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​The last time

​So, when was that 'last time?' Why didn't trumpets blare and fireworks explode? It should have been a momentous occasion. Why didn't I take note?

Like the last time a sleepy child crept into bed with us.... the last time I searched for missing homework... the last time I checked whether teeth had been brushed... the last time I tucked a small child into bed... so many 'last times' that had slipped by unnoticed.

Time passes so fast and moments are forgotten. And it's often only when they're gone that you realise how much you miss them...even the mess, the wall-to-wall toys.. the fingerprints on the walls.

There are ways to help you remember those special times together, the daily fun stuff that brightened your days and filled your heart.

Here are just a couple of suggestions:

* Keep a daily journal now of your day and your fun with your kids and grandkids . Here's how..
* Take photos, not just photos of family celebrations or holidays. but the little things, too- those things that are a part of family life together. Use the link below to learn more.
* Don't just take photos and forget about them. Organise them and create a photobook- perhaps one each year or a photobook with a particular theme. 
* Turn family photos into amazing family clips or movies with simple video creators like Animoto.

And... how about a simple memento to remind you of those small but busy hands? You'll find it below.
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​A small memento

So here's a little something to help you remember those small, but important moments before they vanish forever.

Simple instructions

Print the file below- a page ready for your kids' or grandkids' hand-prints, before they're grown and gone. The small poem below  is printed on the page with space for the prints at the top. Use some water-based paints on a sponge.

​Ask your kids to press their hand on the sponge and then on the printed page. Depending on the size of your kids' hands, you may only fit one handprint on the page. That's okay. Add your memento page to a scrapbook page, a photobook , frame it, or take a photo of it and save it into your smartphone or tablet's photos.

​Disclosure: At Grandma's Place is committed to high standards of integrity and quality. I do not promote any brand I do not believe meets these standards, and I only promote brands I would purchase myself. If I don't love it, and don't think you'll love it, it won't appear on my blog.

• Make an interesting breakfast. There are plenty of great books filled with creative ideas. Funny Food Art provides inspiration as does Annabel Karmel.

 

• Involve the kids in making the breakfast. Kids love cooking and it doesn’t have to be tricky. You don’t have to make everything from scratch for them. Try a simple pancake mix. They can just add the liquid ingredients and take turns shaking the container. Packet muffin mixes are another easy option. Toasted sandwiches are easy but always popular. What about yoghurt parfaits or instant porridge with fruit?

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• Turn breakfast into a buffet. I don’t know why, but if you provide kids with the opportunity to help themselves to food, they eat with enthusiasm. Set out a low table covered with a colourful tablecloth or table runner. Decorate the table with flowers or fruit. Add the breakfast items and food they’ve helped prepare. Encourage them to serve themselves.

Lunchtime activities
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• Lunchtime is so much more fun with Bento boxes. These are such a fun way to pack a healthy and colourful lunch. Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before.. there are plenty of examples to try.
• Even sandwiches can look special if you use sandwich cutters and food markers.

 

• Add some fun notes in each child’s lunch and make special memories.

 

• Visit your local playground or perhaps the beach.​

 

• If you’d prefer to stay home, organise a scavenger hunt. It turns a ho-hum afternoon into an exciting one.

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• Rainy day? Try a Minute to Win It contest. Not only is it loads of fun, it’s really easy to set up.

 

• Once the energy levels of everyone begin to drop, how about some retro games like Chinese Checkers or Pick-up-Sticks? A super-sized floor puzzle is another option.

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• Playdough is always entertaining, even for older kids. Add a slight twist by preparing edible dough that you can use later as pasta for dinner. Everyone loves to be able to eat their own creation. This simple recipe from Jamie Oliver is bright green but made using spinach.

After dinner fun

The fun doesn’t have to stop just because it’s getting dark and almost time for bed. Check out these ideas:

• Do you have an outdoor fire-pit? Try toasting marshmallows.

 

• Once it’s dark enough for stars, try star-gazing. Make it really comfortable with rugs and pillows. You can even use an inflatable wading pool set up with pillows and blankets. There are moon and star charts that you could download and use, too, to encourage the kids to be searching for particular stars and constellations. Even little ones will enjoy star-gazing.

 

• Gentle exercises and stretches can help your kids get to sleep. Try these fun animal poses and stretches.

 

• Don’t forget Bible reading , devotions and prayers to finish the day. Even toddlers will enjoy this special time with you. Not only is reading a great way to relax the kids, it’s a perfect way to finish off a wonderful day with your grandkids.

 

• Your children may feel a bit apprehensive in the dark.. Play soothing, restful music. A novelty nightlight is a god idea, too. I use a rainbow light that will dim after 15minutes.

Where are they going to sleep?

If you have a spare bedroom with sufficient beds, that’s great. If not, inflatable mattresses on the floor can be lots of fun. Add plenty of soft pillows and covers.

A small tent is another option and you can position it inside or on your patio or decking. I’ve found that most kids creep back inside after about an hour of outdoor camping so be prepared.​


Don’t feel that you have to attempt everything on the list. Choose those suggestions that appeal to you or your grandkids.
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(This article was previously posted as Why Music Matters for Family Moments and Memories - Watercolour Moments   08/10/2015)

(Yep... and affiliate links are included which means, if you buy through me, I get some coffee money ... though not enough for the raisin toast as well. Full disclosure listed below.)
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​Recently, I watched an old movie. Actually, it was a good movie- great plot, good acting and it had been colourised. But the thing I really noticed was the background music.... or lack thereof. It took a while before I realised it- I just watched thinking, 'What's missing? Why is this lacking the emotional connection?' Then it hit me- no music, and music makes an amazing difference. Yes, music creates atmosphere, suspense, drama, light and shadow. Without it, it's as if only part of the story is being told. Music has become an integral and award-winning part of any movie.

Look at Disney. The music from Disney movies isn't just background filler; it connects the story with heart, mind and emotions across generations. 

If you play the soundtracks of popular movies, you find yourself picturing the movie in your mind as you listen. Music paints pictures and contributes to memories. It's been said that nowadays, even a moment's silence is accompanied by background music.

The importance of music
Music is important in our own lives, too. I know if I want to complete my chores quickly I put on bright, enjoyable music. If the kids are tired and grumpy, then I put on some of their favourite songs. And I'm sure that everyone uses music to help entertain kids in the car when it's a long trip. 

​Music builds memories
But music isn't just nice to listen to. Have you noticed that some songs or music will bring particular family times and events to mind? And music is important for children. Research has shown that it helps build and develop their brains- inspires creativity, imagination and self-esteem, and memory skills.

The power of music

Louise Miles from the Australian Music Therapy Association notes that, 'Music has the power to access emotion, stimulate memory, affect your physiology and change your thinking patterns if you're exposed to it over a period of time.'

* Encourage cheerful attitudes.
I've found that playing bright cheerful music while everyone gets ready for the day, encourages cheerful attitudes. And everyone moves faster, too. In fact, studies have shown that upbeat music can boost physical performance.

* Improve productivity
FastCompany states that listening to music during repetitive tasks (and chores can probably be included in this) helps you (and kids) complete them faster, with less errors and less boredom.

​Music choices

Thankfully, there are plenty of quality music options available for children and family. Here are some suggestions:

* Spotify
Just a simple search on Spotify yields a full list of choices: children's playlists, children's party music, children's nursery rhymes and lullabies, Disney playlists and so many more. If you haven't checked it out, you can listen to Spotify free if you don't mind the occasional ads (sort of like your own radio station) or pay a bit extra to listen ad-free. 

* Kinderling
Visit Kinderling online- a digital radio for babies, toddlers, kids and adults on mobile, tablet and computer. 
You'll find playlists that welcome the day, dreamy gentle music for early risers. There are active soundtracks to help everyone get moving and out the door; toddler time, playground, traveling home from school, music to relax and unwind, bedtime.
Sign up and get Kinderling in your email.

* Common-sense Media
Common-sense Media rates, educates and advocates for kids, families and schools. You'll find age-appropriate ideas, music and inspiration for everyone on this site. You'll find lists of music that are graded according to age and interests and then rated. Check them out, find something inspirational and download.

* Relax Melodies app
Many people, and children, will also relax and even sleep better while listening to relaxing music or sounds of nature. This app provides plenty of options to choose to help you relax .or sleep.

What music do you enjoy with your kids? 

Let's enjoy these small family moments, fill them with memorable melodies, and make them so beautiful that they will be worth remembering.

Disclosure: At Grandma's Place is committed to high standards of integrity and quality. I do not promote any brand I do not believe meets these standards, and I only promote brands I would purchase myself. If I don't love it, and don't think you'll love it, it won't appear on my blog.

Some of my little grandkids were outside chasing each other with water guns and squirters. What fun! What better way to handle the summer heat. I watched, sipping my coffee and laughing at the squeals of delight. So I was surprised when a soft, warm arm slipped around my neck.

"Nan," she said softly. "Sometimes I get in trouble cos the others say I'm not sharing. I try. But the others always want what I'm doing."

I put my arm around her for a big hug. "I know. I've been watching. You do a great job with all the little ones. But you're the biggest. They want to copy you.. they want to do exactly what you're doing even though they're not as big as you. It's not easy. Try and be patient with them. Just remember.. I'm very proud of you. I think you're doing a great job of looking after and playing well with your cousins."

She hugged me tight and I could feel her damp eyelashes flutter against my face.
"Thanks Nan," she whispered.. and then she was gone.

 

But children need to know that someone is ready to listen to them. In fact, there are plenty of  benefits for kids of someone active listening to them, things like: helping them feel valued, connected, validated and understood; building trust; helping them clarify their thoughts and feelings; helping them avoid conflict and misunderstandings. 

​Listening well to anyone is important and even more so for children. It means being willing to turn the television off, forgetting Facebook until later or ignoring the latest email notification to focus on a child. ​​

​It reminds me of a recent ad campaign. See below:

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So.. how can you listen well?

What skills do you need that will encourage your grandkids to feel comfortable discussing anything, their worries, fears, struggles or achievements, with you? ​
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Guidelines for Good Listening Skills

​1. Be interested and attentive. Children can tell whether they have your attention by how you reply or, for that matter, don't reply. It involves looking at the speaker; getting down on eye level so that you can maintain eye-contact.      

2. Encourage talking. Some children need an invitation to start talking.  Children are more likely to share their ideas and feelings when others think them important. Ask questions to clarify all that they are saying and to draw them out. Quiet, introverted kids are often overlooked. Encourage your grandchild to talk away from anyone else so that they don't feel intimidated.

3. Listen patiently. People think faster than they speak. Children often take longer than adults to find the right word.  Listen as though you have plenty of time. Don't correct their grammar or use of language. When you listen to children, patience is a virtue.

4. Hear children out.  Avoid cutting them off before they have finished speaking.  It is easy to form an opinion or reject children's views before they finish what they have to say.  It may be difficult to listen respectfully and not correct misconceptions but respect their right to have and express their opinions. Reflect back your understanding of what's been said so that you are clear of what's been said. It  also demonstrates your desire to fully understand them.
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5. Listen to non-verbal messages. Many messages children send are communicated non-verbally by their tone of voice, their facial expressions, their energy level, their posture, or changes in their behaviour patterns.  You can often tell more from the way a child says something than from what is said.  When a child comes in obviously upset, be sure to find a quiet time then or sometime later, to sit down with them and listen.. Good listening will often reduce tension and solve problems.

​Disclosure: At Grandma's Place is committed to high standards of integrity and quality. I do not promote any brand I do not believe meets these standards, and I only promote brands I would purchase myself. If I don't love it, and don't think you'll love it, it won't appear on my blog.

This article was first posted earlier: 30/10/2014

The first thing my grandsons do once they leap from the car is check the letterbox; although these days, there's very little to be found there other than advertising leaflets. But there's something exciting about opening the letterbox and peeking inside that never seems to dim.

Regardless of age, finding something in the letterbox personally addressed is a wonderful way to connect with your grandchildren and build memories. Yes, email is faster with little expense, but snail mail has its own appeal. And kids love it!

Continuing a tradition

My father used to send notes and cards to my children on a regular basis when they were young and they would dance around with excitement.

He'd often add little pen-drawn illustrations on the envelopes and include cryptic addressee titles along with the formal address. We'd frequently find missives addressed to 'The Moby Dick fisherman' (after my son caught his first fish) or perhaps 'Australia's best chef' (my daughter had baked a cake), and other interesting titles.

​The letters created plenty of comment and discussion with our postman,. too.

Create your own snail mail fun with your kids or grandkids.

So now, as a grandma, I try to send my own whimsical notes and letters to my grandchildren.

When I visit with them, they often drag out the old letters or cards I've sent them and ask me to read the inside messages to them again. They really do treasure those simple letters I post to them.

So.... how can you create your own snail mail fun?  What do you need to create exciting letters that will keep your grandkids eagerly watching for mail?

1. Send your cards or letters regularly
You don't need to rigidly post one letter every week on a set day and time. But if you only post your grandkids  once in a blue moon, there won't be any thought or expectation of a delivery arriving sooner or later. It's the same as when your favourite magazine is due in your letterbox early each month. You don't know exactly the day it will come but you're looking for it, expecting it, hoping for it. And when it does eventually arrive, there is eager excitement.

• Send your messages by post in fun, attractive cards and stationery.
• Be creative in how you write your messages. It doesn't have to be a long note but make it relevant.
• Try embellishing the envelopes with quirky designs or images or use stickers. They can be quite simple and your grandchildren will still love them.
• Send a card when you know they've had a rough week or been sick. Send a funny card when they've done something special or perhaps they're worried about something at school. They will love knowing that you've been thinking of them.

2. Organise stationery for kids and encourage them to write to you, too.

​You can buy stationery that your kids will love using but I've found it's not that easy to find appealing designs. And... they're often quite expensive for just a few printed sheets and envelopes.

So.. to start you off, I've included a free pack.

You can find your free stationery below. Just download the files, print and package them up as a fun letter-writing pack for your grandkids. Naturally, there are plenty of other choices and designs that you can find on AtGrandmasPlace online store. And there are other wonderful designs from Etsy. I've listed some below.

​BONUS: A special mailbox for the kids

This idea from TinyMe is a great addition!. Download, print and create a special letterbox for the kids and and set it up for their next visit. 

Set it up ready for them and watch their reactions. 

Pop some letters in the letterbox for them to find when they arrive. And, you could prepare some stationery for them to use and then post in the letterbox for themselves. You'll also find full instructions for creating this set at TinyMe.

Alternately, post the mailbox pieces to them so that they can set it up themselves at home. Then they can write and post letters to others in their family.
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What better way to encourage kids to write- and enjoy the activity! Check it out below...

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3. Include some little extras like stickers and stamps, or decorate the envelopes

​Sometimes, I try to slip some stickers inside the envelope as an extra highlight. The letters are more highly anticipated than ever by my oldest grand-daughter since she's taken up philately. You can find plenty of resources for kids for stamp collecting. You can even create and order your own stamps. How much fun would that create for your grandkids to find their own photo on the stamp? 

Even if you don't want to go to those lengths you can decorate the envelopes a bit. 

​I try and use the most beautiful stamps when I post cards to Rachael. And stationery packs for kids usually include some wonderful envelopes.. like the Mail Munchers pack listed below. You can find them on the AtGrandma'sPlace online store.

Download the template from TinyMe. Print and send the pieces to your grandkids or set it up ready for their next visit!
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Enjoy yourself with these great resources and build some memories with your grandkids.
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Get your copy of these exciting stationery packs for kids

Each kit contains 3 different styles of stationery: a page for those kids who cannot write sentences yet. They can draw something special and then write their name at the bottom; there is a page designed with a small number of lines for kids who are learning to write but might be overwhelmed by a lot of lines to complete; and there is a full page of lines for writing but still some fun characters on the stationery page. 

There are even some fun cards. There are some monster lined envelopes. And there are some Monster Mail Munchers that can be slipped onto the top or corner of a page of stationery or even a book as a bookmark. The kits can be downloaded or ordered as a complete kit that comes in a plastic kit with some additional fun items- stickers and pencils.

                  Updated and reposted from March 24, 2018

Simple ideas to create an elegant Easter table arrangement

Do you have family visiting for Easter? Whether you're planning your Easter celebrations for just your own immediate family or an extended gathering of friends and family, a beautiful table arrangement really sets the scene for a perfect Easter celebration.

Now, this can be  daunting consideration. But, don't feel you need to spend hours preparing a lovely display. I've found a collection of ideas, from a simple minimal approach to an amazing table overflowing with delight.

You may have decided to go with a separate table for the kids. That's fine. I've got that covered, too. So, just click through the images and find the table creation that appeals to you and your needs. There is a link on each image to the original and the instructions.

​And remember, you can add to or simplify the original concept or substitute items where necessary.

Just as an example, this Easter arrangement took minutes to prepare.
​Here's how...

3 SIMPLE STEPS TO CREATE AN EASTER TABLE DECORATION

STEP 1. Buy an Easter wreath. Yes, you can make your own but I didn't have time and you can find them everywhere.

STEP 2. Place the wreath in the centre of the table. 

STEP 3. Add a floral arrangement to the centre of the wreath- e.g.  lantern,  candles, or an apothecary jar filled with eggs. (You can buy a floral arrangement or make your own.)

And that's it!  Done. Simple. 
​Check out the other beautiful and creative ideas below. 

There are many other ideas from truly creative people, and I gathered some to show you, that will inspire you and provide some simple, yet beautiful solutions. From fun-filled kids' table arrangements to elegant designs to outdoor dining ideas, you'll find something in the following collection that, I'm sure, will help you create your own Easter table arrangement.

This amazing list of Easter Table Decorations can also be viewed on Listly.

​Or... check out the collection of Easter Table Decor YouTube clips below.

​And... as an added bonus, why not plan to include Easter themed table serviettes.
You'll find links to the instruction below.

Yes, there's more..
If you're looking for other Easter ideas and inspiration, then check out myEaster Pinterest board. Are you planning an Easter Egg Hunt? Here are some tips. And if you'd like an Easter that allowed you time to focus on what really matters, download my free book below, Stress-Free Easter.

Why not sign up below for VIP access to my library of FREE resources, where you'll find plenty more books, downloads and family resources?