Recently my 5 year old turned paper dolls into Star Wars clone troopers and last week, my older son and I folded paper boats. In doing so, I learned a few parenting lessons about how to approach crafting with my kids.

I suggested to my 9-year-old that we make paper boats. Although he often declines my invitations to do a project together, he readily agreed to fold the paper boats with me.

I found a tutorial online (see below for the video!) and put it on my phone so we could both see it at our workspace. I suggested we start out by practicing with plain white paper and then move on to colored construction paper. After we made our prototypes we decorated them with little flags made out of toothpicks and tape. He seemed to really be enjoying himself.

When we worked on our colored boats, things started to go sour. The paper was obviously not a good fit for a folding project. It was hard to crease and it ripped during the last stage, sending my son into a pouting fit. In the end I rescued our session by bringing out a tray of water to test out our white boats, but the entire experience was enlightening.

I reflected on what I learned during our paper boat-making session ans came up with 7 lessons.

1. Prepare as much as possible

If I ask one of my kids if they want to do a project and then spend 15 minutes getting all the supplies ready they will have moved on to something else!

2. One on one time is better

Art and craft projects are infinitely smoother when I have only one of the boys. I can focus on my child's individual personality and cater to his needs. When I work on projects with both boys, my perfectionist older son and my free-and-loose younger son inevitably clash. Our art session devolves into a sibling rivalry match and I have to referee so much during the day, why add one more thing to the list?

MORE: Have a YES! Day with Your Child

3. Let the child lead as much as possible

Since we were working from instructions, I asked him to read them and help me figure them out. I could see him take ownership over the activity and that he felt being "in charge" was an important job. I only jumped in when I could tell he wasn't sure what to do. When I made my folds, I asked him, "Did I do this correctly?"

4. Help with trickiest tasks

The hardest part for my son was getting a really good crease. I made sure to help him with that at each turn as it would affect how well each subsequent step would go. I can read my kids pretty well by now and I knew if I insisted he do it all by himself he would have thrown the boat down in frustration.

5. Teach that mistakes are okay

Do not lose your cool or give up. When my son stomped away in frustration when his orange boat ripped on the last step I was tempted to throw in the towel, too. Instead I pointed that the white paper worked much better, the construction paper was simply too thick. Mistakes don't mean your technique is at fault. As we learn in school, failure teaches children to think like scientists.

There's a fancy term for this: growth mindset.

MORE: Growth Mindset Books for Kids

6. When frustration flares, distract and move on! 

When the orange boat ripped and he didn't want to fix it, I simply suggested, "Why don't we see if our white boats actually float?" I knew that anything involving water play would be fun.

7. Keep trying

Some of you may leave a comment suggesting I have not accepted that my kids are not interested in arts and crafts, and why don't I just let them pursue their own interests for goodness sake?

Of course I know that art is not my kids' favorite subject, but does that mean I should abandon it?  If your child doesn't like math, do you tell them they don't have to learn it?

Of course not.

I don't think art education is optional. It simply means, just as you would do with a child who doesn't like math, I have to work harder to find the key that will unlock their creativity. I don't ask that they become the next Picasso, just that they keep their minds open.

MORE PARENTING TIPS: How to get 10 minutes of peace!

And don't forget your video instructions to make that snazzy paper boat!

The post 7 Lessons Learned While Making Paper Boats appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Crisp autumn days, colorful foliage and ripening pumpkins means it's time for fun fall family activities. Fall means classic activities like hay rides, sipping apple cider, jumping in leaf piles and attending fall festivals, but we've got a huge list of fall activities that are worth putting on your family's bucket list.

To help you plan your fall fun, this list is organized into several categories. On a blustery, rainy day choose an cozy indoor fall activity or craft; when the weather is fine head outdoors to the backyard or journey further afield. Finally, don't forget how delicious it is to get cooking with all the fresh fall produce!

We even have a printable check list so you can keep track of all the fall fun you are having. As a bonus, the check list includes a fall fun bingo card to gamify your fall fun.

Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission from qualifying purchases.

Set up a thankful wall or tree

Use index cards, leaf-shaped paper, post-it notes, or real leaves to record a daily gratitude. Attach to a branch or hang on the wall for a visual reminder of everything your family has to be grateful for.

Plant paperwhites

Planting paperwhite bulbs is an easy way to bring nature inside during the cooler months. This fall gardening activity teaches kids about plant biology and they will love watching the plants grow over several weeks. We have detailed instructions for a soil-less method of planting them so there is little-to-no mess for you to clean up.

Play with fall scented play dough

Parents! It may surprise you how fun it is to squeeze and roll play dough, even as an oh-so-sophisticated grown-up. So, make a batch of apple or pumpkin pie scented play dough and spend family time at the table getting in touch with your inner child.

Put together a puzzle

Confession: I am addicted to the 1000 piece Charles Wysocki puzzles from Buffalo Games. Every fall we set up our folding game table, and go through a stack of puzzles with fun fall images. I highly recommend you add puzzles to your fall plans!

Make finger puppets

A blustery day is a great time to build a tabletop puppet theater, print out and color these Halloween finger puppets and put on a show!

Play charades

Is there a better fall family game than charades? It doesn't cost a penny, everyone can play, and it is bound to make everyone smile and laugh. If you need some help with charade topics, you can print out our Thanksgiving charade cards.

Create a falling leaf window

A fall leaf window is my absolute favorite way to decorate for fall. Cut leaf shapes from cellophane in different colors. Then, use a paint brush to apply a solution of dish soap and water to the leaves and they will stick to the windows! See how we created a beautiful "stained glass" autumn leaf window.

Family game night

Sometimes we forget to have family game night during long summer evenings, but with the earlier sunsets and darker evenings, autumn is the perfect time to resurrect family game night. Choose a family favorite, or try one of these award-winning games for all ages.

Keep calm and color on

Fall and Halloween coloring pages are excellent calming activities when kids are stuck inside. They also make good quiet time activities during story time. Check out our collection of Halloween coloring pages.

Fall Cooking Favorites

Fall is a great time to spend time in the kitchen with your kids. They can do small jobs or cook a favorite recipes.

Pop popcorn on the cob

Did you know you can make popcorn while the corn is still on the cob? You can! And kid LOVE it. You'll need a special popcorn cob. It takes just two minutes and you can still use your microwave. Be sure to put on your favorite movie based on a children's book while you snack.

Create a new fall-themed trail mix

Trail mix is a great snack to temp kids who'd rather be eating potato chips and cookies. Good trail mix ingredients include roasted chickpeas, roasted pumpkin seeds (make your own!), sunflower seeds, and for an extra treat, add candy corn or fall-colored chocolate candy gems.

Make baked apple cider muffins

Tempt kids into helping in the kitchen with a delicious treat. When you don't have a donut pan, this baked apple cider muffin recipe is an easy substitute for apple cider donuts.

Make a pie

Apple? Pumpkin? Pecan? What's your family's favorite pie? If you buy a ready-made pie crust, dessert will be ready in no time.

Roast pumpkin seeds

After you've carved your jack-o'-lantern, save, wash and dry the seeds. Spread them out on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and roast for about 20 minutes at 325 degrees, tossing every 5 minutes or so.

Make caramel popcorn

Who doesn't solve the salty sweetness of caramel popcorn? Try out this recipe if you need one. I always like to cut the amount of sugar but that's up to you!

Bake autumn leaf cookies

Turn your favorite sugar cookie recipe into a tray of delicious autumn treats. It's easy to make your cookies look like multicolored fall leaves with a leaf-shaped cookie cutter and the addition of some natural food dye.

Make apple cider

Heat up that jug of apple cider you bought at the farmer's market. Add in a few extra spices like star anise seed pods and cinnamon sticks. Serve with your favorite fall desert or sip during family game night.

Fall Crafts

Fall crafts are a great way to celebrate the changing of the season. We've shared our 9 favorite fall crafts, but here are some more!

Paint pumpkins

My kids never wanted to scoop out pumpkin guts, but we still decorated pumpkins with paint. Spread out newspaper, get out the paint and brushes and allow the kids to decorate their pumpkins however they want, whether it's to give them spooky faces or cover them with polka dots.

Make jack-o'-lanterns from turnips

Get in touch with the Irish origins of the jack-o'-lantern by carving faces in large turnips, rutabagas or parsnips. Truthfully, they are a lot creepier than a pumpkin jack-o'-lantern! The smaller tools in a pumpkin carving kit should work just fine when carving root vegetables.

Make a fall leaf wreath

We've made fall leaf wreaths for many years. Have your kids gather a basket of beautiful fall leaves. Cut out a wreath shape from a piece of cardboard or large paper plate. Glue on the leaves, add a ribbon and hang in a sheltered porch or inside.

Make leaf people

First, read Lois Ehlert's book, Leaf Man, for inspiration. Next gather leaves and twigs and other natural materials. Arrange the materials into creatures and glue down to a large piece of construction paper.

Make a fall leaf sun catcher

Take advantage of the beautiful autumnal sunlight. Use our leaf sun catcher template to make fall art to hang in the window. It's such an easy craft that everyone in the family can make one.

Make place cards

Enlist the kids to help with holiday preparations by giving them supplies to craft handmade place cards for family gatherings.

Make milk carton candles

Autumn is the time to start creating a beautiful indoor atmosphere by lighting candles. You can beef up your supply of candles and spend an afternoon crafting with the kids at the same time by making these old-school milk carton candles.

Roll beeswax candles

If melting and pouring wax into a milk carton is still too much work (I hear you!), make simple beeswax candles. A beeswax candle rolling kit makes it even simpler!

Make leaf spinner art

If you have a salad spinner, it's easy to make unique spinner art. Use our easy instructions for making salad spinner art but modify it for autumn by pre-cutting the paper into leaf shapes and using orange, red, yellow, and brown paint colors.

Create fall leaf luminaries

Making luminaries from tissue paper and mason jars is a classic children's craft that will add a subtle glow to any bookshelf. Rhythms of Play shows you how to make luminaries using real leaves.

Hang a diy fall leaf banner

Decorate the house with a fall leaf banner. Gather together fall leaves while they are still soft. Pass a needle and thread through the base of each leaf until you have the length of banner you wish.

Make napkin rings

Along with the aforementioned homemade place cards, kids can make napkin rings. Cut up the cardboard paper towel roll into two inch sections. Set out decorative paper, glue, stickers, ribbon, anything else you can think of and see what fancy napkin rings your kids create!

Make your own Halloween costumes

Halloween costumes don't have to be complicated. Challenge your kids to make their own costumes. If necessary, visit a local thrift store for inexpensive clothing items and costume jewelry.

Craft a Harvest Moon

Learn about the phases of the moon, read Long Night Moon by Cynthia Rylant to learn the names of all the special monthly moons, then spend family time together making a Harvest Moon craft. Don't forget to read more picture books about the moon!

Take leaf rubbings

Leaf rubbings is a fun art project for a nature journal. Place leaves under a sheet of paper or journal page and rub over it with a crayon. Watch the leaf outline magically appear. Be sure to make leaf rubbings from different tree species.

Backyard Fall Fun

Sometimes the most fun can be had in your own backyard, especially if pumpkins are involved!

Rake leaves

Quick! Before kids realize that raking leaves is a chore, give them a pint-sized rake and enjoy some exercise in the crisp fall air.

Jump in a leaf pile

Leaf jumping is a classic fall activity! Just try not to completely undo all your hard work.

Make s'mores

Everyone associates s'mores with summer but it's also a fall fun activity. Take a tray of skewers, chocolate bars, marshmallows and graham crackers outside. You can either fire up the grill, or light a bonfire in a fire pit, if you have one. If you don't have the facilities to make s'mores outside, you can make them in the microwave.

Sleep under the stars

Fewer mosquitos and less humidity means a much more comfortable open-air sleeping environment than a sweltering summer night. Take advantage of the autumnal weather by setting out sleeping bags on a clear night. Even if your kids only want to hang out for a little bit, and decide to spend the rest of the night indoors, that's okay. Laying under the stars even for a little while is a grand experience.

Make bird feeders

As the flora dies back and food becomes scarce, feathered friends will appreciate dining locally in your backyard. Here are four ways to make a bird feeder. My favorite is the halved-out orange.

Build a scarecrow

Gather some old clothes to make a scarecrow. Draw a face on a pillow case to use for the head, and use gloves for hands. Country living has detailed instructions, as well as some creative ideas to make your scarecrow unique. Place your scarecrow on your porch or in your garden when you decorate for fall.

Plant chrysanthemums

Most local nurseries sell seasonal mum plants at reasonable prices. If you purchase them in small containers and then replant them at home in larger pots, it's cheaper and the plants will last longer than if you buy already large specimens. It's a very easy way to decorate and your kids will love choosing the colors.

Plant bulbs for spring color

Since they won't see the results of their efforts until spring, planting bulbs in the fall teaches kids about patience. I recommend daffodils, not just because they are my personal favorite flower, but because they are nearly bulletproof. Unlike tulips, animals won't eat them and they will come back year after year.

Have a picnic

It's not winter yet! There's still time to eat al fresco, especially on an unseasonably warm autumn day. Spend time with your kids planning and prepping the meal. Then let them set up the picnic blanket and cutlery while you bring out the picnic food. As a bonus, read these picnic picture books while you eat!

Decorate the front porch

Did you make a scarecrow? Paint pumpkins? Carve turnips? Plant mums? Gather all those fall crafts you made with your kids and decorate the front of the house.

Press late season flowers

Late season flowers like native asters, goldenrod, hydrangea and rudbeckia are wonderful to preserve through pressing. Your kids can press them in a nature journal for posterity or use pressed flowers to decorate homemade bookmarks or greeting cards.

Play pumpkin bowling

Fall family fun should always include outdoor games. Use liter bottles as bowling pins, and a large pumpkin as a bowling ball and see how many pins you can knock down!

Set up a family photo shoot

Take advantage of fall leaves as a colorful backdrop for a family photo. Be sure to have a camera handy during all of the activities on this list and by December you'll have a photo album of memories.

Set up a mini pumpkin hunt

Think of this fall activity as an Easter Egg Hunt, but with mini pumpkins and gourds. Buy a big bag of mini pumpkins or decorative gourds and hide them around the yard. Be sure to have prizes for who collects the most gourds, who finds the weirdest-looking one, and who finds the biggest one.

When the hunt is over, your kids can use the mini pumpkins for a printing art project.

Out and About

Fall is for field trips. Bundle up the family and go on a fall adventure!

Go birding

Fall is migration season for many bird species. Our winter birding with kids tips are relevant, even in autumn.

Visit a pumpkin patch

Choosing a pumpkin from a local pumpkin patch is one thousand times more fun than picking one up from the grocery store.

Go apple picking

Visiting a local u-pick farm for apples is a time-honored tradition. Sure, it's easier to buy them at the store, but do they really taste as good? Set up an scientific apple taste test like we did and find out!

Visit the farmer's market

Just in case you can't make your own apple cider donuts and pumpkin pies, fall is the perfect time to visit the farmer's market. You'll find all kinds of seasonal treats plus plenty of gourds and dried flower arrangements to decorate the home. Try these 5 farmer's market activities for kids.

Visit a historic house

We love visiting historic sites! Most historic houses, no matter where you live will host special fall themed events. Check the calendars of sites near you to find out what's on offer and then mark the date for a fun family fall outing.

Find a fall festival

Maybe the fall festival is at a historic house, maybe it's at a u-pick farm, pumpkin patch or a farmer's market! Learn about fall equinox festivals from different cultures. Some communities host a Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival. The Buddhist celebration of Ohigan is held during the equinox, and Hindus celebrate Navaratri.

Go on a neighborhood scavenger hunt

It's not difficult to put together a scavenger hunt for your kids, but it's even easier to use this free printable from KC Edventures.

Visit the library

Stuck inside on a rainy afternoon? Visit your local library. It's free and the shelves of books means there is endless entertainment. I bet the children's librarian will love to try one of your freshly made apple cider donuts.

Get lost in a corn maze

If there wasn't a corn maze at the fall festival you went to, search for a maze near you and get lost in one!

Volunteer at a food bank

Call your local food bank to find out what's the best way for your family to volunteer. Perhaps they would like you to host a food drive, pack boxes or serve meals. Getting the kids involved in volunteering at a young age will help them grow up to be productive members of the community.

Go for a hike

Ooh and aah at the fall foliage by going for a scenic hike (or two, or three).

Visit a local botanical garden

See what's in bloom, what leaves are changing colors and go for a calming stroll at the botanical gardens. Most communities have a botanical garden within driving distance. If you've never been, you are missing out!

Walk across a long bridge

If you live near a long, scenic pedestrian bridge, autumn is a lovely time to take a stroll. We like to head over to the Walkway Over the Hudson to take in the gorgeous view. Turn it into a day trip, stop for ice cream (or apple cider) or bring a picnic. Don't forget your kids' nature walk field bag full of fun gadgets!

Collect seeds for a seed collection

Seeds and seed pods are fascinating detritus from Mother Nature. Your kids can make their own seed collecting container from an egg carton. Then, fill each section with a different type of seed. They can search for maple seed spinners, chestnuts, sweet gum pods and acorns, among many others!

Go on a Historic Walking Tour

Families sometimes forget to do the "touristy" things in their own neighborhood! Does your town or city have a walking tour? They may even have a special fall themed ghost walking tour that gives away the local haunts and secrets.

The post 65 Fun Fall Family Activities (with Check List!) appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

What Is an Activity Jar?

An activity jar is a container filled with activity ideas written on slips of paper or craft sticks. When quiet time is needed and you want to limit screen-time, a child pulls an activity idea from the jar.

Why Use an Activity Jar?

There are many reasons why a parent might want to have quiet time jar. It comes in handy when parents need an older sibling to be quiet during a younger sibling's nap, when a caregiver needs to make an important phone cal, or just before bedtime when children might have trouble settling down.

One of the benefits of having a quiet time activity jar is that no one has to pull an activity idea out of thin air. There is no thinking involved! This is particularly good for tired parents, and for kids who are whining, "I'm bored!"

In addition, the quiet time jar offers an alternative to turning on a TV show, a game on the iPad, or a quick video in order to keep kids quiet. The activities in the jar build brain power, boost kids' creativity and help teach them that the answer to boredom is not to go straight to a screen.

How to Make the Quiet Time Jar

Making and maintaining a quiet time activities jar is easy, especially with our free printable list of activities!

You know your child best, so choose activities that you know will appeal to them. This is a great time to brainstorm with them about their favorite screen-free ways to keep occupied at home. Get ideas from our printable, or look through our giant list of Indoor Activities for Kids. Adding ideas to the jar can be an ongoing endeavor.

Screen-Free Activity Ideas for a Quiet Time Jar

Here are a few ideas to get you started. You may need to adjust the activities to suit your child's age. Additional quiet time activities are on the printable, as well as blank slots to create your own.

• Look at, or read, books and magazines
• Draw or fill in a coloring book
• Put together a puzzle
• Listen to an audiobook (with headphones)
• Make a collage
• Play with toy cars on a homemade road
• Pattern play with felt shapes
• Cutting practice
• Stringing beads
• Calming sensory jar like a sink or float jar or ocean in a bottle
• Stickers
• DIY Dot to Dot
• Sorting playing cards; more sorting activities here
• Matching memory game

The post Quiet Time Activity Jar Ideas (With Printable List) appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

You've planned it all out. You'll take them to the park, you'll pack a snack and a ball. They'll play and eat while you relax on the picnic blanket, preferably with a cold beverage.

But when you arrive and settle in for a nice afternoon, the kids start to squabble. It could be because they don't want to play the same game. Maybe they don't want to share. Maybe the other is just looking at them wrong.

Who knows.

All you know is that you want your moment of relaxation.

Here are two very, very easy ways I like to get preschoolers to stop fighting and fast.

When they return, panting, sweaty, out of breath, back at the picnic blanket, all squabbles will have been forgotten. If for some reason they are not, just repeat... Fast

PRO TIP: This is also a good technique if you and your fellow mom friend just want to chat in peace.

By the way, if kids on a play date have trouble sharing, try The Sharing Ball.

The post How to Stop Preschoolers From Fighting appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

When you chose to give clutter-free gifts, you'll reap life-long memories and the long-term benefits of less stuff to take care of! Here are 10 great gift ideas for families who have too much stuff.

Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.

Out-in-the-World Family Gift Ideas

EXPLORE A TREETOP ADVENTURE PARK

Adventure parks have become more and more popular, and gosh they are fun! One of the most rewarding ways our family spends time together is at treetop adventure parks. We "discovered" them a few years ago and can't get enough! Climb into the trees and navigate obstacle courses and zip lines. This option may not work for all ages and abilities, but if it works for your family, I highly recommend it!

VISIT AN INDOOR CLIMBING OR NINJA GYM

You don't have to be an avid fan of American Ninja Warrior to get a kick out of a couple of hours at a ninja-type gym. Chances are, a ninja gym or climbing gym is located not too far from your home. Call ahead, because often these gyms can accommodate individuals of all abilities. Parents and kids of all ages and skills will get a huge boost, both in self-confidence and in feel-good endorphin levels.

JOIN A CLASS

Why not learn something new as a family? Taking a class together is great for family bonding, and kids will observe that learning is a lifelong pursuit. Local community colleges, libraries, state parks or museums may be offering classes that are of interest. Learn watercolors, go on a birdwatch, take a pottery class, or sign up for archery lessons. The possibilities are endless.

THEATER TICKETS

My favorite experience to give to others (or to get for myself) is a trip to the theater. Going to the theater promotes compassion, empathy, an understanding of others. The social act of watching a show teaches children etiquette and other social skills. But the biggest benefit of watching theater is that it transports you into another world. You don't need to opt for expensive Broadway tickets. Investigate the theater options in your area and buy tickets–or better yet, season tickets–to a show!

VOLUNTEER DAY

Plan to spend a day giving back to others. As a family, sign up to volunteer with a local organization. Some ideas include participating in a charitable walk, visiting a senior home or pediatric ward, joining in an environmental clean-up day, serving meals, or organizing a food drive. Make it a year-long gift by scheduling one family volunteer day a month.

At Home Family Gift Ideas

CHARITY DONATION

Decide as a family where you would like to make a financial donation to help others. You can choose one charitable organization or donate a smaller amount to separate organizations, one for each family member. Local charities are excellent places to start, because they tend to earmark a larger percentage of your donation to their mission, rather than to overhead and administrative costs. Charity Navigator is a great place to start looking for a quality organization.

SUBSCRIPTION SNACK BOX

It seems there is a subscription box for everything these days, and while most of them will simply bring more clutter and stuff into your home, subscription boxes full of yummy goodies will soon disappear! Here are two of the most delicious snack subscription boxes we've tried. We honestly love getting these each month.

• Universal Yums - treats from a different country each month
• Snack Sack - novelty snacks with a somewhat healthful bent. Choose from gluten-free, vegan or classic

CREATE FAMILY ART

Got an empty space on the wall? Invest in a blank canvas and some acrylic paint to create some new art You can approach this in several ways. Purchase an oversized canvas and invite everyone to contribute. Alternatively, give everyone the same size canvas and chose a theme or color palette to unify the artwork and hang all the smaller canvases together.

POETRY

My kids don't give me material goods. Instead, I request that they memorize and recite a poem for me. Sometimes it's a poem they've written. This is an especially great choice for grandparents! It's also a gift that can be given over Zoom or Facetime. Read more details about how we go about gifting poetry here.

The post Gifts for Families with Too Much Stuff appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

There is a lot of standard "teaching kids how to share" advice out there. I usually goes like this: 

1. Praise good sharing behavior. 
2. Play turn-taking games
3. Create rewards for sharing

But, teaching kids how to share is not really as easy as reading a list of suggestions. 

I'm sure you already know that, which is why your reading yet another article on children learning how to share. 

It would be the understatement of the century to say that my son does not like sharing. Seriously, his fear of other kids touching or even looking at his toys is quite severe. 

Now, I don't think that kids need to be able to share everything. In fact, I think it's perfectly acceptable for kids not to want to share all their toys and I don't force the issue. However, it would be nice if my son could sometimes play with the other kids at the park without having a breakdown.

Meet THE SHARING BALL. 

One day I informed my son that we were going to purchase 2 new balls. This created a lot of excitement. 

New toys!

However, these I informed him that these two balls were only to be played with with other kids. I took a Sharpie and tattooed them with a few words to serve as a reminder.

MORE: Learn another secret parenting tip about getting your kids to leave you alone for 5 minutes here.

I'm sure the sharing balls won't solve the problem completely, but now we can actually contribute some toys to park play dates. Up until now my kid has adamantly refused to bring his own toys because, Heaven forbid, another kid might touch them.

So, give it a try. It's okay for your kids to have special toys they don't want to share, but mark a few items that are only for sharing and see how it goes. 

Good luck! 

MORE: How to keep kids busy while you make dinner.

The post Teach Kids to Share with the Sharing Ball appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

No, they are not teens expressing their displeasure at the rules. They are young kids just going about their life, entering and exiting rooms like normal people.

I've noticed that slamming the door seems to be a way of life. It's not as if they even think about it, they just.... SLAM!

You're probably wondering,

How do I teach my kids to stop slamming the door?

(You might have used some colorful language, but this is a family-friendly blog.)

Practical life lessons like how to close a door without slamming are sometimes lost. I mean in today's world sometimes we parents are focused so much on teaching reading, math and the all important STEM subjects that we miss the little life lessons.

But there is an easy way to get your child to stop slamming the door. Without removing it from its hinges! (You know, so you can get back to teaching them coding or something.)

One day, after gritting my teeth as my son slammed the door for the umpteenth time I decided not to chalk it up to "Oh, he'll learn one day!

I determined a gentle approach to teaching might be in order. After all, no kid really learns anything if we just lecture them into submission.

I stepped into my most enthusiastic voice and exclaimed,

Hey! I just realized I never taught you how to close a door! Watch this!

I showed him how, if he turned the handle before closing the door, it doesn't slam.

Wow!

I added the "wow" for emphasis, making it sound like the coolest thing in the universe. (Yes, I did sort of roll my eyes at myself.)

He was into it, actually, and practiced a few times.

I won't lie to you, I still hear the door slam from time to time, but every now and then I catch him testing out how to close a door silently.

It's amazing how far a peppy attitude will get you.

Need more ideas for helpful household lessons?

Try these 12 practical life activities for kids.

Why yes, my kids do have glass paneled bedroom doors. Its good to know what they are up to. When they want privacy as teens, I'll give it to them.

The post How to Teach Kids to Stop Slamming the Door - the Easy Way! appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Plus, everyone loves a good movie and the right film can provide talking points, a learning experience and when you laugh or gasp out loud together... well, isn't that the best?

The list includes movies based on YA books as well as "grown-up" books (whatever that means!). In addition you may enjoy these silent movie recommendations.

The films vary in their availability. As always, you can check out the DVD version from your library and I've listed the major places the films are currently available online. However, as you know, streaming services and related fees can change.

In addition to the movies on this list, PBS's Masterpiece is a glorious repository of films based on books that adults and teens will thoroughly enjoy! As a kid I treasured the time my parents actually let me watch TV because I got to watch Masterpiece Theater with them. Do check it out!

Note: this post contains affiliate links.

Best Movies to Watch with Teens

Hidden Figures

Based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly

Amazon Prime | DVD|Book | Young Reader's Book Edition

(PG) Learn a little history while you watch a film about some truly stellar women who worked for NASA. Discuss with your teen how the women had to overcome obstacles as well as how society has changed or not changed. The book is terrific, too!

The Giver

Based on the book by Lois Lowry

Amazon Prime | DVD | Book

(PG-13) Your teen may have read one or more of the books in Lowry's Giver Quartet about the oppressive nature of a seemingly perfect world. Although the movie doesn't have the depth that the novel does, it is a thought-provoking watch.

Call the Midwife

Based on the book by Jennifer Worth

Netflix | PBS | Amazon Prime |Book

(TV-MA) Netflix has given this series about midwives in a working class English neighborhood a "Mature" rating, but I think it is perfectly appropriate for teens, especially when watched with an adult. This is a television series rather than a single flick, but it is satisfying even if you watch just a few episodes. History buffs will love it.

The Book Thief

Based on the book by Marcus Zusak

Amazon Prime | DVD | Book

(PG-13) My son absolutely loved The Book Thief when it was assigned reading for school. Set in 1939 Germany, it tells the tale of Liesel Meminger who comes to Munich to live with a foster family and shares books with a Jewish boy. It's a moving story and a wonderful film to watch with teens.

The Hate U Give

Based on the book by Angie Thomas

Amazon Prime | DVD | Book

(PG-13) This film, based on a modern day classic YA novel, is emotional and timely. The main character, Starr, is a 16 year old who witnesses a police shooting of her unarmed friend. It offers much to discuss with your teenager!

Murder on the Orient Express

Based on the book by Agatha Christie

1974: Amazon Prime | DVD |Book

2017: Amazon Prime | DVD

(PG; PG-13) There are several adaptations of Christie's novel and reading the book is by no means a requirement! I've never read it myself but have thoroughly enjoyed almost every Christie film I've ever seen. Also worth watching is the 1978 version of Death on the Nile. (A new version is set to be released late in 2020.)

The Maltese Falcon

Based on the book by Dashiell Hammett

Amazon Prime | DVD | Book

(PG) How can you not want to watch this classic film noir with your teenager! Show them that black and white films can be super cool and introduce them to the iconic character types of the private detective and femme fatale. A glorious film!

The Outsiders

Based on the book by S.E. Hinton

Amazon Prime | DVD | Book

(PG) The Outsiders is a popular book for teens and Francis Ford Coppola directed the film version. The coming of age story follows teenage boys in rival gangs in late 1960s Oklahoma. Parents will have some serious nostalgia watching the actors!

Cold Comfort Farm

Based on the book by Stella Gibbons

iTunes | DVD | Book

(PG) This is one of my all time favorite movies and it is truly hilarious. Flora Poste, a city-based aspiring writer, hopes to find fodder for her writing by staying with her quirky relatives on the family farm. Watch talented British actors transform into some of the most memorable characters you'll ever see.

I Capture the Castle

Based on the book by Dodie Smith

Amazon Prime | DVD | Book

(R) I don't know why this movie is rated R (maybe an intimate scene that I don't remember?) but it is based on a 1948 novel. 17-year-old Cassandra lives with her siblings, eccentric stepmother and father in a crumbling castle. Her father once published a brilliant novel but has been suffering from writer's block for years. A wealthy American and his brother move into the manor next door and while the family thinks it will be their salvation, things don't go as planned! Fun fact: Dodie Smith also wrote 101 Dalmations.

What are your favorite movies based on books to watch with teens?

More to love:

• Movies based on books to watch with tweens (ages 8-12)
• Ultimate list of YA books for every interest
• The best silent films to watch with kids

The post Movies Based on Books You Can Watch with Teens appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Truth be told, I'm up for any excuse to have popcorn for dinner.

But what are some great films based on children's books that families with tweens will enjoy? Besides Harry Potter, that is. Look no further than this list of movies that even parents of 8-12 year olds will find entertaining.

So next time you are planning family movie night, or stuck inside due to the weather or a global pandemic watch a movie based on a children's book!

Note on where to watch: If you plan ahead, rent a DVD from the library. If you prefer streaming services like Netflix or Prime, I've linked to places where the film is available (as of this writing). Online availability can change.

Note: this post contains affiliate links.

Best Movies Based on Children's Books

Anne of Green Gables

Based on the book by L.M. Montgomery

Amazon DVD | Sullivan Entertainment

(All ages) Let's start off with an all-time favorite, shall we? This perfect (yes, perfect, I say) version of Anne of Green Gables is everything you can ever hope for in a book-to-film adaptation. It is expensive to stream so head to the library for the DVD. Do not, I repeat, do not watch Anne with an E. (sorry-not-sorry)

And after you watch (and read) L.M. Montgomery's classic, check out this list of books for fans of Anne of Green Gables.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

Based on the book by Christopher Paul Curtis

Amazon Video | DVD

(PG) The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963 is a book I have recommended countless times as a read aloud. It was also well adapted into this made-for-TV film. The story follows the Watson family as they travel from their home in Michigan to visit relatives in Birmingham during a turbulent time.

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Based on the book by Roald Dahl

Amazon Prime | DVD

(PG) Any list of movies based on children's books will include Roald Dahl! Dahl's much loved book got an excellent film treatment by Wes Anderson. Follow up your viewing by watching other excellent Dahl adaptations like Matilda and The BFG.

The Little Prince

Based on the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Netflix | DVD

(PG) This film version of a much-loved classic children's book almost didn't make it to market which would have been a shame. Fortunately, Netflix picked it up and now you can find it streaming exclusively on their service.

The Water Horse

Based on the book by Dick King-Smith

Amazon Prime | DVD

(PG) While the movie is very different from the original children's book, it is worth watching. A boy finds a mysterious egg on the shore, brings it home where it hatches into a mythical creature known as a water horse.

Hugo

Based on the book by Brian Selznick

Amazon Prime | Netflix | DVD

(PG) Selznick's brilliant book is turned into a visually magnificent film. In the 1930s, Hugo lives in the walls of a Paris train station when his secretive life is interrupted by the connections he makes with an unusual girl, an elderly toy vendor, and his late father.

The Breadwinner

Based on the book by Deborah Ellis

Amazon Prime | Netflix

(PG-13) Here's a wonderful film to watch with your older tweens, and even teens. In Kabul, Afghanistan, Parvana's father is arrested for having a "foreign education." Parvana disguises herself as a boy and takes over her father's space in the market to try and earn money for the family.

Wonderstruck

Based on the book by Brian Selznick

Amazon Prime |DVD

(PG) If you are looking for an unique film filled with curiosities and gorgeous visuals try this one out. Selznick adapted his book into the screenplay. The story alternates between the black and white world of Rose, a deaf girl in the 1920s looking for her actress-mother, and Ben, a deaf boy in the 1970s searching for his father.

Mary and the Witch's Flower

Based on The Little Broomstick by Mary Stewart

Amazon Prime | Netflix | DVD

(PG) You will be forgiven for thinking this is the latest film from Studio Ghibli (Kiki's Delivery Service, etc.) because the creators, Yonebayashi and Nishimura, previously worked there. Mary finds a mysterious flower that gives her the ability to transform into a witch for one night.

Holes

Based on the book by Louis Sachar

Amazon Prime | Disney + | DVD

(PG) Have your tweens read Holes? They are lucky to have a pretty good film adaptation to watch of this well-loved book about Stanley, a boy sent off to a camp for juvenile delinquents where all they do is dig for holes! Perhaps after viewing, your tweens will want to read some survival-themed novels like the ones on this book list!

What family movies based on children's books are your favorites to watch with kids ages 8-12?

More family fun when you are hanging out at home:

• Indoor family games (no board required)
• Best silent movies to watch with kids
• Tips for a great family game night

The post Movies Based on Children's Books for Families with Tweens appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Family gratitude activities don't have to be complicated! A simple and effective routine is to sit around the table each night and share, "I am thankful for..."  You could also introduce a similar routine at bedtime. That's the easiest way, and you can do it all year long.

However, if you want creative ideas to do anytime or in November as a special tradition for the Thanksgiving month, here are a few suggestions. I've separated them into three general categories: the popular "thankful tree" and wall ideas, printables you can fill out our used in crafts, and some especially arty thankful projects. Plus, if you make it to the end of the list, there is a bonus suggestion for you! All are easy. All are fun. Enjoy!

Thankful Trees and Wall Ideas

Create a thankful tree. We did this two years in a row. Stick some branches in a jar, cut out leaves, and each day kids and parents write down something for which they feel gratitude, and hang the leaves on the tree.

Create a thankful wall. This was what we did last year and I still have the cards up on the wall. I love seeing it every day. One year we make painted thankful leaves from newspaper for our gratitude wall.

MamaSmiles has the best simple idea for a gratitude tree I've seen!

Turn thankful leaves or cards into a banner by stringing them up. You can get printable leaf templates here.

Gratitude Printables

Create thankful cards. Print out our free, illustrated thankful card coloring pages. Kids can color them, write down their gratitudes and then either hang them on a tree, paste them in a gratitude journal or pass them out to family members.

• Get them here: Thankful Cards

More ideas with gratitude printables:

I love, love love this idea for thankful hearts from Let's Lasso the Moon.

30 day gratitude printable from Coffee Cups and Crayons. The best part is the flexibility.

I am thankful story window slide from Buggy and Buddy. Includes a free printable. If you want to extend this for a month, you could make a really, really long slide! (My kids would actually love that.)

Gratitude Arts and Crafts Ideas

Getting arty is a great way to improve family bonding. You don't have to be Great Artists to enjoy these simple creative ideas. All of these suggestions will spur conversations and reflections.

These kid-made thankful napkins from Homegrown Friends are fantastic!

This kid-made thankful table spread from ArtBar is so artsy-craftsy!!!

I like this idea to make a table runner so family members can write down their blessings.

Create a thankful jar like this one at Creative Family Fun.

Gratitude sun catcher from The OT Toolbox. To extend the idea create a new petal every day.

BONUS IDEA: Read these picture books about gratitude!

The post Creative Family Gratitude Activities Kids and Parents will Love appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.