Here are some toddler Halloween costume ideas that we are loving:

Rainy Day

• What you’ll need: rain gear (hat/jacket/boots/umbrella), cotton batting, construction paper, string
• How to make it: once your child is all dressed up and ready for rain, use a hot glue gun to glue the cotton batting on top of your umbrella to resemble a cloud. Cut some rain drop shapes out of construction paper and attach to string or ribbon and hot glue them to the umbrella to mimic raindrops!

Life is a Highway

• What you’ll need: black clothing (jacket/pants), yellow tape, black and white cardstock and a bonus if you have some – toy race cars!
• How to make it: add strips of yellow tape to the black jacket and pants mimicking the lines on a road/highway, hot glue gun your race cars sporadically on the clothing as well and cut your black cardstock into little squares and glue onto your white cardstock to create a racing flag

Lego Character

• What you’ll need: colored clothing (stick to one color from top to bottom), an egg carton, ribbon and a piece of cardboard
• How to make it: after you dress your child up in their matching-coloured clothing (think yellow, red or blue) you can then create the “lego block” by hot gluing your egg carton cups onto the piece of cardboard and paint it all the same colour as the clothing. Attach pieces of ribbon onto the back so that they can wear it on top!

Jellyfish

• What you’ll need: clear umbrella, ribbon, tape or a hot glue gun
• How to make it: use either your tape or hot glue gun to attach your ribbon to the inside edge of the umbrella, that’s it! You can throw on some googly eyes to make this one extra fun!

Rosie the Riveter

• What you’ll need: a bandana, a piece of black foamboard, a white marker, a stick of some sort
• How to make it: dress your little one in their cutest denim outfit and wrap the bandana around their head like a headband. Shape your foam board into a speech bubble shape and write “We Can Do It” with your white marker – attach the sign to a stick and you’re ready to rock!

M&M Candy

• What you’ll need: various colored t-shirts if you are doing this in a group (purple, green, blue or red etc), white tape or marker
• How to make it: using your white tape you can create the M&M logo on top of the t-shirt, if you are using a marker instead you can write the M&M logo.

Mummy

• What you’ll need: multiple rolls of bandages, white clothing for layering underneath
• How to make it: dress your little one in white clothing and wrap the bandages around mummy-style – an extremely simple but cute costume!

Fabulous trolls

• What you’ll need: you can use either a wig or simply grab some colored hairspray, nude colored bodysuit and a fun colorful skirt or pants
• How to make it: if you decide to use hairspray, tie your child’s hair up in a very high ponytail and spray away, but a wig works too, and you can do the same thing with it. So fun!

Mario & Luigi

• What you’ll need: red t-shirt and overalls, green t-shirt and overalls, green baseball cap, red baseball cap, white felt, black marker
• How to make it: once your little one’s are dressed in their t-shirts and overalls, cut a circle out of the white felt and glue on top of your baseball hats, use a black marker to write an M and an L on each hat. The perfect pair!

Minions

• What you’ll need: yellow long sleeve shirt, denim overalls, yellow beanie, black pipe cleaners, black gloves, goggles/glasses
• How to make it: glue your pipe cleaners onto the top of your hats and with the rest of your clothing you’re set!

Let’s take the stress out of Halloween costume shopping and use what we already have: creativity! Making any of these Halloween costumes can also be a fun family activity. There are always so many of the same costumes on Halloween night, but your child will be sure to stand out with any of these DIY options.  Don’t forget to label anything important that you don’t want to lose! Happy trick or treating!

The post DIY Kids and Toddler Halloween Costume Ideas appeared first on The Mabelhood.

We’ve broken it down into 4 easy categories to better aid you when it comes to planning your shopping trip in advance. When we think outdoor camp you may only have things like bug spray and sunscreen come to mind, but there is so much more to consider. Quantities of these certain items will change depending on how long your child is going to be away, but for the most part the items will be the same throughout. Always check in with the camp itself if you have any specific questions or concerns when it comes to specific things your child needs or wants to have with them!

First and foremost: don’t forget to label everything! We make this really easy for you by offering a fun Sleepaway Camp Label Pack that you can find here.
Some other labels we recommend checking out are our ever-so-popular Water Bottle Bands, our Custom Clothing Stamp for any of the tagless clothing (like swim suits).  Any of our allergy or medical alert label if your child has a medical condition that needs to be known.

OUTDOOR STUFF NEEDED AT SLEEPAWAY CAMP:

• Bug Spray
• Sunblock (40 SPF and higher is best and waterproof)
• Aloe for sunburn relief
• Afterbite for mosquito relief
• Water bottle (depending on the time spent at camp, pack them 2 so they have a back up)
• Flashlight or lantern

CLOTHING REQUIRED FOR SUMMER CAMP:

• Swimming gear at least 2 or 3 bathing suits)
  
• Goggles (for little kids and these ones for bigger kids)
• Towels (1 for showering and 1 for the pool or lake)
• A few hats with a brim
• Sweats
• Water shoes
• Closed toed shoes
• Shower shoes
• Shorts and T-shirts (nothing that you want to worry about getting worried or dirty, always send more than you feel is necessary)
• Underwear and socks (always send double the amount of days they are away, you can never have too much)
• Sunglasses
• Pajama’s (a mixture of warmer styles and cooler styles depending on the weather)
• Mesh bags for wet clothing

THE SUMMER CAMP TOILETRY BAG:

• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush (with a cover) and toothpaste
• A shower caddy/bag to be used to transport their toiletries
• Tampons and/or pads
• Band-Aids (all camps have a first aid kit, but it doesn’t hurt to pack some of your own)
• Any medications they might require during their time there (always inform the camp as well ahead of time)

SUMMER CAMP “BUNK-JUNK” AND ACTIVITIES:

• Card games
• Non-complicated board games (try to avoid things with lots of pieces and go more compact when you can)
• A journal
• Snacks (if the camp allows)
• Pens/pencils
• Disposable camera
• Compact puzzles
• Fidget toys

EXTRA’S TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN PACKING FOR SUMMER CAMP:

• Ensure you send photocopies of any health card’s or any other important documents you think the camp might require
• Use a duffle bag instead of something like a suitcase or trunk for space reasons
• Money in case there are things available to purchase
• Beads and string/yarn (friendship bracelets are all the rage these days)

The last thing you want to think to yourself while sending your child off at camp is did I send enough underwear and socks? We have you covered with this list that covers all of the most needed camp must-haves.

If you’re wondering how to label all of this, check out this list on exactly how and what to label for camp. It’s a must-have breakdown of everything and how to label it.

The post Sleepaway Camp Shoppable Pack List appeared first on The Mabelhood.

1. Monthly subscription kits!

There are so many options when it comes to a subscription kit. Many companies have specific kits geared to all different ages and there are many different kinds that you can choose from based on the interests of the child you’re purchasing for. Some that we love are: Lovevery, KiwiCo and Little Passports!

2. Adventure experiences!

What kid doesn’t love to get out for a day and do something fun? The options are endless when it comes to choosing an experience instead of a toy. You can purchase things like zoo passes, aquarium passes, and even concert or event tickets for the birthday boy or girl!

3. Extracurricular activities!

Sports and extracurricular’s can be so expensive, asking friends and family to help out is a great option. Keeping kids active is so important and they love it too! Swim passes, soccer sessions or a public skating trip is such a fun way to celebrate someone’s special day.

4. Dress up clothes!

Imagination with toys can only go so far but their imagination can really bloom with a tickle trunk full of dress up clothes. Let them create worlds of their own by providing them with the tools like princess dresses, superhero capes and so much more.

5. A camera!

What better way to capture memories of not only their special day but every day after with their very own camera? Remember the days of having your own digital camera before smart phones took over the world? Let them live out that nostalgia by giving them the gift of reliving their favourite memories!

6. A photo album!

A great gift to give which can also accompany the one above is a photo album. Make it sentimental by filling it up with any photos you may have that would mean something to them and leave a few empty slots for them to contribute photos to as well.

7. Arts and craft supplies!

Although these can be messy themselves, not adding to the toy mess is still what we’re aiming for here. Things to fill up an arts and craft station such as markers, construction paper and glue sticks will add some creativity to their days!

8. Magazine subscription!

Similar to the subscription box option, receiving something in the mail monthly or every other month is so exciting to a child. Even just seeing something consistently in their mailbox with their name on it is sure to make them smile! A few ones we love are Chickadee, National Geographic and Time Kids.

9. Restaurant gift cards!

This is such a fun gift for a kid to receive because it allows them to pay themselves the next time you want to enjoy a dinner out. Make it even more fun by adding a few into a wallet for them so they can feel like the most important kid in the restaurant when you go out for a meal, dinners on them!

10. Last but not least – some Mabel’s Labels- Name Label Gift Pack! 

    With so many options, there’s labels for everyone no matter their age. It’ll be so fun for them to receive something so personalized and giving them all the freedom to label whatever they want to keep as theirs and theirs only.

    

While toys are most commonly given at birthday parties, let 2024 be the year you switch up your gift giving to something on this list instead. No one will be disappointed with any of these options, and they will greatly appreciate the change-up. A kid can only receive so many toys for their birthday, so let’s say bye-bye to toys and hello to happiness and joy in other forms!

Looking for unique loot bag ideas that aren’t plastic junk? Check these ideas out!

The post Unique Kids’ Birthday Gifts That Aren’t Toys – Gift Ideas for Kids appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Why is it important to learn how to share? Sharing with family and friends can help your little one build stronger bonds within these relationships. There are a lot of things in life that sharing will be a part of, and learning these skills at a young age will help them in the long run.

Here is how to teach your kids to share:

 Talk about the positives of sharing!

• As a young child, it’s important for them to hear the benefits of learning a new skill. When they finally get to the age where they may start to share, typically around 2-3 years old, they will love to hear what good can come from sharing.

2. Show mom and dad sharing at home!

• You are truly their role model at this age, and they tend to want to imitate what they are consistently seeing around them. If they see you setting the example of consistently sharing things like the TV remote, a favorite toy of theirs etc. they might want to practice the same thing.

3. Use a timer to take turns!

• Putting a time limit in place may help them understand further the importance of sharing that specific toy or object they may be playing with. This can be helpful with a group of young friends to show them that their time is up and that it’s time to move the toy to the next child.

4. Show them that sharing isn’t always about toys or physical objects!

• It’s easy to teach your child to share in the toy room, but what about sharing in everyday life? Teach them ways people share things outside of the house like cars sharing the road, people at the grocery store sharing their time to help us. The possibilities are endless.

5. Play open-ended games that consistently require sharing!

• Games such as card games or open-ended board games can help your child communicate when it’s time to share. Having to say things like, “it’s my turn now” or “after that it is your turn” will require them to share while also explaining why it is necessary in the game.

6. Plan out future playdates!

• Setting up your child for success is so important, so if you are aware that your child may be having difficulties sharing – make it known to others that are going to be around them. Be open and honest with both your little one and their friends and family and continue to show praise when they do well in those situations.

7. Point out good sharing when you see it in group settings!

• Remember when we said earlier those toddlers tend to imitate everything we do? They will do the same with friends and peers when they are in a comfortable play setting. By praising the sharing of another child, it will help your child realize how great sharing can really be.

8. Try not to force it – it’s okay not to share sometimes!

• It’s totally normal for toddlers to be resistant to sharing, especially when it comes to certain prized possessions. It’s okay to teach your toddler that in some situations, we don’t always have to share. By helping them feel secure in this decision, it may help them make better decisions next time.

If you have more than one child and they’re often mixing up their stuff and fighting over which belongs to who, give the Split Name Label Pack a try, it’s a pack of name labels for two kids – they can label who owns what and it works wonders for curbing sibling rivalry!

9. Respect their favorite toys!

• Some children might have a favorite thing that makes it hard for them to share it in group settings. Have your child identify this item and allow them to put it aside when it comes to having playdates.

10. Make it fun!

• Kids respond best to FUN! Although sharing is an important life skill, it can also be a really fun one to learn. Play all the games, sing all the songs and just try to implement all types of sharing in your family’s day to day life.

While it is important to start these things young, your child will learn a lot about sharing as they get older as well. Things like daycare or group play settings will help them when it comes to learning to share amongst their peers. They will learn even more about sharing when it comes time to start school – things like taking turn on the swing set or waiting for their time at a certain Kindergarten station. Now let’s get sharing!

The post How to teach your kids to share appeared first on The Mabelhood.

1. Plan Ahead for your child’s birthday

With so much going on at this time of year, it’s important to have a plan ahead of the big day. Start planning as early as you can so that you can ensure other people (if you’re including others) have plenty of time to make sure they can attend as well.

2. Always use non-holiday wrapping and décor!

It’s easy to just blend the two celebrations together, but it feels even more special to your child when they see that you’ve taken the time to make them two totally separate events. Steer away from the holiday wrapping paper and gift bags (you might have to dig a little at your local drug store for the birthday stuff at this time of year, but it’s there!)

3. Choose an experience instead of a physical gift!

Gift-giving is a pretty common occurrence when it comes to getting together for the holidays, so you’re best to switch it up when it comes to celebrating a birthday. Opt for an exciting experience like heading to your local movie theatre, run to the arcade, or even just taking a trip to your hometown zoo – they will love the change!

4. Don’t combine Christmas and birthday gifts!

If you don’t want to entertain the idea of enjoying an experience, try your best to completely separate the gifts you have planned. Let any family and friends know that your child will be getting gifts for Christmas and gifts for their birthday but that they are not to be combined into the same gift-giving event.

If you’re looking for great loot bag ideas, this is our pick! 

5. Let them pick out their own toy at the store!

Who says you have to have one without the other? If you’re still on the fence, combining gift giving with an experience might be the best fit for you and your family. Head to your local toy store and let your child have their pick when it comes to their birthday gift. It’ll make them feel so special knowing they had a hand in it!

6. Enjoy dinner out!

The holiday season can be full of family dinners and get togethers, some small and some large, so letting your child choose a dinner experience all of their own will help them feel like number one. Have them pick a restaurant and go crazy – Shirley Temple’s all around!

7. Turn your Christmas tree into a birthday tree!

Break out the streamers and the festive birthday bows, having a birthday tree is tons of fun! String their favourite ornaments and watch the awe on their face once you’ve completed this fun activity.

8. Celebrate their half birthday!

The summertime can be a bit more relaxing versus the busy holiday season, so there’s no shame in celebrating the birthday kid a bit earlier than usual! Have a pool party, head outdoors for a BBQ or just enjoy staying up past your bedtime (because you can!) and have the most fun without the stress.

Although December is usually one of the slowest months when it comes to worldwide birthdays, there are still lots of kiddos out there with one (including my own)! It’s so important to make them feel special all while still being surrounded by the magic of the holiday season. Birthdays can truly be just as magic in November and December and they don’t have to take a backseat – celebrate with these fun tips and tricks and enjoy the holidays all on their own. Happy Birthday!

The post How to Make Your Kid’s December Birthday Special appeared first on The Mabelhood.

1. Ants On A Log

• Cut celery into sticks
• Fill with cream cheese
• Top with raisins as your “ants on a log”

What to add to your grocery list: celery, cream cheese, raisins.

2. Apple Nachos

• Cut apples into thin chip-like wedges
• Whisk together almond butter, coconut oil and maple syrup
• Drizzle over the apples and add your “toppings” like coconut flakes, raisins and whatever else!

What to add to your grocery list: apples, almond butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, raisins, coconut oil, coconut flakes

3. Watermelon Pizza

• Slice the melon into 1-inch-thick rounds
• Spread the yogurt over the watermelon
• Add your toppings! Use things like fresh berries, shredded coconut etc

What to add to your grocery list: watermelon, yogurt, fresh fruit

4. PB&J Sushi Rolls

• Roll your bread flat using a rolling pin
• Spread your favorite peanut butter and jam
• Roll and cut into “sushi” pieces!

What to add to your grocery list: bread, your favorite jelly, peanut butter

5. Frozen Yogurt Bites

• Cut the corner of a yogurt tube
• Squeeze little droplets onto a parchment lined plate or pan
• Freeze and enjoy!

What to add to your grocery list: yogurt tubes – that’s it!

6. Apple Sandwiches

• Core and cut your apple into slices
• Spread one side of half of the slices with your favorite nut butter and sprinkle with chocolate chips and granola.
• Top with the remaining apple slices to form a sandwich!

What to add to your grocery list: apples, peanut butter, chocolate chips, granola.

7. Strawberry Banana Quesadillas

• Spread Nutella on your tortilla
• Top with banana and strawberry slices and fold in half
• Place folded tortilla in a warm pan to make it crispy and enjoy!

What to add to your grocery list: tortillas, Nutella, strawberries, banana

8. Cheese Monsters

• Unwrap your Babybel cheese from it’s plastic wrapper
• Use a sharp pairing knife to create fun mouth shapes
• Bonus – use some googly eyes to make them extra fun!

What to add to your grocery list: Babybel cheese – that’s it!

9. Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Bark

• In a flat pan, line the sides with parchment paper and spread evenly with yogurt
• Sprinkle with your favourite mix-ins
• Freeze for a few hours until frozen and then remoe from the pan to break it into pieces – enjoy!

What to add to your grocery list: yogurt, freeze dried strawberries

10. Cucumber Sushi

• Slice cucumber into 1-inch-thick slices and hollow out the center of each slice
• Stuff the cucumber with cheese, deli meat and whatever else you’d like until the center is filled
• Serve cold and enjoy!

What to add to your grocery list: cucumber, cheese slices, deli meat slices, matchstick carrots

With an after-school snack, it’s important to keep it as simple as possible to alleviate the stresses that come with pick up time and getting ready for any extra activities or extra curricular’s that may pop up on a weeknight. All of these snacks can be made in a few minutes, and they are also really easy for the kids to help out with! Your kids will enjoy these yummy treats and you’ll enjoy the few minutes of peace and silence these bites will grant you. Have fun with it!

Looking for more? Check out our Favorite Pumpkin Spice Muffin recipe!

The post After School Snack Ideas appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Don’t forget to pick up your Pacifier Labels especially important when heading to daycare! If your baby spits it out often, you don’t want a germy mix-up when they’re popping it back in your baby’s mouth!

Here’s our Top 10 List for best pacifiers & soothers for babies who spit them out:

1. Phillips Avent Soothie Pacifier

Why do we love it? – the Avent Soothie Pacifier is made out of medical-grade silicone, which means it’s super easy to clean by running it through the dishwasher or sterilizer. It’s soft and pliable, allowing baby to suck on it with ease!

Buy it here

2. Wubbanub Infant Pacifier

Why do we love it? – The Wubbanub is best for babies up to 6 months old and they are great and entertaining and soothing at the same time. With a stuffy attached to the end, it adds a small amount of extra weight helping it to stay in your baby’s mouth!

Buy it here

3. Natursutten Natural Pacifier

Why do we love it? – The Natursutten is considered more of an orthodontic pacifier due to its shape. It’s made with 100% rubber, containing no harmful BPA’s or chemicals making it easy to clean, which is always a bonus for new parents!

Buy it here 

4. Ryan & Rose Cutie PAT

Why do we love it? – For all of those little chewers out there, we love the Cutie PAT because it doubles as both a pacifier and a teether. Made from a soft and safe silicone, the beaded handle is perfect for those new teethers while still acting as a soother for those tough moments.

Buy it here

5. Nuk Orthodontic Pacifier

Why do we love it? – For their low price, you can’t go wrong with trying the Nuk Pacifier’s. The nipples on these soothers come pretty close to resembling the real thing which a lot of babies tend to prefer. They’re also really easy to attach to a soother clip, making them great for on the go!

Buy it here 

6. BIBS Natural Rubber Pacifier

Why do we love it? – the BIBS soother offers a classic shape and are made from natural rubber. Designed in Denmark, the shape of this soother is similar to a breast which helps babies when it comes to daily use. They also come in a variety of fun colours, both neutral and brighter options.

Buy it here 

7. MAM Original Start Newborn Baby Pacifier

Why do we love it? – The MAM soother is another one that does a great job at resembling the breast with its textured silicone and it’s flattening and extending nipple. It’s small and lightweight and the butterfly-shaped shield allows plenty of breathing room for baby’s nose and helps to alleviate build-up from sweat and saliva.

Buy it here

8. Itzy Ritzy Sweetie Soother Pacifier

Why do we love it? – I’m sure no baby actually cares what their soother looks like, but if you want something that might be prettier to look at than most, the Itzy Ritzy pacifiers are for you. They are still very functional with their soft silicone build and their sturdy handles and there are tons of colours to choose from.

Buy it here

9. Doddle & Co. Pop Pacifier

Why do we love it? – This pacifier has a really innovative design that not only works for soothing your new baby, but it also saves you time from cleaning that pesky soother a million times a day. Since babies are constantly dropping their pacifiers, this one “pops” closed into its own case saving the nipple from germs and more.

Buy it here 

10. Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Silicone Pacifier

Why do we love it? – A lightweight pacifier tends to be more likely to stay in the mouths of little ones, which is why we love this Tommee Tippee style. This soft, silicone pacifier sits comfortably between baby’s chin and nose due to it’s special shape.

Buy it here

As a parent, it’s okay to want to give your child some sort of self-soothing device like a pacifier in those early days. Studies show that they can help with things like offering a temporary distraction, soothing a fussy baby and it can even be beneficial when it comes to helping your baby fall asleep.

In the end, it comes down to your choice and your choice only. There are always decisions we will need to make in our children’s life – decision making really is one of your full-time jobs in parenthood. All you need to ensure is that you feel confident in the decision you make for you and your baby and live your best life!

The post Best Pacifiers & Soothers for Babies Who Spit Them Out appeared first on The Mabelhood.

We’ve made it easier for you both by creating a fun checklist for you and your kiddo to work on this summer. The list is below, and here is a FREE Kindergarten Readiness Checklist for your little one to work on.

1. I know how to open my lunchbox!

• Have fun with this by packing a few “test” lunches before school starts. Have your child zip open their lunch bag while also taking them through how to open any snack packaging, lunch containers or water bottles they may be using as well!  Make sure you label your lunchbox!

2. I know how to dress myself!

• Accidents can happen especially in a school setting, so it’s imperative that they know how to change themselves if need be. This also includes things like knowing how to put their indoor and outdoor shoes on, their jacket, and if you’re somewhere that experiences a cold, cold winter – making sure they know how to take on and off all of that gear! (For the extra layers, add some Tag Mates so clothing doesn’t go missing)

3. I can recognize my name!

• Kindergarten teachers make a really fun environment for the kids, and this can often include name tags and personalized workstations. Making sure they can read their names before starting will really help with their independence in the classroom! This will also help them recognize their labeled items and help keep stuff out of the lost & found.

4. I can hold a pencil, marker or a crayon!

• Kindergarten is all about FUN and most of their learning consists of things like arts and crafts – being able to hold a writing utensil properly will help them in the long run!

5. I know how to be kind!

• It can be hard for children to immediately find connections when it comes to starting school, especially if they aren’t used to being around other children all the time. Learning how to be kind will help them build friendships quickly and make buddies on the first day!

6. I know how to raise my hand!

• Knowing how to ask for help in a classroom setting will also provide your child with independence when it comes to succeeding in kindergarten, this is another thing you can practice at home!

7. I like to share my toys!

• Starting school is all about sharing and this is something they will learn when they’re there. It can be hard for them to learn this at home, especially if they are an only child, because they might think that everything belongs to them! Teaching them the importance of sharing before the start of school will help them in the long run.

8. I can clean up after myself!

• Most of their early learning will consist of stations with things like arts and crafts, pretend play and more. Cleaning up will be a big part of the day, so try and make it fun as they learn by using a song or a rhyme to help!

9. I can use my manners!

• It’s important that we don’t put too much pressure about manners on our kids at such a young age but saying things like please and thank you in the classroom will help them not only with their teachers, but it will also help with making friends!

10. I know how to play nicely with others!

• Learning their manners, sharing and knowing how to be kind with others will make this step a much easier one to learn. This too will come with time – but it’s something we can easily start implementing during at-home playtime!

11. I can sit and listen!

• Although Kindergarten is all about fun, there will be sometimes that children will need to sit quietly and be able to listen to their teachers. Although you may have some trouble with this at home (don’t we all?) you’d be surprised how different they’ll be at school!

12. I can count to 10!

• Do not feel pressured if your child isn’t doing this quite yet, it truly is remarkable how quick they can learn and pickup other things when they start school. There are lots of things that can help you practice this at home before the starting of school – try things like fun games, songs and rhymes to help prepare them!

13. I can say my alphabet!

• This really is something they’ll work really hard on when they start school, but it’s important that they are able to verbalize at least a few of their ABC’s – make it fun!

14. I know some of my colors and what they look like!

• Being able to point out colors and say their names is something that will help them when it comes to your children showing their artistic side at school. Practice this with flashcards and games and they’ll learn them all right in front of your eyes!

15. I know when to use the washroom!

• This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s normal for your little ones to be a little stressed when it comes to going to a different washroom every day. Help your child by discussing with them how important it is for us to know when and where to go to the washroom when it comes to being at school!

If you don’t feel ready yet – don’t sweat it! Many moms and parents struggle with the first day of school jitters, maybe even more than their little ones, it’s only normal. Have fun during the rest of the summer by going through your checklist and have your kiddo check something off it when they feel like they’ve mastered a skill. You’d be surprised how excited they are when they realize how quickly they’ve learnt their ABC’s, or the look on their face when they’ve figured out exactly how to open and close their school lunchboxes. From holding onto our hands for dear life, to stepping foot into the classroom – time really flies. Let’s make sure they’re set up for success this September (both you and your child!)

For more back-to-school info, check this out! 

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