Tag: play

A Family of Superheroes

Does your child like to play make believe? Ours is just getting into it at almost 2 years old. How do I know? We went to story time at the library last week and one of the songs, “The Ants Go Marching” includes pretending to pick up sticks. She was great at pretending to pick them up and continues to do it at home! She loves playing with tea and pretending to have picnics and play in the “sand” inside.

We’ve been stuck inside for a few days and the dreaded day I am to return to work from my child rearing leave keeps getting delayed due to snow days (hey, I’m okay with that). So what do we do? We pretend we are a family of superheroes!

85

My husband and I used blankets, but knew they were too long and wouldn’t stay on our little girl. I did a quick google search and found out how to make a t-shirt no sew cape for Madison. All you need to do is take an old adult t-shirt (that you don’t want anymore) and cut it a few inches under the collar in the front. Continue cutting around to the back a few inches from the collar and down the back (the sleeves get cut off). Do the same on both sides and you will have a cape that simply slips over your child’s head.

84.JPG

 

If you want to be fancy you can add a design on the back with fabric markers, iron on images and so on. We happened to have an image on the shirt already.

We pretended that the snow was piling up in her room and we had to save all of her stuffed animals by putting them on the couch in the living room. She loved racing down the hall while we shouted, “Fly to the room, save the stuffies! Super Maddy saves the day!” Singing also helps and humming superhero ballads. She loved this so much we did it multiple times today and putting that cape together took about one minute (as you an tell by my hasty cutting).

86

It’s definitely priceless to see your toddler stretch her arms out in front of her in the flying pose while yelling, “Save the stuffies!” Start a family of superheroes today!

FollowFacebookpinterestrssyoutube
ShareFacebookpinterest

Way Better Than Store Play Dough!

I’m sure you have seen the advertisements and blogs about making your own play dough, I sure have.  I always think, “That cannot be good play dough and how long does it even last?”  Well, one day I decided to make it for myself.  Actually, my 2 1/2 year old and I made it.

First things first, let me give you some advice:

  1. It is messy to make (especially with a toddler)
  2. Use an old pan (it can be hard to get the dye out!) and an older wooden spoon if possible
  3. It is totally worth it!  The play dough is awesome.  Much smoother, easier to work with, and does not dry out as easily.  I was very impressed.
  4. The play dough will last longer if you keep it in the fridge and can last 6+ months. You can leave it out in an air tight container as well, but it will not last as long.

 

Okay, lets get to it!

What you will need:

  • 1 Cup of all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of salt
  • 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar
  • 1 cup water
  • Food coloring (or natural or any dyes you would like to use)
  • 2 tablespoons of any cooking oil (even coconut oil works!) I used canola

Warning** Once you start the process it goes quickly so I suggest you read the directions once or twice and have everything ready before you start**

 

  1. Combine the flour, cream of tartar, salt to a saucepan and mix (the heat is off)
  2. Add the water, oil, and food coloring
  4. Turn the heat on low to medium and stir away (a wooden spoon seems to work best) (it may get stained!)
  5. Stir it until it gets thicker like play dough or like sugar cookies
  7. Then turn the heat off and let it cool a couple minutes
  8. Knead it a little and it should roll easily into a ball.  Store in the fridge for it to last 6+ months in an airtight container or ziplock bag.  You can leave it out in an air tight container but it will last longest if its in the fridge.
  9. Okay enjoy!
  10. The quality of the play dough was much better than store brand and easier to roll.  I love it, and so does Cece!!

Cece enjoys using a rolling pin and cookie cutters to make shapes!

FollowFacebookpinterestrssyoutube
ShareFacebookpinterest