This week, Valerie Deneen and her two girls, Clara (4 years old) and Emily (8 years old) are under the Noodle Spotlight! Valerie is a former software engineer turned stay-at-home mom. She blogs at Inner Child Fun where her husband, Mark, frequently comments :)
"Our girls have taught us that the most cherished moments in childhood can come from the simplest of pleasures. My crafts have been featured in Highlights High Five, Family Fun, and Create with Me magazines, and several national, regional, and local morning talk shows."
The Deneen Family
Tell us about your NOW (Noodle On The Wall) with your children
My NOW is Inner Child Fun, where I blog about creative kid-friendly crafts and activities using items most households would probably already have on-hand. I'm very passionate about cultivating a love of simple pleasures and my blog became a great way to document our projects along the way, stay in touch with faraway family and friends, and gain valuable feedback from readers. You may find that several of our projects help to bring out the kid in you too!
My NOW is Inner Child Fun, where I blog about creative kid-friendly crafts and activities using items most households would probably already have on-hand. I'm very passionate about cultivating a love of simple pleasures and my blog became a great way to document our projects along the way, stay in touch with faraway family and friends, and gain valuable feedback from readers. You may find that several of our projects help to bring out the kid in you too!
What role does creativity play in your home?
Creativity plays a very large role in our household. Every day we set aside time to play and do something fun and creative -- even if it's only for 15 minutes. It can be as simple as playing with play dough, or sometimes it's a more elaborate project over the course of a few days, like our cardboard cafe.
Creativity plays a very large role in our household. Every day we set aside time to play and do something fun and creative -- even if it's only for 15 minutes. It can be as simple as playing with play dough, or sometimes it's a more elaborate project over the course of a few days, like our cardboard cafe.
cardboard cafe
What inspires you to take on the creative with your kids?
Mostly, their smiles. When I see how such simple things can make them so incredibly happy -- and I especially love and cherish the quality time spent with them.
Mostly, their smiles. When I see how such simple things can make them so incredibly happy -- and I especially love and cherish the quality time spent with them.
Cardboard magic
How do you nurture your child's creativity?
By valuing it. Our home proudly displays at least some of their artwork at all times. I like to make sure they have access to plenty of cardboard boxes, and very simple toys. And I especially love to watch them as they develop important early problem-solving skills. We love to do projects that require innovation and a bit of engineering. Our marble run was a big hit!
By valuing it. Our home proudly displays at least some of their artwork at all times. I like to make sure they have access to plenty of cardboard boxes, and very simple toys. And I especially love to watch them as they develop important early problem-solving skills. We love to do projects that require innovation and a bit of engineering. Our marble run was a big hit!
Marble Run
What sticky noodles can you offer other Moms taking on the creative with their kids?
Don't be afraid to get messy once in a while. It may seem like a lot of work, but many times those are the most memorable projects. I also think it's important to focus on the process of being creative rather than the outcome. If possible, do projects along side your kids. It means so much more to them to have you coloring with them, rather than plopping them at a table with some crayons and paper and walking away to another room. Some of our favorite moments came from ignoring dirty dishes and piles of laundry so I could sit and paint with my four year old while she wears her princess costume and tiara. I have never regretted putting the housework on hold for a few minutes.
Don't be afraid to get messy once in a while. It may seem like a lot of work, but many times those are the most memorable projects. I also think it's important to focus on the process of being creative rather than the outcome. If possible, do projects along side your kids. It means so much more to them to have you coloring with them, rather than plopping them at a table with some crayons and paper and walking away to another room. Some of our favorite moments came from ignoring dirty dishes and piles of laundry so I could sit and paint with my four year old while she wears her princess costume and tiara. I have never regretted putting the housework on hold for a few minutes.
Teddy Bear Day
What is your child's ideal noodle dish?
Any process-oriented art, pretend play projects, anything that can be built and rebuilt, and DIY toys are always popular around here. If there is some element of science or engineering involved, even better!
Any process-oriented art, pretend play projects, anything that can be built and rebuilt, and DIY toys are always popular around here. If there is some element of science or engineering involved, even better!
Engineers for a day
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