“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Cottonelle, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #CottonelleTarget http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.”
As my kids are getting older, the more I am being open to the idea of imaginative play using household items that would normally be off limits.
A few weeks ago, after learning that baking soda and vinegar makes a “volcano”, Henry asked if he and Lucy could make volcanoes on their own.
I was super busy and had a million things to get done, so I just gave in and handed him an entire box of baking soda and a whole jar of vinegar.
Whatever, have at it. Just let me knock out this to-do list.
Well I’ll be…if they didn’t play outside happily for over an hour. While they managed to blow through both containers, they figured out some basic laws of physics like that the smaller the opening, the higher the spray…that the longer you kept the contents under pressure, the better your eruption. They ran around the house and yard experimenting with different containers, added dirt, and at one point even asked if they could put glitter in their concoction (I drew the line at glitter).
And I marveled “Dang. Who knew that $3 worth of household ingredients would be so awesome?”
(Side note: if your kids make dozens of baking soda volcanoes in the street right where Dad normally parks his car, you might want to clue him in or he will FLIP OUT thinking there is something majorly wrong with his car. Ahem.)
So I’ve been more open to suggestions like this.
A few days ago, I set them up outside on the grass with food coloring I found at the dollar store, and a bunch of little glass mason jars. They mixed colors with plastic droppers all afternoon. QUIETLY. <<<<—— I don’t want you to miss that. As in, they didn’t make noise or fight or bicker or even ask me for even ONE BITTY THING.
Last week, I handed them each a raw egg and a spoon. They raced around the yard, had contests on the trampoline…I don’t even know. All I know is that they were happy and out of my hair for a LONG TIME.
And seriously, for two lousy eggs. Sign me up.
So when I had the opportunity to do a post for Cottonelle Triple Roll I thought: “Let’s see how this goes…”
It was a blustery, cold, sprinkly day. My kids are total outdoor kids, so they were pretty cooped up and basically driving me batty.
I handed each of the Bigs a roll of toilet paper. They looked at me like I had lost my mind.
“Here. Do whatever you want.”
“You mean we can just play with it?”
“Yeah.”
“We can make a mess?”
“Sure. But you gotta help clean it up. And only stay in the living room.”
“We can do whatever we want?”
“Whatever.”
“YESSSSS!!!!!”
First, they asked to be mummies.
Hint: it’s oddly satisfying to wrap up your kids’ mouths after a day of driving you up a wall.
Judge me.
Once the mummy costumes fell apart, it didn’t take long for this to happen.
And this…
And of course this.
At one point during our Toilet Paper Party, Henry exclaimed “You’re the best mom EVER!!!!”
Not even kidding.
There were even mummified light saber battles.
Because OBVIOUSLY.
Friends, throw away your Christmas lists.
I’m telling you: a box of baking soda, a jar of vinegar, an egg, and a roll of toilet paper.
Kids are really so simple.
It’s us parents that muck it all up. Trying to buy all the fancy, latest, highest tech toys and gadgets.
When all our kids want is to be nerds and play creatively.
And make messes.
Always with the messes.
I don’t know what happened here.
But he was mad. About something.
Now, in retrospect, while this is a fun rainy day activity, it’s MESSY.
Not so much for the scraps of paper everywhere, but for all the toilet paper dust.
My floors and every piece of furniture in my living room had a thick white coating of paper dust.
I don’t have asthma, but I felt like my asthma was acting up.
The good news was that the room was in desperate need of dusting anyway, so it just encouraged me to get it done.
Unless you really don’t mind a dust bowl via the likes of The Grapes of Wrath days, you might want to make this an outdoor/backyard gig.
But truly, I challenge you mamas this week: let your kids play with something unorthodox. Set up specific ground rules (stay outside, one room only, must help clean up, etc.) and just let them have at it. You’d be surprised at how well, and how long they will play happily…and how much they will learn in the process!
(Incidentally, the other bloggers on this campaign have these crazy amazing ideas like this incredible cupcake costume and these awesome angel wings. And I’m all like, “Hey kids, make a mess!!!” Pretty sure Cottonelle is thinking “who hired that chick?!” Lo siento.)
In the meantime, Target has a coupon for a free box of Kleenex if you buy a 12 pack or larger of Cottonelle Triple Roll while supplies last. By the way, TRIPLE. ROLL. Yeah. Awe. Some.
Also: the kids excitedly told Andy about our Toilet Paper Party when he got home. “You did what?” “I let them play with toilet paper.” “Today?” “Yeah.” “Why?” “Why not?” “You are insane.” “It’s whatevs. They were happy.” “Insane.”
Have you just let your kids have at it with something unusual? Tell me! I’d love more ideas!
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Good for you! Sometimes we get so wound up and don’t let kids make a mess while they play. And what did this hurt? Yes, you had to dust, but seriously, not a big deal. And you can put the TP in a bag and use it for it’s intended purposes after all the fun. Every time they (or you) use it you’ll remember the fun you had.
I gave my kids a box of Kleenex a piece and then timed them to see who could empty it the fastest. Kleenex were flying everywhere. Then, we had a “snow” fight with the Kleenex. It was so fun!
Angie´s last blog post ..Mother’s Day Tradition 2013
Personally, the mummy costumes your kids made look much better than the cupcake and angel wings. Plus, their smiles say it all. Who would have thought that a roll of toilet paper would bring so much joy. Can’t wait to try this with my kid!
We had a snowball fight with a bag of marshmallows. It was the best fun ever.
Laurie´s last blog post ..so we are not giving up {guest post}
For Amelia’s first Christmas, we wrapped up a roll of toilet paper and gave it to her as a gift. It was her favorite present. We get loads of miles out of that story.
Best,
Caryl
What’s more fun than making a mess. My kids would love it if I gave them free rein to be messy with tp.
*thanks for the link up :)
michelle´s last blog post ..Ever feel like that was the longest 4 days of your life? Weekend Wrap Up
Just earlier this week I said return all the birthday and Christmas gifts, throw away the lists. My in-laws bought their cats 2 new cat toys, and wouldn’t you know it, my son (5 in Dec.) played with those dang cat toys for like 2 hours!