Quote text
President Obama
1600 Pennsylvania Ave
Washington, DC 20500
Things to do:
"Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone."
~ Charles Schulz (1922-2000), American cartoonist 'Peanuts'.
The magic of Christmas is in the eyes of children. The spirit of Christmas lies in the hearts of all of us. Teaching your children that there are those in need during the holidays can open their eyes to the true spirit of the season. Have them pick out a gift for a child and take it to a local Toys For Tots drop box. They will feel great about extending themselves and giving back. It will also help them appreciate all of their many blessings...and, you'll start a meaningful tradition your kids can pay forward year after year.
Let us know how you and your kids give back this season!
5
Check this off your list...the more moms that actually do it, the more change begins at home!
“Hard work pays off!”
– Idiom
Giving kids an incentive to help around the house is a great idea, but HOW is always the question. My kids don't get paid for participating in our family. That means no cash for having nice manners and taking care of your stuff. No payola for clearing your plate and doing your homework. So, where we netted out was that EXTRA stuff...scooping poop, taking out the trash, helping your little sister put on her shoes without being asked deserves a little something something. So, we started a chore chart together...I asked my kids to think of "extra" stuff and we discussed why certain things, like putting their clothes in the hamper, weren't included!
Allowance serves multiple purposes...it helps you get things done, makes kids feel good about their role in the family and gets them fired up about making a buck!
Let us know how you incentivize your kids!
4
Check this off your list...the more moms that actually do it, the more change begins at home!
“Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.”
– Hippocrates
So, Popeye was right! We need to eat our spinach to grow big and strong. Sometimes it's easier said than done, right?! If our kids don't love the green stuff...sneak it in! Whole Foods has "Super Food" that you can mix in peanut butter, cream cheese...anything your kids love to eat. You will be getting them the veggies they need while also having some fun "themed" St. Paddy's day fun.
Establishing good, green eating habits is essential so that children receive the nutrients and antioxidants their bodies need to promote growth and fight off disease both in the short and long term. Experts recommend that children's diets include green leafy iron rich vegetables like kale, collards, and spinach as part of a healthy diet. So, however you get them to eat them...Popeye would be proud!
What healthy foods do your kids like?
7
Check this off your list...the more moms that actually do it, the more change begins at home!
“Play is our brain's favorite way of learning.”
- Diane Ackerman
We've all been there...the sparkly red Dorothy shoes, the princesses dresses, the capes, swords and ridiculous outfit combinations...the endless fort making, pretend cooking and singing from room to room. All of this fun actually opens up important channels in our kids' little brains. Developmentally they sort and organize the world around them. All the fantasy helps them understand the reality. Pretty cool, huh? So, let them play, play, play...when they play "store" they are learning about money and math...when they play "dress up" they are learning fine motor skills...and on and on...
What are your kids' favorite things to pretend to do?
8
Check this off your list...the more moms that actually do it, the more change begins at home!
“Respect your mother...mother earth.”
– Unknown
Hmmmm. To use or not to use, that is the question. Re-usable water bottles are quick and easy...and they also emit toxic greenhouses gases when manufactured and, if not recycled, the plastic bottles are taking over our land fills. So, keep it super duper easy and pick up some refillable water bottles made from stainless steel...if they are lined with plastic, make sure they don't contain BPA. Switch it up a little...if we all used just one less plastic bottle a week, we'd make a huge impact.
Do you use refillable bottles? What brands?
8
Check this off your list...the more moms that actually do it, the more change begins at home!
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
- Frederick Douglas
Our families are the very first communities our kids know...so, it is the time for us to teach them how to be a productive members of society. It is our testing ground. Key components are responsibility and productiveness. Believe it or not, if we do everything for them, they don't really feel needed and that can actually damage their self-esteem.
Think of chores not as "punishment," but empowerment--so, just think when you ask your daughter to set the table, you are doing her a favor. Fun, huh? Carving out specific roles for your kids around the house are an important part of helping them understand how they contribute to the family and make them feel needed. So, make a list!
What chores do your kids do around the house?
7
Check this off your list...the more moms that actually do it, the more change begins at home!
Join O - MAMA or login
and begin checking off your list
A FAMILY AFFAIR: O-MAMA's Oscar Wrap-Up
The Oscars were a wonderful family affair! The feel of the night was very 2010. Substance over flash seemed to be the theme on the red carpet, in the production and even the Academy’s choices for winners. Less glitz, more nostalgia, better writing, fewer dance numbers and classier couture than in...
- Michelle - Close X
- I voted for Barack Obama. I believe one person can make a difference. I love living at the beach, skiing and finding treasures at the swap meet. I grew up in Rochester Hills, MI. I was raised by a single Dad. I graduated from the University of Michigan and moved to California to go to grad school (never went, long story). I married a California “surfer boy.” We traveled around the world for a year. I was a Vice President of an advertising agency and I ended my career when I had my first baby. I have three kids who go to private school. I am happily married to a guy who helps me do the dishes.
- And, that’s just the beginning...my opinions on political/ social issues might surprise you. It also might surprise you to know that Debbie and I are good friends...and I respect her opinions. She is a mother, too, so we learn from each other.
- I am a wife, mother, volunteer, creative thinker and aspiring environmentalist. I have a lot to say. I am an O-MAMA.
- Debbie - Close X
- I voted for John McCain. I believe in smaller government. I love traveling, hunting and horseback riding. I grew up in Newport Beach, CA. My father was a Navy Seal and my mother a debutante. I graduated from the University of Southern California. After studying abroad and becoming fluent in Spanish, I went to work for CNN. I married an Alabama “country boy.” I am a teacher. I started a student travel abroad company that takes American teens to Latin America to do community service. I have two children – one goes to private school and one goes to public school. I am going through a divorce.
- And, that’s just the beginning...my opinions on political/ social issues might surprise you. It also might surprise you to know that Michelle and I are good friends...and I respect her opinions. She is a mother, too, so we learn from each other.
- I am a mother, educator, businesswoman and internationalist. I have a lot to say. I am an O-MAMA.