Sunday Post: Sentimental Value…Easter Craft for Kids

Posted on March 24, 2013 by viviankirkfield

Jake at Time after Time has a Sunday Post Challenge…today’s theme is SENTIMENTAL VALUE.

Sentimental value definition: value placed on something because of its emotional associations rather than its monetary worth.

What has the greatest sentimental value for me?

People!

My family!

My children and grandchildren!

CHILDREN ARE PRICELESS! And pricey!

Did you know that it costs over $200,000 to raise a child to age 18?

But some of the most important things you can give your kids are free!

1. Give them your time – participate with them in activities that are fun.

2. Give them your attention – listen to them when they talk to you.

3. Give them your respect – ask for their opinions and thoughts.

4. Give them your love – show them and tell them EVERY day.

5. Give them boundaries – set expectations and consequences.

Your return on investment will be well worth it!

Spending time with kids can be fun for everyone. If you have young children ages 2-8, my book is a great resource. Join hundreds of other parents and teachers who use the ideas in the book every day. It makes a great baby shower gift…the baby will quickly outgrow those little sleepers, but will never outgrow the benefits of positive parental participation! Click this link to find out more about it!

What are some things you do with your kids?

With Easter just around the corner, how about crafting a paper plate bunny? Arts and crafts activities build self-esteem, develop stronger literacy skills, increase coordination and encourage creative expression and imagination.

PAPER PLATE EASTER BUNNY

photo courtesy all kids network

You will need: Paper plate, cotton balls, glue, construction paper in white and pink, pipe cleaners, scissors.

1. Young kids will especially love plunking cotton balls all over the bunny’s face…use a glue stick for less mess.

2. The picture shows pipe cleaners for whiskers and mouth…as well as a pom-pom pink nose…but you can substitute pieces of construction paper.

Step-by-step instructions at: Paper Plate Easter Bunny Craft

There’s lots of fun over at Jake’s Sunday Post.

http://jakesprinters.wordpress.com/

Hello 2013…Turning The Next Page

Posted on December 31, 2012 by viviankirkfield

Happy New Year, Everyone! We say goodbye to 2012…and hello to 2013.

A new year gives us all the opportunity to:

Start afresh
Create a plan
Say sorry
Keep a promise
Make a vow
Get in shape
Change direction
Share love
Connect with nature
Eat healthy
Take a breath
Reach out
Stand up
Step in
Work smart
Practice time-management
Smile more
Move forward

I’m excited to be taking part in several writing challenges for 2013:

Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 (to write 12 picture book drafts in 2013)

Alayne Kay Christian’s Sub Six (to submit 6 picture books in 2013)

Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday (to review a picture book every Friday)

Nancy Hatch 1st ever SLTW Writing Contest

Highlights Fiction Short Story Contest (thank you, Hannah, for the heads-up about this)

I’ll also be doing Emma Walton Hamilton’s Just Write for Kids online picture book writing course that I won as part of Julie’s 12×12 Prize Extravaganza.

And I’ve just found another challenge that will add some balance to this picture book writing/submitting frenzy…No/Low Spend and De-cluttering January Challenge sponsored by Carla at My 1/2 Daily Dozen

I’ve been wanting some encouragement and support for these tasks…not sure which will be more difficult…budgeting or throwing away stuff we don’t need! I actually think it will be the de-cluttering. But I know that a less cluttered workspace can mean less stress and more efficient use of time…no more hunting for hours for that slip of paper with the important story ideas. If these are areas where you need help, check out Carla’s link above.

So, this is my plan:

Stick to our budget by trimming spending to only necessary items.
Reevaluate at the end of the month to see if more cutting is necessary.
I already cook/bake almost everything myself…I treat myself to take-out Indian once a month.
Go through the house…one drawer, cabinet, closet at a time…perhaps there is money to be made (which will help the budget) by selling stuff we no longer need/want/use.

I’ve connected with the most amazing people…writers, photographers, artists, teachers, librarians, moms, dads and kids…I thank all of you for visiting my blog and commenting on my posts.

We donated 20 copies of Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking to libraries in 8 states and 3 provinces in Canada.

We also donated 12 copies of Show Me How to schools in the US and Canada.

A portion of the proceeds from my book sales went to several children’s organizations:

JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
Bess the Book Bus (a mobile literacy outreach)
STAR (Sit and Read Together…a literacy program funded by CPCD in Colorado Springs)
Books of Wonder (for renovation of this NYC indie children’s bookstore)
Kids Are Heroes (recognize children all over the world who reach out to help their community)
Reach Out and Read (nationwide program that connects books and kids via pediatricians)

As most of you know, there are big changes in my life…I am retired as of January 1^st.

What does that mean?

As my son so aptly wrote, “We wish you all the best as you turn the page to the next chapter in your book of life.”

I could not have said it better!

So on this first day of the New Year 2013, I wish all of you the best as you turn the page to the next chapter in your book of life!

Don’t Be Afraid…Go Ahead…Write Picture Books! (viviankirkfield.wordpress.com)
Happy New Year 2013! Join me for gifts galore! (mybookofstories.wordpress.com)
Sunday Post: Surroundings…Hurricane Sandy…You Have to Gab Before You Can Roar (viviankirkfield.wordpress.com)
http://eof737.wordpress.com/2012/12/31/resolutions-good-bye-2012-and-happy-new-year/

Sunday Post: New Year 2013…12 Critical Parenting Goals

Posted on December 30, 2012 by viviankirkfield

As parents, what should our goals be for New Year 2013?

Jake at Time after Time has a Sunday Post Challenge and every week he provides a theme…this week’s theme is NEW YEAR 2013.

Here are 12 critical parenting goals for the New Year.

www.positiveparentalparticipation.com

1. Make sure your children get to go outside to play…fresh air and physical activity are so very important to a child’s good health.

DSCN5029 2. Encourage family time and activities for your child…participating with your child in a simple craft project takes just a few minutes…,but it builds self-esteem, develops stronger literacy skills and creates a life-long parent-child bond.

Here’s a wonderful book that gives 100’s of quick and easy activities for young kids: Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking

3. Help your child gain social skills by encouraging interaction with other kids.

filling muffin cups 4. Promote good eating habits…invite your child to help in the kitchen, provide nutritious foods and set definite times for meals.

Jeremy cleaning house with vacuum 5. Help your child develop a sense of responsibility by assigning chores and expecting your child to carry out age-appropriate tasks.

DSCN3517 jeremy at the zoo 3 6. Encourage your child to interact with the world and its inhabitants…visit zoos, museums, concerts and other places of interest.

free play, outdoor activities for kids 7. Help your child develop independence…but always keep your child safe.

DSCN0999 8. Encourage your child’s love and appreciation of nature and help him develop an awareness of the need to preserve and protect the environment.

viv reading with jake 9. Find time every day to read with your child…studies show that children who are read to on a daily basis are more successful in school…and in life.

Here’s a great resource for the perfect picture book: Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Page

10. Establish traditions that are right for your family…for example, hunting for just the right pumpkin for Halloween…the memory of these traditions will make a positive impact on your child throughout his life.

jeremy in bath 11. Help your child to feel good about his body and to learn good hygiene…for example, washing hands often and proper dental care.