Childhood101

playing. learning. growing.

Mum 2 Mum: Say Hello

What is Mum 2 Mum? Mum 2 Mum is a place where as online friends we can share a little of our own experiences, so why not pop in for a cuppa and join the conversation.

One of the things I love about blogging is the community which grows around a blog – a community of readers and other bloggers who visit regularly, who comment, who share your ideas on their own blogs or through Facebook and Twitter. The support is awesome. Just like in life, this community grows and changes over time, readers move on as their lives take a new course and new readers join.

Today I would love to properly ‘meet’ you all! Leave a comment saying hello (yep, time to delurk if you have been hiding on the other side of your screen! LOL), tell me a little about you and why you visit Childhood 101, if you blog why not tell me a little about your blog too (if you pop your link in the field above the comment box then it won’t go to spam and your name becomes clickable).

Over this Easter long weekend, I will try to get around to your blogs and say hi back 🙂

If you don’t already, feel free to subscribe to get your daily update of Childhood 101 by RSS or email. And why not sign up to the brand new monthly e-newsletter by popping your email address into the box up there in the sidebar and hitting subscribe (it doesn’t seem to do anything but you will be sent an email to confirm your subscription). The newsletter will come out during the first week of each month and will contain more great Childhood 101 ideas, tips and special offers only available to subscribers.

{Image source}

Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.

Read the comments or scroll down to add your own:

  1. Elizabeth A says

    De-lurking to say "Hi!" from the southern US. I come here all the time for inspiration on fun/creative/messy/active things to do with my girls (2 yrs and 8 months) and simple ways to set them up to love learning. I always find something I can use when I visit. Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences and ideas!

  2. Heather says

    Hello! I am an occupational therapist in Maryland, USA and thoroughly loves/supports/encourages any moms/mums/dads/OTs/teachers/fill in other adult that believes children develop best by doing what they are meant to: play! We all need new ideas and inspiration from time to time so it's important to network and interact with other communities that share the same values. I follow you on Twitter too and retweet when I think my families will love the same ideas! Thank you!

  3. Seraphimsp says

    Hello! I am the mother of 3 small children, wife to 1 husband, former teacher now writer and er, I think we've met before. Hope you have a wonderful Easter with your family Christie xxx

  4. Caz says

    Hello from Sydney on a rainy Saturday morning :-) I love to visit Childhood101 because I dont get much time on the computer and I find more wonderful inspiration and thought provoking topics on child rearing here than anywhere else on the net. My children (4 and 2) and education are two of my biggest interests so it's all covered! I also like to share the activities we do at home on our Blog through your We Play link up and have met so many wonderful people this way, an added bonus to Blogging that I hadn't anticipated! Your site is such a valuable resource Christie, I really appreciate the time and effort you must put into it each week.

  5. Fatima says

    Hello, I'm a momma of four sweeties living in a rural town in the middle of the U.S. I thank you for your blog as it has opened up the world to me, getting to "meet" folks from all over (and down under). I've really enjoyed the friendships and the new perspectives I've gained here. My silly little blog is Fur Lined Toilet Seats. I grew up in an old farmhouse that did not boast running water. When my momma saved up and bought our first house in town, it did have indoor plumbing. My grandmother teased my mom about her "fur lined toilet seats." It's been a family joke ever since that time. For me, the term has come to mean so much more. I guess it just makes me really evaluate what is truly important in life. I've spent the past 8 years seeking out those really important things and worrying less about the trivial stuff and the luxuries that I've chosen not to pursue. My blog shares our joys, some of our struggles, and lots of the fun that comes with a house full of little ones. We are living life in the very best and fullest way we can and hopefully, encouraging others. Thanks so much for your wonderful blog.

  6. Chryssie says

    Hi Christie De-lurking to say "Hello" :) My name is Chryssie and I'm from Brisbane, Australia. I venture in here for ideas, not just for my little girl (almost 2), also my older children that turn 10 and 14 this year, oh, and can't forget me too! Let's face it - I probably have more fun doing these activities than the kids. ::blush:: I also love seeing some of the products you mention, like Arteater. Brilliant. (I so want the large frame with lots of little artworks inside!!) Ciao Chryssie

  7. Justine says

    Hi! I'm a first time mommy from somewhere in New England, USA. I worked as both a special education teacher and a elementary school teacher before deciding to stay home with my son. I started my blog a couple of years ago and just recently decided to test the social waters of blogging by linking up my ideas on a couple of different sites. The name of my blog, You'll thank me one day, is kind of tongue in cheek. I was thinking of sayings that many parents are notorious for saying to their kids. My blog is mainly a personal blog where I mostly talk about my little guy and the fun activities that we do together. Occasionally I talk about other aspects of my life like my husband, homekeeping, and my two kitties. I love your blog. You inspire me and motivate me to make ever day a playful one. : )

  8. maytey says

    Hi Christie, I have 2 boys, 16 months and 3 and a half. I've got so much inspiration for creative work through your blog, thanks so much!

  9. Nathalie Brown says

    Hi, this is Nathalie I am a childhood behaviour consultant, a teenage mentor and a parent counsellor. Its partly like a detective role as I unravel what is causing the behavioural issues. My passion is changing child behaviour naturally. I believe for all behaviour there are underlying reasons and therefore a solution ot room for improvement. I love what I do and seeing the difference in the familes and their children, where the behavioural issues have been improved or completely disappears. I blog about behaviour, my life, the importance of play and creating happy well adjusted resilient children. I offer support to mothers and urge them to take care of themselves too.

  10. Julie says

    Hello, I'm a former elementary school teacher from Canada. In fact, I completed my student teaching prac in Brisbane so I like perusing Australian blogs as the pictures bring back such fond memories. I'm currently a stay-at-home mum to two little girls and I've been blogging about children's books. I found your blog a week or so ago after reading a post linking to yours on a children's art blog. I'm thinking about purchasing the pattern for your cute teepee!

  11. Debi says

    Hi Christie! I've been a big fan for a while now - all the way from Southern California. I enjoy all the wonderful ideas & warmth of the space you've created here. It's so encouraging to see so many people fostering play time for their kids. In the U.S., unstructured play seems like a vanishing art! I've been blogging for about a year and a half - mainly about my outdoor adventures with my two boys (now 6.5 and 3). I hope to provide inspiration to other parents to get their kids outside exploring nature & connecting with the world around them (instead of the one inside!). Have a wonderful weekend!

  12. Jacquie says

    Hi Christie, I am a mum of 3 boys (8, 5 & 3) from Perth. I found your blog last year via Planning with Kids and I've been reading ever since. I'm one of those people who hates doing craft because it's messy and not my thing however my boys are all turning out to be very creative and your blog has given me so many great ideas and easy and fun things to do with them which is slowly turning me around - lol!! I've also really loved reading your play ideas - lots of which we already do but there have been so many other GREAT ideas which have helped keep the TV off for much longer. Thanks so much :-)

  13. Tammy says

    Hello, I'm Creative Mum of two trying to feed my kids healthy food, have fun and stay sane, I love my garden and the birds that visit it. You know who I am - I think ; ) Though I don't comment very often any more so thought I'd take this chance to say I do still pop by.

  14. Bron Harman says

    Hi Christie, I am relatively new to blogging and only recently decided to see what Twitter was all about, and became very quickly addicted! I live in Perth, Western Australia, mum of three (aged 17, 15 and nearly 13). I am also a psychology lecturer at one of our local universities, and my research program focusses on Australian families. I am particularly looking at different cohorts of mothers and fathers (single mums/dads, teen mums/dads, step mums/dads and so on) and resilience. I am also asking those same cohorts about their experiences: what is it like to be a single mum/dad, a teen mum/dad, a step mum/dad and so on. And finally, I look at other family related issues: the importance of play, childlessness, generational differences in parenting. So, phew! REALLY busy! But I love hearing about other people's stories and connecting however we can. I hope you enjoy your weekend! Cheers, Bron Harman

  15. Denyse Whelan says

    Hi Christie, I met you recently at the Aussie Bloggers Conference in Sydney. I was the one giving out bookmarks! My passion is teaching little kids, and parenting & grandparenting. My kids are very much grown up, and both have ventured into teaching (one Primary, one still training for High School). Both my husband and I met as teachers in the countryside of NSW. I am a retired Primary School principal, who is caring for my now unwell husband. This means that whilst I may not be able to meet many people in real life, the on-line world has opened me to new people, places and ideas. I came to your blog sometime last year. I recall how impressed I was (still am) as the passion and love you have for Early Childhood is a stand-out. My grandchildren, aged 14 to 19 months (5 of them) have all been part of my caring and loving since birth. Our home has spaces, blankies, pillows and doonas for each one..should they have a sleepover or a play day. Currently caring for Mr3 and Miss19m at present and into the foreseeble future one day per week. Loving watching them interact and play. I have the outside set up for messy play, creative play...includes a water table, a separate sand tray, a play house & shop equipment. The kids have one of each thing - ride on bikes (plastic) ride on wheeled hobby horses, shopping trolleys...and I have a BALL... Interestingly too, these kids are benefitting from their grandma being a techie lover. So part of each day is some activity for fun and learning via Ipad - apps for pre-schoolers where matching occurs, listening and watching and talking. Time on this is limited... A friend who is a Computer and Info Tech person with NSW Dept of Education says research is showing that kids' learning via this media as well as traditional will be hard-wiring brains for learning and recall differently. She did not see it as a negative. Meanwhile, my idea of a blog is for me and my ideas and to share. I am a non-categorised blogger...but I am now choosing to update my blog to include 'Whataboutschool' issues where parents, teachers and students may wish to enquire of discuss issues where I may have some expertise. If you chose to integrate my blog's details into yours, there is a BLOG button, or text located on my home page, called 'Link to Me' where there is html to cut and paste. Meanwhile...I hope you are having a marvellous Easter Break - with the family! Denyse Website details above.

  16. jeanne says

    Hello Christie Have to say Hello from sunny Northern California (well, cloudy and sort of rainy right now!). Been following you since I started blogging last December - zella said purple - and am inspired by your ideals of Play, Outdoors, Hands IN, and your absolute respect for children as thinkers/creators. Been a project-based early childhood educator for 20+ years and currently am an instructor for soon-to-be teachers at the college level. Have been assigning blogs as course reading for the college students to gain perspective of current, progressive teachers/bloggers like yourself who uplift children as explorers and meaning makers. I desperately miss being in the classroom with the young students. My medicine is reading others' blogs to keep my head in "kid mode." Cheers to Childhood 101 :) Thanks for your wonderful work to connect in the blogosphere!

  17. shar says

    Hi there. I am a mamma and an early years and EAL teacher. I am kiwi born, with an Aussie husband and daughter - we call Australia 'home'. I have spent most of my life living as an expat in places such as Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and France, currently we are living in Dubai in the Middle East. I teach at the same school that my daughter attends which I love. I am PASSIONATE about education and love your blog because you are too. Some of your posts make me yearn to be back in Australia. Shar x

  18. Anne@LittleSproutBooks says

    Hi Christie! I've been following Childhood 101 a little over a year - it was one of the first feeds added to my reader when I began exploring the blogosphere. I love the way the activities you do flow so seamlessly between educational and entertaining. I write a children's book review blog where I focus on how titles can contribute to children's cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development. I'm a former public school teacher turned stay at home mom, and a rabid reader and book collector in either profession!

  19. Epiphius says

    Hi! I just recently found your blog and started following it. I'm organizing a preschool homeschool co-op and loving all the ideas you have! Though, we're clearly in different climates! My blog is mostly about attachment parenting but I stray a bit as well. Nothing is completely off limits, but I generally keep it G or PG and mostly positive.

  20. Deb says

    Hi, I've been around for a while. When I started blogging at Science@home I knew lots about science and lots about my own family, but you and other bloggers taught me about early childhood in general and still give me heaps of ideas and inspiration. I'm trying to interact a bit more (especially now I'm getting the email updates) but I'm not very good at the life balance thing.

  21. Jodie says

    Hi! I'm an Early Childhood teacher in Perth Western Australia. I am also now a proud Mum of a gorgeous little boy who is four months old. I started reading your blog after reading about it in a newspaper after you won an award. I love your ideas for both home and school. I haven't got my own blog but am seriously considering starting one... Keep up the great work Christie.

  22. Caroline Roberts says

    Hi Christie I came across your blog yesterday through a link that Leaf. Paper for Life and Squiggle Mum had posted on facebook. What a great blog you have! I've spent the last hour browsing through your posts and love what I've read. I am a primary school teacher myself but my main experience has been in the middle and senior years not early childhood. I now have my own little girl who is 17 months old though so I'm starting to experience all that life entails with a toddler. I currently work as a gardening specialist teacher at a local primary school and also run my own business, Gardening 4 Kids. I have my own blog attached to the business that features gardening activities for children, recipes and other hints, tips and information about gardening with children. I've now subscribed to your blog so I'm looking forward to reading your posts regularly. Have a lovely Easter Caroline.

  23. Cath says

    Hi Christie, You've kinda already met me through Alli at Motivating Mums, but I thought I'd drop by here as well to introduce myself properly. I started Leaf as a way of helping people discover their stories, created some fun story telling games and journals, and the next thing I know, I'm up to my neck discovering the wonderful world of creativity for kids, as try to pitch journal keeping against the Nintendo, or encourage kids to explore their potential so that they don't lose that essential creativity as they get "coerced" into more lucrative fields. I love that you (and so many other inspiring, creative people) are already doing the hard yards. With an almost 5yo munchkin of my own, I am discovering the incredible 100 languages of children every day. He's a bright little man, and I regularly spend my time with my jaw dropped to the floor over some spark of brilliance emerging from him. Kids are amazing! Why don't most people recognise that? Thank you for recognising it and inspiring others to do so also. My blog is (currently) inspired by whatever my Story Starter conversation cards come up with - some things are best left to chance ;-). It's a bit of fun, but also a great way to explore a range of themes and thoughts... it's amazing how often the cards come up with just the right opportunity. Thanks for this opportunity to say Hello. Cath. Leaf. Paper for Life. http://leafjournals.com/topic/blog

  24. Erin says

    I am a mum from Sydney with two girls (1 & 3) and I love coming here to get inspiration and ideas, as well as reading about child behaviour. This is a great blog, thanks for all the hard work you put into it! :)

  25. Aussie Mum says

    Hi Christie, I have been a regular for a quite while now. I have a science background and knew very little about young children before having my own three boys to I love your tips on literacy, art and play. Thanks for all the great ideas.

  27. Krystle says

    Hi! I'm Krystle, mum to two gorgeous girls (3 and 5 years old) and an early childhood teacher. We are currently living in Jerrabomberra, which is pretty much right on the border of NSW and the ACT. :)

  28. Marnee says

    Hi Christie, I'm currently a stay at home mum to two of the three loves of my life Master 3.8years and miss 15 months, while the third is my very hard working husband. I worked in the corporate world but gave it up when starting a family became difficult. I then worked as a casual, part timer, fulltimer and all rounder in a pre-school while on the IVF journey to parenthood. I am gaining my qualifications to return to childcare when (deep breath) my two move on to the world of big school. I am deeply passionate about early childhood education and play based learning and love your blog on a very regular basis. I love We play and although I've not had time to link up from my mummapaparazi blog lately I get much inspiration from all that do. Thank you for sharing yours and Immy's life with us, the highs and lows and fun and adventures. Such truth and honesty....the love for your little girl so evident in your posts. Thank you for the time you put in and linking up so many wonderful pages and ideas. Marnee Sydney Australia

  29. Tracey M says

    Thanks for inviting us to share and "meet" one another! I am a stay-at-home mom to an adorable almost 3-yr-old boy living in Wisconsin. I love to engage my son in learning activities that are fun and I keep a blog to record the precious moments of his childhood, and also to share my faith. I love the We Play link up and each time I get the greatest ideas for what to include in our learning play time. It's a lot of fun.

  30. Anna says

    Love seeing other ideas out there...I am a mum from New Zealand - love being creative and by having 2 boys have found it the perfect place to be me - am now training and working in early childhood -

  31. Kiasa says

    I just came to your blog via the artful parent and I love what I see here! I have three adorable little ones (4.5 yrs, 22mos, & 4 mos). We live in a small 1 bedroom apartment in Manhattan. I love living here, but also dream of a big backyard someday. I blog about our adventures in the city. I use to teach hands-on science to young kids and did fun birthday parties until my second baby was a few months old. Now I'm completely focused on my wee ones and I love it! Thanks for all your cool posts! I'm still browsing and jotting down ideas to do with my kids.

  32. Wendy says

    Hi Christie, I am a fellow early childhood teacher. I follow your blog because you do such wonderful things that align well with my teaching philosophy. I have a new blog Nurturing Forests about early childhood teacher - though I have a long way to go to meet the beauty and skill of your blogs (even finding the time). Wendy

  33. Shelley says

    Hello. This is Shelley. I'm a mom to 5 little ones ranging from almost 4 months-12 yrs. I lean toward attachment parenting and I am somewhat "crunchy". I am also a homeschooling momma. My blog link is attached so if you click my name you can find out more about me. Icame to childhood101 via another blog, and love it so far.

  34. Shelley says

    oops sorry, forgot to say what my blog is about. It's a hodge podge of things about life as a mom, homeschooler, cloth diapering, etc.

  35. Emily says

    Hi! I just added you to the google reader a few days ago, but I'm loving your blog so far! You've got lots of great ideas, I'm totally going to re-enact Goldilocks tomorrow! Do stop by my blog - I'm part of a collective with 4 other ladies at www.the-polka-dot-umbrella.blogspot.com

  36. Susan@improvamama says

    Hi Christie - how fun to meet everyone! great idea...I'm a regular reader, semi-regular participant in "We Play" (which I love). I'm a performing and teaching improvisor and drama therapist with a background in arts education and mom to my 4 year old daughter. My blog (www.improvamama.com) focuses on how to use improvisation practices, theory and activities to be a more playful parent.

  37. Lauren says

    I'm mother to two very young girls and am in grad school for literacy education. I want to nurture my daughters' creativity through play and art while they are young, rather than worry about academics and formal schooling. I know children learn through play and independent exploration so I read your blog to get ideas for how to foster that in our daily lives. I found you via Artful Parent, which I read for similar reasons. I like the way you focus on storytelling and meaningful connection when you talk about early literacy! I think people overcomplicate literacy for small children: sharing books with them, reading with and near them, and finding stories that they enjoy is probably the best way to instill a love for reading. Thanks for all the great ideas.

  38. Ivy says

    Hi Christie, I am an early childhood educator from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. I always get inspiration from your blog. Thanks for all the great ideas.

  39. Jane says

    Hi Christie Thanks for the invitation - a fab idea. I comment occasionally - your blog is such a fabulous resource for parents. My dear friend, Sarah, also contributes regular guest posts which I cherish reading. I'm a lawyer but currently the SAHM to our 3 pixies under 6. So your blog is right up my alley! J x

  40. Melissa @ Honey Bee Books says

    Hi Christine, I stumbled upon your blog a few months ago and I now visit it regularly, often linking up to We Play. I especially love the literacy spot! I am a mother of two (boy 3 yrs and Girl 10 mths) from Canberra and I have just started a new business selling pre-loved children's books and my blog explores our family's adventures with books and some of my favourite finds. Thank you for such a great resource!

  41. Melissa says

    Hi Christine, I came across your blog just last week while searching for activities for my one year old. I love your blog (and subscribed) and what's more, it's Australian! I love coming across other Aussie blogs. I am a sahm of one toddler from the Sunshine Coast QLD and write about all things frugal.

  42. Heather @ Life, Gluten Free says

    Hi, This is one of my favorite blogs. I am always so pleased to see that there's a new post in my google reader. I love the We Play section and have gotten some great ideas of crafts and activities to do with my little one. I appreciate this blog because it is about enjoying life with your kiddos. What's better than that? Thanks so much for all your time and effort that goes into this blog!

  43. The Orchard says

    Hi there, I too, just came across your blog recently and I was immediately taken with it. I love pretty much all of your ideas. I am a SAHM of 3 children (6 and 5 year old daughters and a 3 year old son). I live in Ontario, Canada and when I am not at home with kids I will go back to my job as an elementary school teacher. Thanks for creating such an inspiring and creative blog and sharing it with others. It is much appreciated! Cheers, Tricia

  44. Francesca says

    I know I'm a little late (having enjoyed a nice Easter break away from the computer) but I've been meaning to say for sometime that I really enjoy reading your blog. Funnily enough, I found it via a US blog that I subscribe to. Creativity with my children is one of my greatest struggles and I've found some great inspiration and materials on your site, so thank you! I started my website because I kept coming across such great parenting material both online and in books that I thought would be great to share. Also, with 3 children, I have tried and tested so many different approaches to various things (the stock standard, eating, sleeping, creativity, literacy, emotional literacy etc) that I thought it would be good to share what I've learnt. I know that whenever I do get together with other mothers (and it doesn't happen too often strangely enough) this is the stuff that we talk about again and again and again. Anyway, thanks again for the great ideas I've found on your site.

  45. SalW says

    Hello Christie! I've been following you for over a year now and am ashamed to say I don't leave nearly enough comments! I'm in Sydney and have two little girls - aged 2.5 and 9 months and also do freelance work from home. Your blog provides me with so many great play ideas, and general inspiration. Keel up the great work!

  46. Andie Cross says

    Hi Christie, I love your blog too and whilst I don't get the chance to read it as frequently as I did when I was living in Australia, when I do get here, I bring a coffee and I settle back for a good long read. It's such a great site for ideas and inspiration- especially living in Thailand now, I often find myself short of creative ideas and left wondering what I used to do! Anyway thanks so much and happy blogging! Andie

The Book

Learning Resources


Activities by Age

Baby
Toddler
Preschool
School-age
Family