Carpooling is easier with centrally located meeting points.
We know how cool carpooling is, but sometimes it’s a hassle to drive around and pick up the other kids we offered to bring in our minivan.Designate a drop-off location central to most people in the carpool. Try a church or grocery store parking lot that’s in the heart of your neighborhood and ask each parent to bring their child there. If a parent has to be somewhere sooner, offer to let them bring their child to your house. As we work together, we can save time and gas as we seek to carpool more frequently (and easily). - Michelle Andrade
Take stock of what you have and learn to be thankful for it.
It’s easy to confuse needs with wants given all the messages out there. We’re constantly being told that we need to have more things more often. Let’s teach our children the value of gratitude. When we walk around talking about needing a bigger house, a new car, the latest gadget, or spiffier shoes, our kids begin to think this way. Make sure to be grateful for what you have and voice it. By saying we’re thankful for what we have instead of complaining about what we lack, we teach our children the importance of living simply and being content.
– Michelle Andrade
Getting active with your family will bring everyone closer together.
We’ve encouraged you to get outside, now that it’s fall. Participating in activities with our kids gives us a chance to be together while being active. In some houses, it seems that babysitters and teachers know the kids better than the parents. This weekend, get to know your kids even better by doing an activity together.
These simple actions will result in a happier, healthier family. Enjoy the weekend!
- Michelle Andrade
Do something outdoors with your kids.
It’s Take A Child Outside Week, so take a look at these great ideas for things to do outside and put one into action as a family. Going outside helps reduce the chances of obesity, helps kids stay focused in school, and allows them to connect with the natural world around them. Find an organization near you that is participating in taking children outside and plan a trip. You could even come up with your own natural outings so others in your community can participate. Working together as communities to encourage being outside means we’ll have healthier, happier kids.
- Michelle Andrade
Hear from the parent of a childhood cancer survivor.
This is Childhood Cancer Month. But what does that really look like? As the parent of a well adjusted, outgoing cancer survivor it is easy to take many things for granted. My son Gabe talks openly about having cancer, although he may not remember the specifics of treatment. His experience with cancer was improved by having parents who educated themselves about his disease and in turn found a way to describe cancer treatment to their young son. Our organization, Gabe’s My Heart, hopes to help provide that same level of explanation and comfort to any child living with cancer. - Lu Sipos
Run headlong towards the time of year when it’s perfect to be outdoors.
The heat feels like it’s nearly gone, and today marks the first day of fall. Make a choice to be outside in order to commemorate the new season. Take a walk to see a neighbor you haven’t in a while, or get out your bikes for an evening ride. Create an outdoor scavenger hunt for the kids throughout the neighborhood or in your backyard. Take a nice stroll through a nearby park or simply walk to the mailbox as a family. Whatever you choose, get outside as a family in order to unplug your kids and build your families. - Michelle Andrade
Let your kids eat off the menu today.
Now that school is back in full swing, packing lunches are probably at the top of your to-do list each weekday. Today, make the decision to let your kids eat a cafeteria meal. These meals may be greener than you think. Cafeterias buy food in bulk, and sometimes use unopened foods for new, creative recipes. Many are now even offering healthy, organic, or local foods as a part of a larger community effort. If food allergies, personal preferences, or lack of healthy food options lead you to stick to packing lunches, just make sure they’re a little more eco-minded.
- Michelle Andrade
Use an old speech to inspire a new passion.
On September 18, 1895, Booker T. Washington gave his famous speech known as the “Atlanta Compromise”. The goal was to detail the progress made in racial matters. Today, share some details of this movement with your children. Talk about equality and love for all people by teaching them to look at the traits that unify us, rather than the ones that can divide us. When we show our children how to look for similarities between people of different races, religions, gender, and other characteristics, we are teaching them the importance of acceptance at a very young and formidable age. - Michelle Andrade
Get creative to fight cancer this month.
The second leading cause of death among young children is cancer. This month is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Organizations like St. Baldrick’s seek to find the lighter side of this disease that conquers many childhoods while supporting and encouraging research for a cure. Make a choice to stand for childhood cancer today. Find an event to participate in, be a barber, or just support the cause. The more awareness we raise, the better chance we have of finding a cure. With a cure, more children will get the chance to save the world with their spirits of change. - Michelle Andrade
