About

About Mary K Weinhagen

Hi, Mary K Weinhagen here. Welcome to downstream activities for kids! As the founder of downstreamparenting.com as well as an Early Childhood Specialist and Educational Consultant I owned and operated my own in-home Licensed Childcare in Minnesota for 25 years. With a degree in Child Psychology I also worked as a trainer for other Daycare Providers seeking continuing education hours. In addition I spent a year as a Program Adviser with Adults and Children’s Alliance where I visited Providers in their home, educating and evaluating for the  Food Program sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.

All that really means is that I’ve spent years hanging out with kids, learning what makes them tick and watching how they explore the world around them. With their guidance, I found myself organizing and providing materials for a huge variety of arts and crafts activities, dramatic plays, science experiments, creative cooking, games more for the children in my life.

I’ve had more than a few parents, grandparents or teachers approach me for ideas around keeping kids busy yet entertained and educated. Because I’m inclined to make creative use of what’s available in my environment (yes, learned that one as a child and just kept on using it) you’ll find most of the activities I offer are low-budget and predominantly utilize readily available materials.

I hope you’ll stick around and find some ideas you’d like to share with the children in your life. And please feel free to add your own suggestions in any of the comment areas at anytime!!!

Meanwhile, treat each other with respect, nurture one another and let’s all play well together!

–Mary K

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