Handing your kids a phone of their own is a big deal. You’re handing access to nearly everything in the world – the best and the worst. A phone can be helpful in many ways, and can be harmful in many other ways.
My recommendation is to hold your children off from getting a phone of their own as LONG as possible. The older and more mature they are before getting a device, the wiser they will be with their words and actions.
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What your child posts online may be more permanent than their permanent record. What they watch online may have a permanent impact.
Parent Cue
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5 questions to discuss before giving a child a phone:
1. What you post is public, even when you may think it’s private. It can be permanent. What are some examples of this?
2. Have you seen people say something online that they would not say to someone’s face? Why do you think that happens?
3. How are in-person relationships affected by devices for good or bad?
Examples for good: Connecting with family or friends who are far away.
Examples for bad: bullying or spending too much time on your phone and less time face-to-face
4. Who do you/would you like to follow online?
5. What rules do you think we need to put in place to keep you safe and monitor your time online?
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Cell phone contract to review and sign together:
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Parents, let your kids know from the beginning that you will be checking their phone periodically. This builds some accountability and may help them ’think twice’ about what they do on their phone. My son’s received texts that I’m so glad I saw. It has led to several teachable moments. .
Also, I’d recommend your child charge their phone anywhere but their bedroom overnight. A middle school teacher told me:
If I could make a rule for all kids with phones, it would be to keep it out of their bedrooms at night. Kids are sleep-deprived because they’re on their phones past midnight on school nights and parents have no idea it’s happening,
Heidi Pitzenberg
What are your thoughts about children and cell phone use? Are there resources you use that help you navigate this new world?
My son Clark LOVES Scavenger hunts. But let’s be honest…who DOESN’T enjoy a fun hunt?
One year, my husband buried a treasure box in a forest, then created a treasure map for the boys to follow, find and DIG UP! (Best day ever! Best DAD ever!)
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Another year, just as George was learning to spell, he created a scavenger hunt for his brother. He left kind and encouraging words for him to find around the house. (Best brother ever!)
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For Clark’s 13th birthday, we gave him two hunts. One indoors (by himself) to find his birthday present, and one OUTSIDE with his friends. Both were a HIT so I wanted to share this idea with you!
Scavenger hunts work not only for a birthday, but also for Christmas, for a family night, or on any day you’re looking for something fun to do with your family. You could even have your kids create scavenger hunts for each other.
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Here was Clark’s INDOOR birthday hunt:
(Thank you Pinterest and Google for helping me with these riddles)
Here is our OUTDOOR Hunt:
(Feel free to copy and paste to a word document, or print this and play!)
Good for kids 12 and up. Make sure each team has a phone/camera.
Scavenger hunt
Take a selfie of your entire team on the play set.
Take a picture of two people swinging.
Find the sidewalk chalk. Write an encouraging message on the sidewalk. (Ideas: You Matter. -or- You Got this! -or- Choose Joy) You will find the sidewalk chalk:
Find the secret message and write down what you see. Secret message is found:
Take a selfie with a dog or person out for a walk.
Trade a penny for something more valuable.
What is the mystery word written on our neighbor’s front door?
Find the little library and write down the name of one book.
Take a picture next to a fire hydrant.
Find leaves from 3 different trees and bring them back.
Take a picture of something red.
Take a photo of two of your team mates jumping in the air at the same time.
Take a picture of someone sitting on the park bench.
Take a picture of a house or mailbox with the number 2 on it.
Return home
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The boys loved the scavenger hunts and said they wished they were LONGER. This list only took them about 30 minutes! They ran SO hard!
Join AMC Stubs and get a possible free popcorn and/or drink offer on your birthday. Plus, get a $5 AMC Stubs reward to spend on concessions for every 5,000 points you spend
Join the Barnes & Noble Kids’ Club, and your child will get a free cupcake (or a treat of their choice) from the café. They will email you a coupon and you have at least a month to use it.
I’ve enjoyed taking my boys on a ‘date’ to Barnes and Nobles for their free treat, then we roam the children’s area.
Does anyone remember when Olive Garden would give you an entire chocolate cake on your birthday!? Unfortunately, they aren’t doing that anymore, but you can still get a slice of cake.
Once upon a child is a kid’s resale shop. I’ve bought and sold lots of great things for my boys here. You get regular discounts when you sign up – plus $5 off a $10 purchase.
Play it again sports is a re-sale sports store. This place is great for a mom of four boys. I used my birthday discount to get new baseball pants for one of my sons.
This works at MOST locations, you may want to ask first.
It can only be redeemed on your actual birthday – not a day before or anytime after.
I spent my birthday in Vail a couple of years ago and was excited to find a Starbucks and my free drink. I walked in and saw a LONG LINE. That’s okay, it’s my birthday, it’s worth the wait for a free drink. Fifteen minutes later, it was my turn and I ordered the fanciest drink possible because it was free. It rang up to almost $10. That’s okay, it’s my birthday! I let the cashier know I’d like to use my free birthday drink and she said, “I’m sorry, we don’t give free drinks at this location.”
I was too embarrassed to cancel my order, so I just paid for my super fancy, super expensive coffee. That’s okay, it’s my birthday.
I shared that story hoping that on YOUR birthday, you will be wiser than me and ASK if the Starbucks you’ve entered gives free drinks before you order.
Have you joined Swagbucks yet? It’s a website that awards with points for using their search engine, printing coupons, taking surveys, etc. You can use your points for gifts cards to Target, Starbucks, or PayPal. You can earn 300 points just for signing up, and more free points on your birthday!
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For everyone who likes a “freebie” – it’s going to be a HAPPY birthday!!
Most of our kids are back in school, sitting 8 hours a day, often times wearing a mask. Getting out in the backyard, enjoying fresh air and family time is perfect for fall.
The temps are more mild and kids are ready to burn some energy after a long school day. Playing together not only helps you and your children ‘de-stress,’ but also strengthens the bond with your kids!
Here are FIVE free games to play with your family!
1. Dog tail:
Pull out the longest socks you own.
Everyone tucks one sock into the back of their shorts, like a dog tail.
The object is to grab everyone else’s “tail” (or sock) while keeping your own.
Say GO and the last one wearing a sock wins!
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2. Mr. Fox, what time is it?
Select one person to be Mr. or Mrs. Fox. This person will stand with his or her back to the rest of the players.
All other players line up on the other side of the yard/field. The players take turns asking Mr. Fox what time it is. (“Mr. Fox, what time is it?)
The fox will then respond with a time, such as 3 o’clock. The players must then take the same number of steps forward (in this case, 3 steps). These steps may be as large or small as the players wish, no matter how close they get to the fox.
When Mr. Fox is ready, he will respond to “What time is it?” with “LUNCHTIME!”
When the kids hear ‘lunchtime,’ they will run back to the starting line and try not to get “tagged” by Mr. Fox.
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3. Create an Obstacle Course
Work with your kids to design an obstacle course in the backyard and time each other to complete the course.
4. “Vote with your Feet!”
This is a take on the “Would you rather?” game, except your kids have to run to one or the other side of the yard.
If they “vote” for the first one, run to the right. If they vote for second, run to the left.
Would you rather….
Be Superman or Batman?
Eat Pizza or Hotdogs?
Ride a roller coaster or a water slide?
Go to Target or Walmart?
Laugh or cry?
Jump high or run fast?
Have summer all year or winter all year?
Be really smart or really funny?
Drive a truck or a sports car?
Go back in time or go to the future?
Be able to fly or be invisible?
Have ONE great friend or 20 pretty good friends?
Be in the Mountains or at the Beach?
Take a ride in a speed boat or helicopter?
Go Skydiving or Swim with Sharks?
Build a Sand Castle or Play in the Waves?
Go Skiing or Ride a bike?
Watch a Movie or Read a Book?
Go Rock climbing or Swimming?
Own a Cat or a Dog?
Write a Story or a Draw picture?
Clean the Bathroom or Vacuum the carpet?
Ice Skate or Roller Skate?
Drink Pop or Water?
Play Inside or Outside?
Take a Shower or Bath?
Take a trip to Australia or Italy?
Go Fishing or Make slime?
Play a Video game or Board game?
Have more time or more money?
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5. Be creative with sidewalk chalk:
Lay down and trace each other – then decorate with clothes, faces, etc.
Write a word of encouragement for passers-by
Use tape and color in the spaces like stained glass
Clark’s artwork
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What game will YOU play outside this fall? Leave me comment!
Did you know if you have a library card, you can get access to museums, plays, and other fun things around town?
When I noticed a complimentary pass to a place on my Minnesota bucket list: A visit to the American Swedish Institute, aka – a historic mansion, I snatched up a ticket and snuck away for a couple hours.
Wow, it was spectacular! I enjoyed walking around and imagining what the owners did to earn the money to afford such luxury, and to think about how they lived, and the lavish parties they’d thrown.
I started doing some research and asking questions to find out about the history of this home – and was surprised by what I found out.
How big is this place and how much was it?
The home cost 1.5 million dollars to build in 1903, but is currently worth over $43 million.
It has 33 rooms and 75,000 sq ft!
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What did the owners do for a living?
The owner of this home was a Swedish man named Swan Turnblad and his wife, Christina. They owned and distributed a Swedish newspaper. Swan loved new technology and was one of the first owners of a “color” printer.
Swan Turnblad
Christina Turnblad, a copy of their newspaper in the lower section of this picture
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How long did it take to build this mansion?
This home took almost 5 years to build. They employed EIGHTEEN woodworkers for 3 solid years to create the beautiful beams, trim and moldings you see through the home:
The magnificent fireplace inside the entrance to the home. Anyone else have a foyer fireplace like this one?
A room in the basement that was originally a “billiards” room
Beams outside the music room
The grand staircase inside the home
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What kind of parties did they host?
Only one! A fund raiser.
They had a lavish ball room with a stage – big enough for a live band, but they never hosted one ball!
The owner’s wife was very reclusive and her closest friends were the servants. She grew up as a servant herself, so related to her staff more than the wealthy women in town.
I’d love to rent this space, invite everyone I know to dress up in their fanciest clothes, and have a big ball. This gorgeous room must be used!
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How long did the owners live in the mansion?
The owners only lived in the home for 7 years! Mrs. Turnblad never liked the home. It was way too big and pretentious for her. They left the mansion to live in an apartment above their printing press!
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What do I have in common with the original owners?
Only ONE thing (that I know of) – my favorite part of the home was also their favorite part of the home – the LIBRARY!
The Library of my dreams
The home was so big, that they mostly lived in the library. Ted and I could happily live in that library!
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Did anyone else live in the home?
Yes, they had one daughter, as well as two servants and their children who lived in the mansion. When the owners left, they allowed the servants and their children to occupy the home!
The children’s diaries were found and the children wrote about the fun they had playing hide and seek in this gigantic home!
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What else is special about this home?
The beautiful bathroom with the amazing sky light. This is the original tub and tile. I would love to take a bath here at night and watch the sky.
There are 11 porcelain tile Swedish “stoves” (fireplaces) in the mansion, every one of them is unique.
The ceilings are a work of art:
One bedroom
The music room
The foyer
The original kitchen:
I didn’t take a picture, but the pantry is larger than my entire kitchen.
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Who bought the mansion after the original owners moved out?
No one. There was only one owner, and they donated the mansion to the American Swedish Institute. Today it is a cultural center, museum, art center, and gathering place for anybody interested in Swedish and Nordic culture.
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What’s new now?
The. basement has been updated with a beautiful children’s play room and classrooms.
2. The Solarium was updated
The solarium (sun room) became unusable. It was too hot in the summer, too cold in the winter, and the framing had been destroyed by the harsh Minnesota winters.
It cost almost as much to update this room (over a million dollars in current dollars) as the original owners paid for the entire house at the turn of the century.
Outside view
Inside view
I loved the solarium! Next time I want to bring a book to sit in here and read!
3. Nelson Cultural Center
In 2012, a 34,000 square foot addition known as the Nelson Cultural Center opened. It is a gathering place that houses the café, the art gallery, classrooms, and event spaces.
Currently on display: Papier
Costumes made from PAPER
The mansion is a landmark that has been placed on the national, state and city registers of historical places.
One of my favorite places to visit in Minnesota is Como Zoo and Conservatory.
Not only is it historic and beautiful, but it’s FREE (though donations are appreciated).
The animals are nice and they are definitely what lure my children here, but my favorite part is the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.
The Conservatory was built in 1915, and is one of the few remaining original Victorian style glasshouses in North America. Inside are two acres of beautiful flowers and greenery ‘under glass.’ The display inside the conservatory changes five times a year, so you never know what beauty you’ll encounter when you visit.
Como Zoo and ConservatoryGorgeous Foxglove
Because of Covid, they are asking everyone to book tickets online in advance (there is no charge for the tickets). This is one of the few Covid changes I like, because it means there are only a select number of tickets they give out each day, so it’s not crowded! (Click here to reserve your space.)
The animals came before the conservatory. Como Zoo started in 1897 when the city of St. Paul was gifted 3 deer and created a fenced in area to keep them.
Como was the first zoo in the world to successfully hand raise Siberian tigers.
Besides tigers and deer, there are many other animals to observe and enjoy. Luke loves the Arctic foxes and penguins, George’s favorites are the monkeys (we all like the monkeys). Paul likes the sloth and fish, I love the birds and giraffes, Clark liked the cougar and giant Polar bear.
The Como Zoo has exhibits inside and outside, so you can enjoy this place all year long.
In the summer, be sure to visit the beautiful Japanese Garden:
After your visit to the zoo, plan to visit the fun playground across the street. There are plenty of tables, perfect for a picnic.
The state’s oldest Dairy Queen dates back to 1947 an is just a mile away. (720 Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113) This is a fun way to end a spectacular day!
Click here for a peek into one of our visits to Como Zoo and Conservatory! What animals do you spot?
This year, I’m having our Elf encourage my kids to show KINDNESS. Couldn’t we all benefit from a little more Kindness?
Here are TWO WEEKS worth of ideas to use in your home.
Each of these can be written on a card beside your elf, or use a dry erase marker and leave their daily ‘kindness’ task on the mirror in the bathroom or on a window.
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Day 1: Smiling’s my Favorite. Your mission: Smile at every person you see today!
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Day 2: Make a card for your school bus driver, garbage man, or someone who serves you.
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Day 3: Hold the door for people behind you today.
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Day 4: Help your sibling do their chores today.
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Day 5: Write a note or draw a picture for your grandparents and/or for someone in a nursing home.
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Day 6: Leave a treat in the mailbox for your mail carrier.
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Day 7: Put one of your coins in the Salvation Army bucket.
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Day 8: Leave a treat or gift at your neighbors door.
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Day 9: Go through your toys and donate one to charity.
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Day 10: Write a note of thanks to your parents or teacher.
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Day 11: Make someone laugh today.
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Day 12: Do something helpful WITHOUT being asked.
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Day 13: Clean up a mess you DIDN’T make.
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Day 14: Say something kind to each of your siblings today.
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Happy Holidays! May these will bring a little more joy to your Christmas season.
A lady I enjoy listening to, raised four amazing sons and swears by the power of spending time with your kids around the table – not just eating, but staying to play games. She said the boys didn’t always want to play, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer. Playing together opens up conversations you may not normally have. Games make you laugh and connect in a new way.
A really fun and simple activity that can act as a physics lesson and opportunity for an experiment. Make a simple ramp using cardboard or a piece of wood, and roll different objects down: measure how far they go, how fast they roll, or hold races between different kinds of balls to see which wins!
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7. Go Fishing With Magnets
Create “fishing poles” using pencils, string, and magnets.
Place a variety of items in a bin–some magnetic, some otherwise–and let them go to town exploring the concept of magnetism!
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8. Draw self portraits
Luke age 5
Have your kids look in the mirror and do a self portrait!
Be sure to have them write their name and age. It will be fun to look back on this when they are older.
You could have them repeat this every year around their birthday to see how their drawings improve!
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9. Make a Flip Book Animation
Kids can learn how to make a flipbook animation in less than 5 minutes. All you need is a pen and a stack of paper, or even better, a sticky note pad. This video is a great and very quick tutorial
Here is one of my son’s first flip book, using index cards:
If you have snow like we do, this is fun for all ages!
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12. Skiing
Luke learning to ski and LOVING it!
Skiing requires gloves, you can wear a mask, it’s outdoors and fairly easy to stay ‘socially distant.’ Many ski resorts have special rates and lessons for beginners.
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13. Play with shaving cream
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14. Have a make your own pizza and family movie night
My fourth grade teacher once gave us the title “The Entire City Lends a Hand” and had the class each write their own story. Read a rendition of that here.
If you have kids who are 8 and older, they can earn money or serve their neighbors by shoveling, cleaning up leaves, or helping any other outdoor task.
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40. Find a place to explore!
Though there are some places that are closed for Covid, you can still find a new place to explore with your kids!
Being bored is a natural part of life as a kid. Try not to offer an immediate solution to their boredom and see what they come up with! It’s often in times of boredom that children show their greatest creativity!
While raising four busy boys, I’ve spent countless hours finding activities to get them busy. We’ve lived through lots of LONG, COLD winters with nothing to do but be inside together.
Pictures from one very long, extremely cold winter. Every day felt like Groundhog Day!
I’ve learned the hard way, that when our little ones get bored, or when left un-attended for even a few minutes, they find trouble and created messes!
I left him un-attended for a few minutes, and he created “SNOW” with packing peanuts
I’ve searched the internet, and gathered my favorite ideas for keeping your toddlers busy!
Do you need a birthday gift idea? Many of the items below would make GREAT gifts. I’ve only included things that are pre-approved by my four children.
Each link I’ve included is an affiliate link, so that means if you click on it and decide to purchase the item, I will earn a small profit. Thanks for your support!
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1. Stacking cereal
Stack fruit loops or Cherries on Spaghetti noodles stuck in play dough!
My oldest son received the Plasma Car for his first birthday – and each of my boys have been riding it ever since. This “bike” is almost 12 years old, and still one of their favorite toys.
All children love a simple balloon – just bounce it back and forth!
Step it up a notch with the Balloon Rockets. Kids enjoy watching balloons soar around the room! We purchased our Balloon Rocket set about 8 years ago and my boys still have fun with this! I recently bought replacement balloons to keep them entertained during quarantine.
Let your kids bang away. (Put in earbuds to keep it from driving you crazy!)
Another parent mentioned this idea: Giving your toddler pots and pans to bang on is a classic parent move, but here is a less noisy idea. Sit your toddler down with a pumpkin, melon, or squash and let them pound the vegetable to their heart’s content with a toy hammer. Most toddlers aren’t strong enough to do real harm with their hammer, so you can still make soup with your butternut squash once they’ve had their fun. She also says this works if you swap the hammer for stickers.
I loved this as a kid and perhaps your kids will too?
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29. Sing together
Singing to and with your child builds a unique bond with them. And just like reading to your child, singing songs with them helps to boost their vocabulary and language skills.
This bag has brought hours of entertainment for my kiddos!
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37. Have fun with ice!
Make ice in different colors with food coloring and add to their drinks.
Freeze their toys and allow them to ‘excavate’ with a toy hammer.
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38. Memorize a verse together
It’s the SWEETEST thing to hear your little ones quoting Scripture!
The first verses my mom had me learn were Psalm 91:1 and Ephesians 6:. The first verse I had my kids learn was 1 Timothy 4:12.
Scripture memory is something that will benefit your children throughout their ENTIRE lives!
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39. Clean together
Smaller things kids can do – wiping baseboards, lower cabinets, all door handles, pulling weeds, folding and putting away laundry, bathroom, bedroom, their closet, putting toys away and unloading dishwasher.
I offered my kids a quarter to whoever could wipe down the baseboards and bring me back the dirtiest wet wipe.
*I am an Amazon Affiliate, so I make a small percentage off of Amazon links I share if you click through and purchase. Thank you for your support in this way!
My post on 55 Summertime Activities for Kids has been a big hit with parents, so I wrote another post to give you MORE ideas for keeping your quarantined kids busy.
The Sports Action Figures inspire kids in creative, open-ended play of their favorite sport (while stuck inside). The sets can also be used for parents to teach their kids the rules of the game and introduce their kids to the sports they love. The sets can also be used as centerpieces for sports-themed birthday parties – or to decorate cakes and cupcakes! Coaches use the GUYS to go over positioning and strategy with their players!
The sets by KaskeyKids.com include: Football, Baseball, Hockey, Soccer and Basketball.
Kids don’t automatically know what it means to “Mind Your Manners.” Summer time is the perfect time to teach them! At the dinner table, talk about table etiquette. After dinner, practice how to meet new people, and how to make a great first impression. We WILL be getting back to normal soon. We WILL be shaking hands again one day.
Practice with your kids NOW so they can impress people with their top-notch manners LATER!
A gratitude list or journal is EXTREMELY valuable in uncertain times. Thinking about our blessings and what we are grateful for is extremely helpful in building resiliency! I researched journals a few months ago and decided to purchase this simple one for George. I’ve loved watching him open this up (without prompting), and write what he’s grateful for!
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13. Self Portrait
Have your kids look in the mirror and do a self portrait! Be sure to have them write their name and age. It will be fun to look back on this when they are older. You could have them repeat this every year around their birthday to see how their drawings improve!
Have your kids PAINT their coloring books instead of coloring – or – give them a blank sheet of paper to paint!
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15. Friendship bracelets
Making friendship bracelets kept me busy for HOURS when I was young. Perhaps it will entertain your kids too! Purchase embroidery floss, then search youtube for instructions.
*I am an Amazon Affiliate, so I make a small percentage off of Amazon links I share if you click through and purchase. Thank you for your support in this way!
Build a Marble Maze / Labrynth
