Pumpkin Carving Fun

Today's first time parenting tip - Pumpkin carving is a fun way to introduce all sorts of new sensations

A great activity you can do with your child is to carve up some pumpkins for the upcoming halloween holiday. It's the perfect time to get messy and have some

fun.

You'll need a pumpkin, newspaper, an old blanket or the grass outside, and a safe carving knife. Don't forget your child either.

Depending on how old your child is, they might be able to carve the pumpkin too. But otherwise, they'll probably be watching. If you have other gourds too, see if you can have them pick out which ones are orange, black or green. Then, once you get the top off let them stick their hands into the goop and guts inside.

They'll love the squishy, cold feeling of it and will probably be content to just squish with it for hours. Make sure they don't try to eat any big pieces or any seeds.

Then, carve in a human looking face. My son likes to look at jack-0-lanterns that resemble real faces. Then, once it gets dark, take them outside to see the creation with a candle inside. Or, if you don't have a place outside, you can get lights for the pumpkin that plug in.

You'll be letting them experience new sensations in sight, smell, touch and taste.

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