Christmas In July! The Best Faith-Based Children's Books for Christmas Gifts

The Christmas season is a joyous one for children, full of excitement and anticipation and even more so now that they can celebrate it in July too! To enhance this special occasion even further, consider introducing faith-based children's books to your children’s holiday experience.  Books are not only entertainment but also are an opportunity to educate youngsters about the true significance of Christmas through themes of faith, love, and gratitude.  Such stories inspire meaningful conversations amongst families about beliefs, values, and the reason for this beloved season.

Looking for a “Christmas in July” gift for children? Check out these faith-based books that can help them understand the true meaning of the season.

1. It's Not About You, Mr. Santa Claus – A Love Letter About the True Meaning of Christmas

Author: Soraya Diase Coffelt

In this charming Christmas book ,  a child is writing a letter to Santa Claus explaining to him that Christmas really was not about him.  Of course, Santa is very surprised!  The child asks Santa to sit back and enjoy milk and cookies while he tells him about the greatest gift of all – the birth of the baby Jesus.  Filled with beautiful illustrations and lots of humor, this book helps children to understand the true meaning of Christmas – God gave His best gift to us, His son Jesus.

2. The Pine Tree Parable

Author: Liz Curtis Higgs

The Pine Tree Parable chronicles the journey of a family who owns a small yet magnificent pine tree farm.  They discover an exquisite tree that they wish to keep and it gradually becomes symbolic of God's love for humanity.  However, when a destitute family visits their farm to purchase a tree, this faithful clan must make a tough decision. This poignant story evokes sentiments of generosity and reinforces our awareness regarding the most valuable gift bestowed upon us by God: His son, Jesus Christ.

3. Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale

Author: Martin Waddell

In the cold winter night, a stable witnessed the birth of Baby Jesus. The animals in the stable showed kindness and compassion by making room for the baby's arrival. Room for a Little One is an enchanting children's book that tells this heartwarming tale. It features an ox that welcomed all other animals seeking refuge from the chilly weather. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that they were part of something special - they had created a haven for a Savior to be born into their world. This touching narrative captures the true spirit of Christmas and emphasizes acceptance and love towards others.

4. God Gave Us Christmas

Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren

Little Cub and her family go on a snowy escapade to unravel Christmas's true meaning in this enchanting story. Little Cub's mother teaches her that Christmas goes beyond the glitz and glam of lights, cookies, and presents but is rather about Jesus Christ, who is the gift to the world. This book includes beautiful illustrations woven into an engaging storyline, making it an ultimate source for comprehending the real significance of the lovely Yuletide season.

5. The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving

Authors: Jan and Mike Berenstain

In the Berenstain Bears story, Brother and Sister Bear learn that it's better to give than receive gifts at Christmas. The two friendly bear siblings help those in need and join a Christmas play at their church. During the play, they discover the real meaning of Christmas. This beloved tale not only entertains readers but also serves as a fantastic tool to teach children about generosity, thankfulness, and the joy of giving.

Be Inspired by the Story About Bethany Moultry and Her Mother Colleen Moultry, the Creators of Bethany’s Happy Bags for the Homeless

I am so inspired by the story of Bethany Moultry and her mother Colleen Moultry, the creators of Bethany’s Happy Bags for the Homeless, and wanted to share their story with you. If you and your children are thinking of helping others in need, do give this a read and also share it with others to encourage them to do good for the needy.

How It Started

It all started in December 2019 when Bethany Moultry was 5 years old and saw a homeless man in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. She cried and wanted to go home and use the money in her piggy bank to help him. Bethany and her mom brainstormed what they could do and came up with the idea of creating care packages and giving them away to people who were homeless. They also came up with the name Bethany’s Happy Bags for the Homeless because Bethany wanted to make people happy.

When Bethany turned 6 in 2020, her mother asked her what she wanted for her birthday and Bethany said she wanted to help more people. This is when the Moultrys started "Bethany's Happy Bags for the Homeless" on Facebook, made an Amazon Wishlist, and teamed up with nearby homeless shelters including Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless and Union Mission to raise money in any way she could. 

The Result of Bethany’s Happy Bags for the Homeless

They started by giving away small bags containing various items to eat and for personal hygiene such as beef sticks, first aid supplies, toiletries, masks, and Gatorade, and have now grown to include many other items, including a personal note from Bethany and blankets during cold weather. They have received considerable support and assistance from other student volunteers from her brother’s school - Matthew Reardon School for Autism - as well as many in the community who donate their time and money. Over time, they have successfully distributed over 750 Bethany’s happy bags for the homeless.

Bethany’s Plans for the Future

Bethany now would like to broaden their reach beyond the Savannah community to help children who are homeless. The two have already begun working toward this objective; thus far, they have donated at least 80 blankets to nearby shelters for needy children.

On their website, Bethany’s message is: “I want every person experiencing homelessness to know that I see you and care.” The Moultrys also say: “It is our hope that these Happy Bags and other donations will continue to touch the lives of those who receive them.” 

To learn more, please visit:

https://bethanyshappybags.com/

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/04/us/happy-bags-for-the-homeless-trnd/index.html

As the Stars of the Sky Foundation’s Mission

As the Stars of the Sky Foundation was created as a nonprofit organization to promote the importance of literacy in your child's life. This entails encouraging children to read more, including inspirational and educational books. The proceeds from the sale of our books are used toward engendering better reading skills, which in turn fight gender inequality, poverty, and poor health.  Would you like to support us and our cause? Donate your used or outdated books that are in good condition and purchase our books and other offerings.  You can also get in touch with us for further details!

Activities for Your Children to Learn More About Safety During National Safety Month This June

In 1996, the National Safety Council established the month of June as National Safety Month to highlight the importance of safety where we live, work and play. Keeping our children healthy and safe is of critical importance. How can we teach our children about safety measures that they can and should take? Below is a list of safety activities for children and much more. Importantly, please do not scare your children, and be sure to explain why planning for and taking safety measures are important!

Brainstorm Safety Rules to Follow at Home

What should be done in the event of a fire? What should be done if the electric power goes off? What should be done about inclement weather issues such as storms? What should be done in the event of a stranger coming to the house? By going through the above checklist with your children and making sure they know how to react in each situation, you are getting yourself and your family prepared for any possible harm and ensuring their safety.

Repeat Safety Rules Often

You can make it a game involving memorization skills. For example, you can ask: As soon as you walk out of the house, what do you make sure you do? Answer: Close the door. Why? Because pets can get out and run around and we want them to be safe; because insects can get into the house and bite us; and because we want to keep our home safe and secure. Also, art projects about firetrucks and firemen, police officers, and police cars are excellent tools to reinforce what they are learning. 

Think About Various Road Safety Tips to Point Out to Them

When you are driving, there are many street signs of different shapes and colors that you can explain the meaning of. For example, you could teach them the importance of the three traffic lights’ colors and how each color represents safety measures. You can also teach them about the basics of stopping and looking before crossing the road as well as using proper footpaths or safety features such as zebra crossings and overhead bridges. When you arrive home, have your children do art projects about traffic signs and lights.

Discuss Strangers Approaching Them and What They Should Do

Include scenarios of different venues, such as the park, after school, at a store, and at home. Set some guidelines that they should follow including never accepting sweets or meals from strangers, never letting a stranger inside your home, never entering a stranger's home or vehicle, and running away, shouting, and locating a responsible adult whom your children can tell what happened if a stranger makes them uneasy.

Please take the time to discuss these and other topics with your children and intentionally plan for their safety.

For more information, please visit:

https://empoweredparents.co/safety-activities-for-preschoolers/

https://www.childfun.com/themes/misc/safety/

https://nationaltoday.com/national-safety-month/

As the Stars of the Sky Foundation’s Mission

As the Stars of the Sky Foundation was created as a nonprofit organization to promote the importance of literacy in your child's life. This entails encouraging children to read more, including inspirational and educational books. The proceeds from the sale of our books are used toward engendering better reading skills, which in turn fight gender inequality, poverty, and poor health.  Would you like to support us and our cause? Donate your used or outdated books that are in good condition and purchase our books and other offerings.  You can also get in touch with us for further details!

Fun Facts to Share with Your Children About Our American Flag on Flag Day

In 1949, President Harry Truman designated June 14 as Flag Day in the US, requesting that all Americans celebrate and honor our flag. How did our flag originate and what has transpired with it over all these years? If you are as curious as we are, here are some fun facts about our American flag that you and your children should know.

History of Our American Flag

The Smithsonian Institute has quite a bit of information about our American flag on its website. The beginning of the American flag, as we know it today, started when the Continental Congress adopted a resolution in 1777 that the flag of the United States will be made of thirteen stripes that will be alternately red and white with the Union being thirteen stars with white in a blue field to represent a new constellation.

Before 1912, there was no prescribed order for the stars and stripes so many different designs for our American flag existed. An Act of Congress in 1818 provided for: “13 stripes, representing the original 13 colonies, and one star for each state, to be added to the flag on the 4th of July following the admission of each new state.”

About the Star-Spangled Banner

The original “Star-Spangled Banner” that inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem still exists and is at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. It was commissioned by Major George Armistead, Commander at Fort McHenry, and made by flag maker Mary Pickersgill in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1813. The original size of the Star-Spangled Banner American flag was 30 feet by 42 feet which was larger than the normal 20 by 38-foot garrison flags used by the United States Army and had fifteen stars and fifteen stripes. Major Armistead had it raised over the fort in September 1814 to signal the Americans’ defeat of the British in the Battle of Baltimore. When Key saw the flag raised, he wrote the patriotic song.

After the 49th and 50th states were admitted to the Union, the flag had to be redesigned. In 1959, President Eisenhower signed an Executive Order in which the flag was to be designed with the stars arranged in nine rows, staggered horizontally, and eleven rows, spaced vertically, with thirteen stripes.

The Origin of Flag Day

Flag Day actually originated in Waukeba, Wisconsin in 1885 when a schoolteacher named Bernard J. Cigrand started having his students reflect on the meaning of the flag and write essays about what the flag meant to them. Over a century later, in 2004, the 108th U.S. Congress passed H.R. 662, stating that Waubeka, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, was the birthplace of Flag Day.

For more information, please visit:

https://www.si.edu/spotlight/flag-day/banner-facts

http://www.nationalflagday.com/history

As the Stars of the Sky Foundation’s Mission

As the Stars of the Sky Foundation was created as a nonprofit organization to promote the importance of literacy in your child's life. This entails encouraging children to read more, including inspirational and educational books. The proceeds from the sale of our books are used toward engendering better reading skills, which in turn fight gender inequality, poverty, and poor health.  Would you like to support us and our cause? Donate your used or outdated books that are in good condition and purchase our books and other offerings.  You can also get in touch with us for further details!

Inspire Your Children with the Story of Jack Dalton “Kid Conservationist” and Author

I love writing about children who are movers and shakers at such a young age. Not only are they inspirational, but also their parents who are behind and supporting them. In today’s blog post, I am sharing information about Jack Dalton who is known as the “Kid Conservationist” and is already a published author.

How It Started

Jack is passionate about saving orangutans. It all started when he was 8 years old and met a baby orangutan at the Memphis Zoo. Something clicked then and there for Jack! He started reading and learning about orangutans and realized that they were on the endangered species list. He began a fight to get them off that list and uses educating the public as his primary weapon in this fight. When asked what motivates him, Jack said: “I’ve discovered that if you want something to change, you need to do something about it.”

He wrote a book titled Kawan the Orangutan, Lost in the Rainforest in April 2021. As to why he wrote the book, Jack said: “I wanted to get children to care about these incredible creatures and to inspire the next generation of conservationists.” 

The Result of Jack Dalton’s Hard Work

After his extensive research and hard work in writing Kawan the Orangutan, he sold 2,000 copies of the book and raised over $12,000 to assist environmental initiatives, orangutan rehabilitation, and replanting of the rainforests by planting a tree for each book sold! He also loves to speak at different events to educate and inspire individuals alike. According to his website, “presentations include speaking about orangutans, endangered species, protecting our environment, Kawan the Orangutan book readings, and empowering kids to use their voice for change.”

In addition to all that, Jack has launched his own YouTube channel that offers all sorts of information, including entertaining educational films with conservationists, book readings, simple ways we can all improve the environment, and much more, with the hope that others will use his channel to learn about and support a variety of important causes.

Jack has excelled at representing orangutans. Now, he speaks at schools, museums, and zoos all around the world in addition to conducting interviews with specialists in the subject, including wildlife photographers, biologists, and other conservationists. His work has received praise from several organizations across the world, and he is one of the top 20 finalists for TIME Kid of the Year.

Jack's work has expanded to include attempts to conserve a variety of animals. It turns out that by maintaining the orangutan's habitat, you are also protecting a large number of other species that share the same geographical range.

Find Out More About Jack Dalton and His Work

Interested in learning more about Jack Dalton and his work? You can learn more by visiting:

https://www.kidconservationist.com/

https://www.passiton.com/passiton-blog/182-boy-nicknamed-the-kid-conservationist-is-on?utm_source=20230418_passiton_social_media&utm_medium=passiton_email&utm_campaign=20230418_passiton_social_media

As the Stars of the Sky Foundation’s Mission

As the Stars of the Sky Foundation was created as a nonprofit organization to promote the importance of literacy in your child's life. This entails encouraging children to read more, including inspirational and educational books. The proceeds from the sale of our books are used toward engendering better reading skills, which in turn fight gender inequality, poverty, and poor health.  Would you like to support us and our cause? Donate your used or outdated books that are in good condition and purchase our books and other offerings.  You can also get in touch with us for further details!

10 Important Survival Tips for Summer Road Trips with Your Children

As you plan your children’s summer vacation, please consider road trips as they can be a wonderful learning experience for them.  There are plenty of ways that your children can enjoy themselves while continuously stimulating their minds.  Here are some tips which will help you to plan and prepare ahead of time:

• Select the destination. Encourage your children to participate with you in this selection process. 

• Map your destination and determine the number of hours it will take to drive there. Also, determine how many hours you will drive each day.

• Select where you will stay overnight as well as what and where you will eat.  Make sure that the places you select have child-friendly accommodations and food selections.

• Bring lots of snacks and water.  Children are always looking for something to eat in between meals so plan healthy snacks on the trip.

• Allow your children to bring along their electronic devices with headphones. Be sure to plan how much time they will be allowed to use them each day and have educational activities for them to do on them.  Also, include electronic books.

• Plan what clothing and other items each child should pack. It is always helpful to have a separate packing case for each child.

• Take with you paper towels and wipes.  These always come in handy to clean hands and quickly wipe up spills in the car.

• Include in your supplies an emergency kit with all you may need in the event of an injury or illness such as band-aids, antibiotic cream, and any other item that your children may need.

• Pack for car travel pillows and blankets.

• Plan games to play in the car.  A friend told me about a game that she enjoyed playing on car trips with her children.  It is a game called “yellow car”.  Since there are so few yellow cars, the premise of the game is to count how many of them passed on the way to your destination. When one is spotted, you must be the first person to yell out “yellow car” and the person with the highest score at the end of the ride wins.  It sounds simple enough, except for the yelling part.  At the time, she had no idea how entertaining this ‘simple’ game could actually be!

This game will keep the children alert; activate their eyes and brains to spot these objects amongst everything else they see; and help them keep numerical track of how many they have seen.  Little do they know all the learning that is involved!

The links below provide some more helpful information.  I hope that you and your family have a wonderful time on your road trips!

For more information, please visit,

https://roadtrippers.com/magazine/ultimate-guide-to-family-road-trips/

https://www.kenarry.com/road-trips-with-small-children/

https://www.thepassportkids.com/how-to-survive-12-hour-car-ride-with-kids/

6 Tips to Your Children Having an Extraordinary Summer

How can your children have an extraordinary summer with lots of wonderful memories?  Here are 6 helpful tips.

• Plan, plan, and then plan some more.  Planning cannot be overstated.  Of course, you want your children to enjoy their time, but you should also want them to have structure and learn.  Planning is the key.  Be sure to include your children in the planning process.

• Have a schedule.  Children often believe that the summer months should include doing whatever fun thing they may want to do, including staying up late at night and watching television or playing computer games for hours on end.  However, having structure is important as there should be time for sleeping, playing, and learning.  Those activities are not mutually exclusive.

• Avoid the summer slide.  Just what is the summer slide?  It is a period of time when your children lose some of the knowledge, they learned during the previous school year.  According to Scholastic.com, a recent survey showed that children can lose up to 20% in reading skills and 27% in math skills during the summer break.  Some of the things that parents can do is encourage reading books and playing games and working with puzzles that involve reading and math skills. 

During the summer months, for example, many public libraries have programs for children to continue reading and learning in fun and interesting ways. 

• Get outside.  Whether it is playing in a park, visiting a historical site, participating in a summer camp – whatever the outdoor activity – your children will learn and get plenty of exercise, which is important for their physical and brain growth.

• Find support from family and friends.  Often, it is challenging for parents to both work and ensure that their children have a fun summer routine.  Assistance from family and friends can be very helpful, especially from those who have children.  How can you involve them in your children’s summer plans to not only help but also ensure that your children continue to socialize?   

• Be sure to include activities that your children are interested in. By including them in planning out the summer months, they will feel encouraged as you balance their interests with yours as a parent.  Be prepared for some negotiations as most children will view continued reading, or brushing up on math skills, or any form of learning as “schoolwork” and may not be too interested in including those types of activities in their summer plans.   

Be creative. Are your children interested in trains or planes or dinosaurs?  Perhaps there is a museum in your area or one you can travel to visit as a family that involve some of your children’s favorite things. 

For more information, please visit:

https://childmind.org/article/strategies-for-a-successful-summer-break/

https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/summer-slide.html

Teach Your Children About the Beautiful Cultures and Histories of Asian American and Pacific Islanders

May is celebrated as Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, to honor all those Americans who have this distinguished heritage and recognize their diverse achievements.  There is so much to learn so please use the links below, as well as others, to teach your children all about them.   

The number of countries represented by AAPIs is large.  The U. S. Census defines Asian Americans as those persons with origins in the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian Subcontinent, and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHOPI) as those within the U.S. jurisdictions of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.

The websites listed below have many resources, including activities for teachers and children.  Included are recommended readings as well.  This is a special opportunity to grow your and your children’s knowledge and understanding of this group of Americans.

To learn more, please visit:

https://www.asianpacificheritage.gov/

https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/teaching-asian-and-pacific-islander-heritage

5 Important Benefits that Children Derive from Coloring Books

Children love to draw and color! They use crayons and markers to make their own designs and color combinations.  For them, any and every color can be useful.  It is so wonderful to watch them!   

Have you ever considered that there are at least 5 benefits to their coloring?  Experts agree that those benefits include:

• It helps their motor skills and coordination – As children hold a crayon or marker and color with it, they are using their brains, hands, and fingers to develop their motor skills and coordination.

• It helps them to focus – When a child is coloring, the child is very intentional and focused.  Concentrating on a specific thing is beneficial for children to learn.

• It relieves stress – Yes, children do suffer from anxiety and stress, especially these days.  Be sensitive to your children’s moods and feelings.  Have plenty of coloring books available.

• It encourages creativity and self-expression – As a child selects a specific color, the child is using his/her own creativity and means of self-expression.  It is important that we never criticize our children for their color choices.  If your child colors a tree purple, simply ask why?  I’m sure your child will tell you a very good reason!

• It develops patience in them – As they color a picture, they will take their time and then see the end result, which they will be very proud of and have a sense of accomplishment in.  Keep those pictures and put them in places where they can be displayed for a while.  I still have in my possession today pictures that my sons, who are now adults, colored.

If you are considering purchasing coloring books, my children’s books have been transformed into coloring books too.  Your children will learn as they use their artistic abilities to color.  This is an additional important benefit for them.  Please visit our website to purchase them.

To learn more, please visit:

https://www.colorpsychology.org/benefits-of-coloring-pages-for-kids/

https://www.momjunction.com/articles/amazing-advantages-coloring-pages-childs-development_0086656/

Get Some Tips from Dr. Theo Nayame, Board-certified Plastic Surgeon, on Supplementing Your Children’s Education at Home

My mother was always supplementing my and my sisters’ education at home.  I remember having to regularly read additional books which we checked out from the library on a weekly basis and doing a lot of math memorization and then actual math problems.  All of this was at done home and in addition to any homework we had! I recently came across this inspiring article of a similar style of parent and wanted to share it with you for inspiration.

Dr. Theo Nyame is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is married and has a daughter and a son.  Like my mother, he is a firm believer in parents being actively involved in their children's education and helping to supplement their education at home.  Despite his very busy work schedule, he spends time with his children, not only at play but also importantly with their studies. 

Dr. Nyame started by trying to find what levels of learning his children were at when they were very young.  What concepts could they truly understand and learn?  How could those concepts be simplified?  He then began to direct their learning in math and reading.   

His son started learning subtraction concepts when he was just 3 years-old and his daughter started learning algebra when she was 5 years-old.  Additionally, his daughter reads at a second to third grade level despite the fact, again, that she is only 5.   

It is noteworthy that he and his family spend time together relaxing and enjoying each other’s company, not just being dedicated to learning.  He has many videos of his children learning on social media and hopes that other parents will be inspired and use them to direct their own children’s learning.  

To learn more, please visit:

https://weinspiremovement.org/asprinkleofinspiration/how-a-surgeon-inspires-his-children-to-learn-beyond-grade-level

Teach Your Children About the Role Jazz Has Played in Uniting People Throughout the World

       I love encouraging parents to have their children learn about and participate in various musical events.  Music has so many benefits for children, not only in their learning to play a musical instrument but importantly also in understanding the rich heritage of various forms.  Today, I would like to share about jazz, since International Jazz Day is on April 30.

       Jazz music dates from the late 19th to early 20th centuries and has roots in New Orleans, Louisiana, beginning as a mixture of African slave folk songs and chants and European classical music and evolving over time.  It uniquely blends African and Caribbean music with marching band instruments and “the blues” and is referred to as “a melting pot” of music.

       International Jazz Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 2011 “in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.”  On the website jazzday.com, the following information is provided:

International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future, and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforce international cooperation and communication. Each year on April 30, this international art form is recognized for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity eradicating discrimination; fostering gender equality; and promoting freedom of expression.

       The website has a wide variety of educational resources for individuals as well as educators for April 30 and all year long. Additionally, there are news articles, information about events, and videos.  There is a wealth of information for you and your family, including a toolkit with resources. 

For more information, please visit:

https://jazzobserver.com/the-origins-of-jazz/

https://jazzday.com/educational-resources/

8 Ways You Can Celebrate the Month of the Military Child (Whether You are a Part of the Military or Not)

On March 31, 2023, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. issued a written proclamation to honor the over 2 million children of the U.S. service members and veterans by declaring the month of April to be the Month of the Military Child.  The proclamation also encouraged those who support military children to wear purple during the month.   Here is a portion of the proclamation:

Every day, military-connected children stand tall with pride for their parents and our Nation.  They make sacrifices — big and small — so their parents can continue to serve and protect this country.  These young people represent the very best of America, and we will always be grateful for their service to our Nation.  May God bless our troops and their families, caregivers, and survivors.

The following are 8 ways that you can celebrate the month with your children:

1. As mentioned previously, wear purple as often as possible and talk with your children about why.  Also, consider taking photos and sharing them on social media. #purpleup

2. Create care packages for a deployed service member and his/her family. Include in the care packages letters to them.

3. Study the different branches of the military and when each was created.  What does each specific branch do?

4. .Find out who are the military children in your neighborhood and host a fun day with your neighbors.

5. Check out books from the library about military children.  The link below for dodea.edu has a list of recommended books for different ages. Talk with your children about each book.

6. Speak with your children’s teachers to organize classroom events, such as a “Share Your Story” project, and have military-connected students share their stories as well as have a show and tell.

7. Create a time-zone map showing places where most military parents are deployed and study each location.

8. Find out what activities are available in your area and attend some of them. 

There is a tool kit with activities and many other suggestions of activities at the links below.  

For more information, please visit:

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/leaders-service-providers/children-youth-and-teens/month-of-the-military-child-toolkit/

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/03/31/a-proclamation-on-month-of-the-military-child-2023/

https://www.militarychild.org/upload/images/2020%20MOMC/2020_Month_of_the_Military_Child.pdf

https://www.dodea.edu/dodeacelebrates/military-child-month.cfm

Learn About the Impact of Good Friends Through the Story of How Superman Was Created

The impact of your children’s friendships can be tremendous. Proverbs 27:17 NLT says that “as iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend”. The story about how Superman was created is a wonderful illustration of this. It is based on the friendship of two boys who dreamed of having superpowers. The rest is history! What can you do as a parent to ensure that your children’s friends sharpen them?

Here is the story about the two boys. Jerry and Joe were friends who enjoyed reading comics. Joe loved to draw, and Jerry loved to create stories. One night, the idea of Superman came to Jerry, and he rushed over to share it with Joe. The two of them developed the story of a Man of Steel.

Jerry’s dad had been shot and killed previously in a robbery. Creating a story about a man who was so strong that bullets could not affect him and who helped those in need seemed to be appropriate for Jerry, the storyteller.

The Passiton.com blog post with this inspiring story stated:

The story of Superman has inspired kids for generations. It has calmed their fears and driven their dreams. Most importantly, the Man of Steel has inspired us all to find our superpowers and use them to help others. So, the next time you are inspired to swoop in and save a friend from being bullied or help the widow next door with your superpower smile, thank Joe and Jerry, two awkward high school kids who dreamt up Superman — making the world a little more safe and a little more fair.

To learn more, please visit:

https://www.passiton.com/passiton-blog/178-the-birth-of-superman-how-two-awkward-teenage

7 Innovative Ways to Help Your Children Learn New Words and Increase Their Vocabulary

       How can parents help their children to build their vocabulary?  According to educator Vicky Bowman, ED.S, “children learn new words mainly by hearing them in a meaningful context (which often includes a story’s illustrations or a speaker’s gestures).”

Rather than just rote memorization of words, here are 7 innovative ideas you can consider implementing:

1. Read more with and to your children – You may say that this is not very innovative but how you read is very important.  Are you bored or in a rush?  Take your time.  Make your children feel that they are important and that this time with you and a book is important.  Change the tone and emphasis of your words.  For example: if the character is sad, read in a sad tone; and if the character is happy, read in a happy tone.

2. Talk with your children about what they have read - Open up a discussion about the book or story.  As you read page by page, point out what the pictures are about.  Talk about the design and colors.  What did they enjoy?  This all forces them to think and come up with words to talk and express themselves.

3. Ask your children questions about what they have read and about any new words they may have encountered – You can ask questions during the reading or at the end or both.    But, when it comes to words that your children may not understand, be sure to stop and ask them right away and make sure that they truly understand the meaning.  Keep track of the new words and review with them at a later date.

4. Read a variety of books – Again, your children will learn about more different subjects and the words associated with these subjects.

5. Write out labels with the names of objects in your home and attach them to the object – This way, your children visually read the label and see the object.  Then, they associate the word with the object.

6. Make learning new words a part of their everyday activities – For example, if your children go grocery shopping with you, allow them to write the grocery list.  When at the store, talk about the items in the store that you want to purchase.  Find and discuss the items.  Another example is when you are at a restaurant. Read and discuss the menu.

7. Play word games – One game I loved playing with my children was I Spy and we played it regularly, especially when we were in the car.  Other games that help children increase their vocabulary are Scrabble and Bananagrams.

To learn more, please visit:

https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/literacy/learn-new-words#:~:text=Children%20learn%20new%20words%20mainly,ways%20to%20build%20their%20vocabularies

https://imaginationsoup.net/teaching-kids-new-vocabulary-at-home/

10 Ways to Celebrate National Reading Month with Your Children March 2023

       March is designated as National Reading Month in honor of the renowned children’s author Dr. Seuss who was born in March and has been celebrated since 1984.  Of course, the month is dedicated to inspiring better reading habits in children.

       What are 10 ways that you can encourage your children to read more and celebrate reading?

• Visit your local library – Libraries have many activities on the weekend for children.  Research online what is available and have your children attend.  I grew up enjoying the activities in our local library and my sons did too.

• Turn a book into a play for your children and their friends to perform – Add to their reading the story an opportunity to act out as the characters.  You can make it as elaborate or as simple as you want.  Doing this will truly bring the story to life!

• Plan a reading challenge for your children – The challenge can be who can read the most books over a limited period of time - for example, 1 week. Have an incentive for them as a motivator.

• Check out from the library and read as many Dr. Seuss books as they can and then read them.

• Spend time talking with your children about a book after they finish reading it - This will help them to formulate thoughts and sentences to help them think and speak better as well as understand what they have read.

• Have your children read out loud – This helps with the pronunciation of words and the formulation of sentences and ultimately, the ability to speak well.

• Read out loud to your children – Children love to have stories read to them out loud.  This would be a wonderful bonding time too.

• Plan a family project to give away any books that your children have outgrown.

• Research a famous children’s author, such as Dr. Seuss, and help your children to learn more about the author.  This will bring the author to life for them.

• Create a special area in your home for your children to read that is quiet and filled with books.

For more ideas, please visit:

https://ebookfriendly.com/easy-ways-celebrate-national-reading-month/

https://journal.imse.com/6-ways-to-celebrate-national-reading-month-with-your-students/

Join National Nutrition Month’s Annual Campaign This March to Help You and Your Children Make Better Food Choices

            I often write about the importance of nutrition for ourselves and our children and as I was researching online, came across the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that has been doing a yeoman’s job in spreading the news for many years.  In 1973, the Academy created National Nutrition Month to be celebrated annually in March with the goal of providing information to help everyone make better food choices and ultimately become healthier.  This year, it is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the theme "Fuel for the Future": “Eating with sustainability in mind is a tasty way to nourish ourselves during every phase of life and protect the environment.”

            Its website is filled with all sorts of wonderful resources for people of all ages.  Specifically for children, it created the Kids Eat Right Campaign.  On the website, there is a tab for just “kids” where it has articles about nutrition for children, from babies to teens. 

            It also has 50 ideas and ways to get involved in National Nutrition Month.  I encourage you to review them and select at least one idea to do as a family. 

            The more nutritious food our children eat the better they will learn and ultimately perform in school.  Please take some time to read some of the articles and plan out nutritious meals, including school lunches, for your children.  Also, teach them so that they are aware that, when vegetables are packed in their lunches, it is not just for show!

To learn more, please visit:

https://www.eatright.org/national-nutrition-month-2023

https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/awareness-campaigns/50-ideas-to-get-involved-in-national-nutrition-month

The Many Benefits of Children’s Museums for Your Children

Children’s museums are now in many different cities and towns.  Why should you take your children to visit one?  The benefits are many and varied!

1. A museum provides many educational benefits.  It teaches about art, history, science, technology - just about everything.  It helps your children to become more observant and ask questions as well as make commentary about the things around them. And, it also improves their reading skills as there is a lot of reading involved.

2. It stimulates hands-on play.  Children get to look, explore, touch, and play.  They utilize motorized skills that are so critical to their development.

3. When children interact with pieces in the exhibits, they become more curious, and their minds are stimulated to learn more. When your children ask questions about an exhibit or a particular piece, answer them to the best of your ability. Be sure to never make something up.  If you do not know the answer, ask for assistance from one of the curators.

4. It fosters family bonding and togetherness.  You spend time with your children looking and then asking questions.  Even adults can often learn too!  When you leave, be sure to continue the discussion with your children. Ask them questions about the exhibits such as which one they liked the best and why?

5. It makes children happy.  They are excited to look with such wonder and touch to learn more.  For them, it is a fun-filled place to explore.

For more information, please visit:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/inside-parenting/201602/why-we-need-childrens-museums

https://www.arts.gov/stories/blog/2014/importance-taking-children-museums

Learn More About the Childhood Obesity Epidemic and What Parents Can and Should Do

Over the past couple of years, most of our focus has been on the Covid pandemic.  But, under our own noses, for many years, we have been suffering through the childhood obesity epidemic.   Shockingly, according to data from the World Obesity organization, the United States is ranked 12th highest in the world for childhood obesity, out of 200 nations.

In an online article titled Understanding the Childhood Obesity Epidemic, Dr. William Cochran wrote: “Pediatric obesity is now of epidemic proportions in the United States. Pediatric overweight and obesity now affects more than 30 percent of children, making it the most common chronic disease of childhood.”

What are some of the causes noted by Dr. Cochran and many in his field?  Dietary changes that have occurred over the past 20 to 30 years.  These include:

1. Eating out frequently at fast food restaurants.

2. Larger portion sizes for food and drinks.

3. Drinking sodas, juices, and sports drinks that are high in calories and sugar content.

Also, the growing lack of activity is of great concern.  Many schools have removed physical education from school activities while watching television and videos and playing video games have risen in popularity.

Unfortunately, obesity in a child has been statistically shown to continue into adulthood. In his article, Dr. Cochran further noted:

Pediatric obesity is a real and very significant health problem that is associated with adverse effects on health in childhood as well as adulthood. There is a high likelihood of a child with obesity becoming an adult with obesity. This risk increases as the child gets older.

The risk that a five-year-old child with obesity remains affected by obesity as an adult is approximately 50 percent. This increases to more than 80 percent for an adolescent with obesity. On the other hand, the risk of a normal weight child becoming affected by obesity as an adult is only seven percent.

     What can parents do?  Treating childhood obesity is a three-fold approach according to Dr. Cochran: involve the child, the parents, and the medical advisor.  It is often not just a healthy diet and exercise that is involved, but the child’s good eating habits and regular exercise are critical to any long-lasting changes.

To learn more, please visit:

https://data.worldobesity.org/rankings/?age=c&sex=m

https://www.obesityaction.org/resources/understanding-the-childhood-obesity-epidemic/#:~:text=Pediatric%20obesity%20is%20now%20of,common%20chronic%20disease%20of%20childhood

Celebrate National Day of Unplugging This Friday March 3 by Unplugging all Devices and Spending Time with Your Family

Did you know that the first Friday of March every year is known as the National Day of Uplugging? I didn’t and I think it is an excellent idea! 

The day was established in 2003 by Reboot, a Jewish nonprofit organization, to encourage people to turn off their electronic devices for 24 hours and spend time truly connecting with others.  What are some of the benefits of unplugging?  There are many, including reducing stress, resting your eyes, boosting productivity, sleeping better, building better relationships, and improving physical and mental health.   

There are so many things that you and your family can do.  Try, first of all, spending Saturday, instead of Friday unplugging, as Friday is a typical work and school day and it will be more difficult to “unplug” on that day.  And, even consider making it a weekend commitment for two days instead of one.  Before you start, be sure to prepare for the day.  Let your relatives and friends know that this is what you and your children will be doing.   Preparing yourself and your children is very important so that there is less conflict, and everyone knows what is expected.

Plan a variety of activities for the family.  Remember that the goal is to connect and spend time together.  Make this a truly successful “unplugging” event so that at the end of the day, you and your children will have wonderful, loving memories. 

 To learn more, please visit:

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/day-of-unplugging/

https://www.urbanstudentlife.com/blog/health-and-wellbeing/national-day-of-unplugging-what-are-the-benefits