Due to inquires of how I made these place mats I will reveal my secret. Well it is not really a secret. It is really quite simple even a child could do it... oh wait children did. With my help that is.
First you need clear contact paper (I bought mine at Target in the home cleaning supply area where shelf paper is), then paper for a drawing, Confetti or the tin thinga ma bobs I have here. Can not for the life of me think of what they are called. You could use glitter even. Once you have the things you want to use to build your place mat you are ready to move on to the next step.
The contact paper will be folded over the top of the drawing with the edges meeting at the bottom of the place mat so you need to plan enough contact paper per sheet you cut. You will also need to cut the contact paper for each place mat (do not peel from paper yet) leaving room to decorate each side.
Begin to peel the contact paper from the bottom. Once you get half way, sticky side up, place your drawing in the middle of the contact paper. Then decorate the sides of the sticky contact paper with what you have chosen. Make sure you leave room at the side edges and the bottom, for the contact paper to stick to each other. Once finished proceed to peel the paper the rest of the way off. Fold the contact paper (how many times have I said contact paper?) over the top and smooth out as you lay it down. Forcing the air bubbles to the edge. Don't worry if the edges don't meet perfectly, you can trim them with scissors.
Then there you have it, a place mat that holds a memory and conquers an art project for your child!
I write name, the age of the child and the date just for memory sake. Also I have the child dictate something they want me to write on their place mat. Or you could have them write it if they are able.
Below is the other side of these place mats. My girls love tea parties so this craft was made just before we sat down to a tea party. You could decorate one side with a current photo of your child. You could do educational place mats, Holiday place mats, cute things your child says place mat, a training place mat of how to set the table, favorite animal theme, dinosaur theme... possibilities are endless.
On my youngest daughter's place mat I wrote at the top, "Hands Down the Best Meal Ever!" Hey I take my compliments where I can get them, even if I wrote it myself.
I am under the belief that it is good for children to help out around the house. What I have experienced over the years is that children like helping out. When resistance comes to helping, it is usually because the fun that was once found by the child has been lost... or outgrown. Another obstacle I have faced to having my kids help out is them not remembering what has been asked of them leaving the job undone. The constant reminder or nagging to a child wears on everyone and let's face it, it is annoying! I have tried the "put a sticker on your chart" kind of chart for chores and well, it just got old after a while. I personally did not find it successful in our home for an every day chore chart. For a short period of time those type of charts work well for me (like potty training). When the chart is filled and a reward is earned works great for motivating the child. However long term, I wanted something more. Something that would not leave me nagging and frustrated and would give my kids the chance to succeed at what was being asked of them. I am thrilled to say I think I have found just that! A personalized chore chart that is easy for my kids to know exactly what is expected of them and for them to accomplish just that. I also feel that this chart can be used as early as age two, it is that simple! Though at two the child will of course need more parental guidance.
Here is what I have come up with and so far we have had great success! We have been putting this to use for a month and a half now and I am so pleased with the results! My kids love getting to see their star once they have completed a task.
I found these unfinished frames at Jo Ann's Craft store. They were in packs of four or individual packs. They have a wooden peg in the back for propping it up. Since that was not my final plan for the frame I purchased (at the hardware store) picture frame hooks that I nailed to the back.
Next I made a template for where I would be drilling holes for the hooks. I purchased the hooks at the hardware store. They are hooks for hanging mugs.
I laid the tags on the holes to make sure my spacing was good.
You will need a drill and pliers for twisting the hooks into the wood. You will want to paint the frames first. I just tested a hook in my first frame to make sure my idea would work, before taking the time to paint.
I bought these tags at Jo Ann's Craft store in the scrap booking section. I covered the tags in clear contact paper (purchased at Target in the home cleaning section). The back of the tag was white. I painted the tag a solid color then added a star and an encouraging word. Such as "Great Job!" You will need a hole punch to make the hole through the contact paper.
The tags for the younger kids who either don't read or are learning to read adding pictures of the chore makes this chart a success. If the child does not know what to do, then you are back to where you started from. I am not an artist so please ignore my juvenile drawings... but hey my kids know what the chore is so all is good.
When the chore is complete the child simply turns the tag over! The side with the star shows you just gave your child an opportunity to shine!
I hung the frames outside my girls rooms. This way they can wake up each morning and get their day "star"ted right!
Even placing the simple tasks on their chore charts of getting dressed, brush your teeth, make your bed etc. leaves me no longer reminding... aka nagging. These chore charts lead to a much happier, more peaceful and productive home... cuz Mama ain't nagging!
Tools and Supplies
Picture hanger for back of frame
Clear Contact Paper
Mug Hooks
Tags
Frame
Acrylic Paint
Hole Punch
Pliers
Drill
Hammer
Picture of your sweet star
Christiana Hope is my fourth child and she is now three. I potty trained all my other girls (including Christiana) at age two. Every child is different when they show signs of being ready. What I have come to know very well, is that mom must be ready too. If mom is not ready then the child is not given the proper chance to be successful. At age two Christiana was trained and then I failed her. I was busy with schooling my other girls and the distractions of the frequent bathroom visits were disruptive. My failure to take her on a regular scheduled time as I had been was leading to accidents. I found I was not ready to have the cleaning up of an accident on my agenda as well. So I decided, back on with the diapers and when I was ready we would tackle it again.
Here is one thing I have found that works for me and that is to set up what I call the Potty Party Zone. On my hard floor I set up an area full of toys and for the day she stays and plays in that area. That way cleaning up an accident is easy and less frustration for mom. Making a fun place helps encourage the child to want to go potty on the potty. Giving the place they must stay a fun name also brings excitement to the child. I also set a timer to remind myself and Christiana that it is time to potty. Once she has gone, then we celebrate and off we go to put a sticker on her chart. I also reward with a single M&M for pee pee and two for poo poo.One more helpful tip, give your child lots of liquids! Juice is a great one for potty training since it travels through the system so quickly!
So all you potty training moms... let's party!
Excuse my very quick, thrown together chart. Hey it works and she is happy!
Caitlin my 5 year old asked me if I was going to put this mornings breakfast on my "log?" So, yes I will and I hope you enjoy my girls bright morning smiles while anticipating a fun breakfast.
Oatmeal topped with whip cream and sprinkles. Mmmm mmmm good!
Years ago friend of mine shared with me a very easy recipe for chicken in the crock pot. All you do is add a jar of salsa to the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your crock pot and then shred the chicken when done. How simple is that? Then serve in taco salad, burritos, tacos, quesadillas, turn into nachos or whatever else you come up with. Then recently another friend shared a similar recipe with me. The difference is, at the end add a block of cream cheese! I then add a can of corn and a can of black beans. Today I only had half a block of cream cheese so I added some sour cream as well, along with the corn and black beans. How you choose to eat this mixture is up to you. We have had it with chips and it was delicious. Today I decieded to layer the ingredients in a baking dish. Here is what I did...
Layer of chips
Layer of chicken mixture
Layer of cheese
and repeat one time.
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minuets.
This also would be yummy with a salad alongside. Top with avocado, tomatoes... Mexican rice on the side.... DELICIOUS!
Inspired by a memory from my childhood this post has come to life.
I have been very blessed and excited to be reconnected with an old... well let's say instead, a former neighbor of mine (we both seem to be feeling our age these days). We grew up next door to each other for many years. She is a few years ahead of me (see not using the word old) and I always looked up to her. One talent my sweet friend possessed as a kid, was to the amazing way of eating Ramen Noodles. She would slowly drop the noodle down her throat. I was in awe as a child watching her bravery. Another main part of the memory is a group of kids around the table having fun while eating an ordinary lunch of noodles.
Thus inspired lunch for my girls today. Ramen Noodles (I add corn and peas) in fun bowls (purchased at Walmart) with kid easy chopsticks. They are at the table as I type, laughing and having fun while eating an ordinary, no thrills, easy prep lunch! Can not beat that
