i'm gonna sit right down and write me a letter

sure your kids can whine all day, but encourage them to voice their concerns to the proper authority. if i were in politics (let's have a moment of thanks that i am not), the most meaningful letters i would pay attention to would have to be the ones which came out of the mouths of babes. this is yet another way to show your kids that they can make a difference. and they can write letters for just about any bee in their bonnet. even that crack in the sidewalk robbing them of a smooth bike ride home.

the lesson: to convey to our children that we are all a part of this society regardless of religion, race, color or AGE. we have the birthright to speak up for what we feel strongly about. imagine if the president received a letter from every child in this country!?!?!

***added bonus, once the envelopes are out, maybe you can get them to squeeze in that thank you card to aunt tizzy from last year's hideous xmas sweater.

here's a link: how to write to congress

acme craft - one man's trash

if your house is anything like mine, there is PLENTY to do. so why is it that "i'm bored" has ever been said aloud? when your kids have the gall to say it, here's a new one: give them a bottle of glue, a stapler and send them in the direction of the recycle bin. you may need to step in and help with a low temp glue gun. but a milk carton and an empty container of sour cream together with the sunday paper and an egg carton can make for some pretty fabulous modern art.

the lesson: talk to your kids about the resources on earth and how one day they will not always all be available. recycling and reusing is a way they can help conserve. this might not feel like giving back, but it is. it really is.

***added bonus, the blue bins won't be so heavy to push to the street on trash day.

acme birthdays - making your mark

so each child i know is living in abundance. when the calendar falls on their special day, yes, it's great to get them a gift, but we all know they don't NEED one. here's a real gift - show them that they can make a difference. log onto MARKMAKERS and choose the amount you'd like to spend. an automatic email will be sent to the birthday child or their parents letting them know they have a "gift card" there. that child can log on to the kid-friendly website and shop. they can choose to donate that money toward any cause they like; rainforest, animal rescue, books, food, medicine, the list goes on.

the lesson: our kids (and most adults) don't quite yet understand that they can make a difference. we must let our children know that they possess the power to make things better.

***added bonus, no need for gift wrap or scotch tape.

here's a link: www.markmakers.org

the justice league

some people think that community service is equal to or more valuable than sports. guilty as charged. the geniuses at THE LEAGUE WORLDWIDE are spreading the word and have set up school philanthropy as a team sport. here is where i break out the pom poms. teachers sign up online as the coach, each team (or class) earns points for each project. there is a learning lesson provided on the website for parents and teachers, there are rewards and awards. there are great ideas for each age group. this is my favorite thing EV-ER.

talk to your child's teacher about looking into it online. parents can also stay involved and hold places as part of the team.

here's a link: www.leagueworldwide.org

acme birthdays - pajama party!!!!

when your child wants to have a slumber party, this is the answer. yes, it will be a LATE night, and yes, they will be CRANKY in the morning, but this party is worth it. have the guests bring (in lieu of gifts) a pair of new pajamas. your child can then donate the lot to the pajama program. kids in need, living in group homes, get new jammies and books to make their bedtimes feel as cozy and safe as ours do.

the lesson: let your children know that some kids have to sleep in their jeans since they have very few things to wear. they don't have a stack of books from which to choose each night.

***added bonus, in the morning, serve muffins instead of cake or cupcakes to ensure sleepy little party goers don't have an overtired sugar rush meltdown. also a pillowcase decorating craft is a fun nighttime activity. the cases can act as a "bag" for the donated PJ's. after throwing this shindig, you will be off the hook for play dates for a looooong time.

here's a link: www.pajamaprogram.org

penny for your thoughts

raise your hand if the bottom of your purse is lined with change, crumbs and lint. yep, my hand is up, too. this is a project your kids can take charge completely. they may ask guests to contribute, but mostly they can help you scrape out the back of the all purpose kitchen drawer, dig through the pockets of the diaper bag, tote bag, purses, backpacks and cup holders in the car. it's an ongoing experience so don't let them fizzle out. when it has reached capacity, take it to coinstar and turn it into paper money which can then be hand delivered to the cause of their choice, or even better, spend on pet food, books, canned food, blankets - whatever! then they can take that to their cause.

the lesson: ask your kids what they care about. let them know that THEY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. the penny (or all change) jar can be their own personal responsibility.

***added bonus, here's a great game: if siblings are participating, give them each a jar and a time limit (one month). whoever has the LEAST amount at the end, wins! this way they will be filling up each others jars to try to get it full!!

here's a link: find a coin counter near you

acme library - 365 penguins

adorable, fabulous graphics, counting AND a great message about global warming. wonderful for all ages. an impressive gift due to it's over sized format.

to buy this book, see acme library on the right.

the ole stand by

bake at home and deliver to your local fire house. this is an activity that's great for any age child, any gender and is possible in every city. no need to call to see when they're open, no need to make a reservation, it's the ole stand by. the women and men on duty are always very thankful, they are always happy to demonstrate the pole and even give your kids a chance to sit on the truck.

the lesson: this is a great way to show and teach appreciation. and it couldn't be simpler. talk to your kids about fire safety and how these brave people have chosen a life of danger to protect us.

***added bonus: for single moms, there's a good chance to meet a handsome stranger.

acme library - the three questions

this is the most wonderful, albeit, esoteric, children's book. it touches on gratitude and being present. i love reading this book because my kids have no idea how important and deep the meaning really is. it's like feeding them spinach disguised in a brownie.

to buy this book, see acme library to the right

it's in the can

clearly not the most glamorous nor innovative philanthropic event, but a can drive is true americana. invite your child to make fliers (or print out a dozen copies on your printer) and deliver them door to door amongst your neighbors. these fliers should look something like this:

hi neighbor,

i am collecting cans for the local ___.

i will be back tomorrow around __ pm to pick up any canned food that you can spare.

thanks for your help.

sincerely,

your child's name.

when you go back to collect, don't forget some empty grocery bags, and a radio flyer wagon if you have one. once you and your child have delivered the cans, the next weekend's project can include teaching them to write thank you cards to those neighbors who were kind enough to participate.

if you are unable to find a recipient, any local church or temple will gladly take whatever you've collected and get them into the right hands (and mouths).

the lesson: talk about food. what they like best, when they feel most hungry, what they know how to cook, or what they want to learn to cook. talk about how your child never has to think about when their next meal will be or from where it will come; how some families aren't quite so lucky and how we can help those in need.

***added bonus: since getting yourself to the gym is your worst enemy, you will work those triceps lifting bags of cans for the afternoon!

Reel Easy Way to Give

as it is now january, the month of cleaning out, i suggest you and your kids put on some music, pop some popcorn, sit on the family room floor and go through all of your DVDs. this is an easy project that not only helps you feel organized, but it also gives back. KID FLICKS is a KID run organization started by 2 teenage sisters in los angeles. they distribute movies to pediatric wards of more than 200 hospitals all over the U.S. and even in South Africa.

the lesson: talk to your kids about how they might feel if they were stuck in a hospital bed. if they were feeling sick or scared and away from home, what would make them feel safe.

here's a link: www.kidflicks.org