Author Archives: Ask Grandma Maria
- Spring & Summer Nature Lessons for Kids: Checking Out All the Creepy Crawlies!
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There are nature lessons for kids that are taught in the classroom…and then there are nature lessons for kids that are taught exactly where they should be: in the beautiful outdoors. Let’s talk a little more about the latter, shall …
- Indoor Movie Days: Roll ’Em!
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Kids’ indoor movie activities can chase away the indoor blahs faster than you can say, “Ticket, please!” Movie days are fun. They’re entertaining. And they’ll help pass the time more quickly for you and your kids.
- Creative Play Resolutions: Imagine That!
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The New Year is approaching fast, and I’m hearing through the grapevine that many parents are finally ready for a fresh new start regarding the way their kids play. Whatever your motivation, the simple fact is this: Creative, imaginative play is important. It stimulates the brain. It helps develop important life skills. And it creates enthusiasm. What’s not to like about it!
- Less Materialistic Holidays: Teaching the true meaning of the season
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Teaching children generosity during the holidays is really not that hard. It does, however, have to begin with you, their strongest — and most influential — role model. Here are some helpful tips to get you started..
- Gift Receiving Etiquette: How to put more ‘appreciate’ into appreciation – Part 2 of 2
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Teaching children proper gift receiving etiquette and gratitude is really so incredibly important — especially in these days of self-entitlement, instant gratification, and impersonal communication. To help your own kids learn how to graciously receive and acknowledge a gift, here are a few tips to pass on to them.
- Family Cookbooks: A Way to Immortalize Your Best Recipes!
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Putting together a family recipe cookbook is a great idea for many reasons. It preserves your time-honored recipes, perhaps passed down from generations past. It’s a way of recording memories of good meals — and good times — spent together. It’s a way to leave behind a legacy of sorts. And it makes an extremely meaningful gift that will really be appreciated.
- Gift-Giving Etiquette: How to put more ‘thought’ into thoughtfulness – Part 1 of 2
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I invite you — nay, challenge you! — to help your child step back for a moment . . . realize what’s really important . . . and focus on the true spirit of the holiday season: giving to others in a genuinely thoughtful way.
- Gratitude: Teaching kids to appreciate what they have!
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Teaching gratitude to children is not easy. Depending on what stage they’re going through, your child may feel very entitled and self-centered at the moment. (If not, you’re lucky.) But if so, no need to fret. There are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years that will show you just how to teach kids to be grateful.
- Holiday Visits from the Grandkids: How to make ’em fun, not crazy
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Making your grandkids feel at home during holiday visits — whether local or out-of-town — really doesn’t have to be hard or stressful. There just needs to be a plan.
- Part 2 of 2: Teaching Kids to Respect Others’ Property
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Most kids find things that others have to be much more attractive than what they have themselves — no matter what it is. Learn how to teach them responsibility when it comes to respecting others’ property.