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Water play is one of the boys favourite activities (& mine to be honest) – there is something kids love about splashing in the water & it is definitely our go-to play choice.
Read moreWater play is one of the boys favourite activities (& mine to be honest) – there is something kids love about splashing in the water & it is definitely our go-to play choice.
Read moreFiled Under: GUEST POST, HOME, PLAY //
I’ve always loved play and seen the huge importance it has on child development. I also always knew I wanted to work with kids so went to study Early Childhood Studies in Uni. Since graduating I’ve worked in the children’s hospital, with children’s Physio and I’m now working as a community nursery nurse (when not on mat leave).
Read moreFiled Under: HOME, HOMESCHOOLING, KIDS, NATURE, PLAY //
The art of hapa-zome – a Japanese printmaking technique that uses the natural pigment in leaves and flowers to dye fabric.
Read moreFiled Under: GUEST POST, HOME, PLAY //
Today we have the lovely Sophie sharing all about Independent outdoor play and why it is so beneficial for your child’s development, as well as different ways to encourage outdoor play
Read moreWhen doing research for this blog post, all that came up on google was about making drinking water safe. Well done to those content creators and SEO wizards, but what about safety tips for keeping our little ones physically safe in/near water? And I’m not just talking about the local swimming pools, lakes and oceans. I’m talking about water safety tips at home for baths, paddling pools and even buckets.
Read moreFiled Under: ADVENTURES, HOME, KIDS, LIFESTYLE, PLAY //
If this is your first year celebrating Christmas with your little one, congratulations! It’s one way you’ll want to build as many memories as possible, and while there are many things to love about Christmas, there are also many things to love about Christmas when children are involved. Having babies means getting that Christmas magic back that you may have lost in the mess since you were a child.
It’s almost June, which means #30dayswild is back! #30dayswild was set up by The Wildlife Trust to encourage young people to get out in nature. It’s where you to do one wild thing a day throughout the whole month: for your health, well being and for the planet. The Wildlife Trust provide packs and materials and you can still sign up and join in, it’s completely free! Once signed up, you will be able to download and print and abundance of material and things to do throughout the month of June.
We all know it can be hard to entertain the little ones on holidays. The pressure to make things ‘insta worthy’ can be huge. So the team here at That Mama Club put together this Easter bucket list of free/easy things you can do without much pre-planning.
What better time to share a felt play food DIY for felt pancakes, ahead of Shrove Tuesday? This craft is so easy, you don’t even need a template!
I made my pancakes out of two slightly different brown/beige coloured felts. One colour for the top, the other for the bottom. This is in homage to our family where one side of the pancake always cooks faster than the other and ends up a darker colour! Plus, I like the easy dimension that it gives these pancakes.
If you follow the TMC Kids Club Bucket List Challenge you may have noticed that we suggested that something you could do this month is to Create a Hedgehog House.
Here at TMC, we love a good theme and what better theme could you ask for, than Christmas? We’ve been going crazy over all of the Christmas crafts, treats and play ideas so we wanted to share some with you.
Filed Under: HOME, HOMESCHOOLING, KIDS, KIDS CLUB, NATURE, PLAY, TODDLER //
If you follow the TMC Kids Club Bucket List Challenge (if not, why not!) you may have noticed that we suggested one thing you could do this month is to create a Journey Stick.
“First, a little background on the journey stick for you. Aboriginal people in Australia used journey sticks to more easily recount their journeys to other people upon their return. They found a large walking stick, collected materials found along the way, and tied them to the stick in chronological order. Native Americans also decorated sticks to recount their journeys and tell about their travels. These sticks can be used as storytelling and navigational tools. The collected materials and markings have various purposes. Some things can be used as markers for natural features in the land, such as tree bark to indicate passing through the woods. While particular symbols carved into or painted onto the stick could show weather patterns, natural features, or events that took place.”
– Sara McCarty / Run Wild My Child Blog: Journey Sticks and the Art of Storytelling
A Journey Stick is an amazing way of encouraging your children to engage with their surroundings on your daily walk. In a world where we are always on the go, even slowing down on a woodland walk can sometimes be a challenge – so having an activity to do while you’re out can really help with that slow and simple lifestyle.
Step One:
Find a nice thick stick! Wrap some string or lots of rubber bands around it (which, from experience, is much easier to navigate with little hands).
Step Two:
Pop on your wellies, a nice thick coat and get outside! Start picking up leaves, feathers, sticks, twigs (anything that’s safe to do so) from the moment you step out of the door. Make sure to start your journey stick from the bottom, so that it can show a chronological timeline of your journey.
Added Bonus: There are hundreds of ways that you can use nature to enhance your outdoor adventures. Whether you turn your stick into a journey stick or something completely different, encouraging your children to use nature in their day-to-day lives is fantastic for their imagination and observation skills.
Here are some amazing books that you could read alongside this activity. Make sure to tag us using #thatmamaclubig with any photos that you take so we can share your ideas!
Stanley’s Stick by John Hegley
Not A Stick by Antoinette Portis
November is finally here and that means Christmas is well underway in both our personal lives & here at TMC HQ.. We have so many exciting things coming your way and we are here to bring you some kids Christmas activity printables!
We have Christmas countdowns, colouring sheets, playdough mats & lots more! They are all free to download and you can print as many copies as you like.
If you want to use the sheets for play dough mats, we recommend laminating or sticky back plastic them so you can reuse over and over again. We also recommend printing some on card if you want them to be more durable! If you missed the Christmas planning printables we shared last week, you can download them here
Make sure to tag us on Instagram if you use the printables using @thatmamaclub #thatmamaclubig
I think everyone out there would agree that children learn best when they’re engaged and having fun, right? Yet I know from personal experience it can be completely overwhelming to find the right activity for the right development stage. Children of any and every age can be learning through play – it is never too early or too late – so let’s dive in and explore some of the most common areas of play!
If you have spent even five minutes on Instagram, I am confident you will have seen some of the thousands of beautiful sensory play set ups being posted every day (and if you haven’t, be sure to check out #catkinplay for some fantastic eco-play ideas). They can be incredibly beneficial for children as it allows them to develop a whole host of skills simultaneously.
Sensory play helps to develop fine motor control, hand eye co-ordination and problem-solving skills as they move and manipulate the various materials. Not only that, but sensory experiences help to improve memory, concentration and even build nerve connections in the brain.
Some sensory materials are unsuitable for children under 3, (such as chickpeas due to small parts) however there are plenty of taste safe alternatives that are suitable for all ages. Rainbow drops, mash potato, cooked pasta or ice are all great options. Don’t forget to use a play mat or tuff tray – it makes everything much easier to clean away afterwards!
An increasingly popular approach to learning and development is Montessori. I couldn’t begin to cover the topic fully here, but my two favourite Montessori mottos are to ‘Follow the child’ (allowing their current interests to guide you) and ‘Play is the work of the child’ (meaning that every activity a child completes should be considered as their work for the day).
I particularly love the simplicity of Montessori activities, such as simple shape puzzles or even learning to peel and/or cut a banana independently. Furthermore, children are encouraged to ‘work’ in an uninterrupted space and with minimal adult guidance so they can develop their sense of independence and feel a true sense of accomplishment when they finally succeed.
This is perhaps one of my favourite types of play to set up. Small world play is creating a mini universe for your little one to explore. For example, if your little one is starting school or nursery, creating a small world classroom is a perfect way to explore that situation ahead of time. If they are an animal lover, setting up a farm scene is a perfect way to visit the farm without setting foot outside the door.
Small world play is great for developing language, exploring real life events and developing emotional understanding.
Loose parts play is all about gathering items (of course for children under 3 each piece should be large enough not to go in the mouth!) that can be explored in a completely ‘no wrong answer’ way. The items have no specific function or goal, but can be moved, arranged, ordered and sorted in any number of different ways.
It is the perfect opportunity for children to explore in an open-ended way while developing creativity and imagination.
Loose parts play can be done with regular household items, such as bottle caps, or specific loose parts sets.
Nature themed play can encompass a range of play ideas. It could mean bringing nature inside to explore in more detail or getting out into the big outdoors and exploring what it has to offer.
For children, a walk through the forest can be the most exciting play set up of all time. Everything has different textures, smells, colours and nothing is off limits.
Nature play is the perfect way for children to explore cause and effect, to understand their bodies and its capabilities, learn about the environment and can even help better sleep routines and a healthy lifestyle.
The benefits of learning through play are countless, but I have definitely saved the best for last! Learning through play is – fun! Don’t be afraid to get messy, throw out the rulebook, experiment and above all else, enjoy making memories together.
I hope you found some inspiration or new ideas. For more ideas, resources or help & support, pop over to our Instagram @CatkinToys.
Filed Under: PLAY //
As a mother, you will want to assist your children and provide them with the resources to learn and grow. You want to ensure that your kids’ needs are satisfied and you offer them or indulge them in the right environment suitable for their development. However, helping your child can be fun as it is helpful! There are various hobbies your child can partake in to develop mentally, physically, and safely. Here are some great indoor activities for kids.
Painting offers an excellent opportunity for your kids to develop and improve their cognitive skills and explore their creativity. Crayons and brushes also help young children develop their finger muscles and improve their hand-eye coordination. You can also introduce your children to the works of great painters to develop an interest and learn more about this activity. While learning to paint, kids can have fun with different colours such as acrylic, oil, or watercolours. Fortunately, there are several DIY paint kits for kids of all ages to get them busy creating masterpieces.
Woodworking can be a lot of fun for kids because it gives them the chance to use various tools and logs of wood to create unique items like simple boxes and wooden trays, toys, birdhouses, or DIY photo frames. Exploring the processes of using essential tools such as mallets, glue guns from retailers such as Glue Guns Direct, and the chisel and simple woodworking procedures help your child explore their creative side while improving their motor abilities. Giving your child ample time to practice regularly and educating them about techniques and tools is an excellent method to introduce woodworking to young children. However, keep an eye on your child to prevent any injuries.
You can teach your child simple drawing and sketching techniques to children to draw whatever their imaginations desire. Beginners can learn to draw simple patterns by tracing them and then progress and eventually use their skills to get into more complex works like comic book art. As your child creates narratives, plots, and several characters, there is a lot of brainstorming and creative thinking. This type of hobby can help your child’s cognitive abilities and further help them build a career in animation or become a cartoonist when they are all grown up.
Gardening is another fun hobby to indulge your kids in. Not only do they get to get their hands dirty, but planting a seed and watching it sprout may be a good way for kids to learn care and maintenance. They can learn to tend to beautiful rose flowers or vegetables. Additionally, you can make things more intense and exciting for older kids by allowing them to grow crops without synthetic fertilisers and chemicals. This way, they will practice organic farming, and you can use their products for family meals. It would be a fun hobby for your child to take up. You can encourage your youngster to cultivate vegetables and fruits in your backyard and then enjoy the results.
Filed Under: HOME, LIFE, MESSY, MOTHERHOOD, PLAY //
We are here with a MEGA wrap up of all the best Valentine’s activities. We asked our fabulous Instagram community to share THEIR recipes, craft activities and sensory play set ups & we are sharing them with you!
For these gorgeous biscuits you will need;
– 250g butter
– 140g caster sugar
– 1 egg yolk
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 300g plain flour
– 250g chocolate
– Sprinkles
– Mix butter and sugar together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs
– Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract and mix
– Sift in the flour and combine to form a ball. Wrap in cling film and pop in the fridge for 20-30 mins
– Turn the oven on to 180C/160C fan and put some parchment paper on a baking sheet.
– Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use cookie cutters to make your favourite shapes then transfer to the baking sheet
– Bake in the middle of the oven for 10-12 minutes
– Allow to cool on baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack
– Dip in chocolate and cover in sprinkles.
You simply melt white chocolate & mix in a drop of red food colouring, cover half an Oreo, add sprinkles & edible eyes! Et voila.
Base:
– 300g digestive biscuits (bash them up! Or blitz in blender)
– 150g salted butter to melt
– Mix & put in fridge for a bout 2/3hours.
Filling:
– 700g full fat cream cheese (room temperature)
– 50g icing sugar
– 2 tea spoons vanilla extract
– Mix & add to base of cheesecake & back to the fridge for 4hrs (ish!)
Topping:
– Chocolate heart sweets
– Melted chocolate hearts- melt some chocolate chips (or bar of cooking choc) I used a cutter to dip in the chocolate and put it straight on some baking paper & in the fridge to set.
– If you want to make your own hearts you can!
– Decorate when set!
– 150g unsalted butter
– 100g caster sugar
– 50g light brown sugar
– 1 medium egg
– 1 tsp vanilla essence
– 300g plain flour
– Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy
– Beat in the egg and vanilla essence
– Sift in the flour and mix till combined, roll into a ball, wrap with clingfilm and then pop in the fridge for 30 mins
– Roll out the dough to approximately 1/2cm thick and cut into hearts, bake for approximately 10-12 mins at 180c
– Rollout the red icing and cut into hearts slightly smaller than the biscuits.
– Top each biscuit with a red fondant heart dampen the back with water or icing sugar and water mixed to a thin consistency and then gently press to secure in place.
– Use black icing to pipe on the details add edible eyes and leave to set!
– 50g butter plus extra for greasing
– 350g marshmallows
– 200g Rice Crispies
– Pink food colouring
– Grease a baking tray with butter
– Melt the 50g of butter in a pan over a low heat
– Add in the marshmallows and stir until completely melted
– Take off the heat and add a few drops of food colouring
– Stir in the Rice Crispies
– Press the mix into your baking tray and leave to cool
– Once fully cooled cut out heart shapes with a cookie cutter
– Push in a lolly/cake pop stick and enjoy!
– 250g butter softened
– 100g caster sugar
– 300g plain flour
– 50g ground almonds
– Zest 1 lemon
– 2tbsp milk
– Jam/Nutella
– Icing sugar
– Line two baking sheets with baking paper.
– In large bowl cream butter & sugar until light and fluffy.
– Beat in lemon, flour and ground almonds
– Add milk to form a dough. Wrap in clingfilm put in fridge for at least 30 mins.
– Pre heat oven to 160•c fan or 180•c.
– Roll out dough to 4mm thickness.
– Cut out 24 biscuits with heart cutter. With smaller cutter cut out the centres of 12 (these are the tops)
– Bake for 10-12 mins place on wire rack to cool.
– Spread jam or Nutella on the bottoms then sandwich the tops on top. Dust with icing sugar.
– 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Combine dry ingredients and set aside. Mix butter and sugar on high speed until combined. Add egg, vanilla & almond extract and beat until smooth and creamy. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix on low until combined. Add 1 tbsp more flour if too sticky.
Divide dough into 2 equal parts. Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Lightly dust one of the rolled-out doughs with flour and place piece of parchment on top; place the 2nd rolled-out dough on top. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. Then bake at 350F/160C (fan oven) for 10 to 12 minutes.
– 110g caster sugar
– 250g of unsalted butter (a butter block is perfect- no measuring!)
– 360g plain flour (and a little extra for rolling)
– Jam of your choice- I prefer strawberry but any would work
– Icing sugar (just a small amount is needed. If you don’t have icing sugar put a little caster sugar on top before putting into the fridge)
– Make sure your butter is softened before starting this. Give it half an hour out of the fridge or until it feels soft to touch.
– Mix together the butter and caster sugar until you have a soft paste. Add in the flour until you form a dough.
– Line a baking tray with some baking parchment so they don’t stick.
– Roll out the dough to about 1cm thickness on a floured surface and cut to size. I used a heart shaped cutter but could easily just use a knife. On half the biscuits cut out another smaller shape. Use a fork and create small dents on the top (as a typical shortbread would have).
– Once finished put the baking tray in the fridge for 5-10 minutes until the biscuits harden up slightly. (If you don’t have icing sugar this is when you would put a little caster sugar on top).
– Preheat oven to 190 degrees. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden on top.
– Let cool and then put jam on the full biscuits and sandwich together with the cut out halves. Dust with a little icing sugar to finish.
Use a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut out a basic shortbread biscuit recipe, then bake and cool.
For the decoration; the icing is glacé icing (icing sugar and water) with some food colouring (we used red to make two shades of pink) and then any decorations you like (although in our house there have to be eyes on pretty much anything we make
They are all super simple & fun for everyone! We have spent the past few days actually creating some lovely t-shirts for the boys – we stumbled across these CUTE Baseball Mom SVG & Basketball Mom SVG stickers and it makes me insanely bitter that I won’t be given the opportunity to ROCK them – LOL.
– White card (you could use black card for the big if you didn’t want to paint it I just didn’t have any)
– 2 Split pins
– Red paint
– Black paint
– Stick on eyes
– Scissors
– Pva glue
– Hole Punch
– A photo of your choice, of your child, to stick inside.
– Cover your children’s hand with red paint with a brush
– Leave to dry
– Paint half an a4 piece of card black.
– Once dry cut the handprints
– On the back of the card painted black draw around two cups. One larger than the other.
– Cut the two circles out.
– Stick the larger circle to the bottom of the smaller circle.
– Hole punch two holes on either side of the top of the big circle.
– Punch a hole at the bottom of each hand print.
– Stick a split pin through each hand print and put through the holes on the bug.
– Stick on two eyes using pva glue.
– Stick a photo underneath your wings.
– Cut out two antennae and stick to the back of the small circle.
– Thin card/ paper
– Glue/ glue gun
– Paint
– Stickers
– Paper plate (I used an acrylic plate I had laying around)
– Cut your hearts (I folded the thin card in half and then drew a half heart stencil and cut them out)
– Paint the hearts (I blue tacked them to the surface so they were easier for my daughter to paint)
– Use stickers on your plate or cut a hole in the middle
– Glue hearts around the outside
– I then glued a small hoop of string to the top/back so I could hang it up
– Cardboard heart wreath templates
– Spread it with peanut butter
– Sprinkle and pat down the bird seeds
– Tie with ribbon
– 4 cups pain flour
– 1 cup salt
– 1 1/2 cups water
– Mix together to make a dough and knead for 10 mins. Roll till smooth and flat (approx 1-2 cm thick). You can use cookie cutters or do free hand.
– Place on parchment paper and bake @250 for 1-2 hours till hard.
– Then the fun not to paint and decorate how you like. We painted them and decided to stick photos
We really hope you enjoyed seeing all these Valentine’s crafts ideas!
Does anyone else hate being stuck indoors all day when its raining? To be honest, as much as I love a good old duvet day every now and then, nothing beats a bit of fresh air. Rain or shine. Our little family always tries to embrace the weather and go out as much as we can, regardless of the conditions. The last few days however have been ever so wet. So, I thought I’d compile a list of some of the rainy day activities I do with Molly. Yes they are all outside, in the rain. Just stick your tiny human in a puddle suit and some wellies and you’re good to go!