Tug At Your Heart Strings

there are so many freakin' (forgive use of word freakin') things to remind our kids to do everyday. pick up your socks, put your dishes in the sink, brush your teeth, finish your homework, don't bite your brother (they say it's just a stage, here's hoping), pack your lunch, wash your hands, eat your vegetables. not necessarily in this order.

it is too easy to forget the simple simple important basics. "BE NICE", for example.

here's a new doohickey (forgive use of word doohickey) to do just that. the stringring company has made rings entwined with strings so as not to forget to be kind. you needn't purchase the silver version, just sit down at the kitchen table with your kids, a ball of twine and some hope.

the stringring website says:

"tying a string around your finger as a reminder is an ancient tradition thought to keep an idea from escaping - literally tying the idea to yourself. the string ring is a cue to remind yourself and those who notice it to be kind to one another, to do a kind act, say or even think something kind."

i hope it isn't UN kind to the stringring people to suggest that we make them the old fashioned way, hopefully they will see our intention of spreading kindness and KNOT get TIED up in the details.

Bake Sale

how about we pull together our kids and their friends to host an all american bake sale. yum. 

this is a fabulous site that gives you bake by bake instructions to throwing your own COOKIES FOR KIDS' CANCER sale.

it is so simple, click here to go to their site

at the very least, just go for it, put on a bake sale the way you do a lemonade stand and donate the money to them, but i like how they lay out the instructions and make you feel very much a part of something bigger and better than just you (i know, i am probably just speaking for myself).

the lesson: a delicious day of pigging out with friends can be so much more. there is information on the link above that will give you facts to use in talking with your kids about cancer. they should know the statistics and facts on medical breakthroughs (or, sadly, lack thereof).

***added bonus: more like added inches to my waist. added pounds to my scale. added cavities to my mouth.

Acme Library - It's Not What You've Got!

in teaching gratitude, graciousness and giving back, it seems like a good idea to also read this book with our kids. the subtitle is "lessons for kids on money and abundance". fantastic and simple approach to talking about "you aren't the stuff you have" or in some cases, the stuff you DON'T have. no matter where we fall on the socioeconomic food chain, subtle (or not so subtle) reminders of gratefulness and priorities can't hurt.

to buy this book, see ACME LIBRARY on the right, 

(this only works if you are on the acme sharing website)

Acme Birthdays - help kids celebrate

every kid deserves to feel special and celebrated on their birthday. to think that some parents can't provide that is just heartbreaking in the case of the child AND the parent. cheerful givers (yes, that is their name) is an organization that provides small gift bags to food pantries and shelters so that the children there can have a real birthday.

you and your kids can put together a gift bag filled with lots of small but festive items. a quiet afternoon with a short trip to target is a very do-able for all of us. who doesn't love a trip to target??? 

there is a list provided at the link, but you can pretty much use your noodle to create a bag that is appropriate for most children.

this is also a fun play date, group or even a birthday party activity.  

here is a link to cheerful givers with instructions for bags.

contact them if you'd like to send the bag directly to them or if they can put you in touch with a local shelter.

the lesson: our kids need to know that not everyone has the basics we take for granted, and if we CAN help, we SHOULD help.

Acme Holiday - Grandparent's Day

for years i have been giving my grandparents cards on grandparent's day only to find that they had never heard of it and expected nothing special (until the year i forgot). now most calendars printed in the usa include this ode to the older gen. well, it is upon us this sunday, september 7th.

another chance for your kids to be exposed to demonstrating kindness and gratitude. a hand drawn picture is nice, a framed photo is better but my favorite idea is this one:

have your child journal a day in their life. it can be photos glued into a book, or a video diary a few times throughout the day or a story that they write sharing the highs and lows of their universe. whether the grandparents live down the block or around the world, they will eat this up with a spoon.

the unconditional love of a grandparent is pretty significant, fostering this relationship is so valuable (free babysitting is also an incentive). if your child has none, there are countless lonely geriatrics living in your city. to find one click here and feel free to brighten the day of a stranger by showing any gesture of kindness (cookies, cards, a hand of go fish or just a chat).

p.s. chances are, your kids are back in school this week and another project is just not on your agenda. maybe you will get lucky and have parents with calendars printed overseas. 

Acme Library - 10 Things I Can Do...

a fun and graphic book for kids of all ages (mostly 8 and younger, in my humble opinion). touches on the basics we all know about helping the earth, but in a way that kids can get excited about - maybe because they have heard some of them before. i think it's a great gift.

to buy this book, see acme library on the right

(this only works if you are on the acme sharing website)

For (four) Eyes

as the end of summer arrives, there is no shortage of sunshine (thanks in part to global warming) and although we are still clinging desperately to our sunglasses, this is an easy activity.

lenscrafters has a program called GIVE THE GIFT OF SIGHT. if you drop off any reading or sunglasses to a local lenscrafters, they will use them to make a new pair of glasses for someone who otherwise couldn't afford some. so far, they have been able to help 6 million people see the world more clearly.

here is where you can read more about it

this is a great project for a DRIVE. get your kids to solicite glasses from friends and neighbors or even put up flyers at camp, school, church, temple, gymnastics class - whatever. there is so much power in a drive. i love a drive. i love the idea of the kids getting glasses (or whatever item your drive is about) and filling up a box. the pride they feel when they have so much more than they hoped for. the idea that a community can come together with SUCH LITTLE EFFORT and make a real difference. jeez, can you tell i am a fan of a DRIVE?

the lesson: talking to your kids about what it would be like to not see clearly and how that would effect your life. not be able to afford the medical care you need. not be able to participate in life the way you want. how difficult all of those things would be and how if we CAN help, why WOULDN'T we help?

A Dog's Life

this week i lost my dog of almost 12 years. it is nothing short of devastating. it has been an interesting (mostly hard) milestone for my 7 year old.

even children growing up without pets understand the love and happiness any animal can bring. 

i came across THE LANGE FOUNDATION which is an organization that can rescue a dog or cat from a city run animal shelter (which is eventually the end  for them). for a mere $75 you can give the gift of life. it's a great present for an animal lover and the lange foundation will send you (or the recipient, if this is a gift) a photo and short story of the animal you saved.

here's a link 

another great way for kids to help animals, which is a lot more active than sending a check, is to raid the linen closet. all animal hospitals are in constant need of towels and blankets. you know you have some that you will never use, get your kids to gather them up, wash and fold them and deliver them to your local vet/ clinic.

the lesson: nothing new, but helping those who can't help themselves is pretty significant, not to mention rewarding for all ages.

This Shirt...

true, true, this isn't a family activity, project or craft. i normally shy away from shopping as an act of teaching gratitude, however i LOVE this...

"this shirt saved a life" is the real deal. tiny revolutionary and africa aid foundation has produced this yummy soft t-shirt and will donate $20 from the purchase price of each one ($38.00) to the children in ghana. this money allows them to have one large and nutritious meal every day for a year.

as you may have noticed, the acme sharing company focuses on ways we can help in our own communities and it is important for kids to connect locally. this clearly isn't one of those, but at the end of the day, help is needed everywhere, don't cha think?

here's where to get one

***added bonus: perhaps the pride our kids will feel while sporting this will spark a desire to do more?

Bird Brain

it's getting pretty whiny around here. these last weeks of summer can really ride your last nerve. let's make them meaningful before that school bell rings.

here is a super cute "at home craft/ recycle/ be kind to animals" type of project.

the video link below is step by step instructions for building a birdhouse from a milk carton. it's not the newest idea on the block, but it will keep kids entertained. why not add to the fun by getting a hold of some binoculars and keeping a journal of all the visitors your house attracts. budding photographers can get in on the act as well.

as with ALL acme sharing projects, you can spend as much or as little time on it depending on the age and attention span of your offspring. 

here's how to do it - so easy!!!

the lesson: helping nature helps us all.

***added bonus: the sweet tweets coming in from the window make a happier home.

Clean Up Your Act

ewww, it's gross, stinky, unsanitary and god only knows what else, but kids can get REALLY proactive about cleaning up trash at the beach or the park. 

it is a strangely shocking thing to see a person throw trash out of their car window. hopefully our children's generation will never act this way, what with all the things we teach them about the earth, global warming and blah blah blah.

RULE #1 and ONLY - do not forget the rubber gloves from under your kitchen sink and make everyone wear them!!!

so grab a bag, lots of hand sanitizer and go.

come up with a game to get it done with flair. make up stories about who the people were who dropped these items and why, count the pieces and make a race out of who can get the most into the garbage bag or sing a jaunty rendition of oscar the grouch's I LOVE TRASH.

the lesson: without freaking out the kinder, talk to them about the effects of trash on animals; how a bird could choke on it, a squirrel can't digest paper or plastic. also share with them the pride of taking care of their world.

***added bonus: cleanliness. i'd say that's a bonus. 

here's oscar in all of his filth and glory

"Lemonade...that cool refreshing drink"

when life gives you lemons (read: bored kids halfway through summer break), make a lemonade stand. 

what is more all american summertime fun than a lemonade stand? ok, maybe a baseball game, an apple pie or a run through the sprinklers or a - forget it, i could go on for a while.

here are the tools for the next gen socially conscience lemonade stand:

start with the whole foods 365 brand lemonade from concentrate. it's ORGANIC and perfect for mixing.

here

9 oz clear biodegradable cups made of corn (they look like plastic party cups).

50 cups for $7

treecyle.com

recycled napkins from seventh generation are brown and look uber-chic with your child's "logo" colored on the corner.

napkins here

serve it all at this post-consumer use cardboard stand to make it oh so very professional

greenpartygoods.com

bake some all natural thin mint cookies (i have already supported the girl scouts PLENTY in this category so i don't feel guilty usurping their ground)

thin mints

now that you are ready for business, talk to your kids about where they want to donate their hard earned cash. for ideas on this, browse "markmakers"or "youthgive" (both on this site in earlier posts) to see kid friendly explanations of causes and needs.

the lesson: your kids earning their your own coinage? priceless.

***added bonus: so thirst quenching!

Acme Craft - Hat's Off To You

children undergoing chemotherapy and radiation lose their hair.  not a news flash.  they feel embarrassed.  they get cold when they are going to sleep.  they are miserable with their appearance.  they are susceptible to sunburn.  as if they needed more heartache.

a great project to do with your kids (and their friends) is to decorate hats and send them to these deeply deserving little heroes.

the lesson: helping others who need support - even if we don't know them (more "do onto others" stuff).

***added bonus: spending an afternoon crafting with your beautiful and healthy children!

here's a link to head huggers

here's a link to ronald mcdonald house

here's a link to st. jude children's hospital

***here's a link for organic cotton hats

Acme Library - One Hen

microfinance. this is a great way to introduce your kids (from a safe distance) to the needs in third world countries.

One Hen is a lovely book to help them grasp the idea. 

this is a true story and such an inspiration!

here's a link to kiva

here's a link to microplace

here's a link to village banking 

to buy this book, see acme library on the right

(this only works if you are on the acme sharing website)

Let It BEE

seeing as how most of us reading this post are parents, i must assume we have all see jerry seinfeld's BEE MOVIE at least 6 or 7 times. so we all know what happens if the bees stop pollinating the flowers - just basic apocalyptic disaster. 

the geniuses at HAAGEN DAZS have taken up honeybees as their cause. there seems to be an endangered group of these buzzing bad boys. the ice creamers have made up special packets of specific wildflowers that provide these guys with the nectar they need to keep on flying along.

send for your packet, stock up on Benedryl, and see what happens.

yellow and black is the new black.

the lesson: taking care of creatures that need our help since they are probably in danger because of us in the first place.

***added bonus: planting flowers is a fun summer activity to do with the kids outside, diggin' in the dirt, playin' with a hose. 

send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

Haagen Dazs Saves The Honey Bees Program/ Domino

50 francisco street suite #400

san francisco, california 94133

here's a link for more info helpthehoneybees.com

It's In The Mail

looking to keep your kids busy this summer - look no further than your mailbox.

set up a "postal system so as not to go postal"

kids can retrieve and SORT the mail.

ask them to throw the "penny saver" type junk mail right into the recycle bin. 

now ask them to find a box large enough for the catalogs. all summer, they can fill up the catalog box with everything you aren't interested in (which is pretty much all of it. or do you really need "the peruvian collection"?) and then they can list them so that you can stop them.

there are companies (listed below) that, on your behalf, will STOP these catalogs from coming to you. some of them even stop junk mail. happy dance happy dance!

the lesson: trees glorious trees! i'd rather have them than the latest mortgage payment lowering scam, you?

added bonus: you won't be tempted to just look at the "garnet hill" sale since you KNOW you don't need anything.

here's a link to CATALOG CHOICE

and GREEN DIMES

Acme Library - The Golden Rule

open your tool box, take out the hammer and hit the nail on the head. this book is VERY on the nose. not complaining, it's wonderful! it explains how the golden rule is called something else in different countries and religions, but exists everywhere.

a simple story about a simple (but impossibly important) rule. every family should have this book in their collection.

to buy this book, see acme library on the right

(this only works if you are on the acme sharing website)

Acme Holiday - Armed Forces Day

another chance to show appreciation, this time toward people in real danger, risking their lives for our freedom.

this weekend is armed forces day, and although i feel impossibly lucky that the closest i have come to a battleground is the Barneys warehouse sale, this is a perfect opportunity to teach our kids how to show gratitude and thanks to VERY VERY DEEPLY deserving soldiers.

the men and women on the front lines are always happy to get mail. the websites below can help walk you through the making of a care package or they can simply tell you the best way to send a letter.

the lesson: i feel like a broken record, but we all know repetition is good for a developing mind. once more, with feeling, let's show our kids how to appreciate others and honor them.

***added bonus: you may walk away feeling like, in a teeny tiny small way, you, too, have served your country.

anysoldier.com sends to "any soldier" so you needn't know anyone personally serving.

here is a basic how to and what to for sending anything to the armed forces.

Take Out

picture this: squirming toddler in arms, holding hands with 6 year old, pushing VERY full grocery cart out of store, navigating my way through parking lot and speed bumps. homeless man walks up asking for help. sheepish smile and eye-contact avoidance as i say, "sorry" and keep juggling. less than a moment later, 6 year old says, "mom, i thought you were all about helping people".

YIKES! 

this just reinforced what i knew but mostly forget, which is that our kids look to us for clues on how to treat others.

SO, to rectify this shameful memory, i have a plan of action. care to join?

i'm taking my kids to a restaurant that sells GIFT CARDS. buying some, and then WITH MY KIDS, handing them to a person(s) who looks like they need some food. or i can get a few and leave them in the car for when those moments may arise.

if you want to incorporate your child's giving/ spending into this activity, ideas for their own money are; a penny jar (see "penny for your thoughts" post below), money from allowance (one third for saving, one third for spending and one third for donating is a good rule of thumb) or birthday cash all work well.

alternately, a simple but always effective plan, bake or bring leftovers to a person in your neck of the woods. BRING YOUR KIDS WITH YOU. pack it as if you were going to have a brown bag lunch, plastic utensils, a drink and napkins.

in both cases, if you or your children feel apprehensive approaching recipients, it is perfectly acceptable (and maybe even suggested) to stay in the car and pull up near them.

the lesson: need i say it? your kids will see you treating people in need with compassion. they WILL follow your lead.

***added bonus: you'll avoid being shamed (take it from one who knows).

here are some links to restaurants that sell gift cards:

baja fresh

subway sandwiches

koo koo roo (in los angeles only)

starbucks

coffee bean and tea leaf

domino's pizza

Village People

tuesday, may 6th, is TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY. true, it sounds like another hallmark fabricated holiday only to forget about now and be bathed in guilt later, but this one speaks to me. 

who else spends 8 hours of their day with children who are not their own? ok, well, yes, childcare givers do, too. which now brings me to the new and improved (and just invented!) TEACHER AND NANNY APPRECIATION DAY. there's no one more important to our families than those people who are members of the "village" that it takes to help raise our kids.

we've heard the stories of teachers paying for supplies out of pocket, or nannies with no health insurance. these are the folks whom we trust to love, nurture and teach our offspring. i think everyday should recognize and appreciate them! (brown nose alert)

ask your child to give from their heart; write a letter, make a card, bake a treat or just bring the symbolic apple to bestow upon these well deserving citizens.

the lesson: showing our kids appreciation toward others. if they see us doing this enough, little things they take for granted may soon be looked upon with gratitude. 

***added bonus: now that you have successfully remembered this holiday, you might feel less culpable when "grandparent's day" comes and goes.

Acme Holiday - Arbor Day

just off the heels of earth day comes yet another opportunity to talk nature with your kids.

with lunches to pack, diapers to change and homework to correct we're supposed to celebrate ARBOR DAY???? the idea alone might push you over the edge? not to worry, it's bark is worse than it's bite.

some simple suggestions to help you see the forest for the trees;

plant a tree
hug a tree
lay on the grass and admire a tree
***sit and read a story (The Giving Tree?) under a tree
climb a tree
pick fruit off of a tree
just be together in the presence of a tree.


the lesson: reminding our kids that so much of what we need in our lives comes from trees; paper, wood and a little something we like to use quite often... oxygen. the birds, squirrels and thousands of other living beings need them for their homes. so, they pretty much deserve their own day.

***my favorite, it's a "kill two birds with one stone" activity.

here's a link for how to plant a tree from TREE PEOPLE.

here's a link for how to climb a tree.

Acme Earth Day

there are SO many fantastic things to do with your kids to celebrate earth day (april 22). start by browsing all of the global warming projects on this site.

i thought it might be nice to give the earth a gift: LADYBUGS!

go to your local garden center. you can purchase a small cardboard container - the size of a pint of ice cream, for about $8 - filled with hundreds of live ladybugs that you and your kids can release into your yard or neighborhood park. the ladybugs help the earth by eating the mealy bugs and aphids (for those of us with brown thumbs, those are the bad guys). your kids will marvel as they fly all around making it feel as though you are in wonderland! and isn't that what it should always feel like when you're a kid?

the lesson: the earth takes care of us; gives us parks, trees, beaches. we can't just take and not give. it's a two-way street.

***added bonus: bugs crawling all over you that is actually somewhat pleasurable.

here's a link for ladybug facts and ordering

Acme Library - Ordinary Mary

i love to post projects that can be as long or as short as YOU want them to be. however, let's face it, even if you wanted to spend all the time in the world baking dog biscuits and finding a shelter to whom you can deliver, most days we have ZERO extra time.

BUT... there is always time for a bedtime story.

here is another favorite which shows kids the power of one small gesture, it's chain reaction and how easy it is to make a difference, "ordinary mary's extraordinary deed".

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

Treasure Hunters

talk about REUSE...

take your child to a garage sale, salvation army, antique store, goodwill, flea market, whatever. tell them you are on a treasure hunt. you can set out looking for something specific or find whatever catches your eye and make up a story around it: who used to own this? what happened? how did it find it's way to where we found it? it sounds really corny, but trust me on this one, people, it is a TREASURE of an activity. and word to the wise, say "treasure hunt" as much as humanly possible for the effective buildup!

this was a huge hit at my house and the crappy "gold" pocket watch we found for $10 has become a cherished item. plus, there is the new found urgency to learn to tell time.

the lesson: one man's trash is another kid's treasure.

***added bonus: the plastic play sets from target, made in china, with their twist twist twist ties, that your kids are interested in for 2 days, who needs 'em?

here's a link to finding locations to the salvation army near you

Out To Lunch

as we get closer and closer to living a greener and greener life, (change light bulbs, check. install solar panels, check), here's a helpful item. if your child brings lunch to school, you have an idea of just how many plastic ziplocks are floating around the landfills.

lunchopolis offers this: no pvc. no lead. no leeching. no garbage. no huge selection of super cute patterns, but i guess you can't bite the hand that feeds. we all have to make sacrifices, no?

the lesson: nothing you haven't already heard; reduce, reuse, recycle.

here's a link to lunchopolis.com

Funny Pages

april fool's is coming up and who likes pranks more than kids? well, nobody. you can probably hear, all the way at your house, how hard my son laughs at "america's funniest home videos". but instead of filming the baby eating dog food, here's an idea for some good clean fun (with no damaging photographic evidence).

your child can author their own joke book. they can write their favorites or make up a few, color in some pages, staple and voila! instant first edition. we all know plenty of people who could use some laughs. how about giving it to someone who is sick? or anyone in a senior center? or the frowny-downy dry cleaner in your neighborhood?

the lesson: spreading smiles is contagious - and it doesn't cost anything to be nice (or funny).

***added bonus: knock knock. who's spending time with their kids that requires silliness?

here's a link for some jokes for kids

Acme Holiday - Easter

in honor of easter and the story of the loaves and the fishes, let's spread the loaf, people. sure there are bunnies, eggs and cadbury chocolates to partake in, but this is a little bit less obvious. at SPREAD THE BREAD, kids are encouraged to bake a loaf of bread and wrap it up with notes of gratitude. this gift is then given to ANYONE your child feels deserves it; police officer, librarian, trash collector, coach - whomever!

there are thousands of bread recipes to be found online or you can go the "cliffnotes" version by picking up a frozen pre-made loaf in the freezer section of any market.

the lesson: it's so easy to show thanks and support to people who have earned it. when your child sees the intense impact a simple gesture can make, they might be motivated to act in a "giving" and "grateful" way more often. and really, that's the whole point, isn't it? or most of the point, anyway.

***added bonus: warm fresh bread out of your oven slathered in butter??? please, like you're not going to bake another one for yourselves?


here's a link to spread the bread for more details

here's a link for a simple bread recipe for kids

Acme Holiday - St. Partick's Day

not much "giving back" in the traditional st. patty's day activities of searching for a pot of gold or drinking shamrock shakes, so here's another thought. yes, it's drastic, yes, it's mostly for boys, and yes, most of you won't do it BUT, here goes...

the st. baldrick's day foundation organizes head shaving to raise awareness and funds for kids with cancer. your child can be a "shavee" to show their support for this cause. log onto the site to find the allocated barber in your neighborhood. before the buzz, go online for details and have your child solicit donations from family and friends. look, at least the weather is getting warmer.

the lesson: your child could have a deeper level of understanding for chemotherapy patients as they go through this process. it might touch them in a way neither of you could imagine and quite possibly send them on a quest to help find a cure in our lifetime. for example.

***added bonus: no more fighting about washing his hair.

here's the link to the st. baldrick's foundation

One Small Step

mmmm, ahhhh, spring is in the air. smells a bit like... rotten crocs from last summer???

say what you will about crocs, yes, unattractive, yes, ubiquitous, yes, middle-american children everywhere running around in them, but they really serve their purpose. cheap (ish), slip on, waterproof and ALMOST indestructible. now that we are spring cleaning and gearing up for the warmer months, here is the place for those shredded crocs that haven't seen sunlight in months. SOLES UNITED will take old worn out pairs and recycle them into new, wearable ones to send to children in need.

the lesson: waste not want not?

***added bonus: once you're already back there in the dark corners of your kid's closet, you might find some treasure. not sure what, but that's what makes it an added bonus.


here's a link: "soles united" for info and drop off locations

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