A Shot (of kindness) In The Arm

this is required watching. you will be so happy you did.

i am the world's biggest fan of amy krouse rosenthal, author of amazing children's books, i'm sure you have a few on your shelf, (my favorite is "LITTLE HOOT"). she always has something very smart and meaningful to say... and do.

read more of her greatness here.

The Chill of the Spill

as if our planet weren't already in enough trouble, you and your children have seen the devastating effects of the gulf coast bp oil spill. there is much to be done to restore it to a healthy ecosystem.

here is an easy 1 minute activity to do:

log on to www.restorethegulf.com with your family. each of you can type in your name signing the petition to let president obama know that the entire country is counting on the government to fix this.

as they say on their site, "do it for the sandcastles, do it for the pelicans, do it for the oysters..."

the lesson: we ALL have a voice, and it has POWER. talk to your kids about the responsibility that comes with that power; standing up for what is right, what you believe and protecting those who can not protect themselves (in this case, the oysters).

Acme Library - Kids Make It Better

here is a fun book to do with your kids (or let them do it themselves).

a "write-in, draw-in journal", KIDS MAKE IT BETTER asks it's readers questions and gives them the space to fill in answers. questions like,

"how would you get people to stop fighting?"

"what would you do to help animals who have no place to sleep?"

"what would you do to get more people to share?"

it's a great thinking activity that is "others oriented" and perfect for summer; on a plane, in the car or sitting on the grass under a tree.