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Mama Smiles

Joyful Parenting

MaryAnne at Mama Smiles Welcome to my blog! I'm MaryAnne, and I write about building a rewarding family life through mindful parenting, hands-on learning, and creative family activities. Learn more.

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Winter Fun for Kids: Bring in the Snow for Winter Sensory Play!

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Do you have kids who love to play in the snow, but they don't feel well or you just can't keep dressing them up to go out for two minutes? Try bringing in snow to play with indoors! Winter sensory play brilliance! We don't see much snow since we moved to sunny California, but back when we lived in Massachusetts it was a fixture of our lives for months on end. The kids … [Read more...] about Winter Fun for Kids: Bring in the Snow for Winter Sensory Play!

How To Make A Simple Carnival Game For Kids

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Learn to make this simple carnival game for kids! This Feed Me Monster is such an easy DIY carnival game for kids that a child can make it! Johnny's cub scout troop threw a carnival for kids last month, and each scout was asked to make and run a carnival game. Johnny was able to make this simple Feed Me! Monster carnival bean bag toss game with very little help, and it was … [Read more...] about How To Make A Simple Carnival Game For Kids

Life Skills Kids Gain by Playing Pretend Town

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Pretend towns are popular in children's museums, and it's no wonder when you consider all the life skills kids gain by role playing town and city life. Last month, Antsy Pants sent us their new Market Kit to try out. After putting it together (I helped a little), the kids decided to turn the rest of the living room into a small pretend town. As I watched them play, I … [Read more...] about Life Skills Kids Gain by Playing Pretend Town

Make the Most of Shorter Days with Light and Shadow Games for Kids

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Fall and winter days bring shorter daylight hours. Make the most of this time of year with these fun light and shadow games for kids. The days are growing cooler and shorter, and there's less time to play outside after school. This month Energizer sent us a flashlight and batteries to craft a sponsored post. The flashlight reminded me of childhood camping trips. My … [Read more...] about Make the Most of Shorter Days with Light and Shadow Games for Kids

Corn Starch Sensory Play – Making Oobleck

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Have you made oobleck with your kids yet? This sensory play material is made using corn starch and water and actually cleans up remarkably well. We color ours with non-toxic washable paint in place of food coloring, because food coloring can stain. But if you have a child who is prone to tasting I recommend playing with it uncolored. Everybody has been sick a lot at our … [Read more...] about Corn Starch Sensory Play – Making Oobleck