Did you know that when you UNDERINFLATE balloons, they are a huge source of fun, distractions from tantrums and calming all at the same time? What could be better. Here is one of my classes loving balloon play. WHAT TO REMEMBER: 🎈don't buy dollar store balloons, they pop easily. 🎈Target and party stores sell a much higher quality of balloons 🎈Bag up 4-6 underinflated balloons and keep them in your closet to break out any time. 🎈Don't forget to quickly throw away any popped balloons. 🎈An underinflated balloon is harder to pop and a little one can grasp it easily and hold on to it. 🎈Great for indoor play, they pop on grass

I invite you to try something that leaves no trace. This isn't about building a "good" LEGO set or finishing a puzzle. It’s about the "Muck" that messy, weird, transitionary space of pure connection. First Gather Your Gear You just need a single flashlight (or your phone light) and a dark room with a blank wall. Grab 3–5 random, non-toy items from around the house, think a whisk, a shoe, a colander, or even a houseplant. How to Get Started 1. One person stands in front of the light to cast a shadow on the wall using just their body or hands. 2. The other person "completes" the shadow by placing one of the random objects into the beam of light. 3. Work together to shift the objects and your bodies until the shadow looks like something entirely new: a "Space Station," an "Alien," or a "Living Machine." The Special Twist You cannot take a photo of the final result. You have to describe it, laugh at it, and then turn the lights on. Once the light is on, the creation is gone. Why This Works It requires "attunement." You have to watch each other’s movements and react in real-time. Because there is no "product" left behind, the brain stops worrying about doing it "right" and starts focusing on the person standing right next to them. Your Turn Tell the group one object combo that made your kid laugh. Did they find it hard to not take a photo? How did the energy in the room change when you knew the "art" was only for the two of you?

Today, we’re turning a mundane task making a snack or lunch into a creative project. And this works for us adults, too tired of making those daily lunches! Instead of just handing your kids a plate, create a "Construction Station." Put out bread, crackers, fruit slices, spreads, or whatever you have on hand. Tell them, "You’re the architect. Build me the most creative (but edible!) snack you can imagine." The Rules for the Adults: 1. Let it be messy. Don't worry about the crumbs; worry about the connection. 2. The "Grand Reveal." Have them explain their "design" to you. "The apple slices are the roof, and the peanut butter is the glue!" 3. For the Teens: Challenge them to make a "Signature Toast" or a gourmet sandwich using only what’s in the fridge right now. What did your "Architect" build today? Post a photo of their creation (or the aftermath!) in the comments!

Who remembers this game from childhood? Similar to Simon Says in that players need to do what the leader does. Here’s the fun part, when you let your kids lead, there’s a small shift in the dynamic. No longer are they being told what to do, now they invite you to do what they say. When you think about this in relation to screen based play, the player gets to make choices and learn from there decisions, now it’s time to bring that back to the non-digital world. How to play: Set a timer for 5 to 10 minutes. Tell your child, "You are the Leader. Whatever you do, I have to do." Note: keep it safe The Rules for the Grown-up: 1. Mirror them. If the 4-year-old hops like a frog, you hop. If the 10-year-old decides to do a specific dance move or build a certain way, you follow suit. 2. No "Teaching." Don't try to show them a better way to do it. Just be their "shadow." 3. For Teens: This might look like playing their favorite video game with them and letting them be the coach. Let them be the expert while you're the "clueless" student. How did it feel to let them lead? Did you end up doing something totally ridiculous? Tell us about it!

Have you ever played this or a version of it? If not, stayed tuned. This was actually my topic for yesterday but I decided to unplug for the day and have a dinner date with Mr. Science. We went to a new to us, Filipino restaurant and we will definitely be back. BTW- that’s the “High!” When we got home, my son was still under the weather and Flee, the 24 year old cat is not eating again (that’s the Low)😢 Then, shortly before bed, FaceTime rang and it was my daughter and grandson showing off his newest accomplishment, he can stand and the patched holes in the ceiling (plumbing mishap). Oh, that’s the Buffalo. The more technical explanation will be in the comments. What was your high, low, and Buffalo this week?