Little Duck Family Child Care

  Kids bring home some of the cutest artwork—painted handprints, popsicle-stick creations, sparkly paper ornaments, the whole works. Instead of letting those adorable projects pile up in a drawer, you can turn them into heartfelt gifts that your family will treasure for years. Not only does this make each present meaningful and personal, but it also helps you save money during a season that’s already expensive enough. If you are finding the holidays extra expensive this year you can use sites like  https://discountmum.co.uk/  to find some great deals and help you stay on budget.  Whether your children are in daycare and bring home homemade masterpieces all year long, or you’re crafting simple keepsakes at home, these ideas make gifting easy, budget-friendly, and full of love. Why Handmade Gifts Mean More There’s something magical about gifts made by little hands. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and close friends absolutely adore receiving something your child put tim...

Halloween is such a magical time for little ones — full of costumes, giggles, and just the right amount of spooky fun! When planning a Halloween party for children under five, it’s all about keeping things simple, safe, and sensory-friendly. Here are some easy activities that guarantee smiles, laughter, and maybe a few adorable scares! 👻 1. Pumpkin Patch Sensory Bin Create a “mini pumpkin patch” using orange pom-poms or small toy pumpkins in a large bin filled with dried corn, rice, or shredded paper. Add scoops, cups, and little Halloween toys for digging and pouring. Why it works: Sensory play helps with fine motor skills and keeps kids engaged without mess overload. 🧙 2. Costume Parade Let the children show off their costumes in a mini parade around the play area or yard. Play festive tunes like “Monster Mash” or “Ghostbusters” and have the kids march, dance, or wave to their friends. Bonus: Snap lots of pictures for parents — they’ll treasure these memories! 🎨 3. No-Carve...

Toddlers need protein to fuel growth, support brain development, and keep their little bodies moving. But when they’re still getting teeth and are at higher risk of choking, choosing the right snacks can feel tricky. The goal is to offer soft, nutrient-dense options that are easy to chew, swallow, and pack for daycare or outings. I also wrote a great piece on high protein foods for hungry teens you might also enjoy! Below are safe, high-protein snack ideas that balance convenience and peace of mind: Quick High-Protein Snack Ideas Greek yogurt pouches or cups (look for unsweetened or lightly sweetened options) Cottage cheese (serve plain or mixed with mashed fruit for flavor) Hummus with soft dippers (like steamed veggie sticks or very soft pita pieces) Mashed avocado with beans (black beans or white beans mashed smooth for spreadable texture) Soft scrambled eggs (cooked gently so they’re fluffy and easy to gum) Mini turkey or chicken meatballs (made tender with breadcrumbs an...