Wednesday 13 March 2019

March Break: To Be Busy or Not Busy??





Can you believe it is March already!? It seems as if January and February just dragged on and now we are in the middle of March Break. Either you have a full week planned with activities or you are now racking your brain as to what else you can do with your kids.

Sometimes even the simplest task will keep your kids entertained. Teaching your kids about stretching and exercise is one. As an RMT, I am constantly trying to show my kids the importance of proper posture and how stretching can benefit their bodies. I like to make a game out of it. Here is a video of the types of exercises you can do with your kids. Yoga is also a great way to incorporate movement. If you have older kids, amp up the exercises and join in! Yoga is great for everyone as well. There are many classes available, check out Amma Yoga for a family friendly experience.


If your child isn't signed up for camp, then you don't have to worry about having to make lunches for a week. However, being at home seems to make them even more hungry through out the day (well at least at my house they are!! )  Why not try some new recipes in the kitchen either be it for dinner or bake something sweet and tasty. Cooking something up in the kitchen always keeps them busy, make it fun and maybe get a little messy! For older kids, make them make dinner and surprise you, if you are that courageous! hahaha.

Here is  a quick and simple recipe that my whole family enjoys. I can't keep them, they are gone pretty fast.

Banana Chocolate chip muffins :
  • 1 Tablespoon Chia seeds
  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4 cup of organic cane sugar
  • 1/3 cup of olive oil
  • 1 cup of Steel cut oats
  • 1/2 cup of Spelt flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 of chocolate chips 
  • 5-6 pieces of candied ginger *(optional)
  1. Heat oven to 350 degree F, place baking liners in your muffin tray.
  2.  In a small bowl place the chia seeds and add 3 tablespoons of water to seeds. Mix and let sit. ( Chia seeds will swell and thicken to egg like consistency). 
  3. In a medium bowl, mash bananas until pureed. Add in vanilla, sugar and olive oil to banana mixture. 
  4.  Now add in the dry ingredients and chia seed mixture. 
  5.  At this time you can add your chocolate chips and candied ginger. 
  6.  Add batter to muffin tray and bake for about 12-15 minutes. 
  7.  Let sit for about 5 minutes before removing them from tray. 
  8.  Enjoy!


As for crafts: there are MANY craft ideas you can do. One of our favourites is Slime!!! Another idea I just found, is how to make our own stress balls. Kids can get stressed out as well. So this is a way to help them focus on their breathing and to teach them to calm themselves down. We had fun making these. Pinterest is craft heaven, for me and most of the time I am looking for ideas and recipes that I can do with my kids. The ideas are  ENDLESS!! Instagram is also great for toddler play ideas. Check out Everyday Play Hacks, New_trick_kids. You can use household items to entertain your little person. It can get messy, but what else is new? hahaha







One new thing we started doing  is Origami. I found an Origami Kit at Costco and finally pulled it out and tried it. I must say it didn't go as smoothly as I thought it would be, overall we had a fun time trying to figure it out. You can find kits or go online and there are plenty of designs you can create.







My kids are young at the moment but even with older kids,  playing boards game or building puzzles is a great way to bond and also its a simple way to have fun. Have a movie night! Make some popcorn, cozy up with blankets, and sit and relax. You know even a day of doing "nothing" is great. The everyday hustle and bustle just needs to be put on hold for a day,  your brain and body need it.






If you are looking to get out of the house check out these places:
 Bingemans, Children's Museum, The Painted Mug Cafe, Play a latteGo Bananas, Kitchener and Waterloo Public libraries, St, Jacob's  Farmers Market. The button Factory, The Children's Art Factory in Guelph, Landmark Cinemas is offering March Movie Break.  Lots of possibilities!




Hopefully with the nicer weather approaching us, going outside would be a great idea! Longer days are upon us and what kid doesn't like to play outside?! There are two new outdoor play areas in Kitchener. Check out Gzowski and Kingdale Parks https://www.evergreen.ca/our-projects/neighbourhood-nature-play/. Have a scavenger hunt and see how creative your kids can get with just being outside.




If all else fails and you hear "I'm bored!"  Then just make them CLEAN!! HAHAHA




Have a great March Break! 😁😁

Elsie Kelly, RMT




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