Welcome to my 7th year as an A to Z April Blog Challenge participant. In years past, I have blogged about my banjo playing (years ’14 & ’15), did some sewing sampling in ’16, and created quilt blocks for each letter of the alphabet in ’17, ’18 & ’19. This year I’m talking Child Care. I’ll be blogging topics related to my many years in the family home daycare profession. I hope you can find a tidbit of information that is useful in caring for children whether you’re a parent, grand or some other important person in a child’s life. And to end each post, I’ll share a bit of my creative side/relaxation time. Taking time for yourself is good for your health. Both yours and your family’s 😉
In my family home daycare, we have ages newborn to age 5 o 6 during the school year and sometimes a couple school-agers during the summer. No matter what the age, we try to keep the clothes they arrive in the same ones they leave in. And since I know a thing or two about extra laundry, I like aprons. They help. A lot!
Whether we are cooking together, painting or performing a science experiment, aprons keep them tidy for the most part. Side note: We always encourage families to send children in everyday play clothes–not your Sunday best. It’s that Murphy’s Law thing…..If it can stain, Do not refrain. (An original Stephanie quote.) It will find a way to attach to their clothes.
In my years as a provider, I have been gifted aprons and made a few of my own. Not just referring to the children here. Remember to create or purchase some for yourself. Although I typically dress in t-shirts and jeans, it’s nice to keep the same clothes on in the event I have an after-work errand or appointment.
On Second Thought…….
As for After Work, when we did our Theme Reveal, we weren’t yet in the throes of this pandemic. I’m writing ahead and since I’m not yet back to work-aka Open for Business, what I do for relaxation after work will be ‘what I’ve been doing to keep myself grounded.’ Hope you enjoy the creations I’m working on regardless.
Hope to see you tomorrow for Letter B of the 2020 April A to Z Challenge! Click here to visit more wonderful posts in this year’s challenge.
Katy Trail Creations 
Apron! yes, that’s a great post, and they are so useful when dealing with kids 😉 Cute little towel holders, and useful too.
Quilting Patchwork & Appliqué
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Thanks so much! Best wishes in the A to Z!
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I’m digging it! Maybe we should put the kids in aprons, too. When my kids were young, they’d wipe their hands on my T-shirt … so I was sort of the walking apron!
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Definitely kids in aprons here. I had a neighbor donate a box of Lowe’s aprons which we use faithfully. Hard to see in photos as they’re usually sitting at a table. And the hands aren’t the only thing they wipe on us lol (Case and point Reason#1 as why I’m closed for the pandemic.) Stay safe!!
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I wear aprons when I cook because I am REALLY messy. My favorites are some I got from Williams Sonoma over 20 years ago. They look a little rough, but they still work. I also like to pick up vintage aprons from thrift stores. I found two not very long ago. They each had beautiful handwork and I couldn’t resist them!
I am a lead teacher in a child care center, so I’m sure I will enjoy your A to Z posts! I teach toddlers. Of course, we are currently closed until, well, until we aren’t. Hoping we will be back by the end of May.
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Good to hear from you! Aprons can sure save a wardrobe.
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Love the towel holders!
My “apron”, for when I’m doing messy art stuff, is a men’s button down shirt tied at my waist backwards.
I also have “studio only” garments. I HATE getting paint on my street clothing!
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I don’t think I have worn an apron in decades! I am not sure why. I found you because you left a comment on my blog. (the Andorra thing lol).
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Glad to have your visit 😊 I don’t wear aprons out of the house for the record hehe
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I have aprons I should wear more often. My daughter and I always wear them for making the grandchildren’s birthday cakes so I’m glad I gave her a couple. I have one in the colours worn by Singapore airlines hosties (are they still called that?) and it reminds me of travelling. Like many others the travel plans this year are cancelled but that is the least of our worries.
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We can dream of better days ahead at least 😊 thanks for sharing!
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I love the look of aprons but never wear one. Just like gardening gloves… I have them but forget to put on. Hopefully our A to Z will keep us busy this month. Stay safe!
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Thank you! Garden season is here. Planted some lettuce, peas and spinach yesterday.
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It was 60 years ago, but I was proof that if something could get on a kid’s clothes, it would. And usually my Sunday best… Good start!
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Ha! You needed your sensory experience 🤓
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Daycare is hard work. My mom had one in the home for years. I was glad when she finally got out of it. It was a drain on health. Aprons are a thing of the past. My MIL wore them and even made some for our daughters. I didn’t see my last comment post immediately as I have trouble with some of my sign ins and will try using my Twitter info. If that comment is sitting in your spam folder then feel free to delete this one. Can you please give me the heads up if you don’t see the original message? I’d appreciate so I’ll know next time. Be healthy and happy A2Zing!
Cathy’s Pinup Girl A to Z Challenge Art Sketch Series (A)
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This is the first comment I see from you 👍🏻 I am blessed to have the help of dear hubby as he’s medically retired. I wouldn’t do it alone. I also have daily hangout visits from my mother-in-law as she gets her ‘baby fix’ as she calls it. Not to mention I still have an adult daughter living at home so lots of family support sure helps.
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Aprons are a great idea for keeping clothes neat and tidy. Weekends In Maine
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They are a little underrated 😊 thanks for dropping in! I thought I had you down on my list, so glad you made an appearance.
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Nice post! Will have to cycle back for a more detailed look when A to Z is concluded.
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Thanks for your time! Lots to see this year 😊
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I’m more of an artist’s-smock kind of person when doing messy stuff, but it’s the same principle. And I love the idea of apron-ing up the little ones. I love the Murphy’s law of staining – hilarious and true.
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Great post! A perfect choice for ‘A’!
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My girls’ favorite aprons were Daddy’s dress shirts that no longer fit or were too worn out for office wear.
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Awww! Now that’s pretty heartwarming 💕
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I have a couple of aprons that I use around the holidays. Cute towel holders! I’ll have to check out your Etsy site. I have a shop there too.
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I believe I’ve been to your Etsy shop too. ( read the comments in reverse lol)
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I was a preschool teacher back in the day and then an ECE curriculum writer (I still do this today). Aprons were a must for painting. We used men’s shirts and even kitchen trash bags cutting arm and neck holes to slip over the child’s head. I’m doing my challenge this year with early childhood in mind — let’s connect. https://kiddoblogger.com
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Very good to meet you! Yes we will have to connect. 🙂 And on the topic of aprons, I know many send kids in play/second hand clothes, but call me old fashioned, I just think it’s appreciated by parents not to have yet another article of clothing ruined if at all possible. Play should be free and messy–but a little consideration for mom’s laundry goes a long way! I’ll be right over to your blog….
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