It's been a few weeks since I have been able to sit down and write.  Christmas is a busy time of year with all the shopping, parties, and family events.  Hope everyone had a great Christmas.  As I look at the presents that my children received, I can't help but notice the difference in the presents from when I was growing up to now.  Now, children receive electronic gifts- whether gaming systems, laptops, Ipad, Ipods etc. Back then, we received gifts that we put together and played with- board games, legos, blocks etc.  While I know times have indeed changed, I want to allow my children to enjoy all the modern technology, but not be limited by it.  So, after a few days to enjoy their electronics, it is time to put limits on them.  Allow the children to watch/play on them for a limited time each day (1-2 hours) and then have them go play with other toys that use their imagination and allow for some gross motor time. Some people will argue that some gaming systems provide children with gross motor movement.  Yes, but they are still isolated in front of the tv.  Get them outside interacting with other children and playing.  Give them opportunities to view more than  a tv/device screen.  I know that we, as parents, are busy and enjoy the quiet time we get when our children are entertained by tv/devices/gaming systems, but please limit this time. 
One note- there are really great educational games available on most of these devices.  I know that on the ipads there are many math and other educational games available for free.  Check these out.  Your child will enjoy them because they are games on a device.  Also, be sure to use the parental controls available to limit what your child is able to access. 

Glove painting

Try this painting- fill latex gloves and have the kids use the gloves to paint.  You can fill one with warm water and one with cold water to teach temperature.  Fill one with sand or pebbles.  This is a great sensory activity.  Be creative and let the kids get messy!