Kid Friendly Archives - Page 4 of 33

Buzzing Bee Balloons

June 9, 2014 By Michelle Barneck 3 Comments

Today we’re sharing a quick and easy activity to keep the kids busy this summer using things you probably already have around the house. We learned this clever idea during a trip to the Thanksgiving Point Children’s Garden and thought it would be great to share. We’re making buzzing bee balloons. Buzzing? Yes! Give them a spin and they make a sound. You’ll see.

The supplies are simple. All you need is a hex nut, a yellow balloon and a black permanant marker to create this cute little guy!

Place the hex nut inside the balloon, blow it up, and tie it closed. Don’t blow the balloon up too big or it will pop easily. Use the marker to draw wings, stripes, and a friendly face. Older kids can easily draw the face and personalize themselves, but littler kids will need some help.

How do you make it buzz? We’ll let my little guy show you how simple it is. Just shake the balloon so the hex nut rotates inside.

Even my toddler can make it buzz on his own with a little shakety shake. They had tons of fun buzzing around and flying them in the yard!

Iron-on Version Shirts for Father’s Day or New Dads

May 27, 2014 By Michelle Barneck 6 Comments

Product was provided by Expressions Vinyl.

It seems simple to shop for the Dad who loves fishing or golf. But, what about those of us married to computer geeks? They already have their laptop, tablet, and accessories. And even if they didn’t, sometimes it is hard to know what would be best with all the tech lingo specs that can confuse even the most savvy. We love to make Dad something special for Father’s Day and involving the kids is a total bonus. With a new little one on the way I wanted some coordinating shirts for them to sport so what do you do with a Computer geek dad and soon to be three boys? I introduce the version shirt.

Hubby is a software developer and is always talking about how they are getting the next version ready for launch so I thought how perfect to incorporate that into shirts with our brand new version on his way in August!

I wanted our version shirts to look like the old school command prompt screen so I chose green apple on black for the heat transfer vinyl. The process is so simple!

1. In the Cricut Design Software find a rounded rectangle and using Bookman Old Style font place the letters v 1.0 for Dad, v 2.0 for the first child, and so on in each rectangle. I sized the rectangles and letters according to the size of shirt. Now you are ready to cut.

2. Be sure to flip the letters horizontally before cutting so they won’t be backwards! Cricut Design software has a check box to remind you of this on the cut screen. Select the iron-on setting (I use a Cricut Explore so mine is on a dial on the machine) and you are good to go. Load the heat transfer vinyl shiny side down and cut.

3. Weed your vinyl removing all excess from between the designs.

4. Cut apart the rectangles and version groups to prepare for ironing. Preheat the iron on it’s hottest setting with the steam turned off. Place a black rectangle down 1-3 inches from the neck of the shirt (depending on size of shirt) with the shiny side up. Place a clean cloth over it (I use a tea towel) and press firmly for 30 -40 seconds. Let it cool a bit and check for adherance. If it lifts up try 20 more seconds. If it is stuck remove the clear sheet and place the letters in the center of the rectangle. Cover with cloth and iron as before.

That’s it! You have a personalized gift for Dad that appeals to his fabulously geeky nature!

These version shirts are a huge hit with the hubby and I can’t wait for version 4.0 to arrive so he can don his!

Our little family just keeps getting better with each new version!

9 Terrific Teeth Toys to Make Brushing and Dentist Trips Fun

May 23, 2014 By Michelle Barneck 5 Comments

Post sponsored by Burg Pediatric Dentistry and may contain affiliate links.

Do your kiddos have trouble finding brushing fun? Or perhaps a fear of dentist appointments? (Let’s face it, no one likes the sound of that drill.) Oh good, they are normal kids. Sometimes our daily tasks are boring and need a little spice which is why we rounded up nine terrific teeth toys to help make brushing and preparing for dentist trips fun. We’ve got a little something for everyone from the cuddler to the brainiac. Here are our favorite tooth toys.

1. Play-Doh Doctor Drill ‘N Fill

Taking the reins as the dentist? Yes, please. Even I love this one. Drilling, applying braces, you name it. It’s fun!

2. Playmobil Dentist`s Office

My kiddos love little playmobile guys. I love that they expand their imagination and actually hold up pretty well!

3. Crocodile Dentist

I swear this one came out when I was a kid. Nothing like bringing back something from your childhood for your kids.

4. Alma’s Designs Dentist Kit

This soft set is adorable and safe for even the little ones.

5. Dentist Barbie

Two words people…real sounds. 😉 Coming to you straight from the 90’s.

6. Stuffed Animals with Teeth

They have these at Burg (our pediatric dentist) and they are hilarious. Basically a stuffed animal with dentures.

7. Dentist Costume

For the kids who can’t get enough dress ups.

8. Teeth Kit for Older Kids

Looks really cool with a real model of the mouth and cool facts about enamel and such.

9. Chattering Teeth

The classic. Wind them up and let them go.

Well, that about does it for teeth toys. Use them to teach them what to expect at the dentist, how to brush, or heck use them as a bribe to get no cavitites or sit still while they are having cavities filled. We don’t judge.

Which toy on the list was your favorite? Do you have any of them at your house?

Fun Patches for Boys Pants

April 16, 2014 By Michelle Barneck 9 Comments

Anyone else have little boys who go through pants like wildfire? They look perfectly fine one day and the next you are pulling them out of the wash with holes in the knees? Well, I am expecting boy number three and poor kid is going to have a wardrobe full of hand me down hole in the knee jeans, so I went on a quest to find fun ways to patch those knees and stretch the clothing dollar. Check out these creative patching solutions!

See the whole post.

Criss-Cross Patch from My Poppet

Sew-on patches for jeans

Flash and Captain America from The World Spins Madly On
She has lots of ideas including the Punisher, Chicago Bears, and more superheroes!

Band-Aid Patch from Muddy Mouse Iron Ons

Band-aid cross iron-on patch for kids clothes

X-ray Patch another favorite from Muddy Mouse Iron Ons

Hip iron-ons for kids clothes. To patch them up, or just for fun!

Pinstripe Patch from Craft Whatever

Painted Patches from Ricochet and Away

Pocket Patch from Having Sufficient

Outer Space Patch from Knee Caps by AliJoy
An etsy shop with lots of options from dinos to skulls.

Outer Space Jean Repair Patch for Boys

UK Flag Patch from Make It and Love It

Flag Patch could not find source, but please let me know if you know I’d love to give credit!

Distressed Patch from Katie’s Secret Blog
How to patch Holey Jeans
Batman Patch from A Little Tipsy

I needed a quick patch for my little guys pants and decided to see what my Cricut could do with it. I found a Batman image from an old cartridge, altered it just a bit and tried cutting it out with some store bought iron-on denim patches on the canvas setting.

Next time, I would use the heavy stick mat and possibly cut twice to get it perfect, but with a little trim it did the trick. Use a bit of fray check on the edges to keep them crisp for future washing and iron on according to the patch instructions.