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Recycling Sensory Play

Sensory bins are always fun for your little one – but you don’t have to buy anything to put in them. Here are some easy recycled materials for your child to explore. Always supervise sensory play and crafts. Save your toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, egg cartons, plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, bubble wrap and other safe materials. Tape a tube to the wall low enough that your little one could drop items such as large pom poms through. Make rain sticks by filling a tube with rice and using duct tape to cover the ends. Tape bubble wrap to…

St. Patrick’s Day Fruit Loop Craft

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Here is a great St. Patrick’s Day craft for your little leprechaun. It’s super cute, and also builds color sorting and fine motor skills! How lucky! 😉 You’ll need: yellow play dough, fruit loops, and pipe cleaners Directions for your child: 1. Roll two donut-hole-sized balls of playdough. 2. Poke a pipe cleaner firmly into one ball of play dougn. 3. Sort about 30-50 fruit loops by color. 4. String the fruit loops onto the pipe cleaner by color; Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple. 5. Bend the pipe cleaner in an upside-down “U” shape and poke it firmly into…

Easy Valentine’s Slime Recipe

Playing with slime is great for toddlers and preschoolers – and not just because it is ooey-gooey fun! It invites your child to practice mindfulness, builds focus and independence, assists with fine motor skills, and allows them to explore with their senses. Valentine’s Day is a great day for slime. Follow one of our favorite recipes, below! Have fun! Happy Valentine’s Day!

5 Potty Training Signs of Readiness

When toddlers are developmentally becoming more independent and communicative , they will start to show signs of readiness for potty training. By following their lead, you’ll know when the best and easiest time is to start potty training! 5 classic signs your child is ready to start using the potty are: They show interest in the toilet. Begin telling you when they need to be changed, and are uncomfortable in wet or dirty diapers. Their bowel movements are consistently at the same time. They can undress themselves, or get undressed with minimal help. They stay dry for 2 hours at…

Tips for Homeschooling Toddlers and Preschoolers

I worked in education for over ten years but when covid came and our family made the difficult decision to homeschool my own kids and nephews (ages almost 6, 5, 4.5 and almost 4) it was daunting. I threw myself into research and reading – along with lots of trial and error. I would love to share what worked and what didn’t work for me during our homeschool journey as an educator, but most importantly as a mom who has been where you are. Firstly and most importantly, I want to assure you that your kids are going to be okay. I hear a lot…

Tips on Starting Playschool

Miss Kirsten gives her 10 tips on making the transition to playschool happy, empowering, and smooth. Read about it! Reading about characters going to school for the first time helps children relate to the unknown. Talking to your child about what looks fun, friendly, or scary can help work out feelings before you even enter the classroom. Also, if you have memory books of your first days of school, bring those out. Looking at picturess of Mommy and Daddy in school when you were their age is special. Do a practice run. If you are planning to start playschool, visiting…

Baby Sign Language

How Learning Sign Language Benefits your Baby At Over the Moon, you will see us instructors pairing our speech with sign language during our classes. We also offer a Sign Language class for babies and their caregivers. Many people think of sign language only as an alternative method of communication for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or nonverbal. But it is actually quite beneficial to teach typically developing babies sign language as well! Read on to learn three reasons why learning sign language can be enriching for all babies and their caregivers. 1. Sign language boosts speech and language development.We often hear the…

Breast Pumping Tip

Making pumping life just a little bit easier! Rather than feeling enslaved to your sterilizer after each use of your pump, simplify your cleanup by keeping your flanges and bottles in a gallon size ziplock bag in your refrigerator between uses. Once per day, soak them in hot soapy water, thoroughly cleanse them and let them dry. If you find yourself in your car for many hours during the day, get yourself a cooler big enough to store ice packs and a gallon size ziplock bag for the pump parts and follow the above advice. Frozen ice packs will safely…

Gingerbread Play Dough Recipe

Happy holidays! Here is my favorite gingerbread play dough recipe: 1 cup of flour1tbsp vegetable oil1/2 cup salts1 tbsp cream of tartar1 tbsp ground ginger1 tbsp nutmeg1 tbsp cinnamonI cup water Mix all ingredients together and cook in a saucepan until it forms a ball. I like to double the recipe because I’m usually making enough for two kids. This play dough is great for all five senses, and an especially wonderful activity to work on fine motor skills. Playdough is fun on it’s own, but below are some age-appropriate ideas for adding in extra fun (with adult supervision). For…

5 Songs for Toddlers

Music is a great motivator. It motivates athletes in the gym, party-goers to dance, and entire nations to salute the flag. You can use it to motivate your toddler in a happy, encouraging way. You can either sing the songs yourself, of ask Alexa to play each song when you need them. The Clean-Up Song by Shari Sloane is a happy two-and-a-half-minute song that encourages children to help pick up. If you want to add some excitement, try to get your kids to race to get the room clean before the song ends. This is the Way We Brush Our…

7 Tools for Traveling with Babies and Toddlers

If your family is celebrating summertime with vacations away from home, we have a few tools to check out. Its difficult for moms and dads to get much-needed relaxation on vacations, and this gear will help. 1. This Britax Travel Cart turns your carseat into a stroller – which is key for air travel. 2. These double-sided bed rails make any hotel bed safe for your toddler if they can’t sleep in a pack and play. 3. RoadID makes children’s ID bracelets and shoe tags to ensure your child is safe if they do get lost. They have room on…

10 Essential Oil Must-Haves for Summer

1. Sunscreen Made with ingredients you can feel good about, Young Living’s Mineral Sunscreen Lotion provides protection against UVA and UVB rays without harsh chemical ingredients. With hypoallergenic ingredients and skin-loving essential oils including Helichrysum, Carrot Seed, and Sacred Frankincense, this gentle, reef-safe sunscreen rubs on smoothly, so you can effortlessly apply it when you’re outdoors. 2. Insect Repellent Before you buy an insect repellent at the store, check to see if it contains DEET. If it does, you’re going to want to put it back on the shelf. DEET is a registered pesticide, and a member of the toluene chemical family….

$850 Raised for EmpowerHER

Together, the Over The Moon community raised $850 for EmpowerHER, a non-profit organization with the mission to empower, support and connect girls of all ages who have experienced the early loss of their mothers. Over The Moon Parenting’s mission is to support growing families on the South Shore of Boston, and this local cause is very near and dear to us. Every day we see the growing bonds of mothers and their babies, and it is our privilege to give back to girls who have lost their moms. We hosted a raffle, with generous donations from Sarah Hinchey Photography, Deluxe…

Self Care for Moms

One of the wisest things Margaret, my mother’s group teacher, told me was that a mother can’t nurture a baby when she isn’t feeling cared for herself. Self care for moms is incredibly important, and often gets overlooked in the myriad of tasks that go along with parenthood. Here is a list of ideas to pamper yourself so you can be your best for yourself and for your whole family. Start counseling early if you are feeling down, stressed out, or angry about something. Talking your feelings out with a professional or a trusted friend is necessary for feeling heard,…

Build Your Village

Its no wonder new motherhood is so stressful. The day after I delivered my son, I had a sobbing-on-the-floor crisis because I had used prescription deodorant and was worried that I had poisoned my milk supply. (I hadn’t. Deodorant is a-okay.) But the life-or-death feeling of every decision, antiperspirant included, is overwhelming. The weight of motherhood is heavy. New moms groups help. Becoming a mother is a transformative, incredible, and joyful experience that can also be overwhelming, intimidating, and lonely. Talk to any mom, and she will tell you that her “village” is what got her through those early months…

2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers

Over the Moon Parenting is happy to share our latest list of thoughtfully selected gift suggestions for young children from newborns through the preschool years. We have provided samples of toys and other gifts we love which are safe and appropriate for each range of development. You can find most of these toys, and so many more, at local toy store, The Toy Box in Hanover. We suggested gifts that will appeal to children over time, promote creative and open-ended play, and support developing skills. Please feel free to share this list with friends, grandparents, aunts, and uncles! Newborn to 6…

Cold Weather Tips

It’s getting colder outside, and that can get tricky with little ones. Here are some cold weather tips for babies, toddlers and preschoolers to keep little hands and feet safe and warm this winter. Remember to take coats off in the car. Jackets impair the way seatbelts fit and in the event of an accident, they can slip out. It can be a pain to be constantly taking off and putting on coats, but it’s worth it. Also, when using an infant carseat, resist using any “Bundle-me”-like blankets that will impair how snug the seat belt fits. Instead, choose a…

Six Ways to Give Back with Kids

This holiday season of giving is the perfect time to teach your little ones about caring for others. Get involved with community service with kids using the ideas below, or come up with your own way and tell us about it in the comments! Take your child shopping for food to donate to our Over The Moon Parenting Food Drive going on now through 11/2. If you can’t come to our food drive click on the link to Find a food bank. Buy toys for children who may not otherwise receive too many gifts under the tree. Drop unwrapped gifts…

Mealtime Tricks for Toddlers

We surveyed our team for their mealtime tricks for toddlers, babies and preschoolers to make life easier. Enjoy! Make applesauce or mashed butternut squash and freeze it in ice cube trays. So easy to store and defrost when you need it if you are starting solids. Color coordinated cups are great for safeguarding against germs, especially during flu season! Create a basket of quiet toys/books for older child(ren) to play with while you are nursing. Puzzle books, etch-a-sketches, playdoh, and small games all work. It’ great to have something to do with older children while feeding your baby. Put the…

Beach Clean-ups with Children

My two children and I recently went to our first Breakwater Blue beach clean up at Nantasket Beach. We brought our bucket and gardening gloves from home and started on the sidewalk. We picked up several pieces of trash before we even got onto the beach. I was pleasantly surprised by how clean the actual beach was but I know that is probably due to previous beach clean ups. We spent two hours combing the beach on a beautiful day, working together to clean up the beach. Beach clean-ups provide a great opportunity to talk about community service with kids….

Cooking with Kids

“Cooking with kids is not just about ingredients, recipes, and cooking. It’s about harnessing imagination, empowerment, and creativity.” -Guy Fieri I started cooking with my two children as soon as they could help mix! Cooking with kids lets them use all of their senses, and teaches them how things they eat are made. It also encourages them to be adventurous in trying new things, and how to be healthy. We have done everything from simple baking and applesauce to rolling sushi. I find they love to try new things when they feel proud of helping in the process. Here are…

How To Take Toddlers Skiing

Taking toddlers skiing is daunting. It also can be awesome. Here is a list of things I learned from trial and error (mostly error) to make your trip a happier one. Happy skiing!! Reset Your Expectations The first time you put your kiddo in boots, they might cry. And Fall. Walking might be frustrating and slow for them in their boots. Just getting them and all their stuff to the carpet lift might take an epic amount of patience, and getting onto the lift the first time might require divine intervention. Go in expecting that the first three runs might…

Sensory Art for Babies and Toddlers

The minds of babies and toddlers are always growing and sensory art is a particularly helpful way to let them explore! Sensory art for babies and toddlers is different from a standard art class in that the focus is on the experience of creating using all five senses, instead of the final product. Here is why sensory play such as finger painting, play dough, sand, mud, and water play important for children’s development: Engaging sensory play uses all 5 senses and promotes integration; the ability of their brains to process all the information they receive via touch, smell, hearing, vision…

Age-Appropriate Gift Ideas

Over the Moon Parenting is happy to share our list of thoughtfully selected, age-appropriate gift ideas for young children (newborn through preschool years). We have provided samples of safe toys and other gifts we love that are appropriate for each range of development. Please note: although we do think highly of the toys listed, we are NOT endorsing any specific product. We hope to have suggested gifts that will appeal to children over time, promote creative and open-ended play, and support developing skills. Please feel free to share this list with friends, grandparents, aunts, and uncles! Newborn- 6 Months: Rattles…

Teach Tots Giving

Thanksgiving is a season of sharing with those in need – which can be difficult for little hearts to understand. The concept that some families do not have food to eat can be hard for small children. Here is one way to teach generosity and make a positive impact on your community. First, talk about how some families can’t afford everything they need. Talk about how grateful you are to have a home and food and security, but explain that not everyone has them. Ask if they would like to help you put a meal together for a family who…

Tips on Using Humidifiers with Children

It’s getting colder, so you are probably getting ready to turn the heat on – which means you’ll want a humidifier on to keep little noses and throats clear. Read our tips on using humidifiers with children to help with colds, coughs, dry skin and runny noses. Humidifiers put moisture back into dry winter air. Cool mist humidifiers are recommended to help with winter coughs and colds, plus they help make breathing easier on little lungs at night. Consider putting one in the child’s bedroom, carefully choosing a safe place that won’t encourage little hands to pull on the cord…

Halloween Safety Tips for Infants, Toddlers and Young Children

Halloween is here, so we’ve compiled a list of Halloween safety tips to keep your little trick-or-treaters safe! Make sure costumes aren’t too long for little legs. All that running over unfamiliar terrain in the dark and bending over for candy can make trips and falls easy. Also, make sure costumes are warm enough and wear comfortable walking shoes to keep little feet happy for longer. Give each of your children a flashlight, or, if you are sure they won’t put them in their mouths, glow sticks. For toddlers, consider putting some Glow in the Dark Paint or reflective tape…

halloween safety for infants and toddlers

Establishing Routines

Routines are great, especially for babies and toddlers. It gives them a sense of control and safety, and also allows you to get more done in a shorter amount of time! Here are a few tips on establishing your routines – what to include, how to get started, and how to keep it up! Step 1: Figure out what you want in your routine. If you are building your morning routine, you’ll want to include teeth brushing, breakfast, and getting dressed, but you may also need to include caring for pets, running a load of dishes, or distributing medications. Make…

How to get your baby or toddler to sleep on vacation

First, let’s recognize that this can be incredibly difficult. Sleep – or lack thereof – can make or break your vacation. Here is a list of tips to help your little ones sleep in a new environment when they would much rather play, giggle, and dance the night away: Try to stick with your routine – both the timing and the activities. If you usually have a nightly routine that includes a bath, book, song, or sip of water – make sure to keep it the same on vacation. Keeping your children’s routine the same will make bedtime a more soothing…

We’re Moving!

We have big news to share with you – we’re moving! Over The Moon Parenting now lives at 15 Farrar Farm Road in Norwell. We chose our new home because it is more convenient for families coming from both the north and south on Route 3 (exits 13, 14, and 15.) Our new parenting center sits just off Route 53, on the side street to the left of The Fours Restaurant. Our new space is being completely built out to our specifications with 3200 square feet and plenty of parking! The last day at our current location will be Tuesday, August 15th. The official start…