My children love doing arts and crafts projects. When they were little, almost every day I would pull out a crafts book and I would look for a fun and easy project that we could do together. My kids especially loved spring projects that included bunnies and flowers or creating drawings of themselves wearing Easter dresses for girls, but we discovered that there are craft projects dedicated to every season or holiday. Even though my girls wanted to draw pictures of little girls and tots in Easter dresses for infants or baby Easter dresses, I showed my kids that fall crafts and colors had wonderful possibilities too.
The month of October seems to be one of the best times for crafts since it’s getting colder and that means that children can’t play outside. Doing arts and crafts is a great way to get your kids away from the television and will also give children a chance to decorate the house and prepare for Halloween. Your family can collect leaves, decorate pumpkins, create October calendars, and/or paint with orange paint. Yes, the month of October is the time to think about black cats, ghosts, masks, and colorful orange and yellow baskets!
Easy To Do October Craft Projects:
Handprint bats can be made with black construction paper, googly eyes, brads, and glue. Children can decorate their bats with crayons and glitter glue.
Egg carton spiders can be made with egg cartons, washable poster paint, sponge brushes, googly eyes, glue, scissors, and black pipe cleaners. An adult will be needed to use a knife for this project.
Gauze ghosts can be created using recycled yogurt containers, white gauze, glue, and poster paint.
A countdown to Halloween tree can be constructed with brown poster board, green, orange, red, and yellow construction paper, markers, scissors, and tape. A similar type of project can be made in the spring so your kids can look forward to putting on their Easter dresses for girls and decorating eggs.
A “Thumb-kin” Patch can be created by using a child’s thumb. All that is needed is some orange paint, paper plates, blue and green construction paper, glue, scissors, and some markers.
Mr. Potato Head like pumpkins are fun to make. Just use Mr. Potato head pieces and put into a pumpkin instead of a potato. Small pumpkins work great for this sort of project.
Make a doll with a small pumpkin head. Dress the doll in in baby girl Easter dresses. Add some “hair” and decorate the pumpkin doll’s face with markers or paint.
Autumn leaves can be collected and made into beautiful collages.
A pumpkin or autumn leaf sun catcher can be made with yellow and orange tissue paper, contact paper, construction paper, and scissors.
Further Reading:
31 Days of October Crafts
The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.
October 12, 2012 | Activities, Boys, Costumes and Dress Up, Easter Dresses, Girls, How to, Outfits Comments Off
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.
October 09, 2012 | Activities, Boys, Coats, Costumes and Dress Up, Girls, How to, Jackets, Outerwear, Outerwear, Recommended Reading, Shoes, Shoes, Sweaters, Sweaters Comments Off
When my little girl was baby, my mother bought me a lot of cute baby girl clothes and sleepers. One of the baby girl clothes outfits that I adored was a pumpkin sleeper that said “Happy Halloween.” I diligently kept photo albums that showed my little one dressed in cute girls clothes. Many photos showed her in that orange Halloween sleeper.
One day, I showed my photo album to a friend. She loved all the photos of my baby dressed in girls clothing, but did not like the orange Halloween sleeper. This friend did not like Halloween and made it clear to me that my children should not be exposed to that holiday. My friend’s feelings did not change my thoughts on this issue. I just don’t see any harm in my children wearing costumes and cute girls clothes, or eating candy. I believe that children deserve to have fun. That’s my opinion, but I also respect the opinion of others who seek alternatives to Halloween for their families.
Alternative Halloween Activities:
Attend a fall festival or harvest party at your church or school.
Take your kids to a pumpkin patch and bake a pumpkin pie.
Eat a lot of candy, but don’t go Trick-or-Treating.
Collect bright colored orange and yellow leaves with your children.
Instead of buying and eating candy, collect canned food items to donate to the needy.
Dress up in costumes and put on skits together as a family.
Allow your children to dress up in costumes that are not scary. It will be fun to see you little one in girls clothing that makes her look like a princess.
Act out stories from your favorite fairy tales.
Teach your children stories from the Bible by having them dress up as bible characters.
Fall arts and craft projects are fun for kids. The artwork your child does in October doesn’t have to be about witches and monsters.
Do whatever you feel comfortable with regarding Halloween. If it is a holiday that you want to take part in, go for it. If you think it’s best to not participate in Halloween, do what you believe is best for your family.
Further Reading:
Celebrating Fall Harvest, an Alternative to Halloween – From TLC Parentables
History of Trick-or-Treating
The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.
October 07, 2012 | Activities, Boys, Costumes and Dress Up, Girls, How to, Recommended Reading Comments Off
I love traveling, but I admit that I dread the packing associated with any vacation or trip. I always wait until the last minute, and it seems like my luggage is way too heavy. I wish sometimes I could just “beam” the things I need to my destination.
My youngest daughter tells me that she has a packing system that works for her. All she does is throw a bunch of “stuff” including cheap flower girl dresses inside of her suitcase. At the end of a trip, she just stuffs everything back in her suitcase including the flowergirl dresses. When she gets home, she throws everything she stuffed inside her suitcase into her laundry basket and washes her clothes. The tells me her system works and she doesn’t dread packing at all.
Although the system my daughter has come up with may work for some kids, it may be a good idea to give your children some guidance on how to pack for a vacation or short trip.
How To Help Children Pack For a Vacation or Trip:
Let your child pick the clothes he or she wants to take on a vacation, but give your little one some suggestions on what to include inside of a suitcase.
Remind your child to bring enough underwear and socks to cover every day you will be away in case there are no laundry facilities at your destination.
Three to five coordinated outfits including ivory flower girl dresses and may be all your child will need for a week long vacation.
Separate each outfit into individual little packages or plastic bags so that your child will look forward to what he or she will wear on the trip. A little girl may be very excited to know that one of the outfits she will look forward to wearing during her vacation is a toddler flower girl dress or another pretty outfit.
Parents may want to pack their children’s toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, hairbrushes, and hair accessories in their own luggage. These items should be wrapped tightly in plastic bags in case they open during travel.
If a child can get by with one pair of shoes, there is not need to pack additional shoes in his or her suitcase. Shoes are heavy.
Allow your child to bring a little backpack that includes books or toys he or she may want to play with during the trip.
Don’t forget to remind your child to include a laundry bag in his or her luggage. Explain that all of his or her dirty clothes should be put in that laundry bag during the vacation. Flower girl dresses and other nice clothes may get soiled during a vacation. Kids can be messy!
Check your child’s luggage before leaving your house. If his or her suitcase includes items that really won’t work for your vacation, help your little one decide what should be removed from his or her suitcase and what is really necessary for the trip.
Remind your child to pack a swimsuit. Many hotels have indoor year-round pools. Tell your child it is always a good idea to be prepared to swim even if it is freezing outside.
Don’t forget pajamas, slippers, a stuffed animal or doll, and anything else that will comfort your little one during the time away from home.
Remind your child to either wear a light jacket, coat, or sweatshirt while traveling, or to include one in his or her suitcase.
Further Reading:
How To Pack a Child’s Suitcase
The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.
October 05, 2012 | Activities, Boys, Dresses, Girls, How to, Outerwear, Outfits, Recommended Reading, Shoes, Sleepwear, Sweaters, Swimwear Comments Off
I am a firm believer that children should believe in magical things including the Easter Bunny, the Great Pumpkin, Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and other magical characters. Childhood should definitely be a time of wonder and joy.
Sometimes I wish that Mary Poppins could come to my house and take my children up to the ceiling for a tea party or magically clean our house! I would love to hear our dog talk and I also wouldn’t mind rubbing Alladin’s lamp and having three wishes come true., For my family, pretending starts by dressing up in Easter dresses and costumes. Childhood dreams must include a hope that there truly is a glorious place to visit someday that may be “over the rainbow.”
How To Help Your Child Believe In Magic:
Read fairy tales or magical adventure stories to your children.
Dressing up seems to encourage magic. Allow your children to dress up in pretty clothes such as toddler Easter dresses and girls Easter dresses or other costumes that inspire imagination.
Disney movies and stories are some of the best resources available. Musicals that tell stories about a world of make-believe are essential for children to see.
Make your own magic at home. Surprise you family with something special. That something special could be a surprise package filled something your child has wished for.
Puppets and dolls sometimes lead magical lives. Help your children put on a puppet or doll show that tells a magical story.
Take your child to Disneyland or other amusement parks that stimulate imagination and happiness.
Perhaps the Great Pumpkin will never come, but if your child, like Linus from Peanuts, believes the Great Pumpkin will come, allow your child to hold on to that belief.
Amazing things happen in the world every day. Take time to look at a sunrise or sunset, or at the clouds. Talk about the world that is up in the sky with your kids.
Let the Easter Bunny or Tooth Fairy visit your house anytime during the year. For example, to prepare for the Easter Bunny’s visit, allow your little ones to put on their best Easter dresses for toddlers or other festive clothes.
Sing songs together as a family that inspire creativity and imagination.
Do arts and crafts projects with your children that help tell the stories of something magical you might have read about together in a book.
Always believe. Never stop believing that there could perhaps be a wondrous place to visit like the North Pole, Neverland, Wonderland, or Narnia.
Further Reading:
Make Believe Stories and Tall Tales – From Families.com
The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.
October 02, 2012 | Activities, Boys, Dresses, Easter Dresses, Recommended Reading Comments Off
When I was a new mother, it seemed like I was ‘showered” with baby gifts. Every time I opened my mailbox, a present arrived. I loved it. I received so many nice things including cute baby clothes for girls and boys, cute girl clothes, and newborn girl clothes.
My closest friend in the world’s daughter had a baby boy over six months ago. Last week, I realized that I had not yet purchased a gift for baby Ivan. It hit me that little Ivan may be a toddler before I get around to buying him a gift! This got me thinking about baby gift etiquette. Should baby gifts be given before or after a baby is born? Have I “blown it” by not sending a gift to my friend’s daughter?
Baby Gift Etiquette and Buying Tips:
Before a baby is born, check to see if the parents have registered at specific stores. New parents may not really know what a baby may need, but at least you may have some clue of what they’d like their little one to have or wear.
The clothing girls wear may be more fun to buy than clothing for boys, but don’t go wild with the cute girl clothes since babies grow very quickly.
If you already know the baby’s sex, buy blue baby boy clothes and pink newborn baby girl clothes.
Give from your heart. Do not feel obligated to give an expensive baby gift or expensive boys or girls clothing, or worry about the price of the gift you give. Pay what you believe you can afford for newborn baby girl clothes, baby boy clothes, and cute girl clothes or other baby gifts.
New parents may be too tired to shop, so giving a gift card or gift certificate may not be a good idea. An alternative idea may be an online shopping gift certificate.
If you forget to send a gift when the baby is young, rest assured that a baby’s family will appreciate boy clothing or cute girl clothes or any kind of gift later. If you end up giving a gift to a family when the baby is a toddler or even a pre-schooler, know that gifts will be appreciated anytime.
Practical baby gifts such as diapers, baby food, wipes, or formula make fine presents.
Some people give presents to the parents instead of the baby since new parents may need and deserve some pampering.
A card or note telling new parents how excited you are about their new addition is appropriate. A gift can always be given at a later date.
Include gift receipts with your gifts just in case parents wish to exchange your item when they receive duplicate presents.
Further Reading:
Before You Buy A Baby Shower Gift – From About.com Baby Products
Baby Clothes Buying Tips
Baby Shower Gift Ideas
The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.
September 30, 2012 | Baby Boys, Baby Girls, How to, Recommended Reading Comments Off
My family owns two beautiful wooden dollhouses. I know some people just build dollhouses and decorate them, but my family’s dollhouses are meant for touching, interaction, and learning. My children and I have spent hours and hours dressing the dolls in various outfits including dresses for Christmas, and we’ve also enjoyed moving tiny dollhouse furniture around the house.
Inside one of our dollhouses, is a living room, kitchen, nursery, bedroom, music room and attic. A family of five lives in that house. The little girls who live in the house are dressed in a beautiful little girls Christmas dresses and Bonnie Jean Christmas dresses. The babies are dressed in Christmas dresses for infants. The children sleep in a room with bunk beds and blue curtains, and play in a nursery filled with little wooden toys. The grandparents live in our other dollhouse. The grandparents’ dollhouse has a furry carpet, grand piano, dining area, a rocking chair, a window seat, and a spiraling staircase. The parents and grandparents are also dressed up in dresses for Christmas. The kitchen even has food in it and there’s a broom available to sweep after the baby and children make a mess, and dogs and cats also live in both dollhouses.
Before You Consider Buying a Dollhouse:
Consider purchasing a fully finished and furnished wooden dollhouse. Expect to pay a high price for such an item, but realize that your family will have years and years of fun with a dollhouse that is ready to play with and enjoy.
If your budget can’t handle an expensive wooden dollhouse, inexpensive fully furnished dollhouses will provide your children with hours and hours of fun.
Wooden dollhouse kits can be built together and decorated as a family project.
Dollhouse furniture and dolls can be purchased at craft stores or online.
Carpet, wallpaper, and curtains will give a wooden dollhouse a nice touch.
Once your dollhouse is fully furnished, allow your children to play with the dollhouse as much as possible.
If you plan to buy a Victorian type dollhouse, read stories from the past to your children. Allow your children to act out the stories so they can eventually teach the stories to their dollhouse family.
Do not buy an expensive wooden doll house with small parts for very young children.
Expect that some of the items in your family’s dollhouse will break since children can be rough on tiny things. It may be a good idea to wait until your youngest child is at least 7 or 8 years old before purchasing an expensive dollhouse that contains fragile items.
Further Reading:
Let’s Build a Dollhouse
The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.
September 28, 2012 | Baby Boys, Baby Girls, How to, Recommended Reading Comments Off
Photo Copyright © Jo Ann Schneider Farris
One of my favorite memories from elementary school was square dancing. About a month of my 5th grade year was devoted to learning how to do-si-do and how to swing a partner. I remember I was matched up with a boy named John. Every day, we would meet in the playground and dance and dance. We put on a final square dance show so our parents could see what we learned. I loved wearing a square dancing dress and my cowgirl boots. It was just plain fun to “circle round” a square and laugh together.
Square dancing can be great fun for children. Not only does it combine learning, listening, and exercise, but it also is a great way for kids to socialize. Planning your own square dance may be a great idea for a birthday party or youth group function. Kids can put on their kids cowboy boots and girls roper boots and say “Hee Haw!”
How to Teach Square Dancing to Kids:
Eight people are needed to form a square. It is best if four boys and four girls form each square, but if two little girls have to dance together they probably won’t mind since they’ll just love dancing together and enjoying their girls cowboy boots.
Ask an adult to do the teaching and announcing. It is best that the announcer be someone familiar with square dancing.
There is a variety of music available for square dancing that includes an announcer calling the steps.
Teach the children very easy to learn and simple square dances.
Suggest that the kids wear western clothing, kids cowboy boots, and cowboys hats. Make sure the hats are strapped on tightly so they don’t fall off while the kids are dancing.
Food can be simple at your square dancing party. Hot dogs, popcorn, and punch will do.
Some moves children enjoy doing are do-si-do steps where dancers approach each other and circle back to back and then return to their original positions, and swinging partners while facing opposite directions and linking arms.
Little girls and boys will enjoy doing bows and curtseys when each dance ends.
Patience is important. Do not expect children to do square dances perfectly.
Laugh together and have fun!
Further Reading:
Square Dance Steps for Kids
Square Dancing Music for Kids
The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.
September 27, 2012 | Activities, Boys, Costumes and Dress Up, Girls, How to, Pants, Recommended Reading, Shorts Comments Off
People of all ages love to ice skate. Girls and boys like the white and black skates, little girls ice skating clothes, the jumps, the spins, and the music. Skating is also a great form of exercise and the sport can be done year-round since there are indoor ice rinks in almost every city. It has also been said that ice skating is like a “fountain of youth” since spending time in an ice arena is a bit like being inside a refrigerator and may slow the aging process.
For me, skating feels like walking since I began to ice skate when I was very, very young. There’s nothing like the feeling of gliding across the ice. Skating feels a bit like flying!
Ice Skating Tips:
Most ice arenas hold public skating sessions. The cost of public skating is quite reasonable.
Skate rental is usually available at most ice arenas.
It is not necessary to wear fancy girls figure skating clothes. It’s okay to wear anything warm including girls Christmas pajamas and holiday pajamas.
Lessons are not necessary, but may help. Many ice skating rinks offer group classes that teach ice skating basics.
Remember if you are going to skate you are going to fall down.
Don’t forget to put on a pair of gloves or mittens before stepping on to the ice.
Ice skating clothes for girls and boys can be purchased online or at most ice rink pro shops.
Skating burns tons of calories and will make children sleep better. After you take your little one ice skating, get your child ready for bed in Christmas PJs and give your child some hot chocolate.
Further Reading:
Dress Like an Ice Skater
Step-by-Step Beginning Ice Skating Lesson
If You Are Going to Skate, You Are Going to Fall – That’s a Fact
The author of this article is Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com’s Guide to Figure Skating and the mother of three children.
September 24, 2012 | Activities, Boys, Christmas Dresses, Costumes and Dress Up, Dancewear, Dresses, Girls, Outerwear, Pants, Recommended Reading Comments Off
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.
September 20, 2012 | Activities, Boys, Dancewear, Dresses, Girls, How to, Jackets, Jackets, Leotards, Outfits, Pants, Pants, Recommended Reading, Skirts, Sweaters, Tops Comments Off
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My children love doing arts and crafts projects. When they were little, almost every day I would pull out a crafts book and I would look for a fun and easy project that we could do together. My kids especially loved spring projects that included bunnies and flowers or creating drawings of themselves wearing Easter dresses for girls, but we discovered that there are craft projects dedicated to every season or holiday. Even though my girls wanted to draw pictures of little girls and tots in Easter dresses for infants or baby Easter dresses, I showed my kids that fall crafts and colors had wonderful possibilities too. 
