Acme Library - Do Unto Otters

if it's the LAST thing i do, i am going to teach my kids to understand karma and the golden rule, dammit! here is a fun book that doesn't take it too seriously.

to buy this book, see acme library on the right
(this only works if you are on the acme sharing website)

Pen Pal Picasso

are you ready for the most basic, meaningful and fabulous project?

your child draws or paints an 8 x 11 piece of paper. it must be 2D to lay flat for shipping purposes. they (or you) must write FOR MY FRIEND, LOVE, "your child's name". it's that simple. it can be as elaborate or basic as time permits, or interest holds. pack up the art, a self addressed stamped envelope and photo of the artist (optional). Art2Heart will hand deliver it to an orphan living in India. that child will then reciprocate the gesture!


the lesson: this is the world's simplest giving project. it's almost embarrassingly easy. in fact, if your family hasn't yet begun the journey of philanthropy - this is the perfect place to start. when your child receives their picture in return, sit back and watch. this is the part where you can see them GET it. it all falls into place and the world becomes a small and wonderful place where they feel as though they have made a difference. because they have.


here's a link: Art2Heart

History Lesson

in honor of president's day, how about throwing a birthday party?
wait, wait, hear me out.

after dinner, gather your family, put on party hats, blow up balloons, heck, even bake a cake and blow out the candles if you like. now that you are all together, share with your kids the important deeds WASHINGTON and LINCOLN left behind; washington's declaration of "i will not tell a lie" and lincoln's tireless efforts to abolish slavery. those two topics alone can fill the dining room with conversation about kindness, equality and karma. subjects that can easily relate to today's playground shenanigans.

the lesson: those who don't know their history are doomed to repeat it.

***added bonus: what? birthday cake isn't enough for you ???

Throw 'Em A Bone

bow wow wow yipee yo yipee yay. bake homemade dog biscuits with your kids, they can shape them into whatever they'd like! then find a local shelter where you can drop them off, or hand them out at a dog park, adoption or to friends. friends who have dogs, that is.

2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 cup peanut butter - chunky or smooth
1 cup milk

preheat oven to 375F. mix flour and baking powder, set aside. in another bowl mix peanut butter and milk, then slowly add dry ingredients. place dough on a lightly floured surface (this is the part kids love) and knead dough. roll out and shape with cookie cutters or freehand. bake 20 minutes - be careful as they burn easily. cool and store in an airtight container.


the lesson: i think it's sometimes easy for kids to relate to animals. they seem to have intense feelings about pets (even those that are not their own) who might be lost or hurt or homeless. if we see a sign posted in the neighborhood for a lost animal, my son insists we drive around looking. while you bake, it would be easy to talk to them about showing kindness to others, be they 2 legged or four.

here's a link: find your closest shelter

the basics

in parenting, everyone is always talking about the value of simplifying; family dinners, anti-over-scheduling, fewer presents at the holidays. and it seems to feel right, doesn't it? while researching facts for MILK AND BOOKIES, i gathered these very basic, classic and simple facts. it's almost too easy to be true. (probably isn't that easy at all).


ways to raise a philanthropic child and all around good citizen:

1. reinforce sharing
2. demonstrate empathy
3. reward kindness
4. spread hope
5. teach the golden rule
6. live the golden rule (in case you forgot it's the "do unto others..." one)


i always assume if i'm thinking about doing better, i eventually will... fingers crossed. hey, it's a start, if nothing else.


here's a link: if you want to read more