Let them pull taffy
Make a small mess and big memories when you pull saltwater taffy with your kids.
I remember my Aunt Becky always had the best activities to keep us busy in the summer. My cousins and I would have a blast racing go carts, playing mini golf, catching fire flies, and making unusual cookies and candies.
Oh sure, chocolate chip cookies were still pretty high on our list but every once in a while Aunt Becky would bust out something fun and messy like homemade lollipops or pulled saltwater taffy.
As a parent, I kind of cringe when I think of the potential mess taffy creates. But I will never forget the fun we had while pulling taffy from one end of her kitchen to another. And so I can’t wait to make taffy with my little guy once he’s old enough. In the meantime, here’s a recipe that you can try with your kids while you create a memory to last a lifetime.
What you need:
- Medium saucepan (3 or 4 quarts)
- Wooden spoon with a long handle
- Pastry brush
- Candy thermometer with a metal clamp
- Wax paper
- Kitchen scissors
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 1/4 cups corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- flavoring extracts (vanilla, strawberry, lemon, etc.)
- food coloring
- flour
Cover your table with wax paper to minimize the mess. Mix the water, sugar, corn syrup, and salt in a medium saucepan. Place over low heat until sugar has dissolved, stirring continuously. Increase the heat and do not stir during the rest of the cooking. Wash the sides of the pan with a pastry brush dipped in warm water, using an upward motion. This will prevent the formation of crystals which might cause the candy to sugar. After the syrup boils put in the candy thermometer. Remove the candy from heat once it reaches 265 degrees. Add 2 tablespoons butter and stir very gently. Divide the taffy into three parts; you’ll add different flavors and coloring to each one during the pulling process.
Have the kids wash their hands well and then grease their hands up with the remaining butter. Once the taffy has cooled enough to handle, have the kids pick the edges of the taffy up with their fingertips and then pull it out about 12 inches. Then they will fold the candy back from one end to the other, catching the center and then pulling again.
After a few pulls, add a few drops of food coloring and flavor extract and then continue the pulling process. You’ll be pulling the taffy for about 10 minutes or until it has a satiny gloss.
Once the taffy is hard to pull and it holds its shape, it’s time to cut it into pieces. Roll the taffy into a 1/2 inch diameter rope on the wax paper. Rub a pair of kitchen scissors with the unsalted butter and then cut the taffy into bite-size pieces. Let the taffy sit for about 30 minutes. The kids can wrap it up in candy wrappers or pieces of wax paper.
Enjoy!
Tara
KidZui Mom
Girls can design their back-to-school wardrobe
Is your daughter a fashionista? Let her unleash her creativity and showcase her style when she designs her own clothes with Fashion Playtes.
Fashion Playtes gives girls a great selection of blank canvases (t-shirts, hoodies, dresses, etc.) that they can customize. Girls can choose the fabric color and embellishments like ribbons, underlayers, rhinestones, and more. They can even design their own label to make it official.
What a great way to get your daughter excited about the school year (which is about a month away…Tick! Tock!).
Enjoy!
Tara
KidZui Mom
Kids Triathlon – swim, bike, and run to fun
My husband discovered his love of triathlons a few years ago and has since built up to Ironman status. So it comes as no surprise that our son, who’s nearly three, is just as active. He seriously sprinted a mile down the beach this weekend and loved every second of it.
Although our little guy is too young for races, I know it won’t be long until he will want to hit the track with Daddy. We think it’s important to keep him active but it’s even more important to keep it fun. Because that’s what it’s all about, right? Swimming, biking, and running is fun for kids. Why not encourage it?
Maybe your kids are already triathletes and don’t even know it. Let’s just say they spend some time swimming in the pool, and then hop on their bikes to ride to the park, and run around playing tag. Hmmmm…sounds like a triathlon to me. If your kids love to swim, bike and run, you may want to check out a race in your area and let them see what it’s all about. Once they see the other kids having a blast (and getting medals) they may want to sign up for the next race.
Perhaps your daughter loves to bike and run but she’s not a strong swimmer. Rather than sitting on the sidelines, put her in a swimming class. Or form a team with her friends and they can each complete one leg of the race.
If you’re interested in learning more about races in your area, visit TriFind to find a list of kids triathlons in your state.
Next help your child find a race that is age-appropriate. For example, USA Triathlon recommends that kids under 12 years old participate in a race that has a pool swim, a bike course closed to traffic, and extra volunteer support. USA Triathlon also has a distance chart to help you determine the appropriate race distance for your child by age range.
Remember, the goal is to keep it fun so your kids will develop a life-long passion for fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Plus, they will have a deeper appreciation for sportsmanship and teamwork.
Share your story! Does your child participate in races? How young were they when they started? What is their favorite event? How do you keep it fun for your kids?
Enjoy!
Tara
KidZui Mom
Encouraging Creativity with Children
Make a rocket out of cardboard boxes
What parent doesn’t want their children to be successful? My kids are going to be the best (fill-in-the-blank-here) and I’m going to ensure it by feeding their creativity. Creativity you say? What about their IQ? Well, according to a recent Newsweek article, the correlation to lifetime creative accomplishment is more than three times stronger for childhood creativity than childhood IQ. Unfortunately, American creativity scores are dropping so it’s important now more than ever to nurture our children’s creativity.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that you can throw those textbooks out the window. We all know that IQ is still very important. But it’s critical to keep our children thinking creatively. By exposing our children to many experiences and taking a step back, we encourage their little minds to come up with some very interesting ideas.
1. Art supplies – the traditional art supplies are great (crayons, chalk, scissors, glitter, paint, etc.) but don’t discount unusual items that they can use to create their masterpiece like old magazines, yarn, buttons, pipe cleaners, fabric scraps, egg cartons, paper towel rolls, and more. When your child finishes their artwork, resist the temptation to talk about what you think it is. Ask them to tell you about it.
2. Music – there is plenty of fun kids’ music at your local library that you can borrow or download some great music on iTunes. Have your kids make up new lyrics to a favorite song. Make your own music with toy instruments or even real instruments from a second hand shop or from Craigslist. Take them to a free outdoor concert or simply crank up the radio.
3. What If - ask your child “What if” questions to see what they think about things like ”What if the dog could talk? What would she say?” or “What do you think it would be like if we lived on a boat?” Continue asking open-ended questions to expand their ideas.
4. Books – reading to your children (or having them read to you) is always good. You can take it a step further by asking them how they would change the ending to a book. Or even have them make a book of their own.
5. Photography – if you have an old camera that you no longer use, put it in the hands of your kids and see the world through their eyes. Digital cameras work best since you don’t have the expense of developing full rolls of film. Go through the pictures and have your child pick out their favorites and start a photo collage or photo album.
6. Drama – is your little one a drama queen? See if there is a local theater club for kids in your neighborhood and help her build her acting talent and her self confidence. No drama clubs available? Get the kids together and host a neighborhood play of their own. You can free kids scripts online from Whootie Owl or Kidsinco. Better yet – have the kids write their own script.
7. Pretend Play – never miss an opportunity to head to the “Land of Make Believe”. That refrigerator box could be turned into a rocket ship or a fairy castle. Those old hats and scarves that you were going to donate to Goodwill could be saved in a trunk and used for dress up games.
There are so many things that we can do as parents to set the stage for our kids’ creative young minds. Share your ideas! What are you doing to nurture the creativity within your child?
Enjoy!
Tara
KidZui Mom
How Would YOU Describe KidZui?
Okay, I admit it. I’m human and don’t have all the answers. Shhh…just don’t tell my kids.
As the KidZui Mom, I’m reaching out to other parents (like you) see how you would describe KidZui to a friend. If you’re not familiar with KidZui, it’s a free Internet browser that is jam-packed with millions of kid-friendly websites, YouTube videos, online games, and pictures. Because everything is pre-screened and approved for children, parents can relax while kids have a blast on the Web.
Now…how would you say that in three to five words? Let’s pretend you are talking about KidZui to one of your friends. How would YOU describe KidZui? Please take our quick poll!
Thanks for your help!
Tara
KidZui Mom
Kids can make a difference
Kids can make a difference, no matter how young.
Small hands and big hearts can change the world. Help your child understand the benefits of volunteer work at an early age to set the stage for a lifetime of sharing while receiving so much more in return. Here are some great sites to spark some ideas for your kids.
Kids Care Clubs
Kids Care Clubs provides young people with hands-on volunteer opportunities to help others in their local and global communities. Geared for elementary and middle school age youth, this organization has more than 1,800 registered clubs and counting. With ideas ranging from making pine cone bird feeders to collecting blankets and baby bags for Haiti, Kids Care Clubs provides all the details your kids need to make a difference.
Habitat for Humanity
This well-known organization knows that you are never too young to make a difference. Youth United is a Habitat for Humanity program run by kids and for kids ages 5 to 25. It brings young people together from all walks of life to play active roles in transforming their communities.
Idealist
Looking for some volunteer ideas in your area? Checkout Idealist.org, which provides a search function for volunteering. Just enter your zip code and select projects appropriate for kids or teens for a list of kid-friendly volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood.
Disney’s Friends for Change Grants
Disney is partnering with Youth Service America (YSA) to provide 75 $500 grants to kids who are leading service projects around the world. These grants will be provided to youth-led service initiatives that demonstrate youth leadership and their commitment to making a positive impact on the environment. The application deadline is July 15 so have your young leader enter today!
VolunteerMatch
VolunteerMatch strengthens communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect. More than 72,000 nonprofits list their volunteer opportunities on this site. Use their advanced search functionality to search by zip code and select opportunities that are good for kids.
KooDooZ
Looking for some inspiration? Our friends at KooDooZ share some brilliant success stories about kids who have made an impact on their world. Checkout the KooDooZ Facebook page and prepared to be inspired.
Is your child interested in giving back? Tell us what they are up to and share their proud moments!
Enjoy!
Tara
KidZui Mom
Beat the heat with cool summer fun
Make a water slide part of a Splish-Splash Obstacle Course
Are you in need of some fun ideas to keep your kids cool this summer? Help them beat the heat (and boredom) with these simple and affordable ideas that are right in your neighborhood or your own backyard.
Children’s Museums
Let your kids explore, discover, and unleash their creativity at one of the many wonderful children’s museums. Although they are very affordable, many museums have free days for families. With a little planning you can cool off and have fun for free. Find a childrens museum in your state.
Community Centers
We are blessed with a lovely community center in our neighborhood. It has a fabulous olympic size pool, kiddie pool, water park, and water slides. For just a few bucks, we can spend the afternoon at the pool (with lifeguards) and the kids have a blast. Even if your community center doesn’t have a pool, many are turning into “cooling” centers, which offer AC for those sweltering days. Stop by and play ping pong, do some crafts, or try a dance class with your kids.
Movies
Matinees are much more affordable than a night at the big screen. Go catch a summer flick with your kids during the heat of the day. Some fabulous new debuts are Despicable Me, Toy Story 3, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, and The Karate Kid.
The Library
Take your kids to the library and have the rediscover their love of books. They have wonderful programs, story time, music hour, and more. Plus they are air conditioned.
Water Wars
Bust out the squirt guns, water balloons, or even spray bottles and let the kids loose. Just make sure they know the rules so they don’t soak the neighbors or ruin your furniture.
Splish-Splash Obstacle Course
Set up your own wet and wild backyard obstacle course. Have kids run through a sprinkler, crawl across a full wading pool, toss a water balloon into the air and catch it, slide down a Slip and Slide, and eat a popsicle at the end. No matter what, make sure you and your kids stay hydrated in the heat. And if you are outside, be sure to reapply sunscreen often and find some shade.
Indoor Fun
Let’s face it. There are days that you simply can’t get out and entertain the little ones. Give them a sense of independence and let them have some fun on the computer with KidZui, the kids’ browser that is stuffed with fun. This free Internet browser is jam-packed with millions of kid-friendly YouTube videos, kids online games, and websites. Download KidZui today for free.
Share your ideas! What are YOU planning to do with your kids this summer to stay cool?
Enjoy,
Tara
KidZui Mom
Can’t Wait for Despicable Me
Admit it…wouldn’t it be great to have a freeze ray and make your way to the front of the line each morning to get your grande latte? Or use a ray gun to blast those carnival games and get your child that fluffy unicorn that she absolutely must have but is impossible to win? Hmmm….maybe Gru, who delights in all things wicked, isn’t so wicked after all!
Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays, and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad. The world’s greatest villain has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.
Despicable Me debuts in theaters on July 9 and the KidZui team can’t wait to see it! We hear the movie is intelligent, imaginative, and hilarious. Plus the 3D effects are great (tip: be sure to stay while the credits are rolling). So mark your calendars for Despicable Me and in the meantime, wait patiently for that grande latte.
So tell us! Are you and your family going to see Despicable Me?
Enjoy!
Tara
KidZui Mom
Top 10 Roadtrip Boredom Busters for Kids & Parents
Snap digital pictures on a photo scavenger hunt.
Road trips can memorable and fun for everyone if you are prepared with some games to keep boredom at bay. Keep your kids entertained (and yourself awake) when you hit the road with these top ten ideas.
Photo Scavenger Hunt
Do you have an older digital camera that you no longer use? Put it in the hands of your little ones along with a scavenger hunt list and have them shoot away.
Car Bingo
Print up some car bingo cards from our friends at MomsMinivan.com.
Classic Favorites
Use a whiteboard marker to play tic-tac-toe or hangman on the window in the backseat. Just erase with a soft cloth to start a new game.
Unleash their Creativity
Pack a shoebox or clear plastic bin with washable markers, colored pencils, small activity books, and unlined notepads. Have your kids draw the cows on the side of the road or the mountains they see in the distance.
Alphabet Game
Have the kids find each letter of the alphabet on a road sign, license plate, or vehicle. Once a player calls a letter, no one else can use that item. For example, if someone spots the letter “O” on the a stop sign, the next person can’t use the “P” on that same sign.
Map It
Before you head out, have your child help you print your roadtrip map on a site like GoogleMaps or MapQuest. Have them highlight the map as you hit each major milestone so they can tell YOU if you’re “there yet”.
Alphabet Picnic
Each person takes a turn and says what they are going to bring to “the picnic”. For example, the first person says “I’m going to a picnic and I’m bringing an apple.” The next person says, “I’m going to a picnic and I’m bringing and apple and a burger.” Each person takes their turn, repeating the entire list until you get through the alphabet.
Audio Books
Visit your local library and checkout some audio book CDs that everyone can listen to in the car. Short on time? Download audio books from iTunes or audible.com instantly. Checkout this list of great audio books for your roadtrip.
Group Storytelling
Someone starts a story with a few sentences and then points to someone else to continue the story. For an added challenge, give everyone a time limit (like 20 seconds) to keep the pace moving. The crazier the better.
Name That Tune
Give each person their very own Kazoo and have them “play” a song for the rest of the car to guess.
Are you heading on a roadtrip this summer with your family? Share your ideas and let me know what you plan to do with your kids to have a blast.
Enjoy!
Tara
KidZui Mom
10 Ways to Encourage Your Kids to Read this Summer
Keep kids reading this summer
Growing up, my family didn’t have much money (okay, we were flat broke) but my parents ALWAYS made books a priority. The weekly trips to our library brought as much excitement for my brothers and I as a day at the zoo or beach.
But not all kids are thrilled about reading and now that Summer is upon us it’s critical that we keep our children reading. In fact, Education Secretary Arne Duncan says the “summer slide”, which is the decline in academic skills experienced by many children over the summer, can set kids’ reading skills back by up to three months when they return in the Fall.
Not sure what to do? Here are ten fun ideas that you can use to get (or keep) your kids excited about reading this summer (and hopefully throughout their lives).
1. What are they interested in? My son LOVES dinosaurs and it’s no coincidence that his bookshelf includes Danny and the Dinosaur, Dinosaurs Love Underpants, Dinosaur Vs. Bedtime, and many, many more. My teenage daughter is rather eclectic so her room is full of Shakespeare, Surf magazines, and Nicholas Sparks. Find books, magazines, or even comics that feature what your kids are into and keep them coming.
2. Lead by example. If my kids see me turn off the TV and pickup a book, they are more likely to do the same.
3. Make the library an adventure! The library really is a wonderful place to explore. You never know what you will bring home! And best of all, it’s FREE. Plus the majority of libraries have age-specific story hours. Find your closest public library and check it out! (No pun intended.)
4. Read to your child. My husband and I started reading to our son every night as part of his bedtime routine when he was only one month old. Admittedly, we felt rather silly at the time but we looked forward to it and our little guy definitely loves his books now (two and half years later). You can also read to your older kids, especially those who are discouraged by their own reading skills.
5. Ease the pressure. Is your child struggling with reading? Have them read to a dog. Yes, that’s right, a dog. Intermountain Therapy Animals have found that kids are inclined to forget about their reading limitations if they read to a less-intimidating dog than to parents, friends, or teachers. So if your child is struggling, have them sit down and read to Fido on a regular basis.
6. Make reading a game. Not all reading is done in books or magazines. What about spotting signs when driving to the beach or community pool? Or asking them to help you find a specific item on a menu when at a restaurant?
7. Go to the theatre. So many plays and movies have been based on children’s books. How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a very popular holiday play here in San Diego. Some great family movies that were based on books are Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and of course the beloved Harry Potter series. Read the books with your child before seeing the play or movie and then talk about it afterwards. Which was better? How were they different? Were the characters what you expected?
8. Get online. Yes, I said it! Kids are on the Internet a LOT and this is a wonderful opportunity to expand their reading. There are many kids online games that are geared for reading.
9. Research your next family vacation destination. Are you going on a roadtrip this summer? Let your kids help plan your vacation by flipping through travel books or searching for fun roadside stops along the way.
10. Spice it up! Cooking is a great way for kids to practice reading and comprehension. Have them flip through a cookbook and let them pick out a few recipes to make together this summer. It’s amazing how this has helped my teenage daughter with her reading comprehension skills. Her idea of baking cookies was to open a package of cookie dough. Once I had her bake cookies from scratch, she was hooked. It took a few trial and errors but once she learned to actually READ the recipe her cookies were wonderful.
I hope you have found some inspiration in these ideas and I would love to hear about your success stories! How have you instilled a love of reading with your children?
Enjoy!
Tara
KidZui Mom
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