Halloween is upon us and nothing says Halloween like pumpkins. Carving pumpkins is probably the first thing that comes to mind...but how do you make it a family event when your little ones are too little to work the carving knives?

We love the idea of using chalkboard paint! You could easily do the painting part yourself and then let your little ones to the chalk art. 

Let us suggest paint. This year instead of carving the pumpkins, spread out the newspaper and let your little ones get their hands dirty. Use brushes, fingers, potato stamps- whatever you can find- and let them each decorate their own pumpkin masterpiece.

If you can't imagine Halloween without the eerie glow of a carved pumpkin,  let the older kids or dad carve along side the little painters. Set them all out on the porch for the neighbors to admire!

Here's some of our most favorite painted pumpkin designs:

Have a pumpkin party and let each child decorate a segment of the caterpillars body. Proudly display it in your yard for all the neighborhood to see!

  
You don't have to use just paint. Felt, scrapbook paper, googly eyes and Velcro all make great pumpkin accessories!

 
 If you don't wan the mess that comes when you mix paint and little hands, you could easily swap paint for gauze and make mummy pumpkins. 

What are you tricks? How do you keep the little ones involved when they're too young for the traditional activities?

 - The Girls at Itty Bitty Bella

(all images via Pinterest)

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A Tisket, aTasket...

Friday Favorite- Pumpkins (bella vita)

It happens all the time. Mom, dad, grandma, friend or even just a carpool acquaintance comes by to select a gift. They're usually stumped, not for all the same reasons, but at some point everyone wants  a little guidance.

Over the next few weeks we'll break it down for you and answer the question we love to hear everyday: What's a great fit for a __ year old? This week we'll focus on a 1 year old. 

Here are our top 5 gift suggestions:

5. Puppy Tails Book

Now that they're ready to dive in and discover the world around them, give them a gift that will allow them to explore textures, sounds and animals. Each puppy tail is a different textures, and when rubbed will make a different sound. If puppy's won't work there's also Kitty Tails and Pet Tails to keep them entertained and learning!

4. Zoo Plates and Bowls

 

They think they're ready to be just like the big kids, so let them give it a go with Skip Hop Zoo Plates and bowls. The adorable animals will keep their interest even if the meal doesn't!

3. Shoes

 

They're pulling up on furniture and maybe taking an awkward step or two, but you know that it's just a matter of time before they're running all over the place on their 2 wobbly legs! Outfit them in a comfy, supportive pair of shoes that will foster proper foot development and great style. 

2. Puzzles

 

Beginner chunky puzzles are perfect for little hands. The basic shapes and colors help them focus and complete each puzzle.

1. The Tickle Monster Kit

  The Tickle Monster Kit is our all-time favorite! Either you or the birthday girl/boy can put on the tickle gloves and tickle along with the Tickle Monster in the story. He has just landed on planet Earth...and he's out to tickle everyone just like they do on Planet Tickle!

Hopefully this helps to narrow down your choices, or gives you a good jumping off point to get out there and get your shopping done!

One year old's not what you're looking for? Don't worry, over the next few weeks we'll cover some more top birthday gifts!

- The Girls at Itty Bitty Bella

The carefree days of summer can still bring a lot of worry, especially to moms, dads and caregivers. How do you let your children roam, experience and enjoy the longer days while still keeping them safe and out of (dangerous) trouble?

We've love these tips to help keep your kids safe and your mind worry-free this summer.


(Image courtesy of Eagle Vail, CO)

1. Teach your kids to swim! With the (very) hot summer days, especially in our area, pools, lakes and oceans are well-loved activities. To ensure that your little ones will not get into trouble while splashing in the water, the American Academy of Pediatrics encourages swim lessons for children over 4. Even some kids ages 1-4 are ready for basic swim lessons, even if it's just to get them comfortable with the water. Start by attending parent-child classes if your kids are under the age of 4. No matter what though, all kids should be able to swim by the age of 8.

2. Make sure all children that are not yet swimmers, or are not yet comfortable swimmers have "Coast Guard Approved" life jackets. If the pool or beach is especially busy, it's always a good idea to have a jacket for more experienced swimmers as well.

3. Trips to the public playground and neighbors own units is a poplar summer activity. Make sure structures are secured to the ground, and are on a clear level surface. Survey the playground area and remove any tripping hazards such as pine cones, rocks, branches, shoes etc.


(Image courtesy of Design Mom)

4. While at the playground or jungle gym, make sure you kids are watched closely, and that they are playing on equipment designed for their age level and ability. Don't forget to remove any clothing that involved draw strings. They can get caught and cause strangulation.

5. Around your home, make sure you install window guards on all windows above the main level. Make sure you can open them in case of emergency!

6. This probably goes without saying, but don't leave your children unattended around campfires, grills or fireworks. Curious minds can easily get into trouble!


(Image courtesy of The YMCA)

7. Bike riding is probably on most kids "top 10" list. Make sure all kids 1 and older have a properly fitted helmet- even if they are riding along with mom and dad. It's not a bad idea for parents to wear the helmets too...actions speak louder than words!

8. When sending your kids to friends houses for play-dates, make sure you know who will be home to supervise. Will the parents or caregivers be there the entire time, or will they duck out and leave the supervision to teenage children that may get lost in their own activities? It's always easier to back out of a situation before you get there, than while you're standing at the door dropping them off.

9. If you're taking the kids to a busy park or vacation destination (such as Disney Land), make sure each child has something to identify themselves. Bracelets, necklaces or patches sewn inside clothing are all great options. Make sure it states their name, home address and numbers that parents or guardians can be reached at. It's a good idea to include any allergies or medical conditions. You don't want it to happen, but you never know how long they could end up with out you.


(Image courtesy of A Sprinkle of This)

10. If you hire a sitter during the summer, check their credentials and background carefully. Don't forget to set ground rules early on, like where they can and cannot take your children, acceptable modes of transportation (do you want them driving your kids?), and house rules (regarding play-dates and the sitters friends that may want to visit).

Let us know what we missed! We hope you all enjoy and fun and safe summer vacation.

- The Girls at Itty Bitty Bella

Two months off for summer vacations sounds like a great idea to kids everywhere, but to teachers and most parents, two months off of school can mean lots of catchup come September.

To keep your kids brains active and engaged during the lazy summer months, it's important to keep learning fun and dare we say, sneaky. If they know they're participating in a learning activity, their interest in the activity will instantly dwindle!

For some tips and ideas all summer long, here's what we love:

Out and About

(Image courtesy of I Love Memphis)

For the older kids, take them on a nature walk or hike with "learning games" built in along the trail. Write clues that require the kids to find different items along the trail (pine cones, trash to collect, rocks, bugs etc.) Have older children read them to younger children (or vice versa if young ones can read). Pack a blindfold and have one child find items for the blindfolded child to guess at just by touching/smelling.

To fit learning into everyday, already scheduled activities take the kids shopping with you. Let them practice reading and writing by making the grocery list and scanning the shelves for items. Have them hone in on their math skills by adding up the subtotal and figuring out how much change you will get.


(Image courtesy of Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce)

Take at trip to a local zoo, aquarium, museum or historical site. Take time to participate in the scheduled events put on at each location. They are always filled with exciting trivia and games for your kids to participate in.

Around the House

(Image courtesy of SheKnows)

Get outside and get physical in the yard. Have races and relays to get their heart rate up and pull out the gardening supplies to have them weed, plant and maintain a garden.

On a rainy day collect Popsicle sticks, toothpicks and marshmallows and challenge each child to build a building or bridge. Have a reward at the end for the child whose structure can hold the most weight.

Herd the family into the kitchen and get cooking. Teach fractions by baking cookies (using measuring cups and spoons) and sequence/memory retention by reciting and following a recipe step-by-step.


For the younger kids, get them laughing and learning while playing a game of dominoes or memory. Bright, colorful pictures and out-of-the-box designs will keep them engaged without ending up a bore. Think bugs, animals, cars, princess accessories etc.

What are your favorite summer activities to do with your kids?

- The Girls at Itty Bitty Bella