Rays Your Grade

Check out ways you can learn about sun safety!

Summer is the optimal time to discuss sun exposure. Sun exposure is rather frequent and it's really important that we remember to take care of our skin as well as the skin of our children.

I decided to take the “Rays Your Grade” survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (it took less than 5 minutes). I am more likely to put sunscreen on my little girl than I am myself. My grade of a B on this survey got me thinking. Here are the tips they offer in order to get an A (I have always been one for extra credit):

1. Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Look for the AAD Seal of Recognition TM on products that meet these criteria.
   

2. Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.

3. Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
   

4. Use extra caution near water and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.
   

5. Protect children from sun exposure by applying sunscreen.
   

6. Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.
   

7. Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds causes skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
   

8. Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.
   

What is your grade?

Do Something New

Dare to try something new that you have never tried before. You may be surprised at how much you get out of the experience.

Over the past few months a friend has said to me time and again, “Tamara, remember, you are cute, smart and you know what you’re talking about!” This simple declaration has transformed the way I see myself. I started refinishing the dresser in our bedroom this weekend... a project I never would have felt equal to a year ago. My husband encouraged me and asked if I felt proud of myself. I said “No,” but the more I thought about it the more I realized that I was proud of myself. Not for the sanding job but for what it represents. Doing this manual labor means that I'm open to trying something new AND I'm capable of doing it.

Quick Tip:
Pick a project that you want to do around the house. Research how to do it... and then do it!

Definition:
Purpose is determination; setting goals; finding a reason for being.

Read:
Ruby's Wish
by Shirin Yim Bridges

Talk:
1. What does Ruby want to do? Why does this seem impossible?
2. What happens on Ruby’s last New Year's Day?
3. Your Big World: Share your journal responses.

Act:
Learn more about calligraphy - Chinese or English. Try it!

About the Author:

Tamara Batarseh, Executive Director of Love In A Big World (LBW), is a singer/songwriter/performer with over fifteen years of performance experience. She is co-founder of LBW and has been the creator of the organization’s programs and materials. Batarseh has recorded two albums, written LBW’s character education curriculum, trained LBW’s performers, and performed live for thousands of kids.

Home Away From Home

Going on vacation can be a time to realize how much you really are doing to make a difference!

This past weekend, our family of three ventured off into the world of Dallas, Texas. Along the way we encountered airplanes, screaming kids, the need to run up and down the same hall fifteen times, delays, snacks, coffee, falling asleep in awkward places, hotels, strange beds and nighttime routines, family, conflict, trash, waste, and going out to eat for every meal. To say the least, it was a shock to our family.

Being thrown out of my comfort zone often puts we in a weird mood and often leaves me, well... shall I say, crabby. I am very much a home-body and would prefer to be home with my food, bed, routines, and space, but to see family is very important to me too. That being said, I am grateful for the trek down to the Big D (and I do mean Dallas), even though there were some things that were a bit out of sorts for us.

Our plane was delayed a bit so we ended up in our detestation city about an hour late (which isn't bad at all, I know). Our little one was asleep by the time we made it to baggage claim. There's something about a sleeping baby while waiting for luggage that makes everything seem much more positive. Try looking at a peaceful little one (especially your own) and being upset or frustrated about anything. I really can't do it. By the time we got from airport to car to hotel, it was fast approaching my bedtime. I made a cup of tea and settled in for the evening.

When we ventured downstairs the next morning to greet the cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-aunts and uncles, the real trip began. I had used the same cup for my tea just before we went downstairs and planned to finish it upon my return. After breakfast I ran back up to the room to find my cup gone. The towel I had used that morning was also gone. We have not been in hotels much lately so I forgot the diligence of housekeeping. I realized that it was going to be very hard to carry out my normal practices in this environment. There was nowhere to compost, recycle, or eat my local foods. I felt a little out of sorts.

I realized just how much we do in our house. To see how many people drank water bottle after water bottle by the pool and how much went into the trash cans I felt so grateful for the practices we are teaching our little girl. To have a first hand experience where I have the chance to see what I was like before really brought me perspective. Before I never would have even realized that someone took a paper cup I had been drinking out of; I would expected someone to bring me fresh towel after one use. I was a consumer in a consumer world and had no regard for the Earth and its parts I was USING.

As a whole, our trip was great. We spent some great time with family, celebrated our Nation's and Grandpa's birthdays and had an overall good time together as a family. I definitely learned a thing or two about myself and traveling. This summer as you and your family take vacations, see what YOU can do to make your destination a home away from home. Be aware of something new you may not have thought of prior to realizing just how cool you really are! We would love to hear your stories.

Happy Travels!

Do Something Silly

Help your kids find creative ways to spend their summer being silly.

Does the routine and responsibility of life ever get you down? Does the mundane tire you? Well, sometimes we need to liven things up a bit by doing something out of the ordinary... something downright silly. Turn up the volume for your favorite CD and dance on your bed. Have a shaving cream battle in your backyard. Wear your pajamas to the movie theater. Swing on the swings under the stars. The artist Julia Cameron says, "Enthusiasm is grounded in work, not play... At the heart of this play is the mystery of joy." Play renews your zeal for life. So, get your creative juices flowing and do something silly... just for fun!

Quick Tip:
Have a play date for yourself once a week. Paint, draw, write, knit, sing, sew. Be renewed by exercising your creativity.

Definition:
Creativity is thinking of new ideas; dreaming of what can be.

Read:
Oh, The Thinks You Can Think
by Dr. Seuss

Talk:
1. What is your favorite thing to think about in this story?
2. What is this story encouraging you to do?
3. Your Big World: Besides making up words and drawing pictures, what are some other ways you can use your imagination and creativity? How is imagination and creativity helpful to you and others?

Act:
Play dress up with your family and go out for ice cream in your fancy clothes.

About the Author:

Tamara Batarseh, Executive Director of Love In A Big World (LBW), is a singer/songwriter/performer with over fifteen years of performance experience. She is co-founder of LBW and has been the creator of the organization’s programs and materials. Batarseh has recorded two albums, written LBW’s character education curriculum, trained LBW’s performers, and performed live for thousands of kids.

More Of A Good Thing

Each week we are at the Franklin Farmer's Market learning and growing together. Local foods and activities for the children continue to build this community oriented market.

This past weekend, we were at the Children's Garden at The Franklin Farmer's Market (as we are each Saturday through the end of October). We are here each week to offer activities for children and teach them about sustainability and local living.

Even the gorwn-ups got involved to help with the fun and learning.

My rant for the day: I see how much it means to these kids to be here each week. To see their faces when they see our tent set up and toys for THEM, I can see how special they feel. We hope that by being here we will continue to encourage kids and parents to learn about local farming, buy local foods, and support their community. This community really means to much to me. When my little girl met "our farmers" a few weeks ago, she really made a connection. If you have yet to see our CSA piece, please read it!