A week of fun for curious toddlers

Creative Explorers: A Journey Through Imagination and Discovery

Let’s foster those curious minds this week by embracing the creativity of our toddlers. We will learn through play, experimentation, and creative thinking with ten activities designed for easy setup (and clean-up) that will foster the creative explorer in your house!

👀 Skip the search | While these activities use a lot of what you already have around your house, if you’re missing any items for activities or are simply curious, here are the links.

• Soft Jungle Animals

• Realistic Sea Creatures

• STEM Dinosaurs

• Craft Paper

• Non-Toxic Paints

• Construction Paper

Skip the Meal Planning Headache.

🍳 100 breakfast ideas for toddlers

Tips for Growing Little Minds

Oh, the life of a toddler mom—where does all that energy come from? Some days, their never-ending questions and curiosity can leave us feeling just a tad overwhelmed (to put it mildly). But, what if we could flip the script? Imagine seeing the world through their wide-eyed wonder and using it as a launchpad to nurture those eager little minds. It's about turning the every day "Why?" into a moment of growth, resilience, and a spark for learning that lasts a lifetime. I know, I know, easier said than done, right? But bear with me—I've got some tried-and-true mom tips to help us guide our toddlers' boundless curiosity into a love for discovery and the skills to tackle any new adventure thrown their way.

1. Turn Questions into Adventures: Every "why" or "what's that?" is an opportunity for a mini adventure. Don't just give them the answers; explore it together! If they're curious about the moon, grab a book about space or watch a kid-friendly documentary on planets. It's all about making learning an interactive journey.

2. Create a Discovery Zone: Dedicate a space in your home where they can freely explore, mess-free (well, almost). Fill it with interesting objects like textured fabrics, nature finds, puzzles, and age-appropriate science kits. Watching their little eyes light up as they figure something out on their own? Priceless.

3. Lead by Example: Kids mimic what they see. Show your curiosity about the world, too. Get excited about a new book, puzzle, or recipe. When they see you embracing learning and trying new things, they'll be encouraged to do the same. Plus, it's a beautiful way to share your interests and passions with them.

4. Applaud the effort: emphasize the importance of the process over the outcome. Celebrate their attempts and persistence, reinforcing that the value lies in the exploration and effort, beyond just reaching the goal.

5. Lead by example: Show them how you navigate challenges and learn from your experiences. Sharing your learning moments in a relatable way teaches them that obstacles are merely steps toward growth.

Nurturing your toddler's boundless curiosity prepares them not only for school but for a lifetime filled with exploration, creativity, and the confidence to tackle challenges. It's all about embracing every question, celebrating each attempt, and reveling in moments of wonder. Together, we're laying the groundwork for a journey of endless discovery and joy.

Mom Style Picks

Navigating the balance between fashionable and toddler-chase-ready attire can be tricky. Every week, I'm bringing you curated selections that elevate your wardrobe, emphasizing the crucial element of comfort. These choices guarantee you're equipped for any daily surprises.

How to do stuff … dishes cleaning edition

Use Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda to Revive Stainless Steel

Revive those burned stainless steel pots and pans by mixing 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a few drops of water, making a paste. Ball up a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil and use it to rub the paste all over the surface. Good as new!

Lemon and Salt to Refresh Wood Cutting Boards

Once a month, sprinkle coarse salt on the surface of your wood cutting board and rub with the cut side of a sliced lemon. Leave the mixture sitting for 5 minutes, and then finish cleaning the board with a brush and hot water. After, recoat it with a food-safe oil.

Baking Soda to Fix a Scorched Dutch Oven

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and stir with a wooden spoon. Let the solution simmer, and use the wooden spoon to scrape up any gunk left on the bottom of the oven. Dump the water and give it a good scrub - it will be as good as new!

Rice to Clean Hard-to-Reach Spots in Jars, Vases, and Bottles

Fill your intricate vases or narrow-necked bottles with warm water, a little dish soap, and a handful of rice. Swirl the mixture around vigorously. The abrasiveness of the rice acts as a gentle scrubber that reaches where brushes and sponges cannot, effectively removing grime and buildup. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to reveal a sparkling interior.

Take a Moment for Yourself.

This week, relax with a glass of wine or a steaming cup of tea - even if it’s just for a moment.

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What to read, listen to, and watch:

📚I am currently reading The Women by Kristin Hannah. The story follows a nurse during the Vietnam War, showing that Women Can Be Heroes.

🎧 Listen to this podcast: Good Inside with Dr. Becky. For parents of kids of all ages, it answers some of the tough questions all parents have. She delivers actionable advice and is very relatable.

➡️ I may be late to the party, but we just started True Detective Night Country, and I am looking forward to watching another episode tonight!