familyfun

Make (mostly free) Fun Family Memories THIS Weekend

Becky McCann
familyfun, free, frugal, making memories, nature walk, picnic at the park, preschool activities, thrifty, weekend
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The weekend is here, so you might be looking for new ways to make memories—but without breaking the bank. What kind of activities can you do that won’t take too long, are relatively inexpensive, and will create memories that last? You just need a little bit of creativity!

Have a Picnic at the Park…

But not just a regular picnic! Give each of your kids a budget and let THEM choose what to bring for your meal!

Go on a Nature Walk

Grab a paper bag or shoe box (do people still have those lying around?) and head outside!

Have a “Stop and See Day”!

These made some of my favorite memories from growing up… even though I don’t necessarily remember any of the specific places we ended up stopping!

What to do with Preschoolers Inside

Becky McCann
building independent endurance, crafts, dance party, familyfun, getting things done, independent play, preschool activities, preschoolers, reading
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As a parent, it's so easy to be overwhelmed by the idea of entertaining your preschooler while stuck inside… whether it’s due to the weather or illness or anything else! Don't worry, though! I’m here to help. There are lots of fun and creative indoor activities that’ll keep your little ones busy and engaged. You might even end up with a few minutes to yourself to get other things done! Here are 3 ideas to get you started:

1. Arts & Crafts – I know it sounds generic, but arts and crafts can be a great way to pass the time with your preschooler. Keep an eye out for future blogs with specific crafts, but you’d be surprised how much fun young kids have with generic supplies and freedom! Try covering a LARGE space (think the whole dining table or the whole floor in their play area) with waterproof protection (I typically use taped down trash bags because I always have them on hand). Then set out craft supplies: plenty of paper, crayons, markers, watercolors (because they’re washable), glue, little craft pompoms, and anything else you have around the house. Let them create whatever they want!

2. Reading – Most people know how important reading is for preschoolers to set a foundation for lifelong learning. When you’re stuck inside, you can take some time to create a fun reading space for your little one… and then set a timer for 5-10 minutes for them to “read” on their own. As they get practice being on their own, you can slowly increase the timer. It’ll add to the time you have to get things done, PLUS it helps increase their school attention endurance.

3. Dance Party – Put on some music and have a dance party with your little one! This activity will not only provide physical exercise but it's also fun for everyone. Have them show off their moves while deepening your bond and making so many fun memories! The benefits of music are countless, so include this activity to experience them all.

Keeping your preschooler inside doesn't have to be hard when you have simple ideas like these at your disposal! Whether it's arts & crafts or reading stories together, there's something for everyone- even if you don't feel artistic yourself (you don't need any special skills - just an open mind!). So go ahead- unleash your inner creativity today and create lasting memories with your little ones!

Bring Your Virtual Adventures to Life

Becky McCann
art, crafts, distancelearning, education, familyfun, learning, pandemictraveling, virtualadventures, virtualfieldtrip
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If you’re like any other parents I know, you breathed a DEEP sigh of relief when school got out today… and shortly after, you realized that now you have to figure out how to occupy your kids for three weeks. I share lots of crafts and activities over in my free exclusive Facebook group (Nanny Hacks for Busy Moms), so jump on over there to join for ideas throughout the break, but today I want to give you some ideas for creating adventures from home using free virtual experiences.

Whether you’ve already discovered the amazing opportunities for adventure that lie within virtual experiences or you have no idea what I’m talking about, by adding a few interactive elements you can make a virtual trip to the zoo almost as memorable as the real thing! Really… I promise!

It's Nice To Meet You!

It didn’t take long for me to realize I was WRONG… about SO many things in my life.

When I was younger, I thought I’d be married at 18. Then I realized that’s crazy young, and I figured out most people get married after college. I could live with that.

I was wrong again. My first date wasn’t even until I was 19 and let me tell YOU… dating was NOT what I expected. Whether I first met the guys in person or online, I had a LOT to learn. Some experiences were boring, some downright scary, and some hilarious. But those stories are for another time. I eventually figured it out and found an amazing man who is now my husband. And I was only 36 when we got married… so, ya’ know… only DOUBLE the age I originally expected.

I wasn’t just wrong about dating and marriage. I was wrong about what I thought I wanted my career to look like.

I thought I wanted a regular job. I thought I wanted that security. I thought being paid by a company would bring me a sense of stability that would give me more freedom.

WRONG.

Turns out I value freedom and flexibility more than security! And I value purpose and fun in my work more than money. I tried working in an office setting. I tried working regular, set hours. I tried so many different things.

Taking care of kids is fun, freeing, and rewarding. Helping other people is what I’ve always LOVED doing. It didn’t feel right to charge people to do what I love. My heart broke when I saw families struggling financially… I could always work longer hours if I was struggling… I just wanted to be there for them.

Now that I’ve learned to value my time and expertise caring for, raising, and teaching other people’s kids, I am able to enjoy my life fully, while still helping others. When I finally accepted that my reality could be unique to MY desires and passions is when I truly found freedom. I can do all the things I love and I can decide when I want to do them.

Are you ready to find freedom doing what you love?

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familyfun

Make (mostly free) Fun Family Memories THIS Weekend

What to do with Preschoolers Inside

Bring Your Virtual Adventures to Life

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It's Nice To Meet You!