Before we left for our trip to New York, I wanted to create a calendar for the kids so that they could keep track of the days Mommy and Daddy would be gone. Since the 3-year old has no sense of time and the 5-year old has a limited sense of time, I wanted them to have something visual and concrete to use. Plus, I wanted it to be fun.
I immediately At the last minute, I thought of the DIY advent calendar I saw at Alpha Mom. Their use was for leftover Halloween candy, but I decided to tweak the idea and create an *activity* advent calendar.
I thought of an activity for each day that we’d be gone, and created a corresponding clue for each dixie cup. I also hid the corresponding items around the house.
Thursday: Baskin Robbins gift certificates
Friday: tub of live ladybugs (in the fridge)
Saturday: (2) bouncy balls the kids covet each time we visit Walgreen’s
Sunday: (2) new water bottles for their bikes
Monday: (2) new books
Tuesday: candy and the promise of mommy and daddy’s return
As you can see, there’s nothing *fancy* about it. I used dixie cups from the cupboard, and I had scraps of tissue paper. I did have to run around town buying gift certificates, balls, water bottles, books and lady bugs but it was totally manageable in the two kid-free hours I had this morning. Yes, I could have spent those two kid-free hours doing something for me, but we all know where my mind is right now. Let’s not pretend that I was going to spend those hours doing something for moi.
If I had more time, I would have preferred to think of a few *free* activities.
What activities would you have included?
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WOW, this is fabulous. I’ve said it before, but I can’t say it enough: You are a great mom. My mom used to (still sometimes does!) do all sorts of fun things for us and it really made my childhood magical. I’m sure you know, but things like this can really impact your kids in the long run. They’ll look back and have so many awesome memories!!
I don’t have kids and I don’t really know what works for what ages, but I would suggest something with drawing (like new markers or maybe crayons to reduce the mess?) or art (maybe a coloring book?). As for adult things, well, that’s a totally different story…
okay, you so just earned the mom of the year award. That was awesome. It’s too early for me to think of what I would do. I do want to tell you to have a VERY good time in NYC. xoxoxo
Kirwin, I don’t know what career you had pre-kids, but I’m guessing that whatever it was you did, you were an over achiever?
B/c this last minute idea of yours? BRILLIANT. I confess I’d never be motivated (or creative) enough to do something so stinkin’ cool.
You rock!
Now go have the time of your life in the Big Apple!!
Awesome idea!! I love it! I would add a new movie and popcorn. My kids love movie nights at home! Have a great time in New York!
K ~ Your creativity always amazes me! I LOVE all the thought and LOVE you put into those little cups. I know your kiddos will look forward to opening one each day of the week you are gone and know they are LOVED.
Have a fabulous trip to NYC and don’t stress - everything will turn out just fine!
These are fabulous! What a great visual for them! Definitely going to use this
Have a great time!
K, that’s such an awesome idea! The kiddos will have loads of fun with those. Martha Stewart AND Kate (from Jon & Kate Plus
look out!!
That should have been an “eight” by the way!
Great idea! I am planning some summer activities for our kids this week. They will love this!
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