admin, Author at 3 Kids and Us

5 Fun DIY Crafts That Your Family Will Love

January 30, 2016 by admin

As I’ve mentioned before, I hate nothing more than the kids sat in front of the TV or a games console for hours on end. There are times that this is a necessary evil and the only way you can buy some time to get things done is to put the TV on for them. However, whenever I can help it, I prefer to get creative with my kids and I love nothing more than a little craft project. Here are 5 DIY projects that I’ve made with the kids that they loved making and playing with.

Musical Instruments

We all know how much kids love a bit of noise and often my kids and I will set out to make some musical instruments. I have 3 kids so we can almost form a band! One thing to remember is that you can make noise with anything. Rake through the garage and find any old pots and pans or blocks of wood, arm your child with a stick or a utensil and you have a drum kit. Fill old glass bottles with varying amounts of water and blow across the tops for some pipes. Fill a toilet roll with dried peas and seal for a shaker or wrap some elastic bands over a baking tray for a makeshift guitar, the list is endless.

Get Scrapping

All my children have a scrap book of mementos and photos through the years and it’s a great little project for them. You can buy proper scrap books but I prefer to buy a good sized book with a hard body and let the kids decorate their own. Inside they can put whatever they like, tickets, badges, photos and a host of other memories. Add some glitter, glue, ribbons and stickers and they have a book that reminds them of all their memories and achievements.

Straw Construction

I love this game, pick up some paper straws from a craft shop, give the kids an equal amount of straws and a pot of glue. The challenge then is to either build the highest tower or the strongest bridge. Make sure you are on hand for this one as it also works as an educational game. They have to strategise as to what will be the best option and you can of course ask them questions to teach them about different styles of buildings. Add a prize for the winner and this will be a great game for them.

Lego

Simply one of the most fun things you can do with your child in my opinion. Firstly, Lego is great for all ages (including adults,) secondly it is just so brilliantly versatile. I try to avoid buying the kits that have a particular design and prefer to buy random blocks. This way your child can really get creative, I like to suggest the strangest thing possible for them to build and see what they come up with. I always take part in this because, well I just love Lego.

Restoration

Something I’ve started doing with my eldest is to buy old pieces of furniture at a charity shop and giving them a bit of love. It started when he wanted a new set of drawers, we saw some ‘unloved’ drawers at a charity shop and I suggested we could make them better and individual. He was game so we polished them up, gave them a lick of paint and added some designs that he chose. Since then we’ve done a table and 2 chairs. A great project for them and it also teaches them about recycling or upcycling things which can only be good.

How To Enjoy Disneyland Paris as a Family Without Any Tantrums

January 30, 2016 by admin

Ah Disneyland Paris, the place where wonder and magic live, the place where kids smile and laugh and have their dreams come true. Or for many of us, the place where you finally pull out the last of your hair as you try to contain your hyperactive, over enthused, loud, teary and relentless bundles of joy. There are things that we can do to avoid having a trip to this wonderful place spoiled for everyone including you kids by a pet lip or a tantrum.

Plan Ahead

There is so much to do here that it is really important that you plan what you are going to see and do before you get there. The trick here is to involve your children in the decision making process, a lesson in democracy as well!! Disney provide a lot of information about what is inside the park and your kids will be so excited that they will pay attention to the info. My 3 wanted to do different things so we negotiated and arrived at a loose plan, of course the plan may change when you get there but it’s important to have a plan at least. The reason for the planning stage is so that kids know the expectation when they get there so that if they start running off wanting to do everything, they can be reminded of the plan that they helped make.

Set Out The Rules

Now, in addition to planning ahead you must lay out the rules, before you arrive at the park. The night before would be best as this way it may be fresher in the head. Don’t be draconian, remember this trip for them is the stuff of magic, but to avoid tantrums, rules are a must.

Watch What They Eat

Let’s remember that the theme park is a business, and a business that knows that they cater for children. As a result the park is filled with more saturated fats and e-numbers than you can imagine. Sweets, candy floss, lollipops, Ice cream and sugary drinks are everywhere in Euro Disney and if you don’t want your child to go completely crazy then I advise you manage their intake very carefully. The kids will be high enough on excitement as it is without giving them a sugar rush that inevitably leads to a crash resulting in a very tricky trip for the family. Let them be treated by all means but be very careful on how much sugar they take in.

Of course, everyone wants to have a good time and you can’t predict if your child will have a tantrum when they get tired, which trust me they will. However, these steps should certainly help avoid too much anguish and maximise your family fun.

How to Make Your Fussy Kid Eat Healthily

January 26, 2016 by admin

picky_eater

Getting kids to eat a healthy meal can be challenging to say the least, especially in a world inundated with fast food chains on every corner. It doesn’t have to be a struggle though if you know how to hide the healthy items in deliciousness without defeating all of the health benefits of eating healthy items.

Camouflage

If it taste good and kids don’t know something that they hate is in the dish, they will eat it without any argument. Try grating carrots, cabbage, or Brussel Sprouts into tomato based sauces such as spaghetti sauce and lasagna sauces. The tomato sauce will cover any unpleasant flavors as well as bring out the sweetness in typically bitter items like Brussel Sprouts.

Be Creative

Serve items such as zucchini bread or banana bread for dessert instead of more heavily sugar laden choices like cakes, brownies, and ice cream; kids will scarf down these healthy vegetables without knowing they are eating something good for them.

Think Smoothies

Kids love milkshakes, so why not swap them out for the healthier version and serve smoothies for snacks and on the go breakfasts. All it takes to make a quick and healthy filling treat for the road is a quality blender, a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, some plain yogurt, a few ice cubes, and to go cups.

Keep it Simple

There is no need to over complicate menu items when trying to get your children to eat a more healthy diet, especially for smaller children. Although it is good to introduce your kids to a more varied pallet of cuisine, it is also important to remember kids just want something simple that tastes good.

So keep the majority of meals simple and straight forward; a nice roast with vegetables from the crockpot is just as enticing as that chicken croquet you were thinking of making, if not more so. Not only will you be creating a meal your kids will eat without a lot of fuss, you will also free up some of your valuable time to actually spend with them.

Make the Swap

By nature kids are programmed to want to eat more natural food items such as fruit. It isn’t until they are supplied with junk foods that their natural instincts are overridden with fatty and sugary food cravings. Swap out store bought snacks like chips and cookies with healthier options when filling your cupboards. Keep a varied selection of fresh fruits, carrot sticks, celery sticks, nuts, and cheese sticks on hand for fast and easy snacks that kids can get themselves when they get home from school or when then just want a snack.

It is difficult to monitor what your kids are eating all day long when they are not in your presence and have so many unhealthy food options at every turn. However, if you make sure to provide plenty of easy to get, healthy snack and meal options at home, it will help your children maintain the healthy life style that you want for them

Weekend in New York

January 25, 2016 by admin

New-York-Skyline

Much like it being impossible to tour the full spectrum of the Louvre in one visit, it is virtually impossible to take in all that New York has to offer in one weekend. However, if you know what you want to see and have an understanding of where things are located you can cram a lot of New York’s tourist attractions with the family into one weekend.

Unlike the images seen on television and in movies New York is a sprawling metropolis with diversity, cultural attractions, and a melting pot of lifestyles all living attached to one another. The mass transit system can be a bit complicated to understand at first, but with a good subway schedule, some common sense, and great walking shoes you can get to just about anywhere. If you are interested in more of a historical view of the area here are a few not to miss sights.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The statue of Liberty sits in view of Battery Park, and has an abundance of tour companies available to take you across the bay and tour the exquisite lady and Ellis Island. Ellis Island was the original port of entry for all those immigrants looking for a new life in a new land. The museum offers great insights into the past that built America along with records of those who entered the country through this port.

Who knows, you may even see one of your long lost relatives names on one of the displayed documents. If you simply want a closer look at the regal lady, you can take the Staten Island Ferry and cross right by the amazing work of art and diplomacy for free.

Battery Park

As one of the first Danish settlements in 1623 Battery Park was erected as a “battery” of cannons to defend the new city of New Amsterdam. This defensive armory continued to grow and eventually built Castle Clinton in preparation for the war of 1812. The castle was renamed in 1896 to Castle Garden and turned into the city’s foremost concert hall.

Over the years Battery Park has been enlarged by renovating encompassing landfills, has been the welcoming center to 8.5 million immigrants as Ellis Island’s receiving center, and seen the castle turned into the New York Aquarium. This historic site now regularly hosts traveling art displays, and contains a variety of memorials for tourists and spectators alike to enjoy.

Twin Towers Monument and Museum

The Twin Towers Monument has two separate waterfall reflection pools which sit in the exact sites of the original twin towers and consistently run as a sign of never ending spirit. Circling the reflection pools are the names of every know person to have died as a result of the Twin Towers attack. During high wind situations the center most water fall will be temporarily turned off due to splash back caused by strong winds, but the second pool typically remains on at all times. The museum sits just between the two memorials and can have quite a line, so get there early.

The Twin Towers Monuments and Battery Park are within walking distance of each other and as you make the leisurely long walk from the towers to Battery Park you will come across strategically placed maps to guide you to your next destination. Between these two destinations sits the Wall Street Bull that is seen in many movies, such as “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”, the building that was used as headquarters in “Men and Black” and an eclectic variety of architecture that spans the history of the city.

Depending on how much time you wish to spend at each attraction and where you are staying within the city, all of the fore mentioned attractions, excluding the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tours, can be visited in one day, as well as Little Italy and China Town.

For the second day of your trip consider taking in some of the world renowned museums, checking out Time Square (best viewed at night or dusk), or tour some of the Central Park attractions. Whatever you do, just don’t forget to try the pizza and other fabulously made local ethnic cuisines that can only be found in New York.

5 Family Friendly Dog Breeds

January 25, 2016 by admin

Brindle_pied_frenchbulldog

Picking a dog for your family can be challenging as there are so many different types of breeds. When looking for the right dog, you have to keep in mind your living space and the needs of your new furry family member. If you have children, you must be careful to pick a dog with a disposition that is suitable for kids. Here are five different dog breeds that are suitable for families with children.

Golden Retrievers

One of the most popular choices for family pets is Golden Retrievers. The reason why is they are loyal, loving, and patient with children. They have gentle personalities and love to play with children. They are high energy and do better in larger homes. The one downside is their long hair that sheds which make them bad for anyone with allergies.

Labradors

Officially known as Labrador Retrievers, these friendly and loveable dogs make great pets for families. Like Golden Retrievers, they are kind, loving, and playful with children while being calm and patient with them. They have lots of energy so they require lots of playtime and running or walking. Labs come in three different colors; chocolate, black, and yellow.

French Bulldogs

If you have children but live in a smaller space such as an apartment or condo the French Bulldog is perfect for you. They have a loyal and loving personality and do well in small spaces. They are not prone to bark, they have low energy levels, but are still willing to play, making them perfect for living in smaller spaces with children. They are also short haired making them less allergenic than longer-haired breeds.

Poodles

Poodles are intelligent, caring, and mild-tempered dogs making them good for playing with children. They also do not shed making them perfect for families who need a hypoallergenic pet. Poodles come in two different sizes, standard and miniature. The Standard is one of the most intelligent dogs and is loyal to its family. The Miniature is also loyal but tends to be so with one person rather than its family. Both are good with children.

Bulldog

Finally, the bulldog is a kind, patient, and loveable dog who does well with children. They do not have a lot of energy but are affectionate with children. They are comfortable living in small or large spaces. Thus, the bulldog is also perfect for living in an apartment or condo with children.

Welcoming a dog into your home is a big decision, therefore, it is important to consider the personality, size, and energy needs of a dog before welcoming them home. With this list of five different breeds, there is something for each type of family.