As a parent, I totally get that a lot of child-based activities can become monotonous (maybe even a little boring if I’m being honest) and over-played. We all get into our routines and visit the same parks or the same museums, even when there’s nothing new happening. We’re really just always on the lookout for any kind of fun activity that might stimulate our kids’ minds.
Along those lines, I think it’s SO important to diversify what we expose our kids to because this is when their minds are in their prime! They’re like little sponges soaking it up and taking it all in. As a mom, I really want to guide Zelda and create opportunities for her to discover new things and build a path for her to naturally gravitate towards her interests.
This is where the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) comes in! They delivered BIG time with their first ever Spring Make Festival. It’s basically a showcase of all things making and tinkering to encourage kids to use their hands and interact with each other and the magic of science (which is absolutely incredible because this mama ain’t got no knowledge when it comes to science).
You want to talk about a diverse range of activities—they have everything YOU, the adult, and your child could want. Taking Zelda, OH MY GOD, she loved it. She was especially drawn to the Robot Block Party they had going on while we were there in celebration of National Robotics Week. She was SO into it. She watches robots on TV, but I realized while we were there that she had never seen a robot in person, so watching her gravitate towards one and seeing her get excited about a robot competition was very cool and interesting. Seeing robots battle it out isn’t part of our regularly scheduled programming, so it was really good for her to be around and engage with something very much out of the norm.
There was also this amazing tornado and hot air balloon section that just really had me feeling very creatively inspired with her. I always capture pictures of Zelda, but when I was in this environment and there was this sort of dark rainbow as a backdrop, it encouraged me to take pictures of her in a way we haven’t before.
I started thinking about a photographer friend of mine, Paul Octavious, and although my skills are absolutely nowhere near his, I decided that for the day, I was going to shoot all the pictures in this darker, kind of mysterious way, which is how he shot his Rescue Rainbow series. ANYWAY, this was a new experience for me and feeling like I was becoming fully immersed alongside Zelda was really cool. See, even adults can learn a lot at activities that are primarily for the kids!
If the MSI isn’t on your regular hit-list for when you come to Chicago, you better get it there. It is seriously a GEM. Make sure you allow at least a half day or even a full day to enjoy it because it has that much to offer.
The Spring Make Festival has wrapped up, but there’s always new exhibits and stimulating things to do.
Thank you to the Museum of Science and Industry for sponsoring this post. It’s partners like this that make documenting our journey possible.
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Helen Red
I’m with you 1000000% babe!
Corri Mcfadden
This morning she found one hidden in her drawer and she brought it to me and said “I think a Baby left this here” ? So great but also so sad to see the baby go!
Helen Red
For sure. I’m also same on potty training. I never forced my kids and they all did it on they’re own when ready.
Corri Mcfadden
Helen Red Totally! Zelda still puts on a diaper to poo but tells me “don’t worry I will go in the potty in time for school, it’s just scary” ?❤️
Julie Clark Lampert
I love your parenting style Corri & Zelda is too cute! I was the same with the paci & potty training.
Corri Mcfadden
Julie Clark Lampert Thanks Babe! I hope you are wonderful, glad to hear you did the same! xo
Ana Vihon
My son stopped sucking his thumb at 4 and half when the Dentist told him. Cold turkey and when he was ready. We couldn’t believe it.
Corri Mcfadden
They just like to do things on their terms, just like us! LOL! It really is unreal how they just quit cold turkey!
Mimi Hammad
Ok so I was super excited about reading your article on toddlers and pacifiers. However, I didn’t get the advice I was looking for on how to get my toddler to put his pacifier to rest. I am also in panic mode about my 3 1/2 still sucking his paci and WHEN do I intervene…
First, thank you for sharing this, “GO ZELDA!” Man did you get lucky!
Second, I am a firm believer in, let them make there own decisions, “YES” feels so good to hear other mommies, living by this, when it comes to decision-making for your toddler ( boy have I been criticized) I just guide and redirect, when needed. Lucky for me, he only takes it at bedtime. I am praying he will put it to rest on his own before 4 years .
I love reading your articles, there very helpful AND fuck those “jealous” haters that criticize! You’re a bad ass mom!!! Keep doing you, boo! ♥️
Corri Mcfadden
If he has already cut back to just taking it at bed time it is just a matter of time before he ditches it all together. Don’t worry he will quit just like Zelda did. Zelda still takes her bottle at night and puts on a diaper to go #2. We just have to let them be and come into their own. Thanks for reading! XOXO-
Kristina Cutright
Isn’t it amazing when they just decide to do something and then DO IT!! The only thing I’ve realized is, somehow it never seems easier later on. I always thought things would be easier the older they got because we could reason with them as they matured… UMMM WRONG. The older they get, the HARDER it is to break habits I think. But they definitely do realize overnight when they’re ready to be a big kid and let go of things they associate with babies. Kinda sad and kinda thrilling all in itself. Great job and thanks for sharing!!! So glad I’m not the only momma out there with paci issues
Olga Barrett
I got Mom shamed by a mom last fall (when he was just shy of two years old) when my son got sick and I gave him a bottle of milk to drink. Mind you he could easily have drank from a cup but he was so sick and weak. And what blew my mind was that several months prior her child was drinking from a bottle. That nonsense is too much for me. Those judgy moms have low self esteem and project their insecurities on other moms. It’s only when the child is in harm or the parent is stunting the emotional/physical/mental development of the child that I say anything. But bottle, paci, potty training… that’s just dumb to judge. Ok that’s my two cents.