One thing I love about little children is that they are so easy to impress. I’m not talking about toys or gadgets and gear. It doesn’t take money or things to turn an ordinary day into extraordinary. The things that usually award me the “coolest mom ever!” title are not things at all. It’s always a moment, sometimes just a few minutes, of undivided attention doing something my child loves. It could be as simple as a run through the water hose or playing in the fresh dirt. As moms, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to create these fun, over-the-top activities that require a lot of time, effort, and preparation. Then what? In my case, if I don’t get the reaction I’m hoping for, I feel defeated and like I’ve wasted my time because the kids didn’t even enjoy it.
I have a simple summer activity series in the works, but for now, I want to share a few ideas that can turn those ordinary days into extraordinary. Most of these are low cost or no cost and can be pulled off with no preparation.
Extraordinary Ideas
(in the eyes of little ones, at least)
- a trip to the playground
- colored ice cubes on a hot day
- make mud pies
- a car wash (shaving cream, water, towel, Hot Wheels= instant car wash)
- build a fort
- play in the water hose
- fly a kite
- have a water balloon fight
- create a picnic in the backyard
- make rainbow cupcakes
- hide a glow stick in their bed at night
Kids are so easy to please and I’ve found that I over think their activities too often. A few weeks ago, I decided to take the kids to the playground. As we were walking out the door, Bryson turned to me and said “Mom, we could just stay and play in our backyard.” I was so busy planning this fun day for him that I hadn’t even thought to ask what he wanted to do. All he wanted was to play in his own backyard with his homemade water wall and dig around in the dirt. To him? That was extraordinary, even better than a trip to the playground!
One way to start your extraordinary days off right is with breakfast. Don’t we all know that? I am guilty of skipping breakfasts more often than not, because I am far from a morning person. I’d like to not pass on that habit to my children though, so I’m thankful for quick and easy breakfast meals like Quaker’s Perfect Portions oatmeal. Quaker Perfect Portions contains no sweeteners so we can all have our oatmeal just the way we want like with honey and fresh fruit. Whether I’m feeding myself or the kids, I can cook up the perfect bowl of oatmeal while I’m still trying to wake up.
Every day is an adventure and with Quaker® Perfect Portions I know I am providing my family with the fuel they need for their epic adventures.
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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Quaker®. The opinions and text are all mine.
