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By:
Meredith Alexander,
on 1/28/2009
Blog:
THE ACME SHARING COMPANY
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i have come to realize that "birthday party season" is not a season, but rather a euphemism for the over-whelmed to describe what is, in fact, the entire school year.
here is a website to help. CHANGING THE PRESENT is a great place to browse with your kids to pick out meaningful gifts for their friends.
buy flowers for a playground ($5), books for kids in need ($15), feed horses ($12) or buy toys for children needing aid in recovering ($20).
the lesson: every chance to give is a chance to help.
***added bonus: not having to make that trip to the toy store, which inevitably winds up with you bringing home more stuff that your kids didn't need.
well, he's been in office for only a few hours, but why not have your child write to President Obama? seriously, what are you waiting for?
kidthing.com has created the "dear mr president project" where kids are invited to draw and/ or write to our new commander in chief. what a great chance for families to sit down and talk about our hopes and dreams for the future.
the mail in deadline is postmarked by january 27th (one week from today). don't forget to sign the submission form so that your child's letter is eligible for the "dear mr president project book" which will be available to purchase in early february.
the lesson: power is not only in the hands of adults, kids have to know that their voice counts. in a world where children mostly feel small, this can help them feel as though they are heard and can make a difference.
***added bonus: it's OBAMA, baby!!! what more bonus is there?
By:
Meredith Alexander,
on 1/13/2009
Blog:
THE ACME SHARING COMPANY
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our new first-lady-to-be is a girl after my own heart. she's a mom of two, supports her busy husband, has understated style and wants everyone to give back. come on, we're 2 peas in a pod!
this monday, january 19th is DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR day and MICHELLE OBAMA'S day to "call to service" the entire country.
the m.o. for M.O. is to get everyone to do ANY kind of community service on monday, (which is also a school holiday, so we'll be looking for things to do). the idea is to "renew america together, one community at a time. it will take ordinary citizens working together with a common purpose to get this country back on track. this national day of service is an important first step in our continuing commitment."
this is an exciting project and one i hope you will consider doing with your families. to find local activities and to learn more about this national day of service, check out the website:
if you can't find anything that speaks to you, please browse the acme sharing archives with over 70 ideas for community service projects to do with your kids.
***extra credit - i would LOVE to hear from you. please let me know how you spent the day, how it affected your kids and what did or didn't work in teaching them the most important aspect of humanity: SHARING.
now that our kids have so much "bright new shiny" with which to play, what better time to clean out the "dark old dull" ?
it is SO hard for most kids (mine especially) to part with even the smallest bit of broken lego. now, with all the new holiday loot, finding an organized place is a real chore. help them clean out the toys, books and even winter clothes that they barely notice hanging around.
make piles of (or use colored post-its) for;
MAYBE KEEP, GIVE AWAY and TRASH.
it will be hard to get them excited about the "give away" pile, but once you put on some music, eat some leftover xmas cookies or channukah gelt, they might get into the groove.
OR
you can tell them that for every new item they got, they need to give one away.
the lesson: abundance is the road to ungratefulness ? (ok, i think i just made that up, but it seems right, doesn't it?). plus, talk to your families about how lucky we are to get new things while explaining that not all families have the same luxuries or something like that, only more eloquent. then go back to the MAYBE KEEP pile and start again.
***added bonus: more organization means less likely chance of stepping on an errant action figure with bare feet - youch!
now you can thank your kids for, not only appreciating the things they have and keeping their toys organized, BUT MOSTLY for making a difference in another child's day.
so at our house, we celebrate everything (almost) and in order to keep it orderly, we get pretty rigid, cuz if you are anything like me, the thought of so many new toys makes you cringe.
here is how we do it:
nite 1.) a toy from us to our children.
nite 2.) pjs for everyone
nite 3.) siblings exchange gifts.
nite 4.) a book
nite 5.) present from aunt and uncle.
nite 6.) we write letters to each other and read them in turn.
nite 7.) just plain giving - the kids choose what and where.
(usually baking cookies and bringing them to the fire house)
nite 8.) a toy from grandparents - go out with a bang!
this gives them plenty to play with and enough about giving back so as not to shove it down their throats (i can do that all year). hope this helps as you lay out the holidays at your home.
not done yet??? help the world wherever you'd like:
since the acme sharing company is all about sharing, giving and DOING as a family, please note that i am only giving you these "just send money" lists for the holidays.
find a project by country and topic and find those who need a little help for as low as $10.
send money for food, water or medicine around the world.
be a part of giving the gift of a home (without having to be oprah). starting at $10.
every 30 seconds a child dies of malaria! that is the most heart-breaking statistic. help protect them with bed nets, $10.
browse for a cause that speaks to you; global human rights, disaster relief or microfinance.
i had to stop somewhere, but there are countless amazing organizations that can use your help. there are a few ways to incorporate your kids into the donation process:
1.) ask them what they feel strongly about, then surf the web.
2.) ask if they would like to contribute with money they have received.
3.) or perhaps they would like to give to a cause in lieu of a gift for themselves.
4.) youthgive and markmakers are places where you can give your kids an account and they can find the cause, a great idea for grandparents living out of town.
firstly, DRUMMER BOY, the best looking toy i have ever seen. i LOVE the illustrations from loren long. the story is an exercise in gratitude and love. very touching and with the happiest ending imaginable.
the next one, WHEN SANTA TURNED GREEN, is all about global warming at the north pole - melty, as you can imagine. cute and not scary. problem solving and christmasy.
and lastly, GREAT JOY, one that addresses homelessness in a very vague but powerful way (i know that sounds like it doesn't make sense, but when you read it with your kids, it does), this gorgeously rich book touches on it lightly enough so that you can give your own explanation. it opens the door for more conversation if you want to discuss it further.
*hope you will forgive this unbalanced representation of the holidays, but i couldn't find "acme sharing" worthy books on the subjects of hanukkah and kwanzaa, feel free to let me know if you've got some!
to buy these books, see ACME LIBRARY on the right
(this only works if you are on the acme sharing website)
this is amazing.
when your child writes a letter to santa claus and drops it in a BELIEVE MAILBOX in any MACY'S store, a dollar will be donated to the make a wish foundation!!!!
letters must be in envelopes stamped and addressed to:
SANTA - AT THE NORTH POLE.
letters should include your children writing about WHY they believe in santa.
the lesson: including the wonder and magic of the holiday season into your traditions. and, of course, giving back - for free!
***added bonus: they were most likely going to write to him anyway, this is a great excuse to make it a special project and when they see his big red mailbox it keeps the hope alive and adds to the mystery and mythology all tied up with the spirit of christmas.
starting to decorate for the holidays? how about a KINDNESS CHAIN. great for wrapping around a tree or hanging from the dining room ceiling.
1.) cut strips of paper into 2" x 8.5" (basically a piece of construction paper sliced into 2" strips). use at least 2 different colors. depending on the holidays you celebrate, you can color coordinate (channukah = blue and white, xmas = green and red).
2.) grab your stapler and have a seat with your kids.
3.) ask them to write on each strip an act of kindness they have performed, you can write it for them if they aren't yet literate.
4.) bend the strip into a circle and secure with a staple. loop the following ones through the last one and keep going. see how long you can make it - you can even hold a length competition between siblings.
5.) when they are all out of loops, send them out into the world to do some more good deeds.
the lesson: showing them what the holiday spirit is really all about.
***added bonus: the money you can save on twinkle lights.
EXTRA CREDIT - if you use left over scraps of wrapping paper!!!
the great thing about this book is that is has zero religion and would work for every family. the God reference doesn't specify ANYTHING, other than some magical higher power who wants us all to be kind to each other.
perfect for the holidays - no matter which ones you celebrate.
to buy this book, see ACME LIBRARY on the right
(this only works if you are on the acme sharing website)
tuesday, november 11th, marks veteran's day. most schools are closed in observance, so here's how to spend the day with your kids...
locate a veteran's hospital near you:
chose one of the following, or make up your own:
bring flowers.
bake and drop off yummies.
bring a deck of cards and play GO FISH with a vet.
prepare a joke or song.
just go and meet some heroic people, shake their hand and thank 'em.
the lesson: teaching appreciation and acknowledgement of others makes a real difference in the type of people we are raising.
trick or treat for UNICEF is in it's 58th year!!!
they have raised over $140 million and saved god only knows how many teeth from cavities.
if you don't know this program, it's where kids ask neighbors for pennies in lieu of candy. money raised is then sent in to help support the very worthy programs in over 150 countries.
since our kids will be at carnivals, class parties and more, they won't, in any way, be deprived of candy this halloween. so trick or treating can become about something else. i am not above bribing my kids to trick of treat for UNICEF and i will buy them their favorite candies in return (is this the wrong message?).
get your boxes at participating IKEA, PIER ONE IMPORTS or HALLMARK stores or
lesson: we drink clean water, not all children do. unicef helps provide for the kids who need water, medicine and food.
***added bonus: not hopped up on sugar, they might get to bed on time after an already over-stimulating day.
welcome to "blog action day" where thousands of bloggers ban together, get a socially responsible topic and discuss it with their readers. think about the impact - how exciting to be a part of this movement that potentially will be read by 10 million people!?!?! the movement, not this blog, just to be clear.
today the blog action day people have chosen POVERTY. 75% of the world's population is affected by poverty and there are thousands of things we can do to help.
just to get the big picture on poverty, here is something to watch and think about.
and if you feel moved to action, here is a good start (plus, who doesn't love Bono???)
the ONE campaign website where you can lobby congress, volunteer, wear ONE gear, join the online community and share info with your friends.
and when you are ready to involve your family, here is a nationwide list of soup kitchens and shelters which are ALWAYS in need of help.
happy blog action day to you all!
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.
"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.
thursday, september 25th from 5pm - 8 pm, COLD STONE CREAMERY will host the world's largest ice cream social (for a cause). free ice cream for all and donations will go directly to the MAKE A WISH foundation.
the new "make a wish creations" flavors inspired by jack and emily (two wish children) will be featured. seriously, how could you not go?
the lesson: it can be SOOO easy to give back. and it is always rewarding (but not usually THIS rewarding)
***added bonus: the obvious. except for those lactose intolerent.
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.
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.
the lesson: helping nature helps us all.
***added bonus: the sweet tweets coming in from the window make a happier home.
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.
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
ever heard of BIG SUNDAY? if you are new to it, it's big and fabulous and you will see why i love it. all over los angeles THIS sunday (may 4th), people from all walks of life will be helping. helping people, pets, the earth, frogs - what - ev - er!!!
*if you are not in los angeles - make your own big sunday by using this site to search for projects and go to town, baby, go to towwwwn!
there are so many organized big sunday events, but all you have to do is... something. anything. just grab your kids and help. help with your time or money or muscle.
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.
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.
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)
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?
so i just found out that this saturday, march 22, 2008 is world water day. i can barely remember my father's birthday so it's no big surprise that this wasn't on my calendar. but i wanted to let you all know about this amazing organization called TAP PROJECT. you log onto their website, learn about how clean water is desperately needed in most places, type in your zip code and find a list of restaurants that are participating. go to those restaurants, eat yummy food and give them one extra dollar toward the TAP PROJECT. it's a saturday night so chances are you were going to eat out anyway, this is killing two birds here.
the lesson: our kids are blissfully unaware of so much struggle in so many places. the idea that there is no clean water to drink and that it becomes fatal for thousands of children daily, is INSANE.
***added bonus: no dishes to wash, built in lesson, win win.
here's a link to the TAP PROJECT
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Meredith, this is a wonderful resource and we'll put it to use very soon. Thank you!