Do you remember looking for Waldo growing up?

The first Where’s Waldo book was released in 1987.  In my mind, I was very young when these books came out.  Reality:  Not so much.  Once I did the math, I realized that these books came out when my younger brother was little, which means I was a teenager.  But no matter what the age, I remember enjoying the challenge of trying to find Waldo.

Now as an adult I am still trying to find Waldo.  This time I am looking for him with my own children.  And it is sad to report that on some pages my 3 1/2  year old can find him before I can.

I knew my son would enjoy the Waldo books but I was very surprised to find that my preschooler likes the books as well.  I figured it would be too difficult or her attention span would get the best of her.  However she will sit with these books for quite some time looking for Waldo.

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Friday’s Discussion Topic:

Can your children pick out their own outfits?

I love it when I see a child at school or in the store and I know that they picked out their own clothes.  How do I know this?  Usually it is a little girl wearing her rain boots with purple tights, yellow shorts and a lime green shirt.  Once it was the little boy with his pants on backwards, a Halloween cowboy vest and green mittens.

No matter what the combination is, I think it is great.  If they took the time to think about what they wanted to wear and then put themselves in the outfit, I say more power to them.

I will say that on occasion I will “recommend” an outfit to my children.  Or if my daughter tries to wear a summer dress in the middle of winter, I will give her a few other options.  However for the most part, I let them pick their clothes.

I do know some people that do not let their children pick out their own outfits.  The clothes are laid out each morning and there is no discussion on the matter.

What is the outfit policy at your home?

Do you veto an outfit if it is a special occasion?

Do your children play with jacks?

The game of jacks dates back to over 2000 years ago.  In the ancient world this game was played with stones or small animal bones.  As time went on a wooden ball was introduced to the game.  Then eventually a rubber ball replaced the wooden one and metal game pieces replaced the stones.

I know you wanted to history of the game of jacks before I proceeded with today’s blog post.  For more exciting history facts on toys and games check out: History Lives

Now moving on to my point… Jacks have been around for centuries, yet today you don’t see many children playing this game.  Why not?  Let’s think about the benefits:

1.  Helps develop great hand eye coordination.

2.  Children learn to play with one another and take turns.

3.  It is a short game.  Long attention span is not required.

4.  There is no TV or computer involved.  Simple hands-on fun!

5.  Children love to watch their parents scream and yell when they accidentally step on one.

If you still don’t think that playing jacks is a suitable game for your children, you can try the Jack-in-a-Box Painting activity.

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Do your children enjoy eating snow?

At our house, it is a common sight to see the kids playing outside and one of them licking the snow off of his/her mittens.  Are they lacking something in their diet?  Probably.  But most likely they eat snow because it is fun.

Recently I found a recipe for snowflake snacks using tortillas.  Now my children can eat edible snowflakes with their hot chocolate after playing outside.

Will this cut down on the amount of snow my children ingest?  No.  But it is a fun winter cooking activity.

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Do your children make homemade cards for people?

Have  you ever tried making a candy bar card?

I have to admit, I love making candy bar cards!  It does take some extra work and the ability to be creative with words.  However it is worth it.

I have done them for baby showers, birthdays, Valentine’s day, Father’s day and even retirement.  For some  reason, my parents think these cards are the greatest and ask me to make them for their friends for almost any occasion.  My advice to new card makers: once you start making them you may not be able to stop!

It is also a great activity to do with your children.  What kid doesn’t like to browse the candy aisle at a store searching for a particular type of candy?  Both preschool and elementary children will be able to take part in the card making.  So for the next birthday, Valentine’s day, Mother’s day, or Father’s day think about making a candy bar card.

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