Yesterday was Monday. Tomorrow is Wednesday… That means today is ToesDay.

Whenever I host parent-child storytimes, I always include an art activity.  One of the biggest hits is footprint art.

Though charming to us adults, some kids won’t like it. Won’t tolerate it. Having a wet, slippery foot that needs to be washed will send some children running. Which is okay — you can make graffiti art from the footprints they leave behind.

Outdoor chalk play is a nearly perfect activity:

• Chalk can be a tool for art or for hopscotch.
• Children of different ages can create together, or
• Younger ones can color independently.
• Kids can practice writing.
• Cleanup with a hose is just as much fun as the activity.
• But — cleanup is optional!

The best toys grow up with your kids.

The best toys are multi-purpose, versatile, and friendly. By “friendly” I mean that a good toy plays nicely with differing ability levels, developmental stages, and age groups.

For “Most Valuable Toy of All Time”  – a toy that stands up to being kicked around, a toy that is at its best when it is shared, an heirloom that can be passed down from sibling to sibling, I nominate:  The Ball.

MommyGarten’s Summer schedule begins June 1.

We will be unveiling Play Plans, a new MommyGarten feature!  Each Play Plan will be filled with tips for outdoor playing, indoor playing, water play, and much more!  Continue to stop by MommyGarten.com all summer long for updates!

But first, we’d like to spend this week reviewing key parenting lessons from days gone by.

From February 2010: