Toddler Sensory Bin Busy with Ice so Adults can Talk

Toddler Sensory Bin Busy with Ice so Adults can Talk, a photo by areyousureaboutthatblog on Flickr.

We were recently at an adult family birthday party with few other kids. It was getting late and nearly baby girls bed time. But you know how it goes... You start talking, get into a great conversation and you just can't leave NOW!?!? So I went into my mommy arsenal and invented a sensory bin on the spot to quiet my cranky girl - the secret ingredient: ICE.

We were all at the kitchen table, and baby girl was sitting at my feet. I asked our hostess for a few supplies and I got together this simple sensory bin. She was busy for 35 happy minutes!

Sensory bin assembly:
- a holding place for the ice cubes, a few of them crushed from the fridge dispenser.
- tools: a small 1/4 measuring spoon, a cork, a tablespoon, a small plastic cup and a flexible whisk.
- stay dry: finally a kitchen towel as her tray, and melting ice / water basin. We didn't want her soaked either!


At the end of the activity, baby girl was tired, and thoroughly washed her hands. I took her downstairs and rocked her to sleep, where I held her while we wrapped up our evening.

Ahhhhhhh...

Make Mistakes. Breathe, Reflect, and Laugh.Out.Loud.

Mommy "What's the Plan?" :My Momism

This has been a daily routine question in our house for years! Mommy What's the Plan for Today? I honestly can't remember how it started, but I know now I can't live without our daily "plan review." It was probably a "redirect strategy" when my Older Son was little. He would cry over something minor, and instead of going on and on over the matter, we redirect > "hmph, what should we do today honey?" or "let's go see what the plan is for today while we drink some juice, ok?"

areyousureaboutthatblog Whats the Plan for Today Mom? It' s a simple statement that
prevent meltdowns and keeps us aligned.

When my eldest was 2 or so, I'd review our day at breakfast. "After breakfast we will go to the park, play a little, and then go buy milk." Enough information for him to handle, and get excited about his favorite parts.

Ironically I've found that my kids don't nag in other ways I've heard of - like the night before a big activity or trip - some kids can't sleep or ask there parents over and over, "so we are going to {insert name} place tomorrow right?" My boys don't do this type of nagging, and I think it's because through this process they've learned to control and temper their excitement.

Now my eldest is 8, and young son is 4, on weekends we sit at breakfast and review the day - the whole day. And if something comes up in the afternoon, I say "we have to review the plan, there's a small change." And thankfully meltdowns are a thing of the past (well, mostly, for plan change reasons we can manage!). 

There are days where my older son tells me "but you said we'd go to the store first." When I actually said "responsibilities first, then the store." Selective hearing? Maybe... It could be a new type of excitement and wanting what he wants Right Now! So I've started stating the plan and having HIM repeat it. That way we are on the same page. 

Even my husbands in on the routine. Since he works so much, sometimes Saturday morning is our first chance to touch base on what weekend adventures are in store for us. My kids giggle when dad says first "what's the plan mom?" I still don't know why the kids like so much when dad says that!? 

It takes a few minutes to walk through our days plan, but everyone knows what to expect and what's happening next - and that makes for happy kids and happy mom! 

Make mistakes. Breath, reflect. And Laugh.Out.Loud.