Using Kind Words

Is it just me or do kids have an ingrained sense to be mean to each other when things aren't going their way?  It starts so young and appears to be a natural instinct.  One day when the older kids were having a difficult time being kind to one another I decided to change course and stopped them in their tracks.  I had them all put away they toys they were fighting over and gather at the table.  We spent the rest of their time at my house talking about how we need to use kind words to each other.  No one likes to have their feelings hurt and we all need to be accountable for how we make others feel.  They each had to draw a picture for every one of the kids that had been feuding.  They chose ideas that they thought would make the other person happy and feel good about themselves.  They actually had a blast with it.  By the end of the day they couldn't wait to hand out their drawings and describe what they had made.  My son had me hang his drawings he received on our wall.  They've even asked to do it again.  It sure is nice to see how they can come together again after disagreements.  I hope this is a little something that will help them think before they act.

Kids Christmas Ideas

I've been struggling with good present ideas this year for Christmas.  My little girl is really getting the short end of the stick this year.  With having a daycare I already have a million toys and I don't think I need to add much more at the time.  I have good ideas for my boys and they have already been taken care of.  I need better ideas for a 14 month old girl.  Are there any new "must have" toys out there that I haven't seen yet?  She has a couple cheap gifts like silly pillows and a Hello Kitty doll but that's it.  Any ideas would be much appreciated.

I also need good ideas for all of my daycare kids.  They range in age from 8 years old to 10 months.  I have a lot of kids and need cheap ideas that aren't just junk.  Last year they all got stuffed animals of some sort and they all loved them.  They were surprisingly well made considering they are all still used and remain intact.  Again, any ideas are welcome!!

Birthday Boy

Today was my oldest son's 5th birthday!!!  I can't believe how fast the time flies.  I began doing daycare when he was only 6 weeks old.  It's hard to believe that he has grown from such a tiny baby to the "big" kid that he is now.  He's busy with attending 2 preschools to prepare him for kindergarten next year.  He has been a great role model for the other daycare kids and he is a great joy to have around. 

He had a great time handing out his birthday treats at school and loved all the attention he got while wearing his crown.  The other daycare kids loved singing a beautiful rendition of "Happy Birthday" and got to indulge in some much loved brownies.  It was definitely a good day!