How to Switch From Vacation Brain to School Mode

Transitioning kids from summer fun to a school year structure does not have to be difficult!

With the anticipation of a new school year comes the rites of passage that go along with stepping up a grade, or walking into a new class or school, or perhaps even starting school for the first time ever. So often, we focus on the ceremony of shopping for a new wardrobe, backpack, binders and markers, but we forget that we should spend some time acclimating our kids' minds for the classroom environment.

This doesn't mean we should hold mock school sessions at home for a month prior to the first day of school; we can ease their minds into 'school mode' without them even realizing it. You simply have to prepare a little and before you know it, you'll be slipping lessons into your everyday functions and passing them off as mere fun! Isn't it a delicious thought to be able to fool your kids into learning something? Well, it might be way easier than you thought possible.

The three most important things to remember are:
1. Make it fun!
2. Make it Fun!!
3. Make it FUN!!!

The fourth thing … dab their baby toe in first ... ease them back in ~ and yes, MAKE IT FUN!

Below are some quirky yet entertaining brain exercises for every age group.

Young kids:
• A trip to the ice cream stand(!) … or their favorite restaurant! … Woo-Hoo!… hold on, there is one caveat: everyone must only use their non-dominant hand (if you are right-handed, you must eat with your left hand and vice-versa).
• Folks at your neighboring tables might think you are nuts; however, those with kids will thank you when you explain what you are doing.
Benefit: This is a great exercise to engage both sides of the brain to get them working together to prepare for the transition to school-brain.

Tweens:
• Of course, most tweens will also enjoy a trip to the ice cream stand or their favorite restaurant to eat with their non-dominant hand. However, we might need something a bit more challenging at this age level.
• If that is the case, play some fun word gameswith them to get their brain juices flowing. For instance, have them try to say their name backwards, then have them spell it backwards. Still using their name as the template for brain engaging fun, challenge them to hold an entire conversation over dinner while beginning every sentence with a word that begins with the first letter of their first name. For example, Debbie must try to begin every sentence with a word that starts with the letter ‘D’ … Do you understand what I mean? Did you try it yet? Don’t knock it till you try it. Difficult, huh?
Benefit: Nurtures creativity and independent thinking skills while engaging the brain in a 'working' mode.

Teens/Young Adults:
• This one might take a little homework on your part; however, like most activities involving our kids, the older they are, the more involved it typically becomes. Focus on something that your child is really into … music, reading, sports, etc. Research the newest/latest happenings which revolve around that particular subject and start asking them questions about it. For instance, if your kid loves baseball, identify his/her favorite players, ask them to recite their stats (RBI’s, ERA’s, number of home-runs) for the current season; if they are not a rookie, how do their current stats measure up to last season? What is their team’s current record; wins, losses, ties, and placement in the league. Quiz them on these stats. Same for music; pick a favorite singer or band, and their newest album; name all the songs on the CD; which were hits? Do they know their placement on the charts?
Benefit: Gently wakes up the sleepy-summer brain, and gets your kid thinking again.

These might seem like rather ‘mindless’ exercises; however, the goal is to get creative juices flowing to encourage their own individual learning styles. There is no better way to do that than to appeal to them with something that lights up their eyes, and to do so in a comfortable environment. Remember, you’ve got to keep their head in the game, or it won’t do any good.

Although there are many benefits to each of the examples above, the byproduct is that you will be spending top-quality time with your child. Keep in mind that free creative playtime is a great way to learn what is in your kid’s head and heart, no matter how old they are! ... BONUS!

Gotta run now, I think I just heard the class bell!
;-Debbie

My 'Thank You' Gift to You

I am grateful that you are a part of 'Color My World' and I appreciate that you want to learn more about creative self-expression, living authentically, and improving relationships.

With that said, I am offering a free gift to thank you for being a part of my world. I know that as someone interested in living true to yourself, you will enjoy this gift, but I don't want you to keep it all to yourself! It is meant to be shared.

Here is what I mean ...

My gift is a 2-part audio download which is valued at $19.99. I invited a colleague of mine, Dr. Nancy Mramor (drmramor.com), a renowned psychologist, to join me in some free-creative playtime which I recorded for you. In the audio file, I demonstrate 4 solid ways for you to incorporate creative self-expression into your everyday life, and not only is this audio download free to you, the tips that I demonstrate cost you nothing ... so, you don't have to 'find' the time or spend a dime!

You will learn ways to nurture your creativity, and get the whole family involved while you are doing chores, driving to soccer, preparing dinner, etc. Now, car-time and chore-time go by quicker, you'll have more fun, and here's the priceless part ... it's a great way to get to know what is in your kid's head and heart!

Oh, yeah ... you will also be creating golden memories of a lifetime!

These invaluable Tips 'n Tools are so successful that you may never have to purchase a board game again!

Also, here is another way this gift can be shared ... If you have friends/fans you think would appreciate my Tips 'n Tools, please pass this link (FREE GIFT) along to them with a personal note from you letting them know that as my friend, you are sharing in the spirit of giving. They'll love you for it, and I'd love to meet anyone who is a fellow friend/fan of yours! ... Now we are also sharing the love!

Here's how to get your gift ... and again, it is totally free ~ you don't even have to pay shipping/handling or tax! ...

First of all, make certain that you already 'Follow' me on this Blog ... then drop me an email at harmonypublications@hotmail.com letting me know your email address so that I can send you your free gift. If you don't already 'Follow' this Blog, follow the quick two-step process below:

1. Just sign up for this blog by scrolling down the page and hitting the 'Follow' button under my photo where it says 'Friends and Followers' ...
2. Then email me at harmonypublications@hotmail.com to let me know your email address so that I can send you your free gift.

That's it ... it's that simple! You are now on your way to creative authenticity ~ just in time to create some amazing holiday memories with your friends and family!

Welcome, and enjoy~

;-Deb
"It's never wrong to write!"

Get the Heck out of the Way!

As adults, we truly do try our best to help our kids move down the 'right' path, yes?

Well, I've got great news for you ~ sometimes we don't have to try so stinkin' hard!

That's right, I'm giving you permission to NOT work so hard at it!

Sometimes, the best thing we can possibly do for our kids is to get the heck out of their way!

Watch this short (about a minute and a half) video to see what I mean:

"Child's Creativity"

Now, relax and go color something YOUR way!

;-D

Are You Having Fun Yet? ...

Now that summer is in full swing, inspiration is all around us! And so, I believe this is the perfect time to use our summer excitement to catapult our creativity... Need a gentle nudge?

Here's a great way to get the creative juices flowing:

Whether you've been away this summer, or have been having fun at home, choose your favorite moment so far, and write a poem about it. Remember that there is still plenty of summer left to create more magical moments! Perhaps you can use that anticipation to write a poem about an upcoming event ... Also keep in mind the fact that poems do NOT have to rhyme.

You know that I LOVE it when you share your poems and stories with me.

With that in mind, I wrote this poem that I'm sharing with you about my recent trip to Oglebay:



My favorite Oglebay Moment …


There’s too many to choose!
I can’t pick just one … I refuse!

So, I wrote this poem to give you a feel
Of a heaven on earth that is oh, so real:

Quiet mornings were spent on the balcony
While birds performed a symphony.

Flowers and trees were in full bloom
Then we returned to a peaceful room.

My ‘work’ was doing workshops with budding poets,
They LOVE ‘Color My World’ don’t you know it?

What an opportunity to teach and share wit,
And I’m grateful for the chance to relax a bit.

We enjoyed soothing massages in their tranquil spa,
Oglebay certainly has something for all!

While I worked, my hubby took a Segway tour.
He had a blast, that’s for sure!

We dined on sumptuous meals with a panoramic view.
And witnessed two beautiful weddings, too.

After a vigorous workout in the gym,
We relaxed in the sauna, then off for a swim.

We walked along nature trails and around the pond,
It’s as though Mother Nature waved her wand.

There were mountains in the distance and a cozy lake,
No better place for a well-deserved break.

Off in the distance, we heard a golfer cry “Fore!”
On our way to the museum and to do shopping galore.

With all that we did, there’s way more left undone,
So, we’re returning soon to scoop up more Oglebay fun!

Meanwhile, I end this poem with a question, though;
There is one thing I’ve got to know …

The director of every fun-filled fiesta
Never seems to get a siesta!

Anne is there, working night and day,
And her enthusiasm doesn’t ever sway.

It’s obvious that her goal is to ensure a good time
But Anne, you’ve GOT to rest sometime!

It seems that you never get to sleep.
When is it YOUR turn to count sheep?

You are certainly the most gracious hostess
Who delivers the absolute mostess!

Your guests are filled with appreciation,
Because you exceed the highest expectation.

So, Anne, my hat is off to you,
For the heart-felt job that you do!



I hope my friends and fans get a chance to visit Oglebay sometime soon! Meanwhile, thanks for being part of 'Color My World' and remember to click on over to my website for more fun and inspiration!

As always, whatever you do, do it creatively and authentically ...

Enjoy the magic~
;-Deb

This Might Seem Like a No-Brainer... BUT...

Yep, that's a big ol' BUT ... buuuut, bear with me here.

Isn't it typically the things that are right under our noses which go unnoticed or taken for granted? I'm thinking ... YES!
Today's Laser Tip is one of those~


One word: Crosswords

Seriously, doing crossword puzzles together with your kids is a great way to:
~keep their brain (and yours) sharp
~build a strong vocabulary (no matter what age)
~spend time together
~build memories
~have fun!

I remember many special moments doing crossword puzzles with my kids, snuggled under a blanket on the couch or in front of a fire in the winter. Other times when we were on vacation and my husband was driving, I'd be doing a crossword puzzle in the front passenger seat, and I'd call out a clue to our sons in the back seat. Often times, it was a collaborated effort to get the right answer; however, some of the 'wrong' answers would spur opportunities for a 'side' lesson.

In addition to filling in the answers on the puzzle, we'd take turns spelling the words and using them in a sentence. This is especially beneficial when there are various age groups participating. Crosswords are generally easy to keep age-appropriate since there is typically a mix of short words and big words.

To make it more fun, you can make 'rules' that the sentence can only pertain to a particular subject or scenario. For instance, all sentences must somehow relate to a zoo. If a clue to a particular puzzle is: Six-letter word for 'a place to learn.' And the answer is 'school,' someone must spell the word 'school' and use it in a sentence pertaining to the zoo. Teens might say something along the lines of, "The last week of school was like a zoo because there was not much structure in our schedule." Younger kids might say, "I'd rather go to the zoo than go to school!"

Either way, there is a hidden bonus here ... insight to what your kid is thinking and feeling. The first sentence might clue you in to the fact that your older child is beginning to prefer structure, even though they might resist it from you at home. And, although it might not be a surprise that your younger child would rather do something more fun than school, it presents you with an opportunity to broach the subject in a gentle manner.

VOILA! Time spent with your kids, future memories, sharpened vocabulary skills, and built-in lessons ... Oh yeah, and you had ... um ... what's a three-letter word for enjoyment? ...

Remember, for more creative ways to have fun with your kids, check out my free interactive website and watch segments of my NBC and CBS morning show appearances on my YouTube Channel. Also, stop by your local book store and pick up a copy of my Best-Selling interactive book for kids of all ages, 'Color My World.'

As always, I LOVE it when you share your creative successes with me ... here or by email: harmonypublications@hotmail.com.

And, I appreciate it when you pass my information along to your friends!

Until next time,
Enjoy the magic~
;-Deb

Going Somewhere?

My goal here is to provide you with quick, easy-to-apply Tips 'n Tools to nurture creativity and get to know your kids better.

Today's Laser Tip:

Whether you are in your car for 10 minutes headed to a ballgame, or 10 hours on a family vacation, here is a fun tip that you can do together ... everyone can enjoy it at their own level:

• Spot a billboard with people in it; name each person in the billboard, and build a story around them.
• Example: Take turns going around to each person in the car. On the first round, identify each person in the billboard and what they do for a living or for fun. Next round, say where they just came from. Where are they going? Is one of them a stay at home parent? What conversation would they be having now? ... Etc.....
• One billboard can last a long time, or you can start anew with a different billboard.
• See how long you can keep it going~

Oh, and please post your stories here so that the rest of us can enjoy them, too!

Until next time, have the BEST summer ~ EVER! ... Creatively, of course~

;-Deb

Creativity Kick-off!

Hello, and welcome to Color My World!

I think I've waited long enough to begin blogging on a regular basis (or at least attempt to ~ yep, there it was ~ the upfront 'yabut' just in case I don't keep up with it!). My excuse has been that I was busy writing my first book, then came the job of marketing it, and then my book tour. Then I began traveling the country conducting workshops, and doing radio and TV interviews. Oh, then I started on my next books ... and a few other product lines ... not to mention a few other projects which I will be unveiling soon!

I now realize that there will never be a perfect time to dive in ~ and so I just gave myself permission to go ahead and jump!

I'm feeling a bit like I've just crash-landed, but I'm here ... so here goes:



My book, 'Color My World' (Psst! ... over there, to the right...)
is part of an interactive learning system for children.



There are also interactive hands-on workshops which I conduct, as well as an interactive website (www.colormyworld.info/). All of these encourage independent thinking, and nurture creativity in fun ways.

In addition, I teach classes around the country; coming up in August 2009, I will be teaching at Chautauqua Institution in NY ... you can check out details here. And I periodically host live, world-wide interactive tele-workshops (via telephone) which I will announce here, so stay tuned for more information! You will NOT want to miss those opportunities!

In this blog, I will offer tips, techniques and tools to nurture creativity and bring out the child in all of us. My tips are not only great ways to teach children to express themselves; they are also tools for you to use in building special moments to bond with the kids in your life.

Along the way, I hope you will allow me to help bring out the kid inside you ~ it's a much happier way to live! ;-)

Here is a tip from my toolbox (and you don't even have to 'find' the time ... you can do this around the dinner table):

• Whether there are two of you or twenty-two, make up your own story tonight. One person can begin with a plot such as, "Today, I saw a dinosaur walking along Fifth Avenue during my lunch hour." Now, each person takes a turn adding only one sentence each per turn. This can go around the room once, or several times. It will be fun to see how many turns the plot takes with each person's spin.

*SPECIAL NOTE: For an added element of fun, set up a video camera or an audio recorder. This will set up future fun when you go back and listen to it in years to come!

Take THAT to the family table tonight! ...
I DOUBLE DARE YA,
;-Deb