Teal Pumpkin Campaign
Here's a great idea for trick or treaters with food sensitivities!
http://mom.me/blog/23297-what-it-means-if-you-see-teal-pumpkin-halloween/
Great workshop!
I had such a great time with the participants at my Growing Together workshop hosted by Lake of Bays Anglican Church. Lots of laughter, talk and reconnecting going on! The jars of life that you all created were beautiful!
Jars of Life...
Using tea to explain Consent
This is a great video that uses tea to explain examples of sexual consent.
If you're ever unsure if someone has given consent, just imagine offering a cup of tea.
Parents Unite...we need each other!
With so many messages and images coming at us, it can be easy to become polarized in our beliefs and judgemental of those who think and do differently. This video clip is a great reminder that when it's important, we can unite.
https://www.facebook.com/JustEatingRealFood/videos/691652557628848/
The Power of Words
This quote is a great reminder to be gentle with our words.
How to handle bullies
This Dad has a great way for kids to handle their peers who try to make them feel "less than".
http://www.faithtap.com/4057/dad-sings-anti-bullying-song-to-daughter/
YWCA Muskoka has some great programs
Muskoka YWCA has some great programs for women in the community. Check them out below:
Bittersweet Goodbyes.
I don't think that I ever really understood the term "bittersweet" until now. It astounds me that one heart can feel such diverse emotions.
I am so proud! I look at my little girl and see that she has become this amazing, capable, confident young woman. I take pride in the job that I've done. I'm in awe that I had a hand in creating her. I am excited to see what the world will bring to her and what she will bring to the world. She's on the cusp of such amazing adventures and I get to follow along for the ride! That's the "sweet" part.
I am so sad! I look at my little girl and see that she has become this amazing, capable, confident young woman. It terrifies me. Where do I fit in? I was good at being a Mommy. I'm not sure what and how we'll be now. Do confident young women need Mommies? What will my life look like after my girls are gone? That's the "bitter" part.
The logical part of me knows that life will be fine; even better. The vulnerable part is scared. Journey's into the unknown are always the hardest. Change is hard. I know that it will take time. I need to allow myself the time to grieve the loss of my past me so that I have room in my heart to embrace the future me. I know that I'll make this change an opportunity to make something better, stronger, than what was before. I know that, with time, the "bitter" will be gone and I'll be left with the new and wonderful "sweet".
Back to ElementarySchool
As our kids navigate grades 1 to 8, they face a wealth of new opportunities and challenges. As parents, it can be difficult to find the balance between protecting and advocating for our kids and allowing them to practice their independent problem solving skills.
CHILDREN:
You may find that your children suffer from the following worries and challenges"
-workload pressures
-test anxiety
-peer conflicts
-bullying
-teacher conflict
-learning issues
Tips for Parents:
-help your child find balance (ensure that they have ample down time to balance work time)
-help your child develop their "tribe" ( a group of friends that help build them up instead of break them down)
-help your child learn and live kindness
-coach your child on ways that they can try to solve a problem before you step in
-meet with and get to know the teacher and staff so that you have a team relationship if you need to advocate for your child
PARENTS:
These years can be difficult for parents. As your child's world away from home expands, it creates new parenting challenges and opportunities. You may find that you face some of the following issues"
-feelings of protectiveness as you observe your child stuggle with a bully, a difficult teacher or workload issues
-feelings of anger on behalf of your child
-feelings of helplessness as you feel unable to "fix" your child's issues
-feelings of inadequacy as you feel unable to give the at school time that you see other parents being able to give
Tips for Self Care:
-spend time coaching your child about different ways of resolving conflict so that you have the peace to know that they have skills to manage their world.
-empower your child with the skills of time management
-get off the compare train....know that what ever time that you can give is valuable and appreciated
-if problems arise that are beyond your child's ability to manage, speak with the school staff to develop some team solutions for your child
These years are an exciting time for your child to develop and grow. The best parenting that you can do is to empower you child to make some mistakes and learn the important life lessons that will help them become strong, independent learners and beings!
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