kids. Try one of these jewelry activities for kids or search YouTube for simple craft projects and give something new a try!

10. Play Dress Up

Regardless of gender, many kids enjoy dressing up. Incorporate this game to a mini theatrical home you will direct at home. This is an opportunity for your children to develop their acting skills and use their imagination. To make the activity more interesting, consider using props and wearing colorful costumes. When doing a play with your kids, it’s normal for them to run wild so avoid imposing rules because it may cause them to lose interest.

11. Sing and Dance

Another activity you can get your kids exposed to is singing or dancing. Try combining these two activities to make things more interesting. Don’t limit your kids to a single type of music, instead, introduce them to all kinds of fun music including pop, dance, and even hip-hop and kids rock and roll. Some parents may not love the idea of teaching these kinds of music to kids but if they are properly guided, they can use the opportunity to hone their musical skills.

12. Play Board Games

Aside from these, you can also teach your children other indoor activities that involve educational board games like chess and scrabble. Always find opportunities that will help your children develop and improve important skills and be there to guide them as they move along the process.

13. Have a Scavenger hunt

Scavenger hunts are a fun way to challenge kids’ problem-solving skills and get them exploring their surroundings. You can create clues that lead kids to different rooms or objects in your house, or hide objects around the house for them to find. You can make it more challenging by adding riddles or puzzles that they have to solve to move on to the next clue.

14. Play Charades

Charades is a classic game that can be adapted for kids of all ages. Make a list of easy-to-act-out words or phrases and have kids take turns acting them out while the others guess. This is a fun and engaging way to encourage communication and creativity.

Hope You Found an Indoor Activity that Inspires You!

There are plenty of indoor activities that can keep your kids entertained and engaged, no matter what the weather is like outside. From creative crafts to educational experiments, there is something for every child’s interests and abilities. By providing a variety of indoor activities, you can keep your kids learning and growing even when they’re stuck inside.

Remember, indoor activities don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Sometimes the simplest activities can be the most fun and rewarding. Whether you’re making a homemade fort, baking cookies, or playing a board game, the key is to have fun and enjoy the time spent together as a family. So, the next time you’re stuck inside, try out one of these indoor activity ideas and make some memories with your kids.

The post Boredom Begone! 14 Fun Indoor Activities for Kids appeared first on Wild Edisons.

But what if you could take her love of fashion and combine it with another hands-on creative game? Jewelry making for kids is a great way to keep them occupied in a new and exciting activity. Plus, they’ll be even more excited to hit that living room runway to show off their amazing jewelry.

This might sound messy and expensive, but there are tons of affordable jewelry crafts. While some may require a trip to the craft store, others can be done with objects currently laying around your home.

Do you want to know more? Keep reading to discover the top 10 cutest jewelry making for kids DIY ideas.

10 Great DIY Jewelry Making Ideas

1. T-Shirt Bracelets

Kids grow up so fast, don’t they? It seems as soon as you buy them new clothes, they’ve already outgrown them.

You can take advantage of this by using one of those outgrown shirts to make a bracelet! All you have to do is cut three long strips out of the shirt and knot them on one end. Then, have your child braid the strips and tie it around her wrist!

This can also make a great DIY personal lanyard cord!

2. Painted Pendants

If you have any wooden pendants laying around, you can let your child showcase their creativity by painting them! The best part is that the possibilities are endless.

Bigger pendants may go great on necklaces or rings, while smaller pendants can be made into earrings or bracelets. You can even glue them on headbands or hairclips!

Your kids will have the perfect indoor fun activity to get them through rainy days, as they can make dozens of painted pendants and jewelry crafts.

3. Toilet Paper Roll Bracelet

Don’t throw that empty toilet paper roll away just yet. Instead, help your little one turn it into a fabulous cuff shaped bracelet!

All you have to do for this DIY toilet paper roll bracelet is cut a toilet paper roll in have so it’s a good width. Many are made by wrapping yarn around the roll. But paint, glitter, markers, and stickers can all be used too!

4. Headband Tiara

If your daughter is always playing the princess game, this is one of the best jewelry crafts ideas for her.

Cut a 2D tiara shape out of cardboard and let her go wild with the paint, glitter, and plastic gemstones! Then fold the very bottom and glue it onto a thicker headband.

5. Pipe Cleaner Tiara

Do you love the idea of DIY tiara jewelry crafts, but don’t love the idea of sacrificing a good headband?

A fun alternative is to use pipe cleaners! They can create the entire tiara by twisting different color pipe cleaners around. Beads can be a great way to add that extra wow-factor without all the mess of glitter.

6. Gemstone Rings

Noting goes with a fabulous tiara better than a gorgeous gemstone ring.

You’ll likely need to hit the craft store for Sieve rings. These work great because they have a flat, plain surface that you can glue all sorts of things to.

While you’re there, pick up some fun colored plastic gemstones (if you don’t have some already) so your kids can make rings to match every tiara.

7. Button Rings

Buttons can be used for so many jewelry crafts ideas, including being glued on tiaras and bracelets.

But they can also be used to make beautiful rings. While you only need one button to glue on a Sieve ring, your kids might like having a few different sizes, shapes, and colors to work with. That way they can layer the buttons and really have fun with it.

8. Clay Beads

Beads are an important part of many jewelry crafts. While the craft store is jam-packed with different types of beads, all you need is a little oven bake clay.

Your child can spend the day making beads of all different shapes, sizes, and colors. Once they’re done with a bead, just use a toothpick to make a hole and pop them in the oven.

But who says fun beads are only for kids? A mala bracelet is the perfect adult jewelry option that combines fun materials with a stunning final product.

9. Frozen Necklace

Are your kids wild for Frozen? If they never want to take their Elsa dress off, then they might want to make some Frozen inspired jewelry crafts.

All you need are some clear (or white) and light blue beads. While any shape works, gemstone beads tend to look the best. Snowflake charms or beads also make a great addition! String the beads alternating between clear and light blue for the perfect necklace to match that Elsa dress!

10. Glittery Pasta Necklace

Do you have fond memories of using pasta noodles to make necklaces? Well, jewelry making for kids hasn’t changed much. Noodles still offer an inexpensive and convenient material for all types of jewelry.

If you want to take this up a notch, let your kids paint or put glitter on the pasta noodles. It’ll transform them from pasta noodles to colorful DIY beads!

The Best Jewelry Making Ideas for Kids Ideas

Jewelry crafts are a great way to get your kids interesting in an afternoon craft session on rainy or lazy days. Once they’ve finished their beautiful jewelry, they can put on a whole fashion show right in the living room!

While there are endless jewelry making for kids ideas, some of the best include making gemstone rings, clay beads, and glittery pasta necklaces.

Did you enjoy this article? Check out our blog for more activity ideas for spirited kids.

The post Jewelry Making for Kids: 10 Cute DIY Ideas appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Many parents concentrate on finding fun summer activities that their children can participate in while school is out. However, while there are tons of fun summer activities available for school-age children, it can be difficult to find some that toddlers can participate in. This doesn’t mean that it isn’t important for toddlers to be involved in fun summer activities too.

After all, they are still people and when they are being carted all over for their siblings’ activities, they will begin to feel less important and not understand why they don’t get to join in on the fun. Below are several fun summer activities that toddlers can participate in.

Make Homemade Ice Cream

One of the best treats enjoyed by all children during the summer is ice cream. So, why not make it a fun family tradition to make your own ice cream? Your children will enjoy and learn a lot as they help with the ice cream making process.

Gymnastics

One of the most universal activities for toddlers is gymnastics. This is because gymnastics provides toddlers with a constructive way to burn off the extra energy they have while improving their socialization and coordination skills. They will also become more aware of their body and increase their physical fitness levels. While gymnastics is available for children all year, it’s one of the fun summer activities that your toddler is sure to enjoy!

Plant a Garden

It’s important that children learn where their foods come from. So, one of the best ways to help them learn this is to show them. Take them to the store in late winter/early spring and pick out some packets of vegetable/fruit seeds. Then, when the weather is right, have them help you plant the seeds. They will enjoy watching the “fruits of their labor” begin to grow…and eventually get to eat them!

Travel

Most families take a family vacation during the summer, but traveling doesn’t have to mean getting away for an entire week to some place fancy. Even a simple road trip with your family can get you out of the house and in to the wide, wide world.

Traveling with your children will teach them a number of different things. First, you will be taking them to a variety of different areas where they will get to see things they haven’t seen before. However, you can also take the time in the car to teach them how to read maps – a skill many kids won’t learn with the invention of the GPS.

A Day at the Beach

If you live relatively close to the beach, then take the time to take your children every now and then. They’ll have a blast swimming, building sandcastles and looking for seashells. The great thing about the beach is that you don’t have to do much to teach them – especially if you have young children. Seeing the ocean in person is an awesome experience and will give your kids the chance to learn about seagulls, waves, high tide and low tide and a host of other things!

Take Photographs And Videos

Taking photos and videos really can be turned into a day full of summer fun for kids! Equip them with a digital camera (or a disposable one if you’re concerned they won’t look after it) and help them find fun things to take photos with. Kids will often get really creative and take more impressive shots than you might have imagined! Or simply record the kids and the family having fun all summer and put together some home movies to enjoy one night.

As you can see, there are many summer activities for kids available. All of these activities have their own unique benefits for your children, but the one common benefit they share is keeping them busy during the summer. Keeping your family happy with the right activities, means that your children are less likely to be getting in trouble during the summer – which will be a huge relief to you.

The post What Are Some Frugal Kid’s Activities For The Whole Family? appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Parents realize that as the Autumn season is upon us and the weather begins turning frigid, in many regions of the U.S. its time to come up with alternative activities for kids, aside from the normal outdoor selections.

While some Fall activities for kids can be weather permitting, our ideas below are all indoor and offer moms a chance to have a blast afternoon with their kids while not overspending in the process.

Fun Fall Activities for Preschoolers and Toddlers

1) Bumper Bowling

Check with a local bowling alley and many will inform you of a half off day or $1/game special, usually during the afternoon hours midweek. Most bowling alleys are slow during the day and need customers, offering specials to take advantage of. Try to get them to include shoe rental as part of the deal as most will do so. Even toddlers and preschoolers can participate in Duckpin or Bumper Bowling and have a lot of fun.

2) Day at the Library

How quickly parents lose track of how much of a good time kids can have at the public library. Most libraries have library storytimes and toddler activities on a weekly basis in the Fall. Even if storytimes are not currently running, toddlers love libraries. Usually loaded with comfy beanbag chairs and puzzles for the youngsters, these types of preschoolers activities usually are a winner and best of all free.

3) Kids Movie Days

Unbeknownst to many moms, many local movie theaters have a day of the week where they offer cheap movies for moms with toddlers and young children only. Usually on a Tuesday or Wednesday during afternoon hours, theaters offer child oriented movie offerings that allow kids to be kids. No worries about being too loud or sitting still. If your child truly wants to watch the movie, this may not be the right thing for you! Usually a nice reprieve for moms but bring your own snacks as they’ll get you on the full priced popcorn and drinks.

4) Attend a Local Hockey Game

If there’s a local ice rink in your region, more than likely there are hockey games going on throughout the Fall season. If your child enjoys sports or just watching other little ones, they’ll love watching other kids playing hockey. Whether its a high school game or just a scrimmage or kids league, its usually free or low in cost. These arenas are usually loud and echo filled so kids’ noise is easily drowned out. Don’t fret about paying too much for a drink or $10 for nachos in these establishments either.

5) Crafts Classes

Call up a local arts and crafts store and see if they have any upcoming events or ‘how to’ classes directed towards kids. Normally these sessions are meant to drum up future business and draw in parents to purchase supplies and thus are free or minimal cost. Sometimes you will need to purchase the supplies used during the course so make sure to choose wisely but it usually ends up in an enjoyable crafts for kids adventure.

Enjoy your Autumn Season!

We hope these fall activities for kids inspire you to do something a little different this Autumn. For more ideas, check out our other posts with activities for spirited kids!

The post 5 Free Fall Activities for Preschoolers and Toddlers appeared first on Wild Edisons.

The site Wonderopolis credits origami invention back to 17th century Japan.

You can make origami, which literally translates to “folded paper” out of any paper that will fold.

Origami can be made from basic printer paper to money to specialized origami paper.

There are an endless number of creations an origami master can create. The only limits are the limits of your imagination.

If you want to become an origami master, these 5 tips will help you get there.

5 Top Tips to Become an Origami Master

1. Choosing the right paper

There are so many options out there for origami paper. Start with something basic and easy to fold so that you don’t get frustrated.

Traditional origami paper is square, so if you are starting with printer paper or something you find at home already, cut it into a perfect square first.

Pick patterns and colors that bring you joy.

Keep in mind that patterned papers can hide mistakes more easily than solid colored paper so they are a good choice for beginners.

2. Be patient

Origami is meant to be enjoyable and meditative. Take your time in creating your origami and pay attention to detail.

Of course, don’t get upset if you mess up! Be patient with yourself as you are learning.

You can’t expect to become a master of anything without practicing it over and over again.

If you’re just beginning, start with a basic shape to get used to the folds and understand how a square piece of paper can turn into this miniature sculpture.

3. Use folding tools

You don’t have to purchase anything fancy to create sharp creases in your origami paper.

You can use a ruler, credit card, or anything else with a well-structured edge as a folding tool. Avoid items that are sharp, though!

Don’t forget, it is also a good idea to test a small part of your folding tool to make sure it doesn’t damage your paper.

If you are doing a lot of origami, such as folding 1000 cranes, your fingers will quickly get sore and a folding tool can make a big difference.

Sharp creases will help you origami keep its shape as well.

4. Follow instructions

The best way to become an origami master is to follow instructions precisely. Once you learn some of the common crease patterns, you will start to be able to make your own creations or memorize your favorites.

You can watch instructional videos, find folding guides online, get origami books, and more!

5. Enjoy it!

Origami is such a long-standing form of art because of its accessibility, beauty, and calming properties.

There is something about creating a piece of art that brings us satisfaction: it’s a tiny accomplishment that can spread joy.

Enjoy the creations you make and enjoy the process of making them.

That’s It!

With enough patience and practice, anyone can become an origami master.

Fold origami you enjoy, and have fun sharing your work with family and friends!

The post 5 Tips to Make You an Origami Master appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Now that we have mastered Uno (see my post: Playing Uno with a Preschooler), we have moved on to other, more “sophisticated” preschool card games.

In fact, playing card games has become one of my favorite activities to do with my preschooler. Not only is it a fun bonding experience, but he somehow manages to learn something new every time we do it.

Advantages of Playing Card Games with Preschoolers:

• Fun way to spend time together
• Gives my preschooler the opportunity to practice; colors, numbers, matching, etc.
• Expands his vocabulary to include card-related words like shuffling, dealing, hand, etc.
• Provides a fun way to practice following instructions and remembering rules.
• Helps my preschooler work on his fine motor skills. (Holding cards can be tough for a four year-old, and don’t get me started on shuffling.)
• Great way to encourage good sportsmanship.

Tips for Playing Card Games with Preschoolers

Don’t Let Your Preschooler Win All of the Time

I was 18 years old before I finally beat my father in Chess. This was pretty tough on my chess-related self-esteem, but it made me a much better chess player. Now that I have my own child, I have decided to take a more flexible approach. I don’t want him to have a false sense of self-esteem, but I also don’t want him to get discouraged. The object of playing games is to have fun (and learn something). So, if he doesn’t want to play because he always loses, there isn’t much point.

My general rule of thumb for card games is this…Let him win the first couple of times we play, just so he can get his bearings. Then, make him lose so that he doesn’t get a big head. After that, I kind of play it by ear, making sure that he wins enough to stay interested and loses enough to keep from getting cocky.

The good thing about preschool card games is that a lot of them really aren’t based on skill. Of course, there are things that more experienced players can do to tip the odds in their favor. For example, in Uno, you try not to play a wild card unless you have to. In Go Fish!, you can pay attention to what your opponent has asked you for in the past. Etc. and so on. But, often they are largely based on luck. In other words, once he really understands a game, there is a roughly 50/50 chance that he will win.

No Cheating Allowed!

I am happy that Edison has not mastered cheating. This isn’t to say that he hasn’t tried…He just hasn’t mastered it yet. So, I  have had a few great opportunities to catch him in the act and call him out on it. It might be something small, like sneaking a peek at the next card in his stack in Slap Jack. But, “Cheater, Cheater, Pumpkin Eaters” are not allowed to play.

Play Cards with Your Preschooler Often

It is so easy to pull out a deck of cards and play a quick game. We do it while Daddy finishes up making dinner or we have a few minutes before we need to leave for school. The more we play, the more fun it is.

Teach Your Preschooler How to Win and Lose Gracefully

After every game, regardless of who wins or loses, we always shake hands and say, “Good Game”. Sometimes, he is frowning pathetically as he does it. Sometimes, he is bouncing around so excitedly that he can hardly take my hand.There are also times while we are playing that I have to remind him not to gloat about winning or whine about having to pick up the pile, but that is why we practice.

Take Cards When You Travel with Your Preschooler

Card games travel very well, and they are great to whip out at the doctor’s office, restaurant, or hotel. I have started keeping one in my purse for emergencies.

Great Preschool Card Games

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Meanwhile, the kids are cooped up in the house and bouncing off the walls. Your children do not have a means to burn off that excess energy. The end result is tantrums, meltdowns, and overall misery.

The bottom line is that you need to get out of the house. There are many fun activities for the kids; you just need to know where to look.

Read on for 5 fun activities to make your winter more enjoyable.

1) Sign Up for a Sport

This is a great way to repeatedly get out of the house. Typically, organized sports leagues have a few practices or games per week.

A lot of people have the misconception that sports leagues are not for young children and toddlers. However, there are many indoor soccer leagues for children as young as two years old.

Not only will your child burn some energy off, but learn life lessons at the same time. For instance, playing organized sports gives children the opportunity to learn about good sportsmanship.

2) Take Your Children to a Pet Store

Pet stores are underrated sources of fun and education. Children love the many different pets on display.

In addition, it gives you a fun opportunity to teach your children about science and nature. Take a visit to Aquatics World for example.

Here your child can learn about fish and biology for beginners. Purchasing a small fish can teach children about responsibility and care for something other than themselves.

3) Volunteer at a Charity Organization

On its face, maybe you wouldn’t define volunteering at a charity organization as a fun activity. However, you will be surprised at how fun and rewarding volunteering can be.

Great examples are giving turkeys out on Thanksgiving or toys on Christmas to families in need. Volunteering teaches children important life lessons about compassion and sharing.

Check out the look on an underprivileged child’s face when they receive a Christmas toy. Your child will share in that joy and end up having a great time.

4) Take Your Child to the Library or Bookstore

You would be surprised at how many activities the local library or bookstore plans for kids. Among many other activities, the library usually puts on shows, does arts and crafts, and has story time for young children.

The library is educational too. Reading is the best way to hone your child’s academic development.

5) Visit a Museum

Typically created for the general public, a visit to the museum is fun and affordable. Here you can teach your child about dinosaurs, art, and space.

Best of all, museums attract young children by organizing fun events. Check out the museum’s website for a calendar of fun events and put them on your schedule.

Wrapping It Up

Every parent of young children has suffered from a bout of cabin fever. The good news is that there are affordable options out there for kids to burn off some energy.

Not only are these activities fun, but in many cases, they are educational as well. Check out our blog for more great ideas and fun activities for children.

The post 5 Fun Activities to Get the Kids Out of the House appeared first on Wild Edisons.

Family adventures happen all the time. In fact, more than a third of families say that they will be taking at least one annual vacation. Make sure memories with your kids are guaranteed to be wonderful by planning road trip activities ahead of time.

If you take a few moments to map out what to do before your youngsters go stir crazy in the backseat, you can reap several benefits.

First, your journey will feel much shorter. We all know that time flies when everyone is actively involved in the experience.

Secondly, everyone’s emotions will run toward the positive, not the negative. Adults and kids feel more optimistic in a car filled with laughter and conversation.

Finally, your kids will learn and grow during travel periods. This helps them create lifelong, meaningful memories.

Ready to make your “car time” shine whether you’re vacationing at the beach, in the mountains, in the city, or anywhere in between? Take advantage of these great travel ideas!

6 Road Trip Activities for Kids of All Ages

You know you need to bring luggage, toys, and a sense of humor when traveling. But don’t forget things to do when you’re in the car, too.

Before you pack up, be sure to write down the six best road trip activities.

1. Pay Attention to License Plates

This is an oldie-but-goodie because families have been doing it for years.

Watch as each license plate goes by, and see how many states’ plates you see. You can turn this into a contest to see who can spot the most different states’ plates in a specific period of time, such as 10 minutes.

Want to really move this to an educational opportunity? Download a picture of the United States map and give all your passengers a copy.

That way, they can note when they find a plate. Plus, the kids get more acquainted with where states are located.

2. Make Bingo Cards

Most Bingo cards have 25 spaces with a “free” spot in the middle. Your goal is to develop as many items as you can for the other spaces on each passenger’s personal Bingo card.

For instance, you might want to put these types of Bingo notes in card squares:

• Yield sign
• 18-wheeler with a logo for a supermarket
• Red sports car
• SUV towing a vehicle or trailer
• Bird in the middle of the road
• Car stopped by the side of road

You’ll be able to use your imagination and come up with common — and perhaps not-so-common — things you see while traveling. Feel free to be as specific as you like, such as a vehicle’s make or model in a particular color.

Be sure to create numerous Bingo cards so you can keep this fun activity going after the first person gets a Bingo!

3. Tell a Group Story

Get back to our oral tradition roots as a society while you’re in the car.

Here’s how a group story works:

The first person starts a story and adds to it for about a minute. For instance, you might say: “There once was a bear who had two teenage bears who needed braces. To pay for the braces, he had to get a job and then…”

At this point, another individual in the car has to pick up the story and continue it: “… he went to the orthodontist. At the office, he found out that he needed braces, too! He was surprised, but not totally because…”

Another person then picks up the tale, and continues where the last person left off.

How do you know when to end the story? Usually, people run out of things to say. Then, the next person can start another one.

Remember that the point of this activity is to use the imagination and explore vocabulary. Best of all, it gets kids using creativity as well as memory.

4. Exchange Songs between Generations

Does it seem like everyone on your vacations has his or her earbuds in the whole time? Now, it’s time to share in the music!

Instead of having everyone listening to different songs, allow each person in a round-robin style to pick a song to showcase. It can be a favorite tune, or an experimental one.

This is one of those field trip activities that gives everyone a voice. Additionally, it introduces people to music styles and options outside of their comfort zones.

One note: Set the stage beforehand to ensure everything played is family-friendly, especially if there are young children in your vehicle.

5. Play “20 Questions”

Never played “20 Questions” as a kid? Now is the perfect time to enjoy this fun game that can be played anywhere, anytime.

The basic premise is that one person thinks of an item. The item should be specific, but not too specific. For example, a “violin” is fine, but a “blue violin with a broken string” is too challenging.

After the person has thought of an item, the others in the vehicle have 20 chances to ask “yes” or “no” questions to figure out what the thing is.

The first time everyone plays, they’ll probably forget and start asking questions that require long answers. Be sure to referee them and keep everything to “yes” and “no” answers.

The game ends when someone figures out what the item is, or when the 20 questions are up. (Incidentally, if you ask, “Is it a squirrel?”, you’ve asked one of the 20 questions.)

6. Create Origami Figures

Hands-on activities are perfect for long car rides, but not everyone knows how to do needlepoint, knit, or crochet.

However, just about anyone with a little dexterity can masterfully learn how to create origami birds and other items.

Pick up a packet of origami paper before you head out to your destination, and you’ll have all the supplies you need. The paper isn’t costly, and can keep kids occupied if the scenery is dull.

Obviously, origami road trip activities can only be enjoyed by passengers. The driver will have to wait until stopping to see the fruits of everyone’s labors!

Make Road Trips More Exciting!

As you become more comfortable with road trip activities, you’ll no doubt find plenty that your family will love.

Who knows? You might start hearing what no one expects: “Awww… we’re here ALREADY? Can you drive around the block a couple of times so we can finish the game?”

Don’t stop the excitement at your destination! Going to a place with lots of trees? Try leaf rubbing to heighten the fun.

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