Everyday I ask my kids the same questions: “Did you flush?”, “Did you brush?”, “Do you know what a napkin is?” – it goes on and on. I wonder if they even hear my words. When it comes to communicating with children, I think it helps to create an element of humor and surprise. Here’s a trick to get their attention – all you’ll need is a bag of plastic animals, an X-Acto knife and something to say.
I know my kids have discovered one of my notes when I hear them laughing from another room – which is so much better than getting into an argument over something stupid.
For l'toilettes.
You can pick up a bag of plastic animals for about $6.00 or less at craft or toy stores. Using an X-Acto knife, make a deep, yet very small v-shaped cut into the mouth of the plastic animal.
The angle of the cut should be large enough so you can insert the card, but small enough to hold the card in place.
These also make great place card holders for a party – kids of all ages can play with the animals at the table.
We’re listening to OK Go today.
So funny and clever way to communicate with them!
love this! think I might be shouting ‘FLUSH’ for a good few years yet!
fee x
I have a feeling this might work on husbands, too.
What a cool idea!
And that video was amazing too. It looked like it was all done in one take which is impressive!
clever, clever!
That is hilarious
Great idea.
What a great tip! I’ll be using this for sure!
L’idée des animaux est géniale!
This is the cutest thing I’ve seen all week. I can’t wait to do this! I’ll be linking as well. Thanks for the darling idea!
Thanks Rachel!
You clever thing! So smart!!! Could see this for placecards or name tags…but I love the fact that you leave notes. My parents did that too. Here I am as an adult and I still leave sticky notes all over the house. It works!
This is awesome! Sounds like a whimsical way to sneak in small lunchbox notes as well.
This is absolutely charming and fantastic!!!!!! I love it! I know my kids will love it for sure. It’s funny, cause I feel the same way, I think all I do is ask them, “did you do this or did you do that”…oh man, I can’t wait to pick up a bag of plastic farm animals!!! fun project! yay!
this is such a good idea
my friend Fee told me about this and I had to pop over to see for myself
Brilliant x x x x x x x
Your idea is genius! I was giggling reading it through (and I’m 23.. aehm)! I?ll start working in a kidergarten soon so, this tip is much more that appreciated!
(The ok go are just hilarious).
awesome! I think I’m going to put these into use in my house!
Thanks for the fab idea! I haven’t laughed this hard in a long time! I imagine a herd of tiny pigs will be scolding my messy kids soon…
I adore this idea. I’m going to buy some plastic animals and Army men the next time I’m at the store. I think my teens would love these.
xo Jana
I absolutely love this idea. I’m wondering if my girls will want to write messages back to me….and what will they say?
Oh my goodness!!! I work part-time sitting in home with a man that has Alzheimer’s. He LOVES playing with plastic farm animals and he communicates well through written notes. IS THIS PERFECT OR WHAT??? Thank you so much.
I found you through “One Pretty Thing” Daily DIY. I would love to link back to this for my blog after I get an animal ready for his notes.
Stacy – that is wonderful to hear – how special! Feel free to link back – I would love to see the post when it is live. Thanks and take care, Camilla
Oh that’s so fun and clever. I bet the kiddos love it!
I loved! A good idea!
So fun! And it really doesn’t damage the animals, either, so they’re still fun to play with.
Found you via Pinterest and just wanted to say that I LOVE the idea! My oldest is only 2, so no reading yet. Do you think I could use these for my husband, though?
so cute…now to wait until my kids can read.
I wonder if my husband will find this as adorable as I do when I leave him a note about his socks in the middle of the floor. I must choose the right animal messenger, I think.
This is so cute. I’m linking at Dollar Store Mom on 8/29. http://wp.me/p1sq38-uF
love them as a place card! sheer genius. I linked this on my blog today with some other cute animals:
I love it – I’m going to make this for a special gift for the kids next door.
I had just commented, but I have to tell you this made me laugh and smile so much so I had to comment again.
What an awesome idea!
Love it!
smart idea, haha. these are fun, funny, cute, and getting the point across – all at the same time =))