BayouPublishing
Guest speaker @DrRogerLeslie will share information about his new book 'Teach Me Success' during Aldine ISD’s in-service on Aug 16, 2016
"Maybe this weekend" or "Maybe later" are phrases that parents and others find themselves saying to children all too often. When a child wants to play catch or go camping or make a snack--and the adults are busy with chores or watching the news or are trying to take a "few minutes for themselves"--whose agenda should take precedence?
In the time it takes to check email, load the laundry or write a grocery list, you now have 115 fast, fabulous and fun things to do with your little ones. This book turns five minutes together into a treasury of new experiences neither of you will ever forget.
The Five Minute Parent isn't just another activity book. Colorful sidebars featuring jokes, trivia, riddles, facts and famous quotes are sure to arouse your child's curiosity.
This is not about keeping your child busy while you do something else. It's for anyone who wants to build strong bonds with their child and have fun doing it! So the next time your child asks, "Will you play with me?" open this book and say, "Sure!" Not just for parents anymore! Keep a copy handy for:
– grandparents – aunts and uncles – babysitters – teachers and daycare workers
Anytime, Anywhere! These activities are perfect for:
– play dates – birthday parties – holiday fun – rainy days
*eBook download link included in email is valid for 48 hours.
Awards:
Five Minute Parent Awards The Five Minute Parent is proud to have been selected as a distinguished winner for the iParenting Media Award for most distinguished family educational publication in 2004. Also acclaimed "Best New Product" for Outstanding Educational Resource by What's New Magazine for Family-Life Educators. Winner of Learning Magazine 2005 "Teacher's Choice Award" for the Family.
Deborah Shelton, an active member of the Association for Play Therapy, is a homeschooling mom who believes in turning everyday learning experiences into an excuse for fun family time.
Chapter 1: Getting Organized: Creating a Craft Supply Station Have the right supplies (and know where they are)!
Chapter 2: Adventures in Art Add vibrant color to everything in your life!
Chapter 3: Weird & Wacky Science Experiments Amaze friends and family with your scientific knowledge!
Chapter 4: Writing and Wishing You Were Here Design your own bookmarks! Keep in touch with family and friends with original postcards and letters!
Chapter 5: Games and Sports, of Sorts Find new games to play, or enjoy some old favorites!
Chapter 6: Family Fun Time Family togetherness doesn't stop at the dinner table!
Chapter 7: Easy Crafts for All Ages She can do it; he can do it; you can do it too!
Chapter 8: Music, Movement and Mayhem Dance, sing a song, or just act silly. It's up to you!
Chapter 9: Puppets, Critters and Creepy-Crawlies These projects are just for fun--not for scaring your little sister!
Chapter 10: Celebrations Using Your Imagination Make every day a holiday with party favors and hand-made gifts!
Chapter 11: Cooking & Munching in the Kitchen Solve those after-school hunger and boredom blues!
Chapter 12: Outside Fun Guide Put the remote control down and get ready for some real fun!
Appendix: Parent Information Centers by State Index
Chapters
Introduction
I will never forget the day I decided to write this book. My 2 1/2-year-old son and I were at home together, in the office. I sat at one end of the desk, staring at the computer screen, watching the cursor race as my finger tapped furiously on the backspace key, while my son sat at the opposite end, watching the portable television. My latest parenting article was no match for the dreaded Writer’s Block. “Mommy, I want to go camping," my son interrupted.. Without taking my eyes from the screen, I answered, “Not right now Sweetie. Mommy’s working now…maybe this weekend," and continued typing.
“I want to go camping now Mommy!" he wailed. I turned to see tears on the verge of spilling over his cheeks. He kept pointing at the television, which featured a happy sitcom family enjoying a camping trip in the woods. I looked at the tears again, then shot a glance at the computer screen. “Finding Time for ‘Quality’ Time" was all that had survived the backspace key.
That’s when it hit me: Don’t wait for the weekend! Five short minutes later, my son and I transformed our living room into a sofa cushion and bed sheet camping ground. He was thrilled, we had a ton of fun, and I subsequently defeated Writer’s Block.
The Five Minute Parent is for parents, grandparents, teachers, caregivers and families. Most of all, it is for children who want to see and experience their world NOW, and for parents who catch themselves saying, “Maybe this weekend". Have you ever noticed how many things in our lives get put off until the weekend?
The Five Minute Parent is not only about finding more time to spend with our children, but also finding more creative ways to spend the time we already have. The activities in The Five Minute Parent are ideal for play dates, rainy-day blues busting, and overall family fun. Most of the projects call for materials that you probably already have in your home. If not, use that as an excuse to visit your favorite craft supply store.
At the back of this book, you will find a comprehensive index that lists the activities by their names and also by their materials. The appendix offers a directory of parent resource centers by state. Parent resource centers provide support in the form of counseling, parent training classes, special needs assistance, family literacy programs and much more.
I hope you enjoy this book, and remember: Don’t wait for the weekend! No matter how hectic your schedule, you can create small treasures and lasting memories with your children in just minutes!