Home Sweet Home

Posted by Jen on October 28, 2009 at 11:44 AM

We're back from Tanzania at last with more stories to tell than we ever imagined. I asked Carter what the hardest thing about the trip was for him. Hands down? "The airplane." And the best? "The people."

That sums it up for me, too.

Stay tuned--I have more stories to upload (with pictures) about what happened in Tanzania and how this kind of adventure can be pivotal in child development.

Tanzania, We Love You

Posted by Jen on October 24, 2009 at 7:00 AM

This has been an amazing trip for us. We've met incredible people and the kids have had the experience of a lifetime. I hope they remember this for the rest of their lives. How could they not, right?

Two years ago I could not have imagined a trip like this would be possible. When a friend asked me what a dream-come-true would look like for me, I had to say it had something to do with taking my children to faraway lands for experiences that would change them forever. Since that time, my life has realigned to make this dream and many more possible. All because one friend asked.

What are you dreaming for for your kids?

Kids Are Kids Wherever I Go

Posted by Jen on October 21, 2009 at 7:00 AM

It's always amazing to me how kids are kids wherever I go. Everyone likes to play ball. Everyone likes to dance and be silly. Everyone is ready for a new and exciting game.

This is the first time for many of the children at Shepherds Junior School to have any direct interaction with a child from the United States. I wonder what memories will stay with them when we leave. Will they feel like my kids are just like them? Or will they feel like their world is very much different?

Supersisters Weekend Roundup

Posted by Jen on October 17, 2009 at 7:00 AM

Fall is late to arrive in the Northeast, but we're still hopeful for cooler weather and the changing of colors. Here are three links to help you get through the days--whether your task is little ones who are bored or big ones who need help staying on track.

Fall with Little Ones. Fun activities and ways to make the most of what's available even if your children are still in arms and need your direction so much.
Helping School-Aged Children with School. Listen in as the Mentor Mom offers sage advice on how to handle that one in your house who needs a little love and attention to stay on track with school.
A Family Dinner to Remember. Single mom Meg Casey fills in the gaps by creating a rich ritual of love and connection that can be shared with kids no matter what the holiday season.

Heading On Out

Posted by Jen on October 14, 2009 at 7:00 AM

In April of 2007, Madeleine and Carter made their first international trip to South Africa where they swam with penguins, walked with elephants and did their very best to have the time of their lives.

On Friday, they'll return to Africa, where they'll help kids their age learn how to use the Internet in a brand new tech lab at Shepherd's Junior School in Arusha, Tanzania. I'm excited to have them with me on the next trip for Picture HOPE and trust this will be an experience to remember.

I'm mindful that this is a challenging trip for children and that I have to keep their age and stage in mind when I ask them to try new things and entertain new perspectives. Here's what I'm reading to get me ready. I hope you find what you need here, too.

My Eight Year Old
How to Love an Eleven Year Girl Old
How To Help Kids Manage Anxiety
Traveling with Kids Around the World

The Power of Affection

Posted by Jen on October 10, 2009 at 10:07 AM

This weekend spend some time fostering connection with your kids by sitting still, listening and reaching out your hands in kindness and compassion. After a hard week of intense parenting, I know that's what's on my agenda. It always makes all the difference in the world.

More links to follow
showing affection to babies and toddlers
reaching out to difficult children

How to Play with Kids

Posted by Jen on October 7, 2009 at 9:00 AM in Jen, play

Have you seen the caterpillar book? from andrea scher on Vimeo.

My friend Andrea recently posted this adorable video with her son Ben & her husband Matt playing together. I loved it for a hundred reasons--the best being it's such a great example of how to really play with kids. Knowing how to play with kids is one of those things that is supposed to be an obvious skill--I mean, what's to it, right? You sit, you laugh, you play. But as any parent who has wearied of the knock-knock joke will tell you, it's not always automatic, it's not always easy and it's not always fun.

Here are three tricks you can try to fake yourself out if play doesn't come easy to you.

Set the timer. By putting yourself on the timer, you take yourself off the clock and give yourself permission to not get a single thing done. For you list-makers out there, this approach also lets you thinking of your playtime as something on your to-do list that you can check off later.

Do nothing. This is the answer to all that ails you if you are play challenged and feel at a loss when faced with playtime with a three year old. Go where that child is, lie down on the floor and do nothing. Go ahead, close your eyes if you want to. Take a snooze. I promise within ten seconds that three year old figure out exactly what to do with you while you lie there and wait.

Follow his lead. What's so brilliant about the video above is that Ben (the three year old) is completely in charge of the play. He bangs on the piano and Matt matches both his intensity and his mood. Kids are constantly being asked to follow along, so nothing thrills them more than when during their playtime you as the parent reveal that you're willing to take a turn at not being in charge.

What are your secrets to playtime with your kids that doesn't leave you bored or distracted?