It took me far too long to realize that I don’t need to wait for special occasions, like holidays and having company over, to make special memories. For too long, I kept the good china in the cupboard and stored away recipes for the next big occasion. But one day it hit me that I can, and should, allow some room for special in the everyday. These memories, special memories in the midst of everyday rhythms, will be the most cherished in my children’s hearts, and strengthen our family’s bond.
This year, to make some sweet memories with my children, we’re using Rooted Childhood. This monthly collection is full of seasonal handicrafts, recipes, songs, and poems, designed to help us connect with our children. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to write this post, sponsored by Rooted Childhood. I’ve also used affiliate links to share this beautiful collection with you.
Rooted Childhood
Each month, Rooted Childhood is delivered right to your inbox, or, if you’d prefer, you can get a glossy, printed copy delivered to your mailbox. I first received the September collection, filled with beautiful pictures and a fall-inspired design. It begins with a thorough introduction, explaining the different areas in the guide, and how to best implement them in the home. I was especially grateful for the long list of age-appropriate kitchen tasks that children can safely do. Cooking with my daughter is a beautiful thing; cooking with my toddler son is a lesson in patience!
Stories and Songs
The collection holds seasonal stories, finger rhymes, and songs. In both the September and October collections, all of the selections were new to me! It’s so easy to get stuck in our comfort zones when it comes to singing songs or doing finger rhymes, so I appreciate being able to introduce some new ones into our days. In the October collection, a Spanish song is included, which is a sweet way to gently teach a new language during the early years. Thankfully, there’s a video to help with the tune of the song and pronunciation of the words!
Handicrafts
Each collection has eight handicrafts, designed with children eight and under in mind. There are detailed directions explaining which ages the handicraft is appropriate for, and how to adapt it for younger children. The finished products are beautiful, but the processes aren’t very complicated, and the materials lists aren’t too long. The projects in the guide would make lovely gifts. I’m eager to see what the December collection holds!
Recipes
The Rooted Childhood collection also features real-food recipes that little ones can help with. Often, many of the recipes I find that are “kid-friendly” also come with unhealthy ingredients. Teaching my children to cook while also teaching them to eat healthful foods is important to me! The recipes revolve around the riches of the season, helping us celebrate the beauty and flavors that the month brings with it.
Special Moments with Rooted Childhood
When I showed my daughter, H, the gorgeous handicrafts included in Rooted Childhood, she couldn’t contain her excitement. She was in disbelief that such beautiful handicrafts were available to her and that I was actually going let her do them! I encouraged her to pick out one craft and one recipe to make. She chose a burlap apple tree, and whole-food caramel apples. We headed to the store and sought out the materials we needed
Apple Tree Handicraft
I helped H cut out the felt pieces, got her burlap and hoop set up, and then E (almost 3) wanted to try as well. The guide suggested that younger children just practice sewing with a needle and thread, so I set up a hoop with burlap for E. I was so amazed how well he did with sewing! In the past, I probably would have told him no and would have tried to distract him with another toy or “craft.” But I was encouraged by this guide so I gave it a chance, and was so amazed by the sweetness of having him actually participate in a meaningful way. In a flustered moment of searching for his thread, he called the needle a “poky” which H and I thought was adorable.
It took H about an hour, spread out over two days, to finish her handicraft. The amount of diligence and attention that she devoted to the task really impressed me! She asked to work on it and stuck with it for a good amount of time. I had to thread her needle about thirty times, but other than that, she worked independently.
When she finished, she was so proud of herself! She wanted to FaceTime with both of her grandmas to show them what she had accomplished. This is something that we’ll cherish forever.
Caramel Apples
Before using Rooted Childhood, if you had told me that it was possible to make my fall favorite, caramel dip for apples, without any added sugar and using only natural, easily-accessible ingredients, I would have told you to jump in a leaf pile. But that is exactly what we made thanks to one of the recipes in the September collection. Both of my older children helped me measure and count ingredients, and then we set the table for a pretty “Fall Day” celebration. I wish I could clearly communicate to you how happy we were to share caramel apples dipped in special toppings. This was an ordinary Tuesday, but I doubt any of us will ever forget “Fall Day.”
Monthly Collections
The October collection includes a character tea party and making adorable felt animal masks. I love that it includes these fun, imaginative ideas without excluding those who don’t celebrate Halloween. Although Rooted Childhood doesn’t contain Christian content, it has riches that everyone can enjoy.
I’m eager to see what the collections will include the rest of the year. I often find it difficult to enjoy and celebrate the months that fall in the winter doldrums, when the weather has long been cold and the spring is still far off in the future. Rooted Childhood will give us a way to celebrate the everyday during each season.
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