Parenting :: Tips for Celebrating Mini-Milestones

As we get older, milestones are few and far between. Landing our dream job, getting married, having a baby. But kids, on the other hand, are just starting to reach large and mini-milestones! From bringing home their first pet to going to their first high school dance, frame-worthy moments go far beyond the baby book.  I still can remember the first day of high school like it was yesterday – and even what I wore!  Many of these mini-milestones stick with you for years to come.  Like my first dance in junior high.  I went with one of the cutest boys in school (at least I thought so… and most of the girls did too).  When he came to our front door to pick me up to go to the dance (his mom drove us) my mother thought it would be a hoot to open the door with a blackened out front tooth (so it looked like she was missing a front tooth) and say “come on in y’all.  Of course I thought I would die of embarrassment,  but our family laughs about that incident even today.

In recognition of “mini milestones,” Netflix compiled a list of movies and TV episodes that highlight a variety of these achievements. Whatever “firsts” your family is celebrating this fall, Netflix can relate!  Plus we have included a yummy chocolate covered pretzel recipe and a DIY Mini-Milestones Craft Box so your kids can include all their favorite keepsakes.

For Your Kids:

New Sibling: The Hive: S01E01, Babee’s Room

Losing Your First Tooth: Super WHY: S01E10, The Story of the Tooth Fairy

Getting Glasses: Arthur: S15E09, Through the Looking Glasses

First Sleepover: Bratz Kidz: Sleep-over Adventure

First Trick-or-Treat: Julius Jr.: S01E06, Dressed for Spook-cess

First Pet: Beethoven

First Move: The Croods

First Big Game: D2: The Mighty Ducks

First Spelling Bee: Akeelah and the Bee

First Dance: Kickin’ It: S01E20, The Wrath of Swan

First Break-Up: Good Luck Charlie: S01E20, Girl Bite Dog

First Road Trip: Diners, Drive-ins and Dives

First Kiss: Wizards of Waverly Place: S01E02, First Kiss

First Job: Good Burger

First Time Babysitting: The Baby-Sitters Club

First Concert: Taylor Swift: The Journey to Fearless

Plus a Few Milestones for Mom and Dad:

New Job: The Office

Getting Married: My Fair Wedding with David Tutera

Having a Baby: What to Expect When You’re Expecting

Life as a Parent: Parenthood

Running for Office: Parks & Recreation

Buying a Home: House Hunters

Another one of our favorite firsts? Going to the movies. Check out these tips from Common Sense Media to make sure your kids’ first trip to the theater is a good one.

Milestone Memory Box:

Store all your milestone memories — like sports medals, vacation souvenirs, concert tickets and photos — in this DIY keepsake box. I love this idea of a Milestone Memory Box!  I do have a little box I have kept of my ultrasounds while pregnant.  Because I was considered “high risk” (over 35 years of age) I had a lot of them.  At the time it was a pain, but now I am glad I have so many so I can see how my daughter grew inside of me.  Pretty cool really!  This fun ideas let’s the kids get involved and put those things that mean the most to them! Click here to learn how to make your own.

Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods:

Mini milestones deserve a mini reward, like the sweet-salty combo of chocolate-covered pretzels. Make them extra special by rolling pretzels in your kids’ favorite treats – from Oreo dust and coconut to chopped nuts and sprinkles, the sky’s the limit. And you can add some orange and yellow sprinkles to add at your Halloween Party this month! Click here to learn how to make your own.

 

Note:  We are part of the Netflix Stream Team and are provided with a yearly Netflix subscription to enjoy streaming our favorite movies and shows.  This does not affect our opinion in any way – we watch most of our shows via Netflix!

What are ways your family likes to celebrate mini-milestones?

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