“A Glimpse at Parenting Toward the Kingdom: a Companion Guide” by Kendra Hunter, Kristina Tartara, Stephanie Petrides, and Dr. Philip Mamalakis

Ancient Faith Publishing’s Parenting Toward the Kingdom: a Companion Guide is aptly named. It is both a companion and a guide to parents whose aim is to help their children toward the Kingdom of God. Intended as a study guide to be used alongside Dr. Philip Mamalakis’ well-received book Parenting Toward the Kingdom (read our 2017 review, https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2017/02/08/gleanings-from-a-book-parenting-toward-the-kingdom-by-dr-philip-mamalakis/), this spiral bound book both supports and extends the original book while also personalizing it for each reader. This companion guide was written by a team, Kendra Hunter, Kristina Tartara, and Stephanie Petrides (who each led a parenting group in their parish, discussing the original book), along with Dr. Philip Mamalakis. Their investment in the project is evident through the insights in the companion guide.

The guide is set up in 10 sessions, each focusing on one or more chapters of the original book. (The authors suggest that it may take more than one group gathering to do justice to one “session” in the guide, so discussion groups should be open to some flexibility in extending their session discussions as needed.) There’s a prayer to open each session that includes a different part of the “Akathist to the Mother of God: Nurturer of Children” each time. Following the opening prayer, there are eight different segments in every session that open the discussion. These include additional insights from Dr. Mamalakis. They also incorporate individual experiences, allow parents to reflect on their past actions, encourage individualized practice, help parents set goals for future actions, and briefly review the session’s learnings. There is ample room for readers to write down their own insights, ideas, and goals in the guide’s pages. Each session’s pages are sprinkled with relevant quotes from the original book.

Parenting Toward the Kingdom: a Companion Guide offers a practical way for parents to take a close look at their parenting, consider how to apply the principles in the original book within the context of their own home, and set themselves up for growth in parenting their children toward the Kingdom of God. The book is intended to be used in a group setting, so that parents can bounce ideas off each other and support each other in their ups and downs. In order to get the best benefit from this book, the reader will have to invest time and thought into each session. This companion guide will enable parents who make that investment to become better parents, and better lead their children towards the Kingdom of God.

Purchase your copy of Parenting Toward the Kingdom: a Companion Guide at https://store.ancientfaith.com/parenting-toward-the-kingdom-a-companion-guide/ 

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Education Ministry thanks Ancient Faith Publishing for providing a copy of this book for us to review and share.   

Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.  

After reading the 2017 review of Parenting Toward the Kingdom (https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2017/02/08/gleanings-from-a-book-parenting-toward-the-kingdom-by-dr-philip-mamalakis/), and learning that there are six principles of child rearing which the Mamalakis family follows, you may wish to explore some or all of those principles a little deeper. We have linked our shorts posts for each principle below. May God help (and forgive!) all of us as we parent, grandparent, godparent, and otherwise raise His children towards His Kingdom!

1. Always parent with the end in mind. https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2017/09/13/on-orthodox-christian-principles-of-child-rearing-principle-1-always-parent-with-the-end-in-mind/
2. Respond, don’t react. https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2017/10/04/on-orthodox-christian-principles-of-child-rearing-principle-2-respond-dont-react/
3. Understand struggles in terms of the values and the virtues of the Kingdom of God. https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2017/10/20/on-orthodox-christian-principles-of-child-rearing-principle-3-understand-struggles-in-terms-of-the-values-and-the-virtues-of-the-kingdom-of-god/
4. Separate feelings from behaviors. https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2017/11/01/on-orthodox-christian-principles-of-child-rearing-principle-4-separate-feelings-from-behaviors/
5. Teach the joy of obedience. https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2017/11/15/on-orthodox-christian-principles-of-child-rearing-principle-5-teach-the-joy-of-obedience/
6. Teach the joy of repentance. https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2017/12/13/on-orthodox-christian-principles-of-child-rearing-principle-6-teach-the-joy-of-repentance/

A Look at “Old Testament Games & Relays” by Summer Kinard

Park End Books’ latest addition to their Accessible Church School series is Summer Kinard’s Old Testament Games & Relays. In the book’s introduction, Kinard reminds her readers how important play is in children’s learning. She points out how frequently lessons (particularly religious education lessons) omit this important means for learning, offering only “a lesson, a coloring page, and a snack.” In her effort to create an educational atmosphere that includes everyone and meets all children’s needs, she has created these fun games.

Old Testament Games & Relays features 25 games in the following categories: Creation and the Fall; Noah; Abraham and Sarah; Joseph; Moses and the Exodus; The Promised Land; King Saul, King David, and King Solomon; and Prophets and Forebears. Kinard has written each game in such a way that instruction and play are happening simultaneously. Because of this, children will romp their way through these games, learning truths from the Old Testament while playing them, without even realizing that they are learning.

Each game’s description offers a succinct explanation of the story on which it is based, complete with scripture reference; the goal of the game; the ages for which it is appropriate (as well as suggestions for how to mix age groups if needed); the materials/setup for the game; suggestions for multiple ways to play; and related notes. Kinard has 30 years of Sunday school teaching experience under her belt, which is very well evident in the thorough suggestions/offerings for each game. An appendix at the end of the book groups the games in categories: messy games, water games, indoor games, and Sunday best clothes games. Kinard has intentionally utilized fairly readily available “props” for the games, many of which are easily at hand or can be used again in other settings if they need to be purchased/created.

This book is a valuable resource for any Sunday school teacher, homeschool group, parish event planner, or family that gathers neighborhood children for organized games. Sunday school teachers will find games they can use with their Church school curriculum. Homeschool groups could use this book as a guide for weekly Bible study (for 25 weeks: almost a full school year!), basing their weekly study on an Old Testament story reflected in a game from this book. Parish event planners could use a game (or more) from the book to drive the theme for a family night or for a children’s group gathering. Families who are intentionally building relationships with neighborhood children could pick a game or two from the book, briefly share the story related to it, and have a lot of clean neighborhood fun as they all play the game(s) together.

Children learn so well through play. It is imperative that any adult working with children keeps that fact in mind, and finds ways to incorporate as much play as possible into their interactions with children. This book is an excellent place to start.

Find your copy of the book here:  https://parkendbooks.com/shop/oldtestamentgamesandrelays/ 

Reviewed for the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Education Ministry by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Heart.

Ideas for Traveling with Kids

Happy summer to everyone in the northern hemisphere. If you plan to travel with your family anytime soon, read on! We have gathered links to ideas that may be helpful to parents preparing to travel with children. Planning ahead and “packing” some ideas and activities can make for a smoother and/or even more fun trip. 

Check out our ideas below. We’ve tried to amass a variety, in hopes that there will be something helpful for every family. But our list is far from complete! What additional ideas do you have? What have you tried before, or what are you looking forward to trying on a forthcoming trip? Please share them with the community. Thanks, and may you have safe travels and a blessed time together as a family. 

This travel prayer is a great place to start:

Lord Jesus,

You who are the Way, the Truth, and the Life;

You who traveled with Your servant Joseph;

You who accompanied Your two disciples on the road to Emmaus and set their hearts aflame with the warmth of your love;

Travel with (us) also and bless (our) journey.

Warm and gladden (our) hearts with the nearness of Your Presence.

Surround (us) with Your holy angels to keep (us) safe.

Deliver and protect (us) from all danger, misfortune and temptation.

Keep (us) in the center of Your love and obedient to Your will.

Journey always with (us) in (our) greater journey as pilgrims on earth on (our) way home to You.

Help (us) return home again in peace, health, and good will that (we) may praise and glorify Your exalted Name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, all the days of (our) life.

Amen

***

Orthodox resources:

Let Us Attend, Sunday’s Gospel for children, is presented each week in audio format at two levels – a retelling for younger children, and a reading of the Gospel for older children. This is an excellent resource, whether you are taking a long trip or just driving to church on any Sunday morning. Give it a listen at the Antiochian.org website or on Ancient Faith Radio. There are also free printable handouts for each week’s Gospel, written at five levels, and they can be found here: https://antiochian.org/regulararticle/809 

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Daily Orthodox Scriptures for Kids is a daily podcast featuring children reading their way through the Gospels. This podcast is helpful whether you are at home or traveling, and can be found here: https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/dailyscriptureskids 

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There are many beautiful Orthodox coloring books that can be helpful companions while traveling, such as: 

• more than 60 options for children of varying ages are available from Potamitis Press: https://potamitis.us/collections/orthodox-coloring-books
• these four (also available individually) from Ancient Faith Publishing: https://store.ancientfaith.com/coloring-book-bundle/
• and a series of free printable coloring/activity books about different saints can be found here: https://dce.oca.org/page/activity-books/ 
• if you would like to surprise your child with a coloring page of their patron saint, several original icon coloring pages of the saints are available to print from Sparks 4 Orthodox Kids: https://sparks4orthodoxkids.com/category/coloring-pages/

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Traveling with a stuffed Snuggly Saint doll may make the saint’s presence feel more real to a young child. Find these sweet dolls (available as a ready-made doll, a DIY kit, or the printed fabric) here: https://www.drawneardesigns.com/play?category=Snuggly+Saints

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These Little Saints blocks fit easily into a backpack or pocket for travel-time play. They also make a great gift to take to the children of a host family, if you’re staying with others. https://littlesaints.toys/collections/little-saints-individual-blocks 

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These playsets are easy to pack, offer options for quiet play, and will not roll off of a car seat, lap, or tray table! https://orthodoxpebbles.com/diy-fabric-learning-sets/ 

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Find peg dolls featuring church friends, saints, monks/nuns, and more; as well as tiny portable prayer corners that will be good companions for any sized journey, in this shop: 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/AnnalisaBoyd

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Find a parish near your destination so that you do not have to miss a liturgy, and so you can make new Orthodox friends: https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/directories/parishes/ 

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If your destination is too far from a parish to attend in person, join in on a live stream! If your home parish does not stream their services live, you can find a livestream here: 

LIVE Streaming Orthodox Church Services Around the World

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General resources and ideas:

Create an activity binder with plastic sleeves and dry-erase markers for long travel days. This link offers additional links, including links to printable pages for the activity binder; fun road trip games; travel goodie bag ideas, and more: https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/disneyland-week-what-to-do-in-the-car.html 

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Find additional printable pages for a road-trip specific activity binder here: https://www.kcedventures.com/40-free-printable-road-trip-activities/ 

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Find even more road trip ideas (many of which would also work on flights) here: https://runwildmychild.com/screen-free-road-trip/ 

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Use photos of favorite people, places, or subjects and make several craft stick puzzles like this: https://www.motherhoodonadime.com/kids/popsicle-stick-puzzles/
(You may want to add adhesive felt pads to the back of each craft stick and store them in a felt pocket that doubles as the “puzzle building” space. The felt of the pads will cling to the felt of the flattened bag during assembly, keeping the pieces from sliding off of a lap or tray table.)

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Create a seek and find jar with small items buried in rice (you could make child-specific jars with items of interest to each child, or make a travel-themed one, or a destination-themed one), along with a list, in words or pictures, of the items in that jar. Children turn the jar to find the items buried in the rice, and see how many of the listed items they can find. 

https://www.instructables.com/Search-Find-Jar/

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At the bottom of this blog, you will find free printable pages for license plate games, travel bingo, and I Spy:

https://mothersniche.com/the-ultimate-travel-activity-kit-free-printables-and-super-fun/

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Create a travel lego kit, complete with lego challenge cards 

• use legos to recreate the lego brick patterns shown on these cards: https://www.funathomewithkids.com/2014/06/diy-portable-lego-kit-with-free.html?m=1 
• create 3-D lego shapes to match these challenge cards: https://chaosandquiet.com/travel-lego-kit/ 

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Assemble an artist box or block building book like one of these: https://thesimpleparent.com/diy-travel-activities-for-kids/

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Use that artist box (or any art supplies that you bring along) to create tiny shareable art. Encourage your children to draw or write kind words on small paper (for example, sticky notes) that can be hidden at rest stops, stores, or other tourist locations for others to find and enjoy. 

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Read aloud to your kids while you travel. If that’s not a viable option, check out audiobooks from your public library or its online resource offering app (Hoopla, Libby, etc.) and listen together. Need some ideas for books? Check out https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/great-audiobooks-for-kids; or https://www.orthodoxmotherhood.com/best-audiobooks-for-children-and-teens/

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Bring a small stuffed animal, plastic toy, peg doll, or even a cardboard-mounted photo of a friend/family member “along” on the trip. Brainstorm photo ops together and document the item’s “adventures” with all of you on the trip. Share the photos with family or friends; or print them into a book after the trip is over. (Here’s an example of a cardboard-mounted “fellow traveler”: https://www.flatstanleyproject.com/)

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Start a family collection as you travel. Make crayon rubbings of textured surfaces at each stop, or gather postcards, or collect tiny stones/shells/flowers/leaves that will remind you of each part of your journey. Have a plan for displaying your collection when you return home.

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Here are tips and tricks for road tripping with kids: https://talesofamountainmama.com/road-trip-hacks-for-kids/ 

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Double check your packing list with one of these: https://www.bonvoyagewithkids.com/road-trip-packing-list/ 

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This post is an update to the original Orthodox Christian Parenting post, On Traveling with Children, from July 12, 2017. Several useful and fun ideas are shared in that post if you are looking for even more options.

On Family Fun Ideas for Summer

We in the northern hemisphere are right in the middle of summer. For many of us parents, this means that we have more time and/or a different schedule with our children. There are so many ways to spend that additional time! We have gathered some ideas that can be tucked away if and/or when you would like to offer your children an idea of something to do.

If you already have ideas and plans with your children, that is awesome! You will not need these ideas! If you would like to add to your list of “things we may want to do”, perhaps something here will be of help to you. Check them out as you have time and energy.

Either way, God bless you and your family as you enjoy the summer time together!

 

Here are the ideas that we found. What ideas do you have to share with the community? Please comment with your own fun family activities!

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Before you get bogged down by too many ideas and the feeling that you must have every day scheduled for your children’s summer vacation, treat yourself (and your family, by applying your learnings) to this podcast. You will find that is an hour well invested: https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/hmhs/summertime_parenting
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The title may make this seem as though it is just for “littles”, but the myriad of kitchen-ingredient doughs could be fun for any aged child! https://team-cartwright.com/taste-safe-sensory-play/

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Here are fun ideas for your own backyard that will challenge your children to play and exercise: https://www.funlovingfamilies.com/diy-backyard-play-areas/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=280897172_7438592_258321

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If your children are the crafty sort, you may want to take a look at these beautiful things that they can make with items found in nature: https://www.howweelearn.com/breathtaking-nature-crafts-for-kids/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=723694014_29094136_80903

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Here’s a compilation of cool and clever ideas for summer fun! https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/72221/cool-activity-ideas-summer/

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If you have a beach ball or two, you’re all set for these fun games: https://www.birthdaypartyideas4kids.com/beach-ball-games.html

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From games to art, here’s a fabulous, screen-free collection of ideas of things kids can do: https://selfsufficientkids.com/screen-free-kids-activities/

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Here are some gender-specific idea collections. (We recommend that you look through both, though, because children like to try all sorts of activies, and the fun is not gender-specific!) https://www.moritzfinedesigns.com/25-summer-activities-for-boys/ and https://www.moritzfinedesigns.com/25-summer-activities-for-girls/

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Check out these fun science experiments! https://lemonlimeadventures.com/must-try-summer-science-activities-for-kids/

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Turn your backyard into a play space – or a gameboard! Check out these fun ideas: https://www.diyncrafts.com/17772/home/35-ridiculously-fun-diy-backyard-games-borderline-genius

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Giant painted “mural”, anyone? Waffle cone s’mores? Ice cube stacking? Here’s a large collection of  fun summer ideas! https://mothersniche.com/60-days-of-cheap-summer-fun/

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For the artists among us (or those who are willing to inspire their children to explore art) there’s this: https://www.artbarblog.com/58-summer-art-camp-ideas/

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These family fun ideas are all wet: https://whatmomslove.com/kids/best-outdoor-water-activities-to-keep-kids-cool-summer/

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On Ideas for Games

For many of us in the Northern Hemisphere, it is still summer vacation, so we have more family time on our hands. What better way to spend some of that time than playing games together? Game playing helps us to have fun together, to practice important things like taking turns and losing gracefully, and (best of all!) to make memories together.

We have gathered some game ideas to share. Perhaps they’ll come in handy now, or maybe they’ll be useful to have tucked away for an upcoming rainy day. Either way, enjoy! And don’t forget to play, too!

Here are some fun game idea pages that we found:

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As a family, plan a game night and invite neighbor families or fellow parishioner families to come over and play some games together. If each family brings a snack to share at the end of the evening, the hardest work to plan the night will be narrowing down the list of amazing games! Need inspiration? Check out these ideas: some classic, some new: http://parentmap.com/article/best-outdoor-indoor-party-games

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Some of these zany games would be fun to do just with the family. Others will be even more fun when played with a larger group. (If you’re planning the previously-suggested neighbor/parishioner game night, you’ll want to consider some of these!) We were especially drawn to the “non-prepackaged” games here: https://playtivities.com/20-family-game-night-ideas/

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Find ideas for indoor or outdoor game fun for children of all ages at this page: https://www.landeeseelandeedo.com/diy-kids-games-activities (We’d especially like to try those marshmallow shooters, the nerf target game, and the q-tip blow darts!)

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Peruse these oldies-but-goodies that may bring back fun memories from your own childhood, and play them together!  https://wired.com/2009/08/simpleoutdoorplay/

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Check out these fun sidewalk chalk ideas, some of which are games: http://lifeasmama.com/10-sidewalk-chalk-ideas-thatll-keep-kids-enterained-for-hours/5/

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These fun dice games for preschoolers include some “seasonal themed” games and some that are multipurpose. (With a little creativity, though, the “seasonal” ideas could be adjusted. For example, the “build a snowman” dice game could inspire a “build a sandcastle” or “dress for swimming” game!) https://www.themeasuredmom.com/dice-games-for-preschoolers/

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Here’s a collection of fun ideas for outdoor games: http://mykidsadventures.com/outdoor-games-for-kids/
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If you’re a DIY person, these games are for you! Have fun creating, then get out and play! https://diyprojects.com/diy-outdoor-family-games/

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There are so many fun game ideas at this page! We were especially intrigued with the non-competitive game ideas! https://www.verywellfamily.com/active-party-games-for-kids-4158603

 

On Ideas for Summer Family Fun

In the northern hemisphere, it’s summer time! For many families, this means a break from our usual school year schedule. We want to provide our children with plenty of time to regroup and rest after the intensity of their studies, because they have worked very hard. We want them to learn to have some unstructured time – and perhaps even a little taste of boredom – to give them the opportunity to invent and play their own games. But we also want them to continue learning, although perhaps in a different way than they are learning during the school year. And in the midst of all of of that, we want to make fun memories together as a family.

To these ends, here is a small gathering of fun activities, learning opportunities, and ways to make this summer a little more fun. Try one or all of them, if you are so inclined! Tuck your favorite ideas into your back pocket if you’ve already got a good handle on your summer. It could be that one or more of them will come in handy at the last minute!

Regardless of how we spend the summer, may we enjoy the change in schedule and savor the additional time to be together!
***

Summer is already partly spent, so you may already have a routine that works for your family. But if not, or if you want to switch things up a bit, here’s a clever way to do something fun together each day of the week during summer vacation: http://citrusandstripes.com/summer-break-schedule/

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Need ideas for preschoolers? How about some of these? https://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2014/05/50-summer-activities-for-3-year-olds.html#_a5y_p=1729695

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This page offers 30 educational, creative, and budget-friendly (not to mention fun) ideas of summer-y things to do with kids! https://prettyprovidence.com/summer-activities/

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Got water balloons? Here’s a post that offers a pile of ways to use them (besides the usual!): http://www.agirlandagluegun.com/2013/07/water-balloon-summer-fun-roundup.html

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Hot day? No problem, if you have a few squirt guns and a couple of recycled plastic cups!

https://www.thisgrandmaisfun.com/squirt-gun-races/

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If your summer is hotter than usual, this may help: here are 25 water games to play with kids! https://itsalwaysautumn.com/water-games.html

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Here are a fun list of unplugged activities for tweens!

https://frugalfun4boys.com/2013/06/30/20-activities-for-tween-age-boys/

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Want to actually enjoy crafting with your kids? Check out these awesome ideas:

www.listotic.com/29-fun-crafts-kids-adults-will-actually-enjoy/

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This article lists 100 (!) inexpensive ideas to do with kids during the summer:

http://stepmomming.com/kids-summer-activities/

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Here are some ideas of ways to help your children learn more from the Scriptures this summer! Although the blogger is not Orthodox, many of these ideas can be used to help Orthodox kids (and parents) grow together in the Faith! https://thepurposefulmom.com/2016/06/summer-bible-study-plans-ideas-kids.html

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When everyone just needs to go outside for a while, consider one of these fun activities:

https://thejoysofboys.com/outdoor-summer-activities-for-kids/

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Road trips with lego fans just got a lot more fun! Check out these suggested ideas that can be pulled together quickly before your trip: https://mamainthenow.com/lego-road-trip-activities/

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Here’s a great list of fun summer activities for teens: https://mykidstime.com/things-to-do/50-fun-activities-for-teens-to-do-in-the-summer/

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On Winter Fun and Learning

It is winter in the northern hemisphere. At least for some of us, that means it is very cold outside! In an effort to lift our chilled spirits, we have done some research and found a few websites that we hope will be helpful to the community. Keep reading to find some links that offer ideas for winter fun with the family and others that will help us to learn more about snowy weather. We also are including a few ideas of ways that snow can challenge us spiritually (beyond the inevitable plea, “Lord, help me survive being cooped up with all of these family members!”). May this winter be a memorable one, as we parents embrace the season and help our family to enjoy our time together; to continue to learn about the world in which we live; and to further our growth in the Kingdom of Heaven!

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Opportunities for winter learning: Learn how snowflakes form. With younger children, watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M48RfaWcWA. With older children, watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOfkukhb1Os.

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Opportunities for winter learning: There are so many winter/snow/ice-related science experiments at these websites! Pick one or more and explore it together! http://lemonlimeadventures.com/must-try-winter-science-experiments-for-kids/ (Many of these do not require actual snow.)

https://igamemom.com/fun-snow-science-for-kids/ (These require snow.)

https://igamemom.com/winter-science-activities-for-kids/ (200 winter science activities for those of us whose children really love science!)

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Opportunities for winter learning: Inflate a plastic zipper bag “snowman face” using only snow/finely chopped ice and alka seltzer tablets! https://sciencekiddo.com/snow-science/ offers directions, and also explains why it inflates, so you can guide the discussion of “why does it do that?”

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Opportunities for winter learning: looking for wintry books to read together? (As always, we recommend that you read these before sharing them with your children, so that you can screen them according to what will be helpful to your family.)

Here are some snow-themed picture books: http://paulaspreschoolandkindergarten.blogspot.com/2017/01/12-awesome-books-about-snow.html

Here you’ll find a few wintry chapter book suggestions: https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/winter-chapter-books/

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Opportunities for winter games: these sites offer ideas of snowy games to play outdoors: https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/outdoor-activities/top-10-wintertime-neighborhood-games

https://www.outdoors.org/articles/amc-outdoors/winter-olympics-inspired-winter-games-for-kids

http://www.kidactivities.net/category/games-winter-outside.aspx

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Opportunities for winter games: If the weather is too cold or there’s too much precipitation to play outside, consider trying one (or five) of these fun indoor activities. https://www.momooze.com/indoor-activities-winter/

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Opportunities for winter games: Create your own indoor snowballs to use for snowball fights or other indoor snowball games.
Wads of white tissue paper make great indoor “snowballs.”

Grab fuzzy white yarn, golf practice balls, and a crochet hook to wrap some realistic “snowballs.” (see http://www.sewcando.com/2014/12/tutorial-time-make-indoor-snowball.html)

Create pompom “snowballs” from thick white yarn: http://aparentingproduction.com/2016/01/craft-for-kids-diy-indoor-snowballs.html

Once you have a stash of indoor snowballs, use them to play some fun games. Here are a few suggestions: https://confidencemeetsparenting.com/indoor-snowball-activities/

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Opportunities for winter arts/crafts: Find a huge variety here: http://www.kidactivities.net/category/Seasonal-Winter-ArtsCrafts.aspx

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Opportunities for winter arts/crafts: Create your own squishable, buildable “snow” to play with indoors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZbjrYcNpPs

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Opportunities for winter arts/crafts: If you don’t have snow, or just want to decorate with a snowy flair, here are templates for pretty paper snowflakes cut from folded paper: https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/how-to-make-paper-snowflakes/

https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/cut-snowflake-video-tutorial-free-templates.html

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Opportunities for winter arts/crafts: Create some sock snowmen for decoration or for play: https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/no-sew-sock-snowman-craft/

Or build this ping-pong-ball “snowman” that doubles as a nightlight: http://www.willowday.net/2017/12/snowman-nightlight-ornament/

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Opportunities for winter arts/crafts: Remember “pet rocks?” Here’s a wintry take on that: create your own “pet snowball” as suggested here: http://thepurplepug.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-snow-bro-tute-pet-snowballs.html

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Opportunities for winter arts/crafts: Finger paint some snowmen using your thumb and a smaller finger. When the paint is dry, draw on the facial features, stick arms, hats, etc. Challenge your family with these questions: How many of funny snowmen can you create? 

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Opportunities for winter arts/crafts: Invite friends over for a snowman party just for fun, using some of the food and craft ideas here: https://happyhooligans.ca/25-snowman-crafts-activities-treats/

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Opportunities for wintertime faith-expansion:

This blogger invites parents to make a snowflake cross to remind them to find Christ in the midst of the “snow storms” of life, especially in the context of parenting!

https://raisingorthodoxchristians.com/2017/12/07/finding-christ-amidst-the-snowstorms-of-life/#more-158161

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Opportunities for wintertime faith-expansion: If wintertime gets you down, ponder these words from St. Ambrose of Optina: “In nature we see that there are not always pleasant springs and fruitful summers, and sometimes autumn is rainy and winter cold and snowy, and there is flooding and wind and storms, and moreover the crops fail and there are famine, troubles, sicknesses and many other misfortunes. All of this is beneficial so that man might learn through prudence, patience and humility. For the most part, in times of plenty he forgets himself, but in times of various sorrows he becomes more attentive to his salvation.” Choose to allow the wintry struggles to remind your soul to be more attentive.

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Opportunities for wintertime faith-expansion: Talk together as a family about this verse: “Though your sins be like scarlet, they may be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). How white IS snow? Most often, it appears to be super white, especially when the sun shines on it. However, in reality, the snow consists of translucent ice crystals, all reflecting the light. Since they reflect all of the light (every color in the light spectrum), they appear to be white. If we live lives of repentance and virtue, as Christians should, our hearts will be clean and our consciences clear. Then we will reflect the Light of Christ, radiating His purity to all. (Read the science behind snow’s “whiteness” here: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/question524.htm) Talk together about how to live in such a way that Christ can be reflected more fully in your family’s life.

 

On Traveling with Children

Author’s note: Both of my children left home to travel on the day this was written. They are visiting different parts of the world (one went to Brussels, the other to Boston). They are both now old enough to plan their own trips and do their own packing. However, it was not too long ago when I was both family packer and entertainment provider. This post is for those of us still in that position. Enjoy this season of family travel: another season will be headed your way before you know it!

Traveling with children is a joy. Children help us to take our travels at a more relaxed pace, to rest more often (especially in their younger, “still napping” years), and they help us to not overbook our vacation adventures. Their wonder at the discoveries made along the way is an added bonus. The love for life and adventure that our children bring to our lives is even more noticeable on trips, probably because we are not “working” and thus have more time to notice and savor it (and them)!

That said, traveling with children offers us a different kind of work. It requires us to be on our a-game even more than usual. We need to be well prepared even before we begin the trip, thinking of all that the family will need to wear/eat/do, so that we can better enjoy all the joys mentioned above.. While traveling, we often need to think fast and/or be able to improvise if there are events or needs we did not prepare for before leaving on the trip.

In the event that you are preparing to travel with children, we have compiled a collection of links of ideas that can help you to be prepared as you travel. We hope that some of these will be useful to you, whether now or in years to come. When you travel again, may you have safe travels! May God bless your family’s time together and fill your travels with happy memories!

This travel prayer is a great place to start:
Lord Jesus,

You who are the Way, the Truth, and the Life;

You who travelled with Your servant Joseph;

You who accompanied Your two disciples on the road to Emmaus and set their hearts aflame with the warmth of your love;

Travel with (us) also and bless (our) journey.

Warm and gladden (our) hearts with the nearness of Your Presence.
Surround (us) with Your holy angels to keep (us) safe.

Deliver and protect (us) from all danger, misfortune and temptation.

Keep (us) in the center of Your love and obedient to Your will.

Journey always with (us) in (our) greater journey as pilgrims on earth on (our) way home to You.

Help (us) return home again in peace, health, and good will that (we) may praise and glorify Your exalted Name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, all the days of (our) life.

Amen

Here are some travel ideas that we found. What ideas do you have? Please comment and share them with the community!

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Taking a road trip? Orthodox Mom has you covered, with printable activity page links, good behavior ideas, even links to snack recipes that travel well! Check it out for one sweet road trip: http://www.orthodoxmom.com/2012/06/27/road-trip-activities/

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Are you anticipating any long travel days? This mom offers suggestions for an activity binder that uses plastic sleeves and dry-erase markers so the activities can be done over and over. We especially liked the photocopied face pictures that can be “doodled on,” then erased and redrawn! Check out the suggestions for a long car (or plane, or boat) trip here:

http://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/2012/5/14/disneyland-week-what-to-do-in-the-car.html

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The 20 ideas and links found in this blog post are geared for airplane travel, but most of them would work in the car/train/boat/bus as well. We especially liked the velcro craft stick idea and the rainbow rice “I Spy” bottle: https://www.merakilane.com/20-easy-travel-activities-to-keep-kids-happy-on-an-airplane/?utm_content=buffere4517&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=buffer#_a5y_p=1853702

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Traveling with a toddler? Here are a bunch of ideas you may want to consider. Perhaps some of them would work for you and your toddler(s):

http://wtftheblog.com/2015/08/how-to-keep-your-toddler-busy-on.html

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One mom’s ideas have been turned into (free!) printable pages that you can find at the bottom of this blog:

https://mothersniche.com/the-ultimate-travel-activity-kit-free-printables-and-super-fun/

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Find ideas for puzzles and games to make ahead of time, craft-type learning activity kits to assemble, a pizza box “town” suggestion, and fun (free!) printables for games for your family to play as you take a car trip together here:

http://www.123homeschool4me.com/2013/05/50-ideas-for-car-trip-fun.html

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Find suggestions for things to put in each of your children’s parent-assembled travel kits here:

http://naturalfamilytoday.com/parenting/diy-kids-travel-activity-kits/

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Find printable scavenger hunt lists (for varied ages) for road trips here:

http://www.momsminivan.com/scavenger.html

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Need more ideas for travel binders? Check these out:

http://www.kcedventures.com/blog/40-free-printable-road-trip-activities

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Want some help organizing your road trip? This is amazingly well thought through:

http://www.suitcasesandsippycups.com/2015/08/the-ultimate-road-trip-packing-list.html

Back Pocket Ideas for Summer Fun Activities

Over the course of summer break, it is quite possible that our children will come to us parents and proclaim their boredom. In my opinion, boredom is a good thing, for much creativity results when children are offered the opportunity to concoct their own adventures rather than having activities and expectations continually thrust at them. When my own children were younger, if they came to me and said, “I’m bored!” I would often reply, “Oh, okay! That is your choice! There are plenty of options of things that you can choose to do instead. Take your pick of them – or be bored! It’s up to you!” They would usually go find something to do. (Now that they’re young adults, we sometimes talk about the glories of boredom: how wonderful it is to have a moment where you do not have so many responsibilities pressing on you that you can actually be bored for a bit! How times and perspectives change!) So, boredom is a choice, and it is not a bad thing for our children to have it as an option.
That said, it is always a good idea for adults to have a backup plan in place when they are responsible for children. While it is okay for our kids to feel bored, and it is vital that they learn how to come up with their own ideas of things to do, occasionally there may be a time when our kids really do need ideas and guidance! This blog post will offer you, the parent, some backup plans to “keep in your back pocket” for such a time as that. (Unless you have a fantastic memory, we recommend that you may want to read through each of the ideas we offer and jot notes about a few favorites on a 3×5 card. You can literally keep it in your back pocket for when you need ideas!)

Here are a few “back pocket” ideas that we found (in the order in which we found them). What ideas do you have to share with the community?

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For children who love (or need to learn more about) science, here are links to 30 different experiments best performed in the summer heat: http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/05/science-fun-for-kids.html

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Find a list of 40 ideas of things children can do with water (and an ad for a toy makes the 41st idea) here: http://raisingwhasians.com/water-summer-activities-kids-printable-checklist/

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Create some sand play dough to manipulate and to decorate with those shells, stones, and sea glass pieces you have collected. Find the recipe here: http://mamapapabubba.com/2014/05/26/sand-play-dough-with-loose-parts/

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Find the rules for outdoor play games, for when you need inspiration for family game nights, here: https://www.wired.com/2009/08/simpleoutdoorplay/

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Find 18 super-cool experiments to perform together, here: http://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/blog/boyish-charm/18-fun-science-experiments-for-kids

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This list of 50 fun things to do in summertime may already be in your family’s plans! Check it out if you need an idea of something fun to do together: http://www.bonbonbreak.com/50-fun-summer-activities/#.WT7Dl1TyvIU

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Help these two young ladies in their mission to make the world a more positive place, one cleverly hidden decorated rock at a time! This summer, Zoey and Carrington’s goal is to have rocks placed in as many of the 50 states as possible, in the name of Rock Our World Studio. Can you help them with their 50 State Summer Challenge 2017? To learn more, visit: https://www.facebook.com/RoCkOuRWoRLdStudio/

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And last but not least, a list of projects for parents who need something to do! (Yes, the children will benefit from the results of these, but adults will need to do most of the DIYing.): https://www.buzzfeed.com/mikespohr/diy-projects-that-will-blow-your-kids-minds?utm_term=.bl72MMk4J1#.fdnZddG15D

 

Go Out and Play! Ideas for Summertime Outdoor Fun

It is almost summertime! Families with school-aged children enjoy taking a break from the school routine. However, sometimes even just thinking about summertime feels overwhelming for parents. If you can relate to that, don’t worry! We are here to help! Here are some fun ideas we found that may help you and your children to get outside and enjoy the summer together! We will highlight a few favorites on the links that offer multiple ideas.

When you have a few minutes, visit these sites and scroll through their offerings. Make a list of ideas you like or copy/paste the links into a document for future reference. Or, make a “Summer Fun” jar. To do so, cut strips of paper before you begin looking at all the ideas below. As you look through all these great ideas, take a moment to write each activity that you like on its own strip of paper. When the strip has an idea on it, fold it up and put it in a jar marked “Summer Fun.” When you or your kids need a idea for something to do during the summer, pull out one strip and there you go! (Visit http://sassysites.blogspot.com/2011/07/oh-what-do-you-do-in-summertime.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+SassySites+(Sassy+Sites!) for more ideas of ways to present these ideas to your family.)
Here are a few great idea-finding spots:

Find 50 links for fun activities for both outdoors and inside at this webpage: http://www.iheartnaptime.net/50-of-the-best-kids-summer-fun-activities/. Some favorite ideas found here include directions for making a summer reading teepee, building your own kiddie car wash for bikes (or just kids!), making your own ladder golf game, and ice excavating.

This page lists inexpensive ideas for summer fun: http://www.buzzfeed.com/mikespohr/29-dollar-store-finds-that-will-keep-your-kids-busy-all-summ. Favorites include directions for a pool noodle sprinkler, kickball croquet, backyard (or beach) Olympics, busy bag ideas for indoor days, and a shower-curtain-liner giant dry-erase sheet!

Whether or not you have a boy, check out the fantastic ideas on this page: http://www.readingconfetti.com/2013/06/50-summer-activities-boys-will-love.html! We especially liked the clothespin catapults, the mini ice boats, and the printable playground scavenger hunt (for visiting new playgrounds)!

Many simple ideas for entertaining children are found at this page: http://teachingmama.org/simple-and-fun-summer-activities-for-kids/. Our blogger remembers “painting” the sidewalk (and the house!) with water when she was a kid – so simple, but it was fun to do! The soap boats are also a clever idea, and kids would have a blast with the pool noodle “water wall,” among other great ideas.

Although this blog was written by a teacher for the last day of school, it contains a variety of fun indoor activities/challenges that kids would enjoy doing at home, as well. http://tunstalltimes.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/our-last-day-in-pictures.html

Here are a bunch of clever outdoor game ideas: http://www.agirlandagluegun.com/2014/05/outdoor-games-to-play-in-summmmmer.html. We especially liked the splash-the-ping-pong-balls-off-of-the-golf-tees challenge, the put-on-a-frozen-tshirt race, the squirt-gun powered matchbox car racing, and the car-wash-sponge-on-a-paint-stick balloon boppers. What fun!

Find directions to create an obstacle course featuring pool noodles for your backyard, here: http://www.learnplayimagine.com/2012/05/pool-noodle-backyard-obstacle-course.html

For particularly curious and/or science minded kids, http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/50127/fun-science-activities offers ideas from creating a marble run (to learn laws of physics) to building a paper bridge (and testing its strength with penny weights) to experimenting with the chemistry that happens in your kitchen!

Find a pile of minute-to-win-it challenges for people of a variety of ages to try, at http://lets-get-together.com/2014/05/16/family-reunion-minute-to-win-it/.

Hot day? Need some fun ways to cool off with a group of children? Check out these watery games! http://thestir.cafemom.com/big_kid/156164/8_awesome_water_games_for. Ideas include using water balloons instead of balls to toss around on a parachute (or a sheet) and playing “Dry, Dry, Wet” (“Duck, Duck, Goose” with a wet sponge). Find

more really fun water games (ie batting practice with water balloons) here: http://www.tipjunkie.com/post/water-games/!

Plan an outdoor movie night a la http://www.thesitsgirls.com/diy/how-to-host-a-backyard-movie-night/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+thesitsgirls/dIsr+(The+SITS+Girls). Invite the neighbor kids or JOY Club, and have a fun evening together!

Challenge your family to see how many of these 50 “old fashioned” games you can play over the course of the summer! http://www.nannyjobs.org/blog/50-old-fashioned-games-kids-can-play/ The rules are right here for hopscotch, Red Rover, I Spy, HORSE, and so many more!!!

Still need ideas? Check out http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/the-ultimate-summer-bucket-list-for-bored-kids?sub=2339847_1322475#.ipoVbVrwr, http://workathomemoms.about.com/od/kidsactivitiesfamilyfun/a/ideas-for-kids.htm, or https://www.care.com/a/101-fun-things-to-do-with-kids-this-summer-1305030150!

Note: in case you missed it, here’s another post we once offered, featuring more ideas of things to do with your children in the summertime: https://www.facebook.com/notes/orthodox-christian-parenting/savoring-summer-time-with-our-children/10152169287589702

 

Here are a few specific activities that sound like fun:

Make sponge “balls,” moisten them, and have a throwing-and-soaking party! http://www.marthastewart.com/265636/sponge-ball

Cut a slice of a pool noodle, cap one end with a balloon, and end up with a pom-pom shooter!!! Great for outdoors OR inside! http://frogsandsnailsandpuppydogtail.com/superhero-pool-noodle-pom-pom-shooter/

Have a family game night with candy “medal” prizes: https://littlehouseonthecircle.wordpress.com/2014/01/22/family-game-night-and-some-free-printables/

Make a yard-sized Yahtzee game with a bucket full of super cool (and supersized!) wooden dice as per these instructions, then play the game on a giant scale in your backyard: http://www.momtastic.com/diy/502461-diy-yard-yahtzee/

Print copies of this photo-based outdoor scavenger hunt, gather several groups of children, and send them out to see what they can spot!  http://creativehomemakers.blogspot.com/2010/07/camping-scavenger-hunt-for-kids.html

Make paper rockets with straws: http://www.whimsy-love.com/2012/06/summer-diary-day-15-paper-rockets.html

Should you be stuck with some rainy days this summer, check out these web sites to keep them learning  and having fun: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/48-summer-websites-kids-teachers-keith-ferrell