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

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