Encouraging kids to drink water

by on August 13, 2012
in food and nutrition · 25 Comments

Written by Kara Fleck, Simple Kids editor and Rockin’ Granola mama.

If you were to take a peek into the refrigerator at our house you would find veggies, butter, yogurt, and the gallon of milk or two (or three) that you would expect a family of six to have.

However, you might be surprised by what is missing:  the arsenal of juice boxes, drink pouches, and soda cans standard in the typical family diet – but we don’t actually miss those things at all.

What quenches our thirst?  Water.  Cool, refreshing water.

At our house my kids know that their beverage choices are milk, water, and our daily smoothie.  We limit juice, avoid soda, and focus on drinking water.

It wasn’t always this way, and if I’m being honest,  I need to admit that some of my kids (those who have been drinking water from the time they were toddlers) don’t need very much encouragement to drink water.  Drinking water is already a life-long habit for my younger kids.

But, some of them do need a little extra incentive to hydrate with water from time to time.  This was especially true when we first began to focus on developing this good habit together as a family.  For my oldest, it isn’t quite as easy.

Moms and Dads, are you having a hard time convincing your kids to drink water?

I understand, I’ve been in your shoes, and I have a few suggestions that might help.

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Weekend links

by on August 12, 2012
in showcase · 4 Comments

It was 54 degrees when I had my coffee on the back patio this morning.  August, I think we can be friends again.

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A simple weekly rhythm with kids

by on August 10, 2012
in parenting · 12 Comments

Written by Kara Fleck, Simple Kids editor and Rockin’ Granola mama.

This is the time of year when our calendars fill up as the children head back to school and the holiday season looms. If we aren’t careful, the days can get a little crazy.

If you’re just getting started establishing a rhythm for your family, or perhaps if you are re-evaluating your days as you enter a new circumstance, my advice is to focus on what I call the anchors of your week: the times which center us, that we can count on.

When I was in elementary school, I can remember knowing what day of the week it was by what activity we had in school that day – music, art, gym, etc. I knew that the comfort of those rhythms was something I wanted to offer my own children in our home environment.

I want to share with you my family’s weekly routine. Keep in mind that we are a family of six with one parent working outside the home, one parent working from the home (and thus with the kids during the day). Our kids are ten, six, four, and one.  We also homeschool. So basically, what works for me might not work for you.  And that is totally okay.

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Play, learn, explore in August

by on August 8, 2012
in play learn explore · 4 Comments

Written by Kara Fleck, Simple Kids editor and Rockin’ Granola mama.

Summer days are winding down here in the United States and we’re preparing to go back to school, with some parts of the country already in class.  This is the time for soaking up the last few sunny days of Summer and preparing to jump back into school with enthusiasm.

I’ve rounded up some ideas for playing, learning, and exploring this month.

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Goal-setting charts for young kids

by on August 6, 2012
in parenting · 39 Comments

The following post from the archives is by Simple Kids contributor Amy Anderson of Let’s Explore and Early Bird Homeschool.

Setting goals is not just for grown-ups. Even our littles can benefit from the confidence-boost that comes from setting a goal, working towards it, and achieving it.

Goal-setting with young children should be simple and straightforward:

  • Involve your child as much as possible in choosing an appropriate goal.
  • Listen for times when your little one says, “I wish I could…” and think about ways to turn that wish into a specific goal.
  • First-time goals should be achievable in a day or two.
  • Decide on a great way to celebrate your child’s success.

No matter what the goal, kids (and grown-ups, too) will benefit from a visual way to track progress.  With some basic supplies, you and your child can create some fun and effective goal-setting charts. Here are some of the charts we have enjoyed using over the years. Let’s set some goals!
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