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Years ago, I decided that my children needed to visit a pumpkin patch since I believe that every child should have that experience. I did some research, and found a pumpkin patch that was run by a family that also ran a gas station, store, and petting zoo out in the country. They also offered pony rides and hay rides. I knew that a trip to that pumpkin patch would be a perfect family excursion.

My husband took the day off from work and we went on a wonderful pumpkin patch family adventure! The kids put on warm clothes. I told my girls that it would be best to wear warm pants, not girls toddler dresses or girls dresses 7-16. Each child picked out their own pumpkin, enjoyed a pony ride, and drank some hot apple cider. I loved seeing the smiles on their faces. The kids were also very eager to get home to decorate their pumpkins. That trip to a pumpkin patch is a trip my family will remember and treasure for the rest of our lives.

Pumpkin Patch Visit Tips:

Plan in advance. Call the pumpkin patch before taking a trip to the facility. Find out what hours and days the pumpkin patch is open, if reservations are needed, or if there is an admission fee. A complimentary pumpkin may be included in admission fee costs or there might be a price for each pumpkin your family takes home.

Dress in warm clothing. Light and frilly girls dresses and girls party dresses may not be appropriate pumpkin patch attire. Make sure your children wear gloves or mittens, and hats. Don’t forget warm winter coats and sturdy walking shoes.

Expect your children to get dirty during their pumpkin patch visit. Take some disposable wipes on your trip.

Consider bringing a wagon or cart, or a large strong bag, to the pumpkin patch. Your children will be too excited to carry pumpkins around, so you will need something to put the pumpkins you collect in.

Talk about pumpkins with your children before arriving at the pumpkin patch. There are all sorts of interesting facts about pumpkins that children are eager to learn about.

Set limits. Before arriving at the pumpkin patch, explain to each child how many pumpkins your family plans to purchase. Also, decide in advance if you will collect small, medium, large, or very large pumpkins.

Make it clear to your children that it is very important to not wander off alone during your pumpkin patch visit.

Children will be very excited about decorating their pumpkins. Purchase pumpkin decorating materials such as markers and paint before heading out on a pumpkin patch adventure.

Pumpkin decorating kits and/or pumpkin carving materials can usually be purchased at craft stores.

Further Reading:

Pumpkin Patches and More.org

Visit a Pumpkin Patch – From About.com Family Vacations

The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.

When I was a little girl, ice skating clothes could not be bought at any store. Girls figure skating clothes were made by hand. My dad made my first skating dress since my mom didn’t know how to sew! It was also considered unladylike for girls to skate in pants, so my legs froze since skating tights were very thin. I was grateful that at least I was allowed to wear one thin sweater for skating practice.

Did you know that ice skating legend, Sonja Henie, not only introduced white ice skates, but she was the first figure skater to wear short skating skirts? Until she came along, ice skaters wore street clothes and women wore black skates.

Times have changed. Today, many ice skaters practice in figure skating pants in addition to ice skating clothes for girls, and it’s easy to find little girls ice skating clothes. There are even matching outfits available for dolls, stuffed animals, and pets! Competition girls figure skating clothes usually includes rhinestones.

How To Dress Like a Figure Skater:

Skating dresses or skirts will make a little girl feel like a skater. A leotard with a skirt and dance tights will do just fine at first, but make sure the dance tights are beige in color.

Figure skating tights are available in over-the-boot, and in footed styles.

Girls figure skates are white; boys figure skates are black.

Skating clothes should fit. Loose fitting or baggy clothes don’t work for figure skating.

Hair should be pulled back in a tight ponytail so that it is away from the face. Hair decorations add a nice touch.

Gloves and a light fitted jacket or sweater are essential.

Serious figure skaters tend to practice in figure skating pants or warm leggings.

Almost all female skaters wear fancy ice skating dresses during competitions.

In addition to ice skating clothes for girls, special figure skating pants for boys can be purchased online and at some figure skating pro shops.

Dressing properly for figure skating practice and ice skating competitions may make skaters skate better.

Further Reading:

The History of Figure Skating Clothes

How To Become a Figure Skater

The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.

My children grew up at a mall. I know that statement may sound odd, but it’s true. You see, I worked at a mall with an ice rink. My kids skated and skated all day long as I taught group and private skating lessons.

I must admit that it was quite a challenge to bring three little kids to an ice rink on a daily basis, but at the mall, every day was an adventure for my family. Not only did the rink provide a wonderful place to play, but after I was done teaching, I would put my kids in a sit-and-stand stroller and we would “hit the mall.” The children would eat, play, and explore! Of course, once in awhile, we did some shopping. The mall sold plenty of children’s clothing and cute girls clothes. The kids especially enjoyed going on mini shopping sprees.

I dressed my youngest daughter in cute baby girls clothes for those shopping sprees. I always had to have a change of cheap baby clothes on hand since I never knew what kind of “accident” might occur.

How to Take Young Children to a Mall:

Find parking as close as possible to an entrance with a handicap accessible door. Getting a stroller up a handicap ramp and pushing the automatic door to enter a mall will make things much easier for a busy parent.

Make sure to pack extra clothing, extra diapers, newborn girls clothes, wipes, tissues, and napkins or paper towels.

Bring some large tote bags with you to put in any items that you may purchase during your visit to the mall. The tote bags can be tied to your stroller.

Don’t plan on doing much shopping unless you come to the mall with your spouse or another adult. One adult can watch the children while the other adult shops.

Avoid escalators; use the mall’s elevators.

Call the mall in advance and make sure there is a play area at the mall. Kids love mall play areas. Play areas will make your children want to visit the mall over and over again.

Bring your own food instead of spending a lot of money at the mall’s food court. Food makes a mall visit extra fun!

Many malls have special events going on geared for children. Take advantage of those events.

Visit the mall’s pet store. That can be an adventure in itself!

Treat your children to a hot pretzel, an ice cream cone, or take a quick visit to the mall’s candy store.

Many malls have bookstores that host children’s activities or have areas where kids can cuddle up with their parents and read. Find those areas and spend a lot of time there.

Make sure you know where the family restrooms are located. Plan spending extra time there once in awhile…

Further Reading:

Taking Kids to the Mall: Make it Easy!

The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.

Summer is a happy time. Summer is also the time for picnics and outdoor parties. Some parents avoid picnics since some advance planning and packing is necessary, but packing for picnics doesn’t have to be complicated.

I always bring several outfits to picnics for my children just in case one of them needs to change clothes. I don’t want them to miss the fun just because their rare editions get soiled. You see, a rare editions dress and picnics don’t always mix. Dressing up is not necessary for picnics, but sometimes my little girl loves to wear her rare editions Christmas dress to make picnic time an extra special occasion.

Sometimes I do a lot of planning before going on a picnic, but other times, I just stop at Subway or at a local convenience store, get a few sandwiches, and drinks, and off we go!

Easy Picnic Packing Basics:

Pack foods that don’t need utensils. Finger foods work great.

Suggested foods: Chips, pre-made sandwiches, cut up fresh fruit, grapes, cut up fresh veggies, crackers, and nuts.

Pack an ice chest that includes water bottles, flavored water, or sports drinks. Juice boxes are favorites for kids.

Ice can be purchased in large bags at a convenience store just before the picnic.

Don’t forget paper plates, plastic or paper cups, napkins, paper towels, and wipes.

Bring hand sanitizer too.

If you do need utensils, don’t forget plastic forks, knives, and spoons.

Don’t forget the trash bags. Make sure that you leave no trash at the picnic site.

A plastic tablecloth to cover the table will make the picnic festive and fun.

Portable camp chairs and umbrellas are easy to tote and may make the picnic more comfortable.

Bring balls, scooters, and other outdoor toys for the kids.

Don’t forget the camera!

Further Reading:

Picnic Packing Checklist – From RealSimple.com

Picnics With Kids – From About.com Work-at-Home Moms

Picnic Ideas Gallery – From Disney Family Fun

The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.

My youngest daughter loves to dress up.  When she was little, she slept in her Halloween costumes.   Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, bears, birds, and princesses were part of our family bedtime rituals.  Sometimes, we’d read stories about the characters that she represented at bedtime.

My son went to bed dressed as a pumpkin and Santa Claus when he was a baby.  Newborn Halloween costumes 0-3 months were some of my favorite baby gifts.

During the summer months, Halloween seems far away, but children grow so fast that boutique Halloween costumes should be worn all summer long.
Baby girl Halloween costumes and newborn Halloween costumes 0-3 months look so cute and will make everyone who sees a little one smile.

Creative Ways to Make Use of Children’s Halloween Costumes:

Some baby girls Halloween costumes make great sleepers or pajamas for babies and toddlers.

Host a costume party during the spring or summer months.

Set up a dress up area in your child’s play area. Children love to role play and dress up.

Put on a play. Boutique Halloween costumes can be worn in every scene.

Read books to your child that tell about the characters represented in certain costumes.

Put on a talent show. Invite friends to take part. Allow for multiple costume changes.

Make original costumes in the summer months so that your family is prepared way in advance for Halloween.

Take your children to visit a museum dressed in costumes that match the museum’s theme.

Further Reading:

Free, Creative Costume Ideas and Patterns – From About.com Family Crafts

Costume Idea Zone

Halloween Party Ideas – From Disney Family Fun

The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.