Make Lunch Fun for Little Ones
The theme for this month’s Unplugged Project (via Unplug Your Kids) is bread. This reminded me of something my own mother did with me when I was a little girl.
Materials
Bread, butter and a cup.
Method
Twist the cup on the bread to punch a hole. Eat.
The children thought this activity/lunch was brilliant (bless their little socks). You can use a cookie cutter but I find a cup works better with little hands. Make sure you talk about the shape of the bread. You may even like to sing “The Wheels on the Bus” or talk about what circle shapes you can see. Never miss an opportunity to incorporate learning into an activity (but not in a forced way).
Make lunch fun for little ones.
Inhibiting Play
Saturday morning: The husband let me sleep in! Would you believe it, I got out of bed at 10 o’clock (wonders never cease). I left the comfort of the bed to find a huge pirate ship box display set up in the kitchen, equipped with half the linen cupboard to make for a sea.
If I was up earlier, I may have stopped the children pulling out everything blue from the cupboard. Maybe I would have asked them to set up in a different space. Perhaps I would have freaked at the bathroom towel on the dirty broom (for the sail). But it was already done — and it was wonderful. I often, unwittingly, inhibit play and imagination for the sake of order and ease.
Look at the different blues the children found in the cupboard. They weren’t being disrespectful with property or acting naughty in any way. You see, they needed a sea (of course) and were resourceful enough to find convincing materials to work with. Thanks to my eldest daughter’s wonderful mind, the ship was not only on a sea but also equipped with sail and port holes at each side.
I’ve learnt a lot from my daughter when it comes to creativity. Her art teacher said, “Flossie is not confined like the other children. She dosen’t worry about being neat or staying between the lines; there’s a freedom to her work.”
I believe freedom and creativity go hand in hand.
Self portrait done last year (8 years old)
Freedom: the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints.
It’s hard to find the balance between having rules (which are important) and creating an environement that produces the freedom to be creative (which is also important). I think one key to achieving this balance is spaces — creating spaces (watch for a post on this). Also, FunMum Wendy’s tip comes to mind: Think like a child. Too often, adults lose the ability to be ‘free like a child’. Watching children play is one way to recapture this beauty.
Too often, adults lose the ability to be ‘free like a child’.
Thanks to me being up late and not imposing restrictions on the children’s play, an elaborate game was enjoyed by all, throughout the day and into the next. Lesson learnt. Maybe I should say lesson learning.
Missed last week’s contribution? Make Scrambled Eggs Tonight, Have Fun Tomorrow.
Theme It: Vintage
Theme It is a new Be A Fun Mum post series. The first theme in this series is Vintage. I hope you enoy window shopping.
1. Karimu Bonnet $28.00 / 2. Kellie Christie Flat Button Necklace $33
3. MiniStyle ‘Make a Wish’ Print $45.00 / 4. MiniStyle ‘Cool Forest’ Print $45.00
5. Butterfly Garden Hair Storage Cases From $13.95 / 6. Butterfly Garden Hair Tea Set $37.95
7. VIB Soft Dolly ‘Molly’ $13.50 / 8. VIB Soft Dolly ‘Ivy’ $13.50
9. I Love Parties Tin Windup Car $16.00 10. PTDM Yellow ‘Mum & Me’ Headbands $13.00
11. Be A Fun Mum Vintage Book Craft 12. About A Girl Mink Pink Dress $59.90
13. Butterfly Garden Antique Rose Ring $7.00 / 14. Zodee Eva Shoe $56.95
15. Oli B Designs Chenielle Shorts $29.95 / 16. La Toriana ‘Tea Princess’ Shirred Ivory Dress $79.95
17. Steady Sticks Laundy Powder Tin $24.95 / 18. Isaac and Mai Robert Gordon Tea Spoons $24.95
Be A Fun Mum Related Posts:
I have a deep love for books — especially old books. I’ve been known to spend hours browsing through second hand book stores. There’s something about the feel and smell of an old book, that transports me to another time. I wonder how many hands before me have held the book and what their life was like.
It looks like my love for old books as passed to my daughter Cossie (4). Often, she gazes at the bookshelf. Sometimes she ask to ”just hold” the books; “Mum, I’ll be very, very careful,” she says in a voice filled with awe. So today, I stopped at a thrift shop and picked out some pretty coloured old books — especially for her. And now for the craft.
Vintage Book Treasure Box
You will need:
* Pen knife or Stanley knife
* Thin cutting board
* Vintage book (I purcahsed four books for $4)
* Ribbon
* Craft Glue
Step 1: Give a minute of silence for the author of the book because what you are about to do will rip their heart out if they knew.
Step 2: Right, that done — move on and don’t look back. Find a rectangle object to use as a template (like a small card). It should be small enough to fit on the page with at least a 2cm margin to each side.
Step 3: Turn about 20 pages and place the rectangle template on the centre of the page.
Step 4: You will need to cut around the template but work in small batches. To do this, place a thin cutting board down about 10 pages and press hard with the pen knife till the insert pops out.
Step 5: Work your way down the book until you are at the end. This step will take about 20 minutes. Don’t worry about being too neat.
Step 6: Once you have the secret compartment, thread ribbon through the entire cut out section and tie a bow (or two if you like).
Step 7: Glue the bottom page down to provide a sealed box.
Step 8: Allow your child to colour a special drawing on the botttom of the secret compartment.
Step 9: Don’t throw out the middle pages. I’ll show you (in another post) what to do with the left-over paper.
Note: Boys love secrets too. To make the Vintage Book Treasure Box for boys, use leather or string instead of ribbon.
Other ways to use vintage books:
Vintage weddings. Use the Vintage Book Treasure Box craft in the colour of your wedding. Make the hole in the centre smaller and thread both wedding rings on the ribbon before tieing it up in a bow. Ask your photographer to use some vintage books in your photoshoot or have them as a centrepiece at the reception.
Men: If you give your girl a letter or jewellrey in the Vintage Book Treasure Box, you will get A LOT of brownie points. 
Feature Object: If you don’t want to cut a book, just tie a ribbon around pile of vintage books for a stunning feature object.
Colour Scheme: Use vintage books as the colour scheme guide for a room. There are so many beautiful but subtle vintage book covers. Most specialised paint shops can match colours to an object. I chose these colours: beige, green, blue, red.
Nursery Decoration: Vintage books look absolutely stunning on a nursery shelf or in a child’s bedroom.
Vintage is in!
Be A Fun Mum related links:
A House Divided – A State or Origin Story
The State of Origin really IS about the state of origin in our family. Both my husband and I are from Queensland and of course go for The Maroons — all the way. However, we did live in New South Wales for 5 years and our two eldest children were born there. I thought, naturally, the children would barrack for Queensland; through their heritage, they could be ‘saved’ from being cockroaches New South Welshman.
When my eldest daughter (Flossie) was four, she decided to cheer for New South Wales (The Blues) because she was born there and her little sister (Scottie) followed suit. Since then, they have always supported the dark sideThe Blues. Our youngest two children (Cossie and Son) were born in Queensland and thus, are Maroon supporters. So yes, our family is split.
You know what? It makes me happy that my children are strong and feel free to be who they are. We are a team, but we are also individuals. This is something I’ve strived for in our family: the freedom to be yourself and know you are loved. Flossie (now 8) said to me, “I know some people might tease me, but I don’t care, I’m sticking to it; I want to support The Blues.” And I say, “Good on you babe. Good for you.”
Being a house divided — has never been so much fun.
External Links:
Wees and Poos Instead of The Paper and News
Image from here.
I can’t remember the last time I watched the evening news. I love reading the paper, but I haven’t done that in a long time either. There’s a certain nicety about being ignorant of world events; however I don’t want my world to become so small, based around the poos and wees of my children (it can happen; I should know), that I lose touch with reality. Keeping up-to-date with current events is hard work for me.
“Isn’t it terrible about the earthquake in Chile?”
“What earthquake?”
Fortunately for me, my husband knows EVERYTHING and gives me a run down on events at days end. I also try and keep up-to-date myself online at ABC News (but Blogs are much more interesting).
Another mention on the lines of losing touch with reality, I’m careful to ‘be aware’ when I’m out with a group of women, where there are mothers and ladies who don’t have children, present. I’m conscious that, while I and other Mums can talk ‘wees and poos’ for an extended length of time, until you’re a Mum, it may not be all that interesting (goodness, what Motherhood does to conversation topics LOL). I choose to be sensitive and include others in conversation to make sure I don’t lose sight of ‘The World’; that is, each person’s world or the sister’s daughter’s friend’s neighbour’s aunty’s world or the great world at large or the whole wide world; just the world — alright?
At the end of the day, my family is my world and that’s a precious, precious thing. But not everyone’s world and I respect that.
After becoming a Mother, did you struggle to stay current with everyday news events? (Or is it just me?)
External Links:
Other Be A Fun Mum Links:
Book Review: Monster Maddie
A plight experienced by many school aged children extends from this question: Who will play with me? Miss Maddie, the book’s character, graples with the same question and tries different tricks on her peers in an effort to be noticed.
“She put ants in their pants, dirt in their shirts, and ooze in their shoes.”
I wonder if Maddie’s tactics will work?
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Monster Maddie is Susan Stephenson‘s first published children’s picture book. Her extensive experience as a writer, teacher and blog extraordinaire (as The Book Chook), is obvious throughout the text.
Monster Maddie was published by Guardian Angel Publishing and illustrations were provided by K. C. Snider. The book is geared for ages 4 – 10 and, although a stand alone picture book, Monster Maddie would be appropriate to study in a classroom with seven pages of learning activities included.
There’s something impish and like-able about Maddie, despite her horrid antics and monster-like transformation; the fangs and claws and wild, wild hair. This like-ability factor provides a strong platform for the clever, non-preachy message within: what you do is what you become.
Maddie’s character is easy to relate to; she’s not perfect and doesn’t miraculously change; she’s real. And do you know what? When all is said and done, there IS a positive about fangs and claws and wild, wild hair. You will have to read it for yourself to find out what.
There’s a lot to explore with Monster Maddie, each time its read.
Monster Maddy can be purchased here. Read another review here.
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One Be A Fun Mum reader can win an copy of Monster Maddie, autographed by Susan Stephenson. To enter, please leave a comment below with an answer to this question: Was making friends at school difficult for you?
The competition is open to Australian and New Zealand residents only. Valid from Monday 24 May to Friday 28 May 2010. I will draw the winner by random number at 7pm on the closing date. Winner will be notified via email and posted on the Be A Fun Mum Facbook Page.
28 May 2010: Winner: Christine Bunn. Congratulations!
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The humble egg carton is a wonderful thing. Here are three ways to use it:
If you don’t have painting pots, an empty egg carton makes for a wonderful pallet. It’s a cheap way to distribute paint, especially if there are a lot of children.
Compartmentalise glitter, glue and craft bits and bobs for ease of distribution.
After reading Picklebums fabulous We Play… sorting post, it occurred to me to use the egg carton as a nature sorting tray. Look what we found outside our house.
Make scramble eggs tonight, have fun tomorrow.
Missed last week’s contribution? Play Memories.
How can something so cute be so feral?
Do you have a budding toddler? Get ready for battle; believe me, a 2 year-old is a worthy oponent. The greatest advice I could give about dealing with the tantrums and the terrible twos is this: CHOOSE VERY CAREFULLY WHAT BATTLE YOU CHOOSE TO FIGHT. Or as my husband says, “Choose which hill to die on.” In other words, don’t choose a battle not worth winning.
This was my morning:
6.00 am
Son: I WANT MY BREAKFAST! (Why are they so very loud in the morning?)
Me: Made him some weetbix.
6.15 am
Son: I WANT SOME TOAST! Butter and jam please.
Me: I made some toast with butter and jam for him.
6.20 am
Son: *SCREAMING* I DON’T WANT JAM!
Me: You asked for jam and butter and we are not going to waste the food. If you would like toast, you can eat what I made for you.
6.21 am
Son: *SCREAMING*
Me: I’m putting you in your bed for a few mintues. When you are ready to stop screaming, you can come out.
6.23am
Son: Still screaming
Me: Son, when you are ready to stop screaming, you can come out.
6.25 am
Son: Still screaming
6.27 am
Son: I want to eat my toast now please Mum.
Me: Sure Son, come and sit down.
6.30 am
Son: *SCREAMING* I DON’T WANT JAM!
Me: This is the toast I made for you; if you want toast, you can eat this.
6.32 am
Son: Still screaming
Me: I’m putting you back in your bed. When you stop screaming, I will come talk to you.
6.35 am
Son: Still screaming
Me: Having a shower and trying to shut out the noise with the running water.
6.37 am
Son: Still screaming
Me: Gettng dressed for the day
6.40 am
Son: Mum
Me: Yes Son?
Son: I’m ready for my toast now please.
6.45 am
Son: Eats the toast happily.
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Why did I choose to win this battle? This hasn’t been an isolated incident; there have been quite a few occasions like this and I don’t want to have a battle every morning about jolly toast. So this was a battle I wanted to win. To me it was important. There may be more battles like this but each one will be shorter. Which battle you choose will depend on what’s going on in your family at the time. It may be a small issue or a large issue; just be careful to decide and stick to it.
Note from Dr B (the husband): It’s vital not to choose to ‘die on the hill’ over something that is inconsequential; remember, you are planting your flag on the hill and saying “this far and no further”. If the issue is not worth this effort, then seriously reconsider persisting with the fight and withdraw!
This is what my husband says jokingly, or not so jokingly, about two-year-olds:
“Lucky you’re cute, cause right now, you’ve nothing else going for you.”
At the end of a feral day, look at them when the’re asleep, and all will be forgotton.
If want to read more about toddler tantrums, I like these blog posts:
Works for Me Homemaking
SquiggleMum:
Hear Mum Roar:
Using language as a tool against tantrums
May FunDad Interview: House-Husband
Colin and his family. Universal Studios in Singapore.
Colin Wee is a strikingly energetic person. This energy comes through his words as he writes as The Original SuperParent. He is positive and real; honest and frank; strong minded and has a great sense of humour. Colin’s vitality extends to his role as a 5th degree black belt Taekwondo instructor, giving him opportunity to coach and teach children of various ages.
Colin is passionate about supporting and enabling parents to care for their children. Colin lives in Perth, Western Australia with his lovely wife and two children. He loves wine, fishing, family holidays and cooking for friends and family.
Find out more about Colin at:
http://www.SuperParents.com.au
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Kelly, thank you for that very generous introduction and including me as the first househusband to participate in your interview series.
What is your best FunDad tip?
A sound bit of advice, as we all know, is to start planning with the family in mind.
The adults (that’s fathers included) can’t have fun if the kids are feral. Stick with easy outdoor and simple at-home activities; there are many examples of such through blogs beafunmum.com is connected to. When you’re ready to stretch yourself, I’ve found the following tip to be the best FunDad approach to entertaining children:
Remember your own childhood and what you loved to do when you were a kid. Was it matchbox cars? Magic tricks? Art and craft kits? Science experiments? My kids and I have bonded over the silliest pranks taken straight from my youth. So think back and guide/play/nurture your children like a big brother. Share with them your own stories and cherished memories.
Did you work full-time before becoming the House-Husband?
I was employed as a Chief Information Officer for an ASX-listed insurance broker to expand operations into South East Asia. At a later stage, I was responsible for managing 13 staff and proprietary technology development back in their headquarters in Perth.
My playgroup mums however, love it – and punch the air – when I tell them of how much more difficult it was to look after a single toddler.
Why did you and your wife decide to role reverse?
I was made redundant from my job and then we discovered we were expecting my son William. It was with extreme trepidation I become his primary caregiver. It was way easier with Bethany [Colin’s second child]; I had returned to full time work when she born, but I was looking for any reason to quit so I could take care of my little girl.
How was the adjustment to domestic bliss?
Wife: How was your day, dear? What did you feed, William?
Me: Yeah, it’s okay. I defrosted a cube of pumpkin, spinach, and sweet potato. No, wait … was that yesterday? Oh man, I forgot what I fed him.
It was difficult for about a year.
I thought I could continue building up my career whilst taking care of William; after all, he had two sleeps in one day – think of all the possibilities! How wrong I was. It took me a good long time to figure out William had to be at the top of my very short priority list. I would then plan the day with one major event (like going to the park) and one minor event (like hanging out the clothes).
Domestic bliss was made a little more challenging as I had embarked on a Masters course just as William was born. After tiring menial brain-dead days, you have to contemplate cracking open the books at 9pm. That SUX.
How do others react when you say, “I’m a House-Husband.”?
I got the most ribbing from friends who were business or industry associates. But the truth is, most have said they’d pay big bucks to trade places with me. It was a little more difficult dealing with my parents, but they seem impressed with my children and have since praised me for doing a good job as a parent. Phew. Major argument avoided on that one!
I think a great obstacle for all house husbands is their notion of self worth. Basically, what is the yardstick you have chosen to measure yourself with?
For many years I was a business executive, and naturally pegged my existence to notions of success from the corporate world. I think the role reversal has made me see the world more clearly, with greater humility and as Kelly said, has made me more ‘real’.
How do you feel attending Playgroup and the like, when predominantly women are present?
The first playgroup I attended was a tea and scones group with mostly chardonnay-sipping mothers. Don’t get me wrong, they were nice and some of them are my friends, but I’m not sure if I was more aware of being Asian or my being the lone father in that group.
The second playgroup was love at first sight for me. It was a Montessori playgroup, and I felt all of us were on a mission together. I blended in, felt right at home, and started calling myself an associate woman. To this day, I feel blessed with having an uncommon platonic bond with the small group of mums I keep in touch with.
Have your children embarrassed you?
Never.
What makes you proud?
Being an involved father has been the most rewarding and fulfilling role I’ve ever had in my life. When Bethany was born, I remember sitting in that office wondering what I was doing there – my daughter needed me! I remain most proud of this little family of ours and how tight we’ve become.
Do you get lonely?
No time to get lonely. Next.
Do you go and ‘have coffee’?
The truth is, I’ve got more girl friends from my time in the playgroup than guy friends; given that I’ve only been in Australian for 10+ years. So yes, I do hang out with some playgroup mums for coffee about once or twice a month.
Do you get the housework done?
For many years my wife and I did all the housework because we couldn’t find a domestic cleaner. We now employ a professional cleaning service once a week, but we still maintain day-to-day cleanliness. There’s also laundry and other various chores. To be fair, my wife organises the house but yes, I provide backup. I’ve not cooked very much recently – we have a home catering service, but I do cook frequently for large gatherings like Christmas or New Year.
What qualities can Dads bring to the role of primary parenting?
It takes a Dad who’s comfortable in his own skin to be a primary parent.
Kids benefit from seeing dads in an equal loving relationship with their partners. There have been many times when we fly as a family, and I see mums on board trying to deal with a young child and then feed their babies, all whilst their husbands are kicking back reading the paper or watching videos. That isn’t right.
Kids also benefit seeing their dads stretch themselves as individuals. As an example, I often tell the kids how I was never allowed in the kitchen when I was growing up, and only learned how to cook in the few months before William was born – just by watching Huey’s Cooking Adventures! I want to be a model of how they should be – to show them their own dad is striving to become better and continuing to grow with life’s challenges.
And the food’s not bad too, hey? Eat up your veggies, kids.
What advice would you give women contemplating role reversal?
Women have a lot to offer companies and organisations. Many women however, can’t see past their insecurities of being off work for some time. Maturity sells itself! Don’t belittle motherhood or parenthood, you’ve got loads more to offer than someone wet-behind-the-ears.
Look out for your strengths, apply yourself and sell yourself objectively. Check out ‘Part-time Employment for Parents – Ace that Interview!’
What advice would you give other men contemplating role reversal?
Be brave, brother. Keep your wits about you; you’ll need them. And ignore the multi-tasking jibes.
Read more Be A Fun interviews here.
