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 make a blanket for autim to help with sensory issues, anxiety, Parkinson's, and more. 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 … [Read more...] about How to Sew a Weighted Blanket Sewing Tutorial (Sensory Friendly)

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 … [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

Fleece DIY Halloween Costumes: Cat, Bunny, and Fox

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I am happy to say that I have three out of four costumes sewn, with the fourth cut out to (hopefully!) be stitched together today! All of my kids have sensory issues (although only one has a formal diagnosis), so these costumes were designed to be as comfortable as possible (see my sensory-friendly Halloween costumes for kids post for more tips). They are all made out of fleece … [Read more...] about Fleece DIY Halloween Costumes: Cat, Bunny, and Fox