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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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How to Sew a Weighted Blanket Sewing Tutorial (Sensory Friendly)

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Sewing tutorial on how to make a weighted blanket. Detailed instructions on how to sew a sensory blanket. This weighted blanket sewing tutorial has been updated several times to reflect feedback on how best to make a weighted blanket from my readers. I would love to see your photos if you make a blanket using this tutorial - email pictures (or links to pictures) to … [Read more...] about How to Sew a Weighted Blanket Sewing Tutorial (Sensory Friendly)

Activities to Help Kids Calm Down and Stay Calm

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Activities to help kids calm down and stay calm. Simple techniques that they can also use to cope with stress and manage difficult situations as adults. Knowing how to cope with stress is a critical life skill. If our kids can learn how to calm down and think clearly while under stress, they will have a much better chance of leading successful and happy lives. Here are some … [Read more...] about Activities to Help Kids Calm Down and Stay Calm

Sensory Friendly Shoes Help Kids’ Brains

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Sensory friendly shoes kids will love - and that they can wear anywhere. Did you know that the sensory friendly shoes can help your child's brain? I travel a lot with my kids, and I've learned that kids with comfortable feet are much more cheerful thank kids whose feet hurt! I switched over to wearing Vivobarefoot shoes myself a couple years ago, so I was intrigued when they … [Read more...] about Sensory Friendly Shoes Help Kids’ Brains

An Awesome Creative Sensory Play Experience for All Ages

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We live in "the house for playing". My home is the one where children cry when they have to leave because they have settled so solidly into a world of play that removing themselves is a physically painful experience. Mostly, it's the kids playing, but every once in a while I discover a toy that both parents and children find irresistibly charming. Thinking Putty is one of these … [Read more...] about An Awesome Creative Sensory Play Experience for All Ages

Easy Spring Sensory Play Idea

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Has spring arrived where you live yet? I love seeing blossoms on trees. Then they fall to the ground and it looks like snow. It's the closest thing to snow you'll find here in Silicon Valley! The sidewalks near our condo were covered with blossoms. Three-year-old Anna and I took a bowl out and scooped a bunch in for fun and easy spring sensory play. Easy Spring Sensory Play … [Read more...] about Easy Spring Sensory Play Idea