Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Tampa, FL

Having children has given me irrefutable proof that time is certainly passing us by. As my children stretch out of their jeans or make progress with potty training, I feel quite sure that they are days away from asking me for the keys to the car. So what is the best way to slow down time - or freeze it, in fact? Scrapbook, take pictures, take video and journal. And these are things you can actually do with your children too.

Scrapbook

Sure, sure, there are tons of fancy doo-dads, embellishments and cropping gadgets out there. But, in my book, the only rules to scrapbooking are (1) gluing pictures onto a page and (2) titling them. The rest is just extra. If you keep that rule in mind, there is no doubt that your pre-schooler can help you scrapbook. Scrap Jazz offers some great ideas for scrapbooking with your child.

Journal Their Memories

Have your children dictate a favorite memory to you. Be sure to write it down exactly word for word. Then read it back to them. Once you have it right, have them illustrate the memory on a separate page with lots of crayons or even finger paint. Put the story and illustration in an album and then add other memories over the years.

Create A Children's Album

My children are always paging through my albums. It might be time that they have their own. Have your children pick some of their favorite digital images, print them out and then put them into a kid-friendly photo album. Some good choices for albums can be found here.

Make a Slideshow

If your children are a little older and are able to concentrate on this project, have them pick digital images to put into a slideshow. Have them dictate titles to you and even let them try using some of the fun effects. Microsoft offers free software for slideshows here. Or you can use websites such as Hallmark Smilebox, Kodak, Snapfish or Shutterfly.

Video your Child retelling a Memory

Sometimes the best way to archive your child's memories is to simply video tape them. These kids of ours can be so brilliant when they really are excited to share something. Sit them down when there are few distractions and give it a try. If you would like to share videos with family and friends but you are not a fan of You Tube, try Photo Bucket instead.