A MUM-OF-TWO has come under fire for her unique summer play set-up.
The Instagrammer shared her hack for keeping her little ones entertained and her house tidy at the same time.
Instagram user Katy Birkelbach amassed a whopping 15.3 million views for her DIY alternative to an at-home sandbox.
She decided to substitue the sand to avoid her children trekking it through her home.
And while she said her replacement is “so much better than sand”, other parents were quick to point out a potential hazard.
Katy showed her audience how she used corn kernels to fill the pit for her toddler son and baby daughter.
She showed footage of the children playing in the corn, with her son even using his toy trucks to scoop up the kernels.
Instagram users voiced their concerns over the “dangerous” move in the comments section.
“I worry about them putting the corn up their nose or in their ears,” wrote one parent.
“Also the choking hazard possibility has me so stressed,” added another viewer.
“Huge chocking hazard! I’ve seen some really sad stories! Also attracts bees,” pointed out a third person.
“OMG, if the baby puts that in her mouth she’s going to choke,” agreed another follower.
“Bad bad idea, if the baby puts it in to the mouth she can choke. You must be more clever than this,” said one parent.
“Isn’t that a major choking hazard? I prefer to take the sand over corn,” commented another person.
One follower shared an additional way the corn could prove hazardour for children.
“In the Balkans that was considered a punishment, kneeling on corn, hurts like hell,” they said.
Other viewers pointed out additional issues with the unique play set-up.
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BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there’s nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: “Don’t feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.
“Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.
“Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, ‘What do you think you could do?’ and maybe have a list of ‘I’m bored’ activity ideas on the fridge.”
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It’s tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don’t let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.
Liat says: “It’s unfair to expect older kids to power down but it’s important to set some ground rules.
“Set family tech rules together. If you’re often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren’t allowed any screen time until they’ve done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.
“Are there times when you’d like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
“Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.”
TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.
Liat says: “If you’re juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it’s normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.
“If you can’t afford or don’t want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids’ workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.
“Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn’t make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.”
SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: “Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.
“Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.
“We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.
“Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.”
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: “Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.
“Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they’re wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.
“Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They’ll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.”
“I was just thinking the squirrels would go nutsss!” wrote one Instagram user.
“This is cute, but the rodents it would attract,” said another concerned person.
And another viewer simply pointed out how the corn would limi the fun of a sandpit.
“‘I don’t want to build sandcastles anyway,’ said no kid ever,” they wrote.
instagramParents pointed out the potential choking hazard of the corn kernels for younger children[/caption] Read More Details
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