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The Benefits of Having a Penpal for Your Child
If you’re looking for a way to teach your child more about the world and broaden their horizons, consider signing them up for a penpal program. You might be surprised at how many social and learning advantages it brings. Having a penpal is a wonderful way to help our kids to learn more about the world around them. The ability to appreciate, understand and respect other cultures is an important quality. Children are more likely to be interested in what another child is telling them first hand, rather than by reading about a country in a book or watching a documentary. The world is such an amazing place. Different countries…
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Inspirational Mom: Annie Fox
Annie Fox is a mother, author and business owner and has recently released a new book called Teaching Kids to Be Good People. In a time of news stories about the increase of social media bullying, it is nice to have this book available to help parents and educators teach about an important life skill – the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. I had a chance to speak to Annie about their new book and the importance to taking care of your own health while juggling many roles. Tell us more about your new book Teaching Kids to Be Good People and the inspiration…
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Creative Budget-Friendly Party Planning Tips
Huge extravaganzas, blockbuster affaires, five-star entertaining…who has the energy or disposable income these days to plan over-the-top parties anymore? And, really, it’s just not necessary if what you care about is bringing friends and family together to celebrate or mark a special occasion. As someone who has done her fair share of events for work and pleasure, my most successful endeavors come from summoning up a little creative MOJO, some DIY spirit, and keeping it simple. Pick an Un-Themed Theme Rather than pick something standard or choose the latest, popular character theme, try to brainstorm a bit about the guests of honor and the people who will be attending. Think…
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Ruby’s Studio: The Friendship Show
The Mother Company and Ruby’s Studio was started by two friends, Abbie Schiller and Samantha Kurtzman-Counter who both have a background in television. They wanted to create a slower-paced and educational program for children that would focus on topics such as emotional literacy. With award winning Ruby’s studio we find adorable Ruby talking to groups of children about various topics. They described Ruby’s Show as a mix between Mr. Rogers meets Mary Poppins. Ruby has such a magical way to interact and speak to children that my daughter immediately responded to the show. In their newest release “The Friendship Show” they talk about the importance of friendship using adorable animated segments, art…
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Reflections: Being Content With Our Choices
One of the reasons we have a section on dandelion moms called Reflections is for women to share in their observations about the choices they made and offer some insight to women who are in the beginning, middle or even later stages of motherhood. One of my favorite illustrations from Charles Schulz, the creator of the Peanuts, is the one where Charlie Brown is sitting by the pond with Snoopy and says “In the Book of Life, the answers aren’t in the back.” How true is that observation! As women we need to trust our gut instincts and do what works for ourselves and our families. This might mean working at home, not working, or working outside the home. …
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The Beauty Of Being A Grandparent
A moment that I will never forget is when my three-year-old grandson, Jackson, and I were having lunch at a Mexican restaurant. The server asked me, “What would the baby like to eat?” I told her his food order, and Jackson spoke up. He looked her in the eyes and informed her, “I’m not a baby. I’m a GRANDSON!” Many ask or wonder… “What is this word GRAND all about?” As I look in the Mean Mirror of Age and see the creeping of crow’s feet and the sagging of once firm skin, I realize that being a grandmother is about regrets, second chances, and perfect patience. Regrets? …