activities Archives - Dad of Divas

The (No Princess Movie Way) To Spend Daddy-Daughter Time

March 2, 2020 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

We all know that the relationship a daughter has with her father is one of the most important ones growing up. In fact, having a positive relationship can set your daughter up to be confident in her own self-worth and how she expects to be treated by others. However, for many dads finding common ground on which to bond with their daughters can be a challenge. Especially if they have trouble embracing the more ‘princessy’ side of things. After all, there are only so many princess films you can sit through before they all start to blend into one. The good news is there are still plenty of options to choose from. Keep reading to find out what they are.

Create an artwork together

One of the most fun things about being a dad is all the neat activities you suddenly have a reason to be involved in again. One of the best of these is getting seriously messy and creating a piece of art.

In fact, as a joint interest creating artwork together can work really well as a daddy-daughter activity. After all, it requires excellent communication and teamwork.

Don’t panic if you’re not the naturally arty type, either as there are actually plenty of ideas and tutorials online. Additionally, it’s highly likely that the diva in your life will have some ideas about what to paint or create as well. Although, if you leave it all to her, I cannot guarantee that a princess motif might not make it into your work!

Go out for a meal together

Another smart way to spend some quality daddy-daughter bonding time is to schedule a regular meal. If you can, take your daughter out for this because it can make it just that bit more special. Also, if you have other children in your home, it means that she gets your undivided attention for the duration of the meal. This being something that can make a massive difference to your relationship.

It shouldn’t have to be a fancy meal, of course, Although getting your daughter involved in picking the venue is always a smart idea. After all, you don’t want the experience to be marred by complaining.

Of course, it’s not just the act of being out and enjoying a meal together that makes this option special. It is taking the time to make a genuine connection with your daughter. Something you can do by catching up on what has been going on in her life. In fact, by making an effort to develop this kind of relationship with your daughter from a young age, you can forge a healthy connection. One that means she knows she can come talk to you if she has a problem, even as she grows up and becomes an adult.

Don’t worry too much about what to say and ask either. You can do a little research online if you choose and get some questions. But just going with the flow and showing an interest in what she is talking about is usually enough to get the ball rolling.

You may also want to try a variation on this theme and cook a meal together as well. In fact, this is an activity that you can choose to do at home if you like. Although you may wish to invest in the odd cooking class together sometime as well.

Explore a new place together

Another fantastic option for daddy-daughter time is to explore a new place together. In fact, sometimes, if you can go to a location that you haven’t visited before as well, it can level the playing field. That is, she will know as much as you do about the place you are visiting. Therefore can be involved in making choices of where to go and what to see.

You can even spend some extra time together researching what there is to do in the area you know you are going to visit. Something that will give you a shared bond and a good reason to talk even before you go on your trip.

Build something together

Next, if you are more of a practical guy, why not use this to your advantage and get your daughter involved in a building activity? Happily, we are well past the outdated idea that building things with our hands is only for boys. Something that means your diva is likely to jump at the chance of getting involved with such a project.

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

Once again, you can start the process by choosing a project to work on together. Whether that is something more traditional like a soapbox racer or a birdhouse, or one of the many you can find online.

Don’t discount the fact that your daughter may also want to help you out with DIY and renovation jobs that need doing around the house too. In fact, by using your daddy-daughter time to do this, you are setting an excellent and responsible explanation. While also teaching her essential skills that she can use later on in life.

Of course, safety is always vital when it comes to building projects, especially if you decide to allow your kids to help. To that end, before each session, be sure that you explain the safety rule carefully and kit out your child with things like google and gloves.

Encourage a shared love of sports

For many dads, sports like NBA basketball are their big passion in life, and there is only one thing that can make it even better. That is getting to share it with the most important person in your life, their daughter.

What it pays to remember here is that like many subjects, a love of sport is often something that is learned from those around you as you grow up. That means if you want your daughter to be enthusiastic about basketball and come to games with you, you need to encourage this from a young age.

One way to do this is to invite them to sit down and watch games with you at home. In fact, if you can make a big deal of it with foam fingers, banners, snacks, and drinks even better. Additionally, for those that are a little older, educating them on some of the key players and events in the NBA can help them be much more invested in the game. In fact, they may end up being so invested that their enthusiasm and knowledge eventually surpasses your own. Which, for a proud fan and father, really is a beautiful moment.

Have a cultural exchange

Finally, while we live in a much less gender-stereotyped world, the chances are that you have probably seen a few princess films already. You will likely end up watching a few more before your daughter (& son/s) grows up and moves out too.

However, why not temper this and spend some additional time with your daughter by offering a sort of cultural exchange? That is for every princess film you have to sit through (I’m thinking of your Frozen) you watch one of your favorites movies together as well. Age and topic appropriate, of course. That means no Rambo for the little ones! In fact, by doing this, you can encourage a love for all sorts of genres, and the movie-going experience in your daughters.

It’s also a fantastic way to spend some relaxed quality time in each other’s company. This being something vital to maintaining a positive relationship with your daughter. Both throughout her childhood, and when she is grown too.

Four Cool Activities Dads Can Do with the Kids – Become a Superstar Dad

April 30, 2018 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Today’s modern dad has come a long way in terms of parenting. Looking back 20 even 30 years ago, dads were typically the ones to head off to work early in the morning and return for dinner, getting very little time with the kids. Today’s families have a whole other look and dynamic to them that has broken those traditional roles that moms and dads once had.

There are many dads who now stay at home with the kids while their partner goes off to work, dads who work from home, and those with flexible hours so they get more time with the kids. Dads have taken a much more hands-on and involved approach in parenting, as the norms in society have changed in the past decade.

If you strive to be that hands-on dad who enjoys spending time with the kids and taking part in various activities together, you will want to read on. Here’s a look at four fun kid-pleaser activities that will turn you into the coolest dad out there.

Encourage Their Creative Side and Make Memes Together

We live in a high-tech world nowadays and kids are learning how to navigate the technology and gadgets at breakneck speeds. Why not play into this trend and do something with really cool with the kids and work on making fun memes together? The Rage Maker website makes it possible to add meme faces to pictures and make the whole family giggle. The website is extremely user-friendly, which means kids will have no problem at all navigating the site.

Build the Ultimate Fort

There is something about kids and forts that just play so well off each other. Pretty much every kid at some point or another has made a fort before, using items from around the house to create their masterpiece. Rather than leaving all the fun and imaginative play to the kids, dads can also take part and help to build a spectacular fort that is perfect for hiding and relaxing in.

Enjoy a Backyard Camping Adventure Together

While it would be great to be able to take a family vacation whenever the mood strikes, it’s not always do-able or practical. Not to worry as you can still go on an adventure with the kids and enjoy a little backyard camping. You can set up an entire campsite right in the comfort of your own backyard, and spend the night out under the stars.

Test Out Your Culinary Skills

Another fun activity to do together is to test out your culinary skills and create your very own recipe. Kids can take part in the creation, choosing flavors and items that appeal to them. Not only is this a fun bonding activity, it’s also educational since you can teach them about basic cooking skills.

Enjoying Your Role as a Dad

Each of these activities will help you to create those special memories with the kids, bond, and give you the chance to enjoy your role as a dad.

How To Keep Your Kids Entertained In Your Backyard

March 13, 2018 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Come rain or shine, kids enjoying playing in the backyard and entertaining themselves. You should be encouraging your kids to get outside in the fresh air and away from the PlayStation controller, so make your backyard as appealing as it can be. Think about adding some new features to it or giving it a new lease of life, so that your kids want to get outside and stay outside. Playing outside is good for the health of your kids, so keep them interested in being in the backyard for as long as possible. Entertaining your kids needn’t be expensive as long as you can think outside the box, and come up with some new ideas for engaging them.

Make A Budget

First things first, stick to a strict budget. Decide how much you’re willing to spend and don’t exceed that amount. Always try to save money where you can and look for the best deals online. If you overshoot your budget then for options to fund the shortfall. You could fall back on the option of borrowing cash, or getting a credit card and paying back the money later. Consider your options before going ahead with your backyard plans and get more info. on how to finance your backyard plans. If you’re struggling to come up with the money, then think about selling some pieces that are already in your backyard and have seen their best days. Alternatively, go through your house and sell any items that you no longer use or don’t get enough use out of.

Plan Your Garden / Backyard Design

If you want to add new features to your backyard, you’re going to need to work out where they’re going, how much space they’ll take up and the best items to get. You need to consider drawing up a plan of action to help you bring your design together. A thorough plan will help you keep on track and aware of how much you’re spending. Once you’ve drawn up your plan, show it to your kids and have them give you your opinion on it. Ask your kids what they want from the backyard and incorporate their desires into the design. This backyard is to keep your kids entertained, so they need to be able to have their say.

Get A Swimming Pool

Consider getting a pool in your backyard and letting your kids swim and splash about it during the summer. A pool is going to be most appreciated when it’s warm outside, so think about getting one before the summer months. You don’t have to buy a pool from new, as this could set you back a pretty penny. Instead, browse online for second hand or ex-display pools if you want to save some money. If you have young kids, then having a paddling pool will give just as much fun. Always be vigilant when your kids are playing around water and keep them in your sight.

Build A Treehouse

Treehouses have long been a favored backyard design among kids, so think about getting one for your backyard. Don’t worry if you don’t have a tree from which to build it, as you can construct a shelter off from the ground which gives a similar effect. Treehouses provide great fun for your kids and they can keep them entertained for hours on end. Building a treehouse sounds far more complicated than it actually is. You don’t have to construct a fancy one, you can build one from recycled wood and corrugated iron. Your kids’ safety needs to be your main priority when you’re building a treehouse as injuries can easily occur when playing outside. Make sure that you make a soft landing space at the foot of the build and lay down woodchips or pieces of rubber. Treehouses provide your kids with their own place to enjoy, play games, and relax. Kit the treehouse out with some sturdy chairs, cushions and a blanket or two. This provides the ideal space for your kids to retreat to and a read a book in silence.

Let Them Grow Their Own Vegetables

Most kids love getting their hands dirty so hand over some of your backyard to them and let them grow their own vegetables. Make the prospect of getting involved exciting by allowing them to choose their own produce and pick which seeds they want to grow. You can make this space entirely theirs and let them plant other small flowers and herbs, for example. Divvy up parts of your vegetable patch and allow your kids’ imagination to run free. This is a good way of educating your kids about responsibility as you should let them be in charge of watering their plants and covering them from pests like slugs and birds. Letting your kids grow their vegetables is a great way of making them aware of where their food comes from and the importance of having a healthy diet rich with plenty of fresh vegetables.

Give Them Some Chalks

Hand your kids a packet of colorful chalks each and tell them to draw and write on whatever surface they choose. Make sure your kids are aware that inside of the house if off limits and the chalks can only be used outside in the backyard. Your kids will hardly believe what they’re hearing as they go about scribbling across every item they possibly can. Set some limits if you don’t want it to get too out of hand and tell them not to decorate your freshly washed car or the cat in chalky scrawling. Draw up a hopscotch in chalk and a target ring. Fill a bucket with water balloons and let your kids take aim at the target. Chalks are a cheap and easy way to entertain your kids, so think about sourcing a packet or two.

Get An Outside Pet

Think seriously and carefully before getting a pet for your kids, and be prepared for the likelihood that you’ll be caring for it when your kids don’t want to go outside in the rain or when they’re away. Before getting a pet, you should explain that they are a full-time commitment and you expect your kids to give their time to looking after it. Make sure your kids are excited and enthused about getting an animal so that they won’t interest quickly. Guinea pigs and rabbits can live outside, providing they’ve always got access to exercise and somewhere to shelter and are safe from predators; you will need to get a strong and sturdy hutch for the outside pet, so that foxes and other predators cannot break in and kill the animal.

A Climbing Frame

If your kids enjoy being active, then consider building a climbing frame for the back backyard. There are many designs of climbing frame, so research how each works and ask your kids which ones they prefer. You can either build your own or have one installed into your backyard. Building your own can be fun, and you can decide how you want it to look. There’s a rustic charm in home-built climbing frames, so don’t dismiss the thought of creating your own using wood or metal. Again, safety is paramount, so lay down a soft landing pad at the foot of the frame. Don’t forget to warn your kids of the dangers of playing on the frame when it’s wet.

Install A Pond

Water features are a peaceful element to your backyard so you’ll enjoy having a water feature even if your kids don’t. Having said this, however, your kids should enjoy keeping fish in the pond. Give your kids some say in what fish they’d like to keep and take them along to the pet shop to choose. Your kids can get involved in feeding the fish, treating the water and testing it for algae levels. If your kids love science, then these elements will certainly appeal to a budding scientist. If you have young children, then ensure that the pond is covered over at all times as any open water poses a drowning risk. If your kids are under 5, then consider waiting a few years until they’re older to get a pond.

Arts And Crafts

Arts and crafts are a simple way of getting your kids thinking creatively and for a low cost. Your kids can enjoy playing with cardboard, pieces of felt, and glue outside on the backyard table, and it’s easy to keep them entertained for hours this way. Simply set up the workstation and give them the supplies. You can make cards or party invitations, for example. Get some ideas from the internet, and think about making the designs with your kids. You can easily spend an entire afternoon playing with your kids and creating bits and pieces outside on the lawn or patio too. Bear in mind that the clean-up job after an afternoon of crafting isn’t going to be a sight for sore eyes however it’ll be worth it after seeing your kids have fun.

Projects are Great Ways to Bond as a Family: Here are Five to Try

February 21, 2018 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

For children, growing up seems to take forever. That’s because the younger they are, the more significant each and every year is too their lifespan. To a four-year-old, a year is a quarter of her whole life, so it’s no wonder why kids sometimes can’t wait to “grow up”. For parents, however, kids grow fast (too fast, even), which is why you need to make the most of it and bond together as a family and having projects that you can accomplish together help to do just that:

Carpentry Projects

Who doesn’t love putting something together? Carpentry projects are puzzle projects without the edges, and the final result can leave you and your children feeling proud and accomplished. If your child loves Lego, then build them a Lego play table and storage facility using the Safestore tutorial. Meanwhile you’ll be doing the hard work, you can still do something fun with your kids as they watch, learning about the progress.

Art Projects

Art is the chance to be creative and to be expressive, and it can be as varied and as unique as your imagination. Art projects are great ways to have fun with your family, and there are so many to choose from. You could paint together, you could create sculptures, you can have paint wars on a white sheet. Art is entirely subjective, important for any child’s education, and a lot of fun.

Repurposing Projects

Reduce, reuse, recycle. Take these words to heart and try to create new things from old items, to not only have a fun afternoon, but to also teach your children the value of even things that you would have otherwise thrown away. Take those old boxes from your move and make a castle in your basement, for instance. There are so many opportunities, and they’ll have a greater appreciation for how things can be repurposed.

Gardening Projects

Kids are notoriously picky eaters, but by allowing your kids to have some say in the kitchen, they can learn how cooking is a wonderful experience that could help expand their taste buds. The same applies to gardening. Of course, not all gardening projects will be edible, but knowing how to grow something is something they can be proud of. It’s a fun project that takes patience, which is a valuable lesson for every kid to learn.

Cooking Projects

Cooking together to make yummy food (both sweet and savory) is a great way to spend time together as a family. It’s also how you can guarantee that your family will know how to take care of themselves and have a healthy diet when they move away. Make it a weekly event, or a daily one, and the benefits for your relationship and their development will be great.

These activities are not only fun to do together as a family, they are excellent for teaching your children (and even yourselves!). Learning together is one of the best activities that you can do with your children, because not only does it teach them a new skill, it teaches them that you are never too old to learn.

Fun Family Activities for a Camping Trip

December 5, 2017 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Camping is one of the best outdoor activities for the whole family to do together. Not only is it a mini-vacation, it’s also a wonderful educational experience for little ones, and an excellent chance to spend some time together as a family and bond with each other. Taking some time away from home and all the distractions such as TV and the internet will be good for the whole family, and you’ll come back feeling refreshed and revitalized from the experience. If you’re planning your first family camping trip, we’ve put together some ideas for outdoor activities that are sure to keep you all entertained.

#1. Fishing:

If you’re going to be camping at a site that has a lake or a river nearby, then fishing could be the perfect relaxing activity to kick off your camping experience. Fishing is fun for the whole family, and it’s easy to pick up, meaning that even the youngest of kids can have a go. You might even be able to find a campsite where you’re able to fish and then cook your catch of the day, making for a great family meal!

If you’d like to carve some time for yourself and enjoy hunting you can try and see if there is a hunting location nearby as well. Head over to woodburyoutfitters.com where you can find all the hunting, fishing and camping gear that you need.

#2. Stories Around the Campfire:

No camping trip would be complete without telling stories around the campfire! Don’t forget to pack plenty of marshmallows for roasting and making s’mores, and take along a box of matches to keep your fire going. Spend the day as a family collecting dry wood to create a traditional campfire, then in the evening, you can all gather round the fire together. You could even make it into a fun game by starting a story and having everybody add to it after a certain number of minutes – who knows where the story will go!

#3. Arts and Crafts:

If your little ones love to be creative, then incorporating arts and crafts into your camping trip is a fun idea. For example, there are several things that they can create out of twigs and sticks, such as rustic vases, pictures, or even decorations for your tent or camper! Don’t forget to take along craft supplies such as paper, paints and glue to keep them occupied for hours on end. You could even go on an adventure to find craft supplies to take back home, such as colorful leaves, flowers for pressing, sticks, and unusual pebbles and stones.

#4. Scavenger Hunts:

Scavenger hunts can be a fun way to keep your little ones occupied at the campsite, and there are so many great things that they can look for. You can even hide candy and other treats along the way to make it even more exciting for them. Some fun ideas to look for on a camping scavenger hunt include bird feathers, pine cones, smooth rocks, water from a stream, maple leaves, or even animal footprints. Don’t include anything on the list that shouldn’t be moved, such as birds’ nests, and ensure that your kids are aware of the boundaries of the hunt and have a cell phone or whistle in case of emergencies.

Enjoy your camping trip!

Help Your Child Be “Gifted” in Multiplication With This Great Activity!

July 18, 2017 by dadofdivas 4 Comments

I am very excited for the release of the movie Gifted next week. This movie is a great story of a man that really goes the distance for his niece who is truly gifted in her abilities. Over the next few days I am going to share some great activities that will help your own kids to be “gifted” in their own way in regards to Math!

About the Movie

Gifted is the story of Frank Adler, a single man dedicated to raising his spirited young niece, Mary, a child prodigy. But Frank and Mary’s happy life together is threatened when Mary’s mathematical abilities come to the attention of her overbearing grandmother (Lindsay Duncan) – who has other plans for the girl. GIFTED Arrives on Digital HD July 11 and Blu-ray TM & DVD July 25

The film is rated PG-13 but does have some strong language and adult themes / scenes.

Today’s Gifted Activity is a cool Multiplation Hack that will really help your child learn Multiplication in a fun new way!

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ZoomKit Helps Kids Stay Active Involved No Matter Where You Go!

February 28, 2017 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

I can remember bringing my own daughter on long car rides and just hoping that they would last as we did not have a ZoomKit when they were young. Now that I have tried out the ZoomKit for myself I have to say that I wish that we had! You see, the ZoomKit is an amazing system that works from 8 months to 8 years and can grow from floor play to portable desk and homework station. It is the only product designed uniquely for car safety… to prevent driver distraction and reduce projectile risk that can ALSO be used independently anywhere a child may go!

The ZoomKit is lightweight (only 2lbs) and has soft (yet very durable) edges, which is perfect for kids. I also have to say that I loved the whole concept of the drop down and modular system as this allows for your child and all of their things to be accounted for and allows you to even start and end your trip with a larger sense of organization.

I also have to say that I appreciated the story behind the story when it came to the ZoomKit. You see, as a mom of three with a very busy and demanding media career for many years, the founder, Justine Smith, struggled with the long commute times, the constant rush and stress of preparing items for the day, the never-ending mess in the car and the schlepping of bag upon bag. After a near miss accident while reaching down to grab one of her children’s markers, which had fallen on the floor while driving, she said “that’s’ enough”. She set out to design a system which would help the family’s 40 minute commute, take the mad rush out of the comings and goings, and reduce the frustrations of travel while making everyone safer… all situations which she knew put constant emotional strain on her and her family.

After constructing home-built versions and discussing ZoomKIT with her fellow superparents, Justine knew without a doubt that there was a need and demand for ZoomKIT. Justine then recruited all three of her kids, ages 3, 5 & 15 to help identify the “want-to-have and need-to-have” features. Co-Founder Parker Chou joined soon after and as a career product and industrial design expert in the Juvenile market, has led our product development and supply chain departments.

Kids Go Co has assembled a team of great people to launch ZoomKIT. Our team has 40+ years of experience in the kids’ market, and have developed over 300 SKU’s for companies such as Mattel, Leap Frog, Queen Bee Clothing, Blush, Planet Toys and more! They bring a passion for the product, and care deeply about improving family life and developing great products for kids. They are also totally cool, compassionate, and fabulous all around people!!!

Here are some of my thoughts on the ZoomKit!

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Finding Things to Do No Matter Where You Are With Groupon!

September 9, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

I love to travel and when I am traveling I try and do my research to find places to see and things to do. Sometimes in the past I got a bit lost when trying to find things to do, but lately I have been using Groupon Things to Do as a great starting place to find things to do.

Thus, whether I am looking for something to do locally or even am taking a more extensive trip I check out the Groupon Things To Do site to see what is around the area that I am going to. I do this because I have been able to save a ton of money in the past using this and it also opens my eyes to everything around the area too.

For example, I took a look at the Groupon Things to do in San Antonio page in the last week because I have a trip planned there early in 2017. I have never been to San Antonio before, so this was a great place for me to start and I found some amazing deals listed there too.

What I love about the Groupon Things To Do site is that the activities are so varied. From action and sports to kids activities to wine tours and more, this site is very extensive.

I know that I plan to continue to use this as I travel more this year and look forward to saving even more money as I do!

Find out more about Groupon

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Groupon.US/?brand_redir=526662987435979
Twitter – https://twitter.com/groupon

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Traveling with Your Kids: Parenting from the Road

June 8, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Traveling with Your Kids: Parenting from the Road

Easy Tips and Teachable Moments

As we all know, parenting is a full time job that provides no time to rest on our laurels, even on vacation. We’re almost in the thick of summer, and for your kids that probably means endless hours of freedom—at least until school starts back up again in the fall. Instead of letting your kids waste the summer hours away in front of the television set or computer screen, plan a family road trip that will create beautiful memories you can all cherish for a lifetime. Check out this collection of fun travel activities that will provide great teaching moments for your kids during your journey.

Before You Head Out

Before packing up the car and hitting the open road, make sure you incorporate your children’s thoughts into the planning of the trip. If you already have a destination in mind, make sure they know where it is you’re going and help them do a little bit of research on the place before you depart. Outline what you will do, take a look at it on the map to improve your child’s geographical awareness, and discuss the types of things you will do whilst there. This will help your kids develop a relationship with your destination and make it less foreboding, and more exciting. Need help with destination ideas? This travel resource has some great ideas!

As the day of departure draws closer, organize and pack for each day of your travels. This will help your little one practice their critical thinking and improve organization skills in one fell swoop. Once the suitcases are packed, build a wish list with your little ones. Talk about the opportunities there are to be had in the locale you’re visiting and find out what your kids hope to see or do. Keep it with you during the trip to refer to and have your kids ready for the next activity throughout the entirety of your journey.

If you are renting your house out while you’re away (I often do this for some extra income), have your children help prepare for the guest. Whether said guest is a friend, family member, or someone paying to stay in your home, having your child participate in the preparation aspects will help him or her feel pride and satisfaction even before you head out on your journey.

Extra Tip! I always rent my home when I leave for an extended period of time. If you follow this route, make sure you vet your tenants. For children (and their parents), coming back to a robbed home or trashed house can be a traumatic experience. I use this resource to get extra background information on my renters, but Airbnb and Homeaway also have great insurance policies.

During Your Travels

Keep your kids busy during a long road trip with educational projects. Coloring books help keep boredom at bay, but they also work wonders for creativity, independence, and improve fine motor skills. If your little one is old enough to write, task them with a project: list all the interesting things you see during the road trip. This will help you learn more about things making an impression on your children, and keep them occupied for hours. To go off of this idea, you can take part in a rousing game of “I Spy” —an oldie but goodie. This simply game supports problem solving and critical thinking, and will definitely help them to take in their surroundings.

Extra Tip! Traveling can be especially difficult when your children are young. To ease your travel needs, make sure to prepare all the necessary food and travel supplies beforehand. Instead of stopping on the way for greasy, unhealthy fast food, pack some yummy and nutritious snacks your little ones can chow down on in the car. Check out this resource for some great snack ideas for travelling.

You’ve Reached Your Destination

Once you’ve arrived, take advantage of the teachable moments that come your way. Whether you’re out sightseeing or relaxing at the beach, you can incorporate these fun activities to make for an education and entertaining family vacation.

Inspire your child’s inner Sherlock Holmes with detective games. Give your little one a difficult task and have them try to determine how to solve or complete it on their own. For example, ask your child to find five items made of red, blue, green, yellow, and orange. If you have multiple children, make it a competition to see who can find the most creative item.

Help your little one improve their art skills with designated drawing time during your travels, especially if you’re in a picturesque destination. Bring along paper and colored pencils, and pop a squat whenever you see a vista or beautiful sight. Then, spend the time with your kids taking in the views and sketching a portrait of all you see. This is sure to leave more of an impression than a photo taken on your iPhone will.

If you’re leaving on an extended vacation, teach your child the importance of maintaining relationships by writing weekly letters to friends or family members back at home. In these letters, encourage your child to explain the best things they’ve seen; this will help with retention, personal skills, and inspire better independent thinking.

Extra Tip! If you’ve stayed in an Airbnb or some other sort of rental, teach your children the lesson of gratitude by writing thank you letters to your host. Instruct your little one to write down (or dictate to you) the best parts of their trip. This will come full circle if you are renting out your home, as your children will be able to see things from the point of view of both a host and a guest. Check out this guide for great ‘thank you’ writing tips.

As we get further into summer and your kids frolic in the freedom of summer break, it’s likely that you plan to head out on the open road and check out some new places. To keep your sanity and make sure your kids have a wonderful experience, keep these “parenting on the road” tips in your arsenal.

Author Bio: Hank can eat a whole pizza in one sitting. He is a wacky DIY blogger with a nose for adventure. Check him out on twitter to see what he is tweeting about next. @Homebyhank

The Good Dinosaur Crafts For The Family!

March 8, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

I have some fun activity sheets for The Good Dinosaur that I wanted to share with all of you today! In it are fun craft instructions to make dinosaur balloons, hand puppets, and dinosaur tails!