Remember when you couldn’t get your kid to stop talking? You would ask them about their day, and you would get a full rundown about how they woke up, everything they ate, and each and every conversation they had with their friends. Now, getting a full sentence out of my teen is like pulling teeth.

Things have changed, but the good news is that building a solid connection with your teenager is absolutely possible. In this article, we’re talking about practical tips that will help you break the ice and get your teenager to open up to you like old times.

Effective Communication with Teens

1. Keep it Casual

Sometimes, it is easier just to keep it light in the beginning. By keeping it casual, you can help them feel more comfortable about opening up about the bigger stuff later. Ask them about their favorite music, who they are following on YouTube, what Netflix shows they’ve been watching. Even asking about what they want for dinner will keep the lines of communication open.

2. Respect Their Space

Privacy is a big deal for teenagers. Knock before entering their room, and resist the urge to read their diary. By giving them space, you’re showing that you respect their independence. This may seem counterintuitive if you are trying to open the lines of communication, but respecting their space shows that you respect them as a person as well.

3. Sneak in a Little Silliness

Break the ice with a dash of humor. Share a funny meme or tell them about your own teenage mishaps. Try searching for memes of their favorite video games or hobbies. Share a YouTube video of a comedian they might like. Laughter has an uncanny way of making conversations flow.

4. High Fives for Honesty

When they do share something, even if it’s not what you expected, high-five them for their honesty. Whether it’s their dreams, fears, or even a crush, showing non-judgmental support keeps the channels open.

5. Story Time with a Twist

Relive your teen years with stories about your escapades. Like that time you got caught sneaking out? They’ll see you as a real person, not just someone who sets the rules.

6. Make “Date Nights” a Thing

Life gets busy, but so do their lives. Create special moments, like a movie night or a cooking adventure. Trust me, they’ll be more willing to chat while cooking up a storm.

7. Embrace the Digital Age

Texting isn’t just for emojis—it’s a secret tool for heartfelt chats. Drop them a message, like “How’s your day going?” or “Wanna chat about that new episode?”

8. The Power of “What If”

Swap yes-or-no questions for “what if” inquiries. “What if you could travel anywhere right now?” These open-ended questions make room for longer, more meaningful talks.

9. Patience is Your Superpower

Let’s face it, sometimes they’ll clam up. But don’t give up! Keep trying and let them know you’re there when they’re ready. Persistence pays off, trust me.

10. Let Them Make the Call

Involving them in family decisions shows you value their opinions. Whether it’s the next vacation spot or the weekend plans, their input matters.

Communicating with Teens Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

There you have it, fellow parents—our top ten strategies for melting away the teenage communication barrier. By taking a friendly approach, sharing laughs, and respecting their space, you’re setting the stage for open and genuine conversations. Remember, it’s a journey, not a race, so be patient. Your efforts to connect with your teenager will pay off in the form of deeper understanding and a stronger bond that will last a lifetime.

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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.

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With over 140 million active users, there is a pretty good chance that you have at least 1 Minecraft player in your family. That can actually make it easier when it comes to gift-giving. At least you have a place to start!

My Son’s Favorite Minecraft Gifts

When it comes to gift ideas for Minecrafters, there are tons of options. But, the gifts below are things we actually own and have been well-vetted. From Lego’s to decor, these are some of my son’s favorite Minecraft-related gifts.

Minecraft Legos

Maybe it is because both revolve around blocks, but Minecraft and Legos are a perfect match. Many kids who play Minecraft are also into Legos, so they make a perfect gift for Minecraft-lovers.

We have a number of Minecraft lego sets now, and they are some of the few Lego sets that we actually mix together. The individual sets are fine, but mixing them together is way more fun. We have used them for stop motion video, school projects, and just putsing around. When we lived in an RV, we even used them to make our Christmas tree each year!

A Working Minecraft Torch

This torch lamp is so freaking cool. What you can’t see in the picture is that one side of the bottom flips down so that you can mount it to the wall at a 45 degree angle. It really looks just like it does in Minecraft!

Minecraft Card Game

If you want to get your kid off the computer for a bit, this Minecraft card game might be just the ticket. It isn’t very hard to play and it is small, so it travels well. It isn’t as good as the real thing (obviously), but it isn’t a bad way to spend a rainy afternoon.

Minecraft Potion Light

In the same vein as the Minecraft torch lamp, the potion bottle light makes a great gift for kids who play Minecraft. My son’s friend got it for him for Christmas, and it was (and is) a huge hit.

Minecraft Guides

My son has an older version of this set of guides, and has read them cover to cover a number of times. Even though he knew just about everything there was to know about the game, they were still a handy reference. I can’t get him to donate them, even though his are painfully out-of-date.

More Minecraft Gifts

We haven’t actually tried the Minecraft gift ideas below, but they look pretty darned cool. Everything on here has gotten 4+ stars on Amazon, so even though I haven’t vetted them myself, they should make pretty good gifts.

Minecraft Mini-Builds

Speaking of ideas…This book looks like loads of fun. It has great ideas and easy-to-follow instructions for smaller builds.

Minecraft Playing Cards

If you like the idea of a small, non-computer-related gift, but you don’t want to learn how to play a new game, Minecraft playing cards might work. These come in a travel tin and would make a good stocking stuffer for any kid that plays Minecraft.

Minecraft Magnetic Logic Puzzle

I wish they had this magnetic logic puzzle when we lived in an RV…The small size and magnetic pieces would have been perfect for the RV life. I love the fact that it is educational as well!

Minecraft Stuffed Animals

My son has a stuffed glow squid that he loved, but I couldn’t find the exact one on Amazon. There are actually quite a few options for Minecraft-themed stuffed animals, but these got really good reviews.

Minecraft Joke Book

OK…So this Minecraft joke book is totally up my alley. I am always up for a good joke, and as a Minecrafter myself, I think this book would get a few good snickers from any kid (or adult) that plays. I flipped through it (virtually on Amazon), and I can see why it has gotten such good reviews.

Minecraft Idea Book

Regardless of how creative you are and how long you have been playing Minecraft, it is always good to get more ideas. Flipping through this book (virtually), I was stunned by some of the builds.

The post Minecraft Gifts: Great Gifts for Kids Who Play Minecraft appeared first on Wild Edisons.

As the mother of a teenager, I can confirm that thinking of gift ideas for teens can be tough. They’ve outgrown most of the little kid toys, but they may not be ready for adult stuff. So, what do you do?

The list below isn’t long, but it has been approved by my teenage son. Maybe they aren’t right for your teenager, but hopefully it will lead to some other ideas. Enjoy!

Teenager-Approved Gift Ideas for Teens

1. Portable Charger

Portable chargers are THE BEST. My portable charger has gotten me through countless long trips, many power-outages, and plenty of heavy phone days. After constant request from my son to use my charger because his device was “almost dead!”, we finally wised up and got him his own. 

View This Portable Charger
Shop for Other Portable Chargers 

2. Phone Charging Station

If your teen is constantly losing or forgetting to charge their devices, a phone charging station might not be a bad idea. Once they get used to putting their phone and such in the same place, they will always know where to look for it.

View This Phone Charging Station

Shop for Other Phone Charging Stations

3. Cell Phone Gloves

I don’t know how they work, but cell phone gloves allow you to use a touch-screen on a cell phone without taking your gloves off. These are a great gift idea for teenagers who hang out outside a lot. 

View These Cell Phone Gloves

Shop for Other Cell Phone Gloves

4. Steam Gift Card

If your teen plays video games, a Steam gift card might be just the thing. Steam is an online gaming system that allows you to purchase tons of online games. (I would recommend finding out if they use Steam to play games first. No sense in wasting money. Plus, you’re going to need their Steam username as well for the gift card.)

One thing to note here…In order to get a Steam gift card, you have to sign up for a free account for yourself first. Then, you need their username in order to send the card. It is a bit of a pain, but this is one of my teen’s favorite gifts.

Go to Steam

5. Amazon Gift Card

This one is pretty tried and true. My son can almost ALWAYS find something he wants on Amazon. Amazon gift cards are also good if you have an idea for what you want to get them but want them to be able to pick out the exact item they want.

Buy an Amazon Gift Card

6. Cash

It isn’t glamorous, but you really can’t go wrong with cold, hard cash. Whether it is for little things like candy or money towards something larger, cash is a much-appreciated gift for teenagers.

You can still make it personal by putting it in a card with a message. You can even get creative by wrapping it up in a box or putting it inside another gift. 

7. Get-Out-of-Chores-Free Coupons

For free gifts for teenagers, coupons to get out of chores or extra screen time might work. It doesn’t have to be fancy. You can try creating one on a computer or just write them out by hand. They can all be for the same thing or different coupons for different things.

Some ideas for coupons include:

• Get out of doing dishes
• No chores today
• Extra screen time (Specify how much)
• Stay up late
• You pick the movie
• Your favorite meal
• Family game night

It also isn’t a bad idea to add disclaimers like:

• One time use only
• Only for use on the weekends
• Expires XX/XX/XXXX

See? Finding Gifts for Teenagers Isn’t Hard

I hope you were able to find something on this list that would work for your teen. Sorry there were a number of things related to phones, but a lot of teens have phones these days. If your teenager doesn’t have a phone or just isn’t into it like a lot of teens are, hopefully you found something else that will work.

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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.

Well, since I already have posts for Best Books for 2 Year-Olds and Best Books for 3 Year-Old Boys, I figured it was high time for me to put together a list of the best books for 4 year-olds. You may notice just a couple of repeats, but just because my son is a year older, doesn’t mean he no longer likes books from when he was “little”.

Without further ado, below are my 4 year-old son’s favorite books!

The Day the Babies Crawled Away
(Find out more or buy through Amazon…)

Right now, this is one of my top 3 favorite books. It’s rhythm and rhyme make it fun to read and the pictures are phenomenal. If you look closely, you can see that the sun gradually sets as the story is told.

TIP: Look for the upside-down baby. There is one on almost every page!

Flotsam
(Find out more or buy through Amazon…)

My sister-in-law sent this book out of the blue, and I immediately fell in love. There are no words, but Flotsam proves that a picture is worth a thousand words. The story is absolutely magical.

Gulliver Snip
(Find out more or buy through Amazon…)

Yes, this is a repeat from my Best Books for 3 Year-Olds list, but I love it too much to not put it on this list as well. The day that I read it for the first time, I actually contacted the author and told her to write more books. I haven’t written an author since a 4th grade reading assignment. (And, yes, she responded. Double stars for Julia Kay!)

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs
(Find out more or buy through Amazon…)

Any book that involves huffing and puffing is a fun read, but I also dig the story. It is a spoof on the Three Little Pigs (duh), told from the point of view of the wolf. I am not keen on the fact that he ate the pigs (it isn’t graphic or anything), but I guess that is how it went in the original story.

Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb
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My 4 year-old son and I both love reading this book. “Rings on fingers. Rings on thumb. Drum Drum Drum Drum Drum Drum Drum.” The rhythm and rhyme make it absolutely addictive, and the pictures are too cute!

The Foot Book
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The Foot Book is classic Seuss; easy for early readers and so much fun to read. It is my go-to book whenever I want my son to practice his reading because he enjoys it so much he doesn’t even notice that he is doing all the work. (Sneaky, sneaky.)

Dinotrux
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Lord help me, but my 4 year-old loves this book. Frankly, I am a little tired of reading this one, but I have to include it in the list because my son thinks it is the bees knees. As a parent, you have to suspend all semblance of reality as you read; but just about any 4 year-old boy will love it.

Harold and the Purple Crayon
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So simple, and yet so perfect. Harold and the Purple Crayon is a sweet story about a boy who has a little adventure, armed with nothing but his imagination and a purple crayon. The drawings are simple, but still so engaging. It is a nice, calm read before bedtime.

I Broke My Trunk!
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When you read this book, you absolutely must pinch your nose when you speak for the elephant. It is a requirement. I like a lot of books by Mo Willems, but this is my favorite to read because it makes my 4 year-old laugh out loud. Always a good thing when making a life-long reader.

Where the Wild Things Are
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This book is a classic, and it is easy to see why. The story is beautifully written with wonderful rhythm. Even though it does not rhyme, it still reads like a poem. My 4 year-old is entranced by the pictures, and I love reading it.

Big Plans
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Big Plans is about a little boy who is sent to the corner in school where he thinks about his plans. This is another one of those books where the main phrase has made its way into our family vocabulary. Now, Edison will say, out of the blue, “I got big plans! Big plans, I say!” Too funny…

I Am A Leaf
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This book is such a great way to explain what leaves do to little kids. I discovered I Am A Leaf when Edison was 2 years old, and now I check it out from the library every fall. Although it is perfect for autumn, it goes through the entire life-cycle of a leaf, so it works year-round.

The post The Best Books for 4 Year-Old Boys appeared first on Wild Edisons.

For 3 years-old, my son has become quite the literary critic. He spends quite a bit of time, thoughtfully choosing the picture books he wants before bed. Some of the books inevitably get chosen time and time again…and again…and again…

Obviously, there are countless amazing picture books out there, but these are some of his absolute favorites. Check out our list of (what we consider to be) the best picture books for 3 year-old boys.

Gulliver Snip
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The very first time I read this book, I absolutely fell in love with it. It has everything, and I mean everything, that I look for in a great children’s book. The story is imaginative and reads like a poem without being too rhymey. The pictures are beautifully done and the idea is wonderfully unique. When my preschooler asked to read it again a few hours later, I had no complaints. I love this book!

Mungo and the Spiders from Space
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Little man is all about rockets right now, so this book is just perfect. It is about a little boy reads a book and gets to join in a space adventure. The pictures are interesting, the storyline is cute, and it is fun to read. (Thanks for adding this to the library, “Glandpa”.)

How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?
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This book is absolutely perfect for a 3 year-old boy. First, it is about dinosaurs. But, what I love is how I can make references to it during bed time. “Hey…”, I say when my son whines about going to bed. “Do dinosaurs do that at bedtime?” Of course they don’t. This book makes bedtime a lot nicer.

Hare and Tortoise Race to the Moon
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I actually found this book when I was pregnant. I was looking for books with high contrast images because I read that babies found them more interesting. Well, my son wasn’t really interested in it as a baby. No surprise. But, now as a 2 year old, this is one of his favorite books. This is one we have to hide or else we would have to read it every night.

Please, Puppy, Please
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I found Please, Baby, Please at a thrift store and immediately went on a hunt for more books by this incredible author/illustrator team. Both books are easy to read, great for practicing sight words, and the pictures are mesmerizing.

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!
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I adore Mo Willems…He has a knack for writing easy-to-read books that are fun for both kids and adults. Edison is so engaged when we read this book, and that is half the battle with spirited kids.

Chicka Chicka 123
(Find out more or buy through Amazon…)

Known in our home as “Chicka Chicka Number Boom Boom”, this one instantly held a number 1 ranking for our 3 year-old. It is a sequel to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (obviously). Although it focuses on the numbers 0-20, the numbers 0-100 are listed in the back. Every time we read it, my son insists on counting each number. This wouldn’t be too bad, but if he messes up, he starts again. Ugh. But, he is learning to count to 100, so it is totally worth it.

Making the Moose Out of Life
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This book makes me happy, and Edison can tell. I love the art, and I love the message. It is about a moose who goes off on an adventure and finds there is a lot more to life than he thought. My husband and I just love the message, and it is such a good thing for kids to learn when they are young. (Actually, we love a number of books by this author…see more.)

Blue Hat, Green Hat
(Find out more or buy through Amazon…)

Blue Hat, Green Hat has a special place in my heart because it was the very first book that my son read cover to cover. It is so much fun to read all because the “oops” make my son laugh every time. (If you read the book or look at the Amazon preview, you will know what I mean. )

Shark VS Train
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When my husband brought this home from a book fair, I rolled my eyes. Could a book be more boy? But, when it was my turn to read it, I changed my tune. It goes through different types of challenges and whether a train or a shark would win. Silly, but it sparks some great conversations. I wouldn’t say it is my favorite book, but it is certainly one of my preschooler’s top picks.

Little Pirate: What’s in the Egg?
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I finally had to hide this book for a little while because my son picked it so often. Don’t get me wrong, I totally get why my 3 year-old loves this book. It has flaps and dials surprises and all the things that boys his age love. And it’s educational…I think I just talked myself into bringing it out of hiding.

P.S.
In case it isn’t obvious, I love picture books as much as my son. I put a lot of time into looking for books for him, and I can get a little picky. Check out my post on how I choose the best picture books for my son.

The post Best Books for 3 Year-Old Boys appeared first on Wild Edisons.

You cherish and love your child. You do everything in your power to make sure they can flourish to become healthy, well-rounded adults.

Of course, you want to create the best home for your children to learn and grow. But what about holidays and downtime?

You might think that your kids might get lazy or miss out on some learning milestone if you take a break. The truth is, the experiences they have on vacation can help with things like school and helping them focus on long-term goals.

This is especially true if you take educational vacations. Take a look at these five great ideas and start planning your trip!

Ideas for Educational Family Vacations

1) Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California

This place has everything you’d want in a getaway that enriches your child’s mind! There are tons of activities to see, touch, and do.

With over 200 activities and almost 35,000 animals and plants, there aren’t many educational vacations that can beat it! Get ready to splash and play all day!

2) Smithsonian Sleepovers, Washington D.C.

What kid (or kid at heart) doesn’t love the Ben Stiller movie, “Night at the Museum?” It seems so fun to spend an evening after hours with all of the exhibits after everyone else is gone.

Thanks to the Smithsonian, you can! You’ll get a guided tour, do arts and crafts, and be up close and personal in your pajamas with all the cool stuff in these historic museums.

3) Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Among all of the educational vacations you can choose, this one is definitely an undiscovered gem!

Touted as the largest children’s museums in the nation, your kids will delight in exploring all 472,900 square feet of it. You’ll have a great – and education – time checking out Chinese terracotta warriors, examining a shipwreck, or deciphering hieroglyphs.

4) Grand Canyon National Park

Not much can stack up against the majesty of nature. You and your family will have a wonderful time in the great outdoors, learning about how this incredible formation came to be.

Figuring out how to get there might seem like a big task. There are plenty of specialty tours that can guide you while planning educational vacations for your kids.

5) Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

How was America founded? How were laws crafted at the beginning of our nation? What interesting inventions did our founders contribute to the world?

There’s so much to see and do in Colonial Williamsburg it’s hard to be bored. This entire town is dedicated to preserving and demonstrating history.

Don’t just go for an afternoon – there are things to see both day and night.

Start Planning Your Educational Vacations Today!

Learning doesn’t have to end when spring break or summer vacations start. Educational vacations can help keep your child’s mind active in a fun and exciting way.

A big bonus? Family bonding time!

Going places and doing activities together helps create a “happiness anchor.” This is a memory that will help your children become resilient adults.

Before you hit the road, be sure to check out these ideas for fun road trip activities for kids! Flying instead? Read our post on how to keep your cool when flying with kids.

Got a spirited kid and want them to learn about the world in a fun way? We have tons of activities for kids, both on vacation and at home!

The post 5 Educational Vacations for the Whole Family to Enjoy appeared first on Wild Edisons.