Parental 911 ~ Summer’s End is Near

Are You Still Trying to Find Ways to Make This Summer Memorable?

Well ...



It’s NOT too late to have the BEST summer EVER with your kids! …

In today's issue, I'm sharing tips that fit into what’s left of your summer schedule and BUDGET …

The key here is to SCHEDULE the time together; put it on your calendar as if you had to be at the airport hopping on a plane for a quick vacation.

Keep in mind that the goal is to make it a summer to remember, so let’s build some fabulous memories.

The best way to do that is by beginning with something that your kid loves. What lights up their eyes?

Here are 10 EASY tips to get you started:

1. Music
• Check out local Concerts in the Park (typically free_
  
• Or, how about setting up snacks/drinks in your backyard, along with your laptop on a blanket. Everyone in the family gets to choose a music video or two to watch TOGETHER
2. Art
• Have you been to the museum lately
• Or, how about packing a picnic, stop at the library and check out some art books, then heading to the park to share your bounty together
3. Animals
• Zoo/Aquarium, Aviary, visit local farms/petting zoos; for older kids, try horseback riding
• Or, how about volunteering some time TOGETHER at an animal shelter
4. Sports
• Plenty of major league games left this season, try just visiting the ballparks, or drive to a Sports Hall of Fame
  
• Or, how about stopping by some local little league games to support neighborhood ‘stars’ … even if you don’t know them
5. Movies
   
• Movies in the Park typically run through the month of August
  
• Or, how about doing your own movie fest 3 nights in a row at a local drive-in … everyone participates in making the plans (choosing movies, popping popcorn, packing drinks, etc.)
6. Cars/Motorcycles/Races
• Check out local speedways to enjoy inexpensive entertainment
• Or, how about racing each other … bumper cars
7. Getting Dirty
• Off road racing … rent a 4 wheeler if you don't own one, and see how dirty you can get it
  
• Or, how about a spontaneous walk in the rain
8. History
• History Center or Museums
  
• Or, how about researching your family tree TOGETHER
9. Mind Exercises
• Science Center
• Or, how about fun online mind games … Braingym.com, ZiggityZoom, colormyworld.info, my blog gives LOTS of tips, tools, ideas and exercises
10. Ask Your Kid
• You might be surprised at the fabulous ideas they have ... if you just ask and listen
• Chances are, they simply want to spend time together ~ building memories!
  

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

Creative, INEXPENSIVE Ways to Build Memories With Your Family This Summer!

Here are some FUN ways to get to know your kids this summer:

• With younger kids: There’s no better way to get to know their thoughts than to have them write and act out a play. Try this easy ‘puppet’ show:

You will need

1. magazines
2. scissors
3. glue
4. popsicle sticks or straws
5. imagination

-Cut out various faces and glue them to sticks or straws
-Name each character, identify who they are (Mom, Dad, etc.) and what they do
-Write an outline script (not too detailed … you’ll want them to be spontaneous!)
-Gather an audience and put on a puppet play

• With Tweens: My favorite time and place to bond with my sons is in the kitchen! Food is typically the byproduct of the time we spend together. Try making these ‘edible crayons’ and make certain you have your secret list of topics already in your head to get a good quality discussion going while you ‘work’ at this fun project:

You will need:

1. pretzel rods cut into 3” pieces (adult with serrated knife works best)
2. fun-colored melting chocolates (from craft or kitchen store) melted
3. wax paper or foil
4. wrappers for your crayons (check out my colleague‘s link to download free ‘end of school’ labels here: 24/7 MOMS

-Cut labels apart
-Dip ends of pretzel rods into colored melted chocolates
-Set on wax paper or foil to dry
-While chocolate is still tacky, wrap a label around each ‘crayon’

• With Older Kids: This is a great time to teach your kids to journal. Perhaps at this age, they will also need one ‘private’ journal of their own; however, to get them in the habit, get a journal for each of you with the intent that you will share what you have written with each other.

You will need:

1. journals or notebooks
2. special pens (this makes it more ceremonial and special … and perhaps gives incentive to write)
3. specific topics that will help you get to know each other a little better (for instance: What was your favorite age, and why? Did you have a favorite birthday, and what made it special? What is your favorite holiday? What was your most embarrassing moment? …)
4. quiet time separately
5. quiet time together to share your journals

-Choose a specific topic and set a time frame to write about it (perhaps you can give each other a day or two)
-Decide on a time and place to get together and share your journal entries (it might help if you keep the same day of the week and time slot as your special appointment)


No matter how old your kids are, these exercises will allow you to spend quality bonding time with them now while building memories of a lifetime.

Enjoy the magic,
;-Deb

School's Out!

What now?!

Wouldn't you LOVE to have the best summer EVER with your kids? ... If your answer is, "Yes!" keep reading:

To start this summer on the right track with your kids keep an even playing field (or at least make it seem as though you are! :) by giving them the opportunity to help design your summer plans.

Everyone's input counts here ~

• Set goals for things you'd like to achieve this summer
• Be somewhat flexible so that this is more fun and not a pressure-cooker item
• Perhaps the goal can be for a certain week rather than a specific day to help ease the urgency
• Let your kids set goals, too
• Is there theme park close by that they'd like to visit?
• Have you been wanting to eat at a restaurant that is further than you'd typically drive for dinner?
• What would you like to do that is out of the family 'norm?'
• Would you like your child to read a certain book?
• Ask every family member to make their own 'wish list'
• Each person should write down 10 different things (depending on how many family members are participating)
• Pass your lists around and vote on 5 items from each person's list (again this number can change depending on family size)
• Assuming there are 2 parents and 2 children, you might have 20 goals to hit, and you can spread them out accordingly
• When summer comes to an end, make a family night out of reviewing your list and reminiscing about each goal ... Perhaps each family could come to the table with something they wrote about each goal, or simply one specific 'fave' ... this is also a great time to put together a scrapbook of photos and mementos you collected ... and include what each person wrote, too!
• You've not only had the best summer, you've got it documented so you can relive it for a lifetime of memories!

Stay tuned for more fun tips from Mrs. Wilson!

Meanwhile,
Enjoy the magic~
;-Deb

www.colormyworld.info