Post by Jessica R.

Grown-up table centerpieces are fancy and beautiful, but the kid’s table deserves some attention beyond holiday paper plates and napkins. You can even make their decorations pull double duty: make the place festive and keep the kids entertained.

1) Start by covering the kids’ table with white butcher paper. You can draw the outlines of place mats directly onto the paper, or trace plates, cups, knives, forks, and spoons to help little kids know how to set their table. Or you can leave the paper blank and let the kids’ creativity soar.

2) Supply crayons, markers, glitter glue, stampers, anything to give the kids something to play with before, during, and after dinner!

3) Get creative and fancy beforehand and make this adorable turkey centerpiece! Since it’s made with half of a Styrofoam ball, you can make two—one for markers and one for crayons.

4) Worried that your little diners will need more to distract them? Check out all the fun Thanksgiving coloring pages and activities supplied by Crayola or fill a centerpiece basket with tiny Playdoh tins, Silly Putty, stickers, or other fun treats.

With all that keeping the kids entertained grown-ups will have plenty of time to enjoy their meal, their wine, and the great company!

Post by Jessica R.

Here’s a little parenting humor to remind us that sometimes it’s better to laugh than to cry when we realize that our lives no longer resemble anything we ever imagined.

You know you’re a parent when…

1. You refer to “using the restroom” as “going potty.” For yourself. In public. Around other adults.
2. You need a hair tie to put your hair in a ponytail and ask if anyone has seen a “pretty” for you to use. For yourself.
3. You cut up your husband’s steak into teeny, tiny pieces for him.
4. You’re not just a “parent” to your kids, but to everyone—asking if they’ve eaten enough, if they feel alright, if they need help (and not in a host-type way).
5. You’re always prepared—if someone needs a bandage, you have one. If someone needs crayons or a pen, you’ve got one. If someone needs a snack or juice, you’ve got one—mainly because you never leave the house without your “bag o’ tricks.”
6. Click here to visit Crazyadventuresinparenting.com to see the rest of this fantastic list. It just gets better and better.

When did you know you were really a parent?

Getting your little one ready to hit the stage is easier than ever with this adorable rock star-inspired kids gear. From a rockin’ birth announcement to cuddly toys, games and more, these products offer all the fun of a jam session without the need for big hair or tight pants (although those could be easily added for a fun Halloween costume idea!).

OEUF Guitar from Swissmiss

Rock Mobile Birth Announcement from Tiny Prints

Pottery Barn Kids Pillows Featured on Good Housekeeping

Shredmaster Jr. lets your kids play 10 well-known songs without the whole Guitar Hero console! Genius!