This is the first year that I have considered Elf on the Shelf. My daughter is now at an age where she’ll hear stories from classmates about the shenanigans their Elves are getting into. As an Elf newbie, I am considering whether I want to bring this relatively new tradition to my family. I just don’t know if I’m one of those families—an Elf family. 

This time of year, my sanity hangs like a heavy Christmas ornament on a floppy tree branch. The season is labor-intensive and stressful, and busy. You’re probably thinking I’m the Grinch. Maybe, just maybe, I’m a busy mom who isn’t sure I can manage Elf on the Shelf. Even though I want to, I just don’t know whether I can take on another daily task that involves creativity, props, and another item on the to-do list. To Elf or not to Elf, that is the question.

So I did what any over-thinking mom would do, I made a pros and cons list.

Elf on the Shelf pros and cons list:

• Pro -It brings joy into the household:  I want to bring that magic and fun into my house during the Christmas season. I want to see the joy on my daughter’s face when she sees the Elf mischief each morning.
• Pro- It’s a parenting right-of-passage: One of the benefits of social media is that we get an opportunity to share good memories, and Elf On The Shelf is one of those things. We see our feeds filling up daily with Elf high-jinks, funny stories of how moms almost forget to move him, and Elf tips & tricks. Elf-moms have other Elf-moms backs when it comes to needing advice.
• Pro- It’s creative:  Some moms get very creative, and that can be wonderful. There are 24 days of shenanigans for an Elf to get into!
• Pro- It keeps the kids inline:  A simple way to ensure the kids stay on their best behavior all month long, the Elf is watching. 

The downside of Elf on the shelf:

• Con- It’s controversial:  I’ve read a lot about the psychological effect of Elf on the shelf; it turns out it’s hugely controversial. Many moms struggle with the idea that an Elf is watching over their kids, and the motivation for good behavior all month long is based on a make-believe Elf. That’s a fair argument, but it still isn’t the basis of my hesitation (I’m not above bribery).
• Con- Does it still bring joy if I feel burdened? The magic over the Holidays only works if we can do it with enthusiasm. If we genuinely feel the joy, not the stress of it. 
• Con-Once you start, you can never go back: What if I forget to move it? What if I make a rookie mistake?  Sure, Pinterest is full of ideas and ways to get yourself out of an effing error, pardon me; an elfing error. But that alone takes effort- writing elf letters, broken legs. Do I want to make an Elf leg cast? (no, I don’t). Do I want to manipulate my handwriting to impersonate an Elf’s (nope) Do I want to create complex plot lines to keep the story going all month? (again, it’s a no)
• Con- It’s creative: There are 24 days of shenanigans for an Elf to get into. That’s a commitment.
• Con- It feels like a competition:  Sometimes it can feel as though posting daily Elf naughtiness is just a way to try and outdo one another. It couldn’t be a competition of Elf shenanigans, could it? (It could)

There you have it.

My self-care comes first. To be a good parent, a happy and enthusiastic parent, I need to set boundaries. I need to ensure that I don’t take on too much and burn out or feel resentful, which can quickly happen at this time of year. So, I asked myself one crucial question:

Does my child’s happiness over the Christmas season depend on how creative I get with an Elf? 

It absolutely does not. Children find magic in the simplest of things. Having a parent who doesn’t feel too stretched to enjoy those simple things with them. Carefully weigh your mental health vs. Elf on The Shelf.

We will get an Elf that will visit on weekends only. Friday and Saturday nights, the Elf will return from helping Santa and visit. The weekends when I’m more relaxed, and perhaps have enjoyed a glass of wine and am feeling a tad more creative. I can manage that.  It’s yet to be determined whether I’ll share any high-jinks on the ‘gram. If I do and you see my post know this- it’s not an Elfing competition, so manage your self-care before your elf-care.   

Post updated for 2023. 

The post The Pros and Cons of Elf on the Shelf; How I’m Choosing Self-Care Before Elf-Care appeared first on The Mabelhood.

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.

So, how to introduce kids to gardening in a way that’s enjoyable and interesting for them? Read on!

Getting Your Kids Involved in Gardening

Get them their own tools

Kids love having their own set of tools, especially when they’re made specially for smaller hands! Kids’ gardening tool sets aren’t that expensive and easy to find online. Grab them a set and give it to them as a gift, or maybe let them help you pick one out. It will get them excited about the task that’s ahead!

You’ll also want to get some plant markers so that your kids can keep track of what’s growing where. Check out these fun DIY plant and garden marker ideas, a great activity for a rainy day!

Make a Plan

Making a gardening plan is a fun process and it’s easy to involve your kids in it! Choose your plot of land or that pots that you’re going to use. Talk about how you want your garden to look, then sit down as a family and write out a plan for what vegetables and herbs you’d like to grow. Here’s a great garden plan printable you can use to record everyone’s ideas – Our Garden Plan Printable:

While you may not be able to visit a nursery or garden centre or you can order your seeds or buds online. You may want to get this started sooner than later, as you may find places start selling out of what you want.

Let Them Get Dirty!

Kids love getting their hands dirty! Gardening is a great opportunity to allow your little ones to get their hands dirty (literally) and touch and explore all the elements of the great outdoors.

Make Gardening a Fun, Social Activity

Go through all the required steps with your kids when you’re first planting your garden. Use this fun printable to keep them on track – How Does Your Garden Grow Printable:

Talk about why your plants needs certain things, like water and sun, and talk about how you’ll care for them in the coming months. Talk about the parts of a plant so they feel informed and educated on what they’re doing. Here’s a colouring sheet you can use to help with that – Parts of a Plant Printable:

And most importantly, remember that the upkeep of your garden should be fun and light-hearted! The last thing you want is for it to become a chore that your kids start resisting. Kids will love doing the daily check-in of their plants to see how much they’ve grown and if you’re tech-savvy, you can even set up a camera to film a time lapse and watch a quick play back with your kids of how their plant grew that day.

Teaching Nutrition Through Gardening

Letting your kids take part in the process of growing something from a seed or bud to a full plant is a wonderful way to promote healthy eating. Not only does the act of vegetable gardening give children a deeper understanding of where the food they eat comes from, it’s also exciting enough to encourage even the pickiest of eaters to try something new!

Encourage your kids to have a taste of the vegetables they’ve grown. It’s important that they get to enjoy the fruits of their labor! Here’s a wonderful tally sheet you can print for them to make it feel like a fun game! Have your kids go on a tasting test and record their likes and dislikes – Eating My Garden Printable:

Once you’ve harvested your veggies and herbs, you can use them in your cooking! Sit down with your kids and think about what meals you could make with what you’ve grown. You can also have them take part in the preparing and cooking of your meal. The more you involve them in the entire process, the more likely they are to try new things. It also allows them to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment in all their hard work.  

Want more tips on introducing children to gardening? Here are some other great online resources:

Find tips, support and ideas for using garden-based activities and lesson plans for your children at KidsGardening:

https://kidsgardening.org/

My First Garden is a site from the University of Illinois that includes all you need to know about getting started with gardening in a fun, kid-friendly way:

https://web.extension.illinois.edu/firstgarden/

A Montessori perspective on the importance and benefits of teaching young children about nature and gardening:

https://www.montessorinature.com/importance-benefits-gardening-children-toddlers-preschoolers/

Gardening For Kids has great resources, tips and products for introducing children to gardening:

https://gardeningforkids.co.uk/

There are lots of great gardening products for kids you can buy at Gardeners.com:

https://www.gardeners.com/buy/gardening/kids-gardening/ 


Check out more cute free pintables for Summer here!

The post How to Introduce Kids to Gardening (With Free Printables!) appeared first on The Mabelhood.

If you’re a parent, you know that raising children means accumulating a lot of stuff over the years. From outgrown clothes to forgotten toys, it can be challenging to keep your child’s belongings organized and tidy. This spring cleaning checklist for parents is a chance to reset, refresh, and create a more comfortable and functional space for your family.

Start by running some of these items through the dishwasher, the smaller stuff that gets handled daily and can become really filthy and germy. Here are a few items parents may want to consider running through the dishwasher this spring clean.

Household & Kids Items you can put in the dishwasher:

Did you know that there are a ton of household things that can go through the dishwasher? Here is a list of things that you can run through the dishwasher this spring:

-Hairbrush or comb (remove all hair first!)
-Lego (put them in a mesh bag)
-Small plastic toys
-Soap dishes, toothbrush holder, and bathroom cups
-Toothbrushes (in the cutlery section)
-car and car seat plastic cup holders (they can get very yucky)
-Light switch covers (just unscrew and put them on the top shelf; kids are always touching the switches so cleaning these will feel & look great)
-Baseball caps
-Kids shin guards, mouth guards, water bottles, etc.
-Pet toys
-Cell phone case (another item that touched daily and can handle a deep clean – if you can get it out of your kids hands for long enough to run through the dishwasher!)

Here’s a spring-cleaning checklist for parents:

Clean Outdoor Toys and Equipment
Kids love to play outside, but their toys and equipment can get dirty and grimy over time. Take some time to clean and sanitize everything, including bicycles, scooters, and sports equipment. Pump up the tires, make any necessary repairs, and check helmet sizes to ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for your kids.

Sort and Clean the Garage
Over the winter the garage can quickly become a catch-all for everything from outdoor toys to tools and gardening equipment. Take some time to sort through everything, donate or discard anything you no longer need, and organize the remaining items. Pack away your snow shovels! This will not only free up space but also make it easier to find what you need when you need it.

Add these on your garbage bins for those windy days! 

Organize Bike and Outdoor Toy Storage
Once you’ve cleaned and sanitized the outdoor toys and equipment, it’s time to store them properly. Use hooks, shelves, and storage bins to keep everything organized and in its place. This will make it easier to find what you need when it’s time to play outside.

It’s also a good time, to check the sandbox, clear out any old leaves and put fresh sand in if needed.

Sort through your kids clothing
Donate anything that no longer fits, get them to try-on last years summer clothing and make a list of the new stuff you may need. Check the bathing suits, sandals, sunglasses and make sure everyone has what they need.

Clear out the expired stuff
Check your sunscreen and remove anything that has expired, same with bug sprays and hydrocortisone creams.

Stock up on band-aids for all those scraped knees they’ll get this summer!

Deep Clean the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s important to keep it clean and organized. Take some time to deep clean the appliances, including the oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Wipe down the cabinets and countertops, and organize the pantry and drawers. This will not only make your kitchen look better but can also improve the functionality of the space.

Use these labels to ensure everything has a place! 

Clean Curtains in Kids’ Rooms & Sanitize bedding
Curtains can collect dust and allergens, especially in kids’ rooms, where they’ve probably spent a lot of time over the winter. Take them down and wash them. This will not only make them look better but can also improve the air quality in your home.

Put all the bedding, cushions and stuffies through a sanitizing cycle in your wash.

Spring cleaning can be a daunting task, but with a little planning and organization, you can get everything done in no time (especially when you use the dishwasher trick!) Refer back to the checklist to help you get started and enjoy a clean, organized and refreshed home and outdoor space for the season ahead.

Here is our favorite weekly cleaning routine for parents, it’s a great way to manage keeping the house clean all week long by doing a few small tasks each day!

The post Spring Cleaning Tips for Parents; Plus, Kids Items You Can Put through the Dishwasher! appeared first on The Mabelhood.

While many families have the luxury of travelling during this time, not everyone is able to take a trip. But don’t worry, a staycation can be just as fun and exciting! We’ve compiled a list of 5 days’ worth of fun stay-at-home spring break activities for kids that are sure to keep your little ones entertained and engaged all week long.

Day 1: Make a birdseed cake + go for an afternoon hike.

Making a bird seed cake with kids can be a fun and educational activity. Start by melting some lard in a pot and mixing in birdseed, oats, and cornmeal. After the mixture cools a bit, pour it into a mold or container lined with parchment paper and let it harden in the fridge. Once the cake is ready, you can remove it from the mold and string it up!

Take the kids on an afternoon hike to find a good spot to hang it! Look for a tree branch that is visible and accessible to birds but out of reach of squirrels. As you hike, observe the birds and discuss their behaviors and habitats.

When you find the perfect spot, hang up the bird cake and wait for the birds to come and enjoy their treat. It’s a great way to teach kids about nature and the importance of caring for our feathered friends.

Day 2 Indoor camping + movie marathon 

If you’ve checked the forecast and the weather looks gloomy during spring break, try this fun and cozy activity with your kids. Have the kids set up a tent or fort in your living room, grab some blankets and pillows, and get ready to snuggle up with your little ones for an afternoon of movies and campfire snacks (microwave s’mores are always a big hit!)

With so many streaming services available these days, you’re sure to find a great selection of family-friendly films to watch together. You could even make it a theme!? So, close the curtains, pop some popcorn, and enjoy a lazy day of indoor adventure with your kids.

Day 3: Thrift store silly outfit day + Ice cream!

Are you looking for a fun, unique and silly activity to do with your kids, something that will bring on the giggles and bring you all closer? Visit your local thrift store and buy silly outfits for each other! (everyone gets to select a crazy hat or hilarious blouse – the crazier, the better!)

It’s an affordable and entertaining way to bond with your loved kids, and they are sure to get a kick out of it! Once you’ve picked out your outfits, head out for some ice cream and enjoy each other’s company while showing off your hilarious new looks. So if you’re looking for a way to add some laughter and joy to your family’s break, consider this simple and enjoyable activity – it will definitely be a memorable one!

Day 4: Family bake-off + afternoon tea party

Who doesn’t love baked goods? Host a family bake-off followed by an afternoon tea party! This activity allows everyone to showcase their baking skills while spending quality time together.

Team up if you have little ones who are too young to bake alone. Start by choosing a few classic recipes that everyone can make, such as chocolate chip cookies or brownies. Then, gather all of the ingredients and equipment needed and let the baking begin!

Once everyone has finished their creations, set up a tea party with some tasty treats, like scones, sandwiches, and cakes, and enjoy the fruits of your labor together. If you have a competitive family – you can all judge your baked goods and crown the bake-off champ!

It’s a great way to bond with loved ones and create lasting memories, plus, baking can be educational without your kids even knowing it!

Day 5: Let them re-arrange or redecorate their room + trip to Ikea (maybe even for lunch!)

As parents, we often do everything for our children, including cleaning and organizing their rooms. However, letting your kids take charge of their space can have many benefits. Not only does it teach them valuable life skills, but it also gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Give them the opportunity to reorganize their rooms, help them clear out the clutter and decide on what to donate or sell. But allow them to take the lead. Here are some great tips!

To make the experience even more enjoyable, consider taking them on a trip to Ikea (hello, excellent, inexpensive lunch option they’ll love) or your local store afterward to choose one new item for their room. This not only adds to the excitement but also gives them a chance to express their creativity and personal style.

So, why not give it a try and see how it goes? Your kids just might surprise you with how well they can take care of their own space. 

Here are a few additional ideas for spring break activities you might like:

-Plant seedlings and get started on your spring garden planning.
-Give the kids a digital camera and allow them to take some family photos, nature photos or a silly photoshoot with the family pet.
-Build a fairy garden or a bug hotel
-Visit the local library, go swimming at the community centre.

We know you can have a memorable spring break at home. You don’t need to travel to make memories. With creativity and silliness, you can have a fantastic week full of good times and laughter that will bond your family and create great traditions!

The post Unforgettable Spring Break Ideas for Kids: Fun Stay-at-Home Activities 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.

Mabel’s Labels has a wide variety of labels that can make your trip smoother; whether you have safety concerns, lost luggage, mix-up items, fighting kids, or allergies – we’ve got a label for that!

Here are just a few ways that name labels can make traveling with kids easier:

1. No mix-ups with luggage or travel items – The Travel Label Pack

The biggest way to keep yourself organized and your items are safe while traveling is to use luggage labels! This is our all-time best label pack for travel! The Travel Label Pack is the easiest way to quickly and easily identify your luggage; it includes peel & stick labels with your contact info that can easily be applied to your luggage. Plus, large rectangle labels help identify your items from other similar items belonging to other families.

This is particularly helpful when heading on a cruise, or Disney Parks over Spring Break- where many families are living in close quarters, and all have look-a-like items.

Contact Info Bag Tags – if you love our regular bag tags, you’ll love these luggage tags! These have the cutest designs, kids and adults love them! They’ll not only keep your bags safe – and allow you to be contacted in the event they go missing- but they make your bags way more adorable and much easier to spot!

2. Keep high-priced items safe – Contact Info Labels

One of the biggest challenges of travelling with kids is keeping track of all their belongings. From toys to backpacks to jackets, it’s easy for things to get misplaced or lost in the shuffle. The LAST thing you want to lose on a trip is– let’s be honest, the tablet!

The Contact Info Labels have a name and phone number on them; this way, you can be reached if the item goes missing, especially the high-ticket items like the switch, tablet, phones or precious items your kids would be devastated to lose!

3. Tips to avoid sibling rivalry when traveling – Split Name Label Pack

If you have multiple children, it’s easy for their belongings to get mixed up, especially if they have similar items. By using name labels, you can avoid mix-ups between siblings. Each child can have their own label, making it clear which items belong to which child.

So, if your kids have look-a-like items, it’s best to label who’s is who. This will help avoid the evening fights over the toothbrush, the phone charger, the handheld games, and anything else that starts sibling fights!

This label pack isn’t just for travel but will help avoid all the sibling fights over stuff at home, too, for the price of one label pack, so it’s win-win!

4. Keep Your Kids Safe While Traveling – Silicone ID Bracelets 

The easiest way to give yourself peace of mind when you’re traveling to somewhere busy, is the Silicone ID Bracelet. When going to a busy beach, or theme park it can be very scary to lose sight of your child. The Silicone ID Bracelet is a small, fun bracelet your kids where (totally waterproof!) that has your phone number on it. This way, if your kids can’t remember your phone number or are too young – you’re easily reachable by whoever finds your child.

*Remember to always tell your kids that if they get separated – to look for another family! Parents are always the best and least intimidating way to help!

5. Name Labels for Travel Safety and Emergencies – Emergency Contact Labels

Travelling can be stressful enough, and it’s important to keep your child safe at all times, but if you’re travelling with a child with additional medical or safety needs it can be very daunting. The Emergency contact labels are the easiest way to ensure that everyone knows they have additional needs. By labelling your child’s medication or allergy information on their belongings, you can ensure that they receive the proper care they need if an emergency arises.

6. Travelling with Allergies – Medical Alert Label Pack

Similar to the Emergency Contact Labels, this Medical Alert Label Pack can help keep your family safe when travelling with additional medical concerns. This set of labels is perfect for travelling with allergies – these eye-catching labels have all the info needed in the case of an allergy attack while travelling.  Stick on water bottles, snack containers, bags and backpacks!

Name labels can make traveling with kids easier. From avoiding lost items to easy identification, peace of mind in an emergency, or medical concerns – they’re a simple and effective solution to many of the challenges of travel, and while they may not solve all the travel stresses, but they can certainly help!

Who doesn’t love neatly packed, organized, and labeled luggage!

Check out this post if you’re travelling with babies and want the best products and hacks to make it easier!

The post Name Labels for Travel: The Hack You Didn’t Know You Needed! 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.

It is not uncommon for baby boomers to be known for making rude and inappropriate comments, even discriminatory. However, what makes things worse is that they often try to justify their behavior using excuses that are not particularly valid. For instance, some may claim that they are too old to change their ways, that they are only speaking their minds, that their comments are harmless, that your generation is too sensitive, or that they’ve raised three kids, so they know best!

Generally, I’d say that regardless of the reasons behind their behavior, it is important to educate people about the harm caused by such comments and work towards creating change being more inclusive and respectful. The holidays can sometimes be difficult and not always the time when you want to get into it with someone. Sometimes, for our mental health, it’s easier to get by with quick and easy comments that shut down the conversation.

Be direct with what you say, but honest with how you say it.
-Adam Grant

Here are some quick and easy ways to handle toxic family over the holidays:

1. Set Boundaries with family members

One of the most effective ways to deal with toxic family members or inappropriate comments is to set boundaries. This means being clear about what you will and will not tolerate. For example, if someone makes a rude comment about your life choices, you can calmly but firmly say,

I don’t appreciate your comment; this is not up for discussion.

How to teach your child they don’t have to hug:

What do you do when relatives try to force hugs on your child? Set boundaries! If your child doesn’t want to be hugged, respect that. As a parent, you must back them on this and help them set those boundaries. It’s an important lesson about consent and giving your child the power to say no.  Here are some ways to help them set those boundaries:

Intervene and give your child choices; show them that you can still be respectful while setting boundaries:

Come here and give me a hug!
Parent (speaking to child): Would you like to give a hug or maybe a high-five or wave?  

Empower your child to make the choice for themselves even when you’re not there. Let them know that they are always welcome to say no to affection:

Come here and give me a hug!
Child: No thank you. or, Let’s fist bump instead.

2. Stay calm – don’t give toxic family the ability to ruin your holiday!

It’s natural to get upset when someone says something hurtful or offensive, but staying calm, cool, and collected is important. Getting angry or defensive will only escalate the situation and make things worse; don’t ruin your own holiday! Instead, take a deep breath, count to ten, and respond calmly and measuredly. Or walk away.

Try something like this,

Huh, I’m surprised you said that out loud.

That’s a rather personal question to ask someone. I’d prefer not to answer that.

I don’t think you meant to ask that in front of everyone.

3. Find Support for getting though tough family functions

Dealing with toxic family members or inappropriate comments can be emotionally draining, so it’s essential to find support. This could be a friend or therapist. If you have another cousin, partner, or sibling who is aware of the family dynamic, talk to them ahead of time and help one another out, for example when you hear this:

“When are you having another child? They will be lonely – they won’t learn how to share.”
Your partner, mom or someone else can answer if you think this question is triggering.

“Thank you for your thoughts, but our family is happy and complete.”

Here are a few other polite comments to keep in your back pocket for a variety of situations:

“I don’t want to discuss that in front of the children.”

“I value your opinion, but on this topic, I’d appreciate it if you would keep this opinion to yourself. Thank you”

“I understand what you’re saying, but we will continue to do what’s best for our family.”

And when all else fails, a sarcastic smile and “Thank you for your feedback.”

4. Focus on the positive: ways to show family what is appropriate to discuss and what is not

It’s easy to get caught up in the negativity of toxic family members or inappropriate comments. Still, it’s essential to focus on the positive, and by doing so, you can also put them in their place about what is appropriate to discuss and remind them of what truly matters. For example, did they mention your weight, the weight of your child, or eating habits?

I’ve heard comments to my daughter like, “You’re so slender. I’m jealous.”  they tried to justify it as a compliment, but compliments like this are damaging; you’ve just told my daughter that her worth is based on how she looks. Plus, behind closed doors, there could be all kinds of struggles that are none of anyone’s business.  Shut it down like it is,

In our family, we don’t discuss how our bodies look but what they can do. Did you know Jane has beat a personal best in cross country this year?!

Talk to your kids about this, too, and let them know they can walk away from unsolicited comments and opinions. Let them overhear you setting boundaries for yourself and your family so they know you’ve always got their back. Teach your kids that they can politely stand up for themselves and redirect the question in a way that they can reframe the conversation,

I know you’re trying to compliment me, but I don’t want to discuss my appearance. Do you want to hear how much I’m enjoying… (insert hobby, sport, school, etc.)

5. Take Care of yourself – it’s okay to not attend family functions

Spend time with the people who make you happy and focus on the things you’re grateful for. This will help you stay positive and avoid getting caught up in the drama this season. It’s okay to turn down invitations – that’s you setting boundaries, and that’s totally acceptable!

Make the most of your holiday season. You can find ways to be direct yet polite, and you’ll come out on the other side feeling strong and empowered.

The post How to Deal With Toxic Family During the Holidays. appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Holiday Printable Activities for Kids 

These winter activity gift tickets have been such a hit! They are a really cute way to keep the kids busy, but they also give kids an opportunity to share a fun gift with friends and family. Printable Winter Activity Tickets  
Use this Christmas postcard to send to relatives! Just print, have your kids color everything and fill in the ‘to’ and ‘from’. Cut out each rectangle and glue them onto either side of a piece of card stock. It’s a great way to keep your kids busy AND get holiday mailing checked off your list. – Printable Christmas Postcard

This printable holiday-themed coloring sheet is a super quick and easy activity for children of any ages! – Holiday Colouring Sheet

Have your little one use their imagination and creativity to decorate and color this blank Christmas tree. – Decorate the Christmas Tree Colouring Sheet 

All kids love writing to Santa and it’s extra important in 2020, since they won’t be able to visit him and tell them their wish list in person! Using this printable letter is a great way to make the activity of writing a note feel a little more official and festive! – Printable Santa Letter Template 

Printable games for kids

Have a little problem solver in your family? This fun holiday maze is sure to keep them busy. So, when you need a little free time for gift wrapping, cookie baking, or that well-deserved glass of wine! – Holiday Maze Printable  

Send your kids on a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt around the house to see how many of these holiday items they can find. – Holiday Scavenger Hunt Printable

New readers and writers will love sitting down with this word search that’s full of festive wintery words. – Winter Wonderland Word Search

As parents we may be feeling the holiday crunch, if you’re looking for simple holiday gifts, tags, ornaments or more make sure to check out our Holiday Collection!  And if you’re feeling stressed, try these tips.

The post Free Holiday Printables For Kids appeared first on The Mabelhood.