My New Gig

I've been asked to write the blog at my son's new school this year to get the parents and community excited about the Annual Fund that raises money to keep the school going.

I enjoy writing. In fact, it's my first love. My mom taught me how to read before I started kindergarten and around that same time, I began typing short stories on her typewriter and have grown up with a passion for the written word.

As I've grown - and evolved - so has my passion for writing. From poetry to fiction, erotica to my current interest in non-fiction, I've been expanding my horizons for three decades now, moving from one writing project to another.

I'm pleased and honored to have the opportunity to write in yet another capacity, even if it is for a select audience like the parents at my son's school. Even though my son's just beginning his "career" at this school in Pre-K, the children he's in class with every day are going to be his friends for life, or at least that's my hope for him. The school is an independent school and will go through the 8th grade so he will literally grow up with these same kids.

I look forward to sharing my thoughts and inspirations with the parents at school. Hopefully, I'll be able to continue to juggle all of the responsibilities in my life. I have trouble saying no and this project was no exception. I do feel, however, that my belief in the school and my passion for children and families will be a contagious force that continues to help our community grow.

Amber Alert

Every time I hear of an Amber Alert, I wonder what the story is behind the situation. I wonder how many of them involve the parent of the child who has gone missing. I wonder how many relationships are being torn apart - for whatever reason - and how many children are being pulled in different directions. I wonder how their stories will end.

As someone who went through a painful divorce, I can remember the plethora of emotions that I experienced as my marriage (and friendship with my husband) fell apart, as my son and I had to learn to adjust to home life without his father and as my son learned to adjust to his father's new house, without me. Our son was quite young at the time and now doesn't remember the three of us ever living under the same roof.

What he does know is that the three of us (him, me and his dad) are a family and that the two of us were thrilled to bring him into the world. He knows that although we don't all live in the same house, we're still a family. He knows that, for us, family includes my sister and her family, my parents, his paternal grandmother and his dad's sister. Oh, and his dad's best friend and my close friends and their families...


I could go on but the point I want to make is that every family is different, unique. My son knows children who are raised by their grandparents, or who have only one parent in their lives. We also know families that have adopted children, foster children, or those who have two dads and one mom, or one mom and one aunt who raise the child together. Families are a beautiful thing and I'm proud of my family, despite the fact that this is not the "family life" I envisioned having when I was a little girl.

I wonder how the children involved in the Amber Alert situations will define family as they get older. I wonder if they will know about the fact that they were reported missing at one time, what details will be explained to them, and what information will never (and should not ever) be revealed?

Will I share with my son the unpleasant memories from my past or things that I'm not proud of? Will I encourage him to ask me questions? Of course - because having him feel comfortable enough to say anything, tell me what's on his mind and ask me any question he thinks of is one of the major goals I have set for building our relationship and making it stronger as he grows up.

So far, so good.

No Child Left Inside

Richard Louv was the first to give name to a phenomenon we all knew existed but couldn't quite articulate: nature-deficit disorder. Since its original publication, Last Child in the Woods has created a national conversation about the disconnection between children and nature, and Louv's message has galvanized an international movement.

Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder is the inspiring work that proves children need nature as much as nature needs children.

The new edition includes:

• A field guide with 100 activities to promote change in your community, school, and family
• 35 discussion points to inspire people of all ages to talk about the importance of nature in their lives
• Field notes from the author about the growing No Child Left Inside movement
• New and updated research confirming that direct exposure to nature is essential for the physical and emotional health of children and adults

Richard Louv is the chairman of the Children & Nature Network, has served as adviser to the Ford Foundation's Leadership for a Changing World award program and the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child.

To learn more about the Leave No Child Inside Movement and how communities and organizations around the country are helping to reconnect children with nature, visit the Children & Nature Network.

Best for Kids 2007 Toy List

“BEST-FOR-KIDS” TOY LIST 2007

AMERICAN SPECIALTY TOY RETAILING ASSOCIATION (ASTRA)

This one-of-a-kind, annual list recognizing the best play products available for children is based on input from independent toy store owners around the country. These toys meet ASTRA members’ high standards for quality, safety and lasting play value. They also offer a wide variety of opportunities to encourage free, unstructured playtime, which experts say is important to healthy development.

INFANT PLAY

Everything to a baby is brand new. Using senses and developing motor abilities, a newborn reaches out, explores, and starts to figure out the "new" world. Infant playthings should nourish a young child's innate curiosity and encourage repeat play.

1. Kathe Kruse Towel Dolls · Ages 0-18 mos.

These German-made hand-crafted cotton blanket dolls make perfect first "comfies." Check out the new organic selection.

2. Taggies™ Blankets, Books, and Balls · Ages 0-18 mos.

Conceived by Babies. Made by Moms™. Each Taggie is crafted of child-friendly fleece and uniquely adorned with lots of playful ribbon tags.

3. Learning Curve Lamaze Dream Screen · Ages 0-18 mos.

Perfect for calming baby into a restful sleep, the dual motion screen plays soft music when activated by parent or baby.

4. Uncle Goose Wood Alphabet Blocks · Ages 6-36 mos.

Made in America, these embossed alphabet blocks are a perfect replica of the original and a great first stacking toy.

5. Rhino Oball · All ages.

Squish it flat and it bounces right back! Oball is a PVC-free ball, full of finger holes, that's easy to catch, captivating to hold, and safe to throw.

6. Prince Lionheart Wheelie Bugs · Ages 1-4 yrs.

Bright, soft, and friendly, these award-winning bugs, made in Australia, invite little legs to climb on board and scoot about.

TODDLER PLAY

Busy, busy, busy, there is no life busier than a toddler's. At this age, all neurons are firing and the connections are fast and furious. Toddlers need truly interactive toys – toys that engage, are child-powered and as imaginative as their minds.

1. Corolle Tidoo Dolls · Ages 1½ - 4 yrs.

As first bath-time baby dolls, Tidoos are terrific. Tidoos are lightweight and filled with polystyrene pellets for cuddly soft but towel-dryable bodies.

2. International Playthings Lift-Off Rocket · Ages 1½ - 4 yrs.

Astronauts, space dog, alien, moon buggy … Lift Off Rocket has it all – even a voice that calls out the countdown sequence.

3. WOW Flip 'n Tip Fred · Ages 1½ - 5 yrs

Powered by friction and the push of a child's hand, Fred and the other WOW vehicle play sets are toddler-tough, action-packed, and certifiably safe.

4. Manhattan Pirate & Princess Dressing Dolls · Ages 1½ - 3 yrs.

Fresh takes on traditional themes, these soft winsome pals will win the hearts of tiny tots as they teach important dressing skills.

5. Melissa & Doug Beginner Pattern Blocks · Ages 1½ - 4 yrs.

Make pretty pictures and master basic colors and shapes as you do. This wood pattern play set has become a modern classic.

6. Cloud B Twilight Turtle · Ages 3 yrs +

Fall asleep under the stars! Twilight Turtle is 3 in 1: a soft bedtime companion, a soothing nightlight, and an educational planetarium.

7. Zoobies · Ages 3 yrs+

Soft pillows, warm blankets, and comforting companions, these colorful creatures are perfect for naptime, travel, and just lounging about.

ACTIVE PLAY

No more couch potatoes! Physical activity is important for the whole child – building body muscles, pumping blood to the mind, developing vital motor skills and promoting self-esteem.

1. ToyMarketing Gymnic Rody & Hop Balls · Ages 2 –adult, with adult supervision.

Made of super-strong, yet soft, latex-free vinyl, these Italian-made Gymnic hopping ball riders are simply the best.

2. PlaSmart PlasmaCars · Ages 3 yrs to 220 lbs.

This smooth little smart car is fueled by the most inexhaustible energy on earth – kid power. Wiggle the handles back and forth and off you go!

3. Galt Folding Nursery Trampoline · Ages 3-7 yrs.

In safety, durability, and performance, this tramp is a jump above all the rest, ASTM USA certifiably safe for young children.

4. Simtec FunSlides Carpet Skates · Ages 6 yrs – teen.

Brought to America's kids from a company that produces furniture slides, Fun Slides are guaranteed to save wear and tear on the kids' socks and the hardwood floors.

5. Stuff Design BeamO · Ages 6 yrs-adult.

Big, soft, and beautiful, BeamO is a giant flying ring that you throw with your hand and catch with your whole body.

6. Diggin Wobble Deck Game · Ages 5 yrs+

A healthy challenge for mind and body, it's an electronic action game that improves reflexes, balance, and coordination while you match colors, numbers, and sounds.

CONSTRUCTIVE PLAY

Turn off the laptop and video. Nothing equips kids to face the technological challenges of tomorrow like hands-on manipulative building. Research has shown that playing with blocks, puzzles, and other construction toys helps build 3-D math reasoning, spatial and problem-solving skills.

1. BEKA Unit Block Sets · Ages 2-10 yrs

The quintessential plaything, Beka blocks are conceived, created, and made in America. These hard-rock maple unit blocks come in assorted sizes and shapes, all fractions or multiples of the standard unit (1⅜"x2¾"x5½").

2. Imagability WEDGiTS · Ages 2-10 yrs

Graduated wedge shapes stack and build any which way. Start with a basic pyramid, move onto a diamond, and then go beyond standard geometry to structures far more fanciful!

3. Keva Planks · Ages 3 yrs-adult

Made of Midwest maple, these perfectly balanced planks defy gravity and age limits, building structures that reach to the ceiling and architectural masterpieces that would astound Frank Lloyd Wright.

4. Hape Quadrilla Twist & Rail Set · Ages 4 yrs+

An over-the-top marble run experience, this marble run is brilliantly conceived, meticulously crafted, beautiful to behold, and thrilling to play with!

5. Rokenbok Start Set · Ages 6-10 yrs.

Take the control pad in your hand and rev up! Trust us, it takes far more brain than brawn power to control this construction site.

6. Rainbow Products Magformers · Ages 5-11 yrs.

No safety or polarity problems here – just countless building possibilities. Safely encapsulated in the sides of triangle and square pieces are powerful magnets that rotate upon contact to automatically align and connect.

7. Erector Spyke the Robot and RC Hummer · Ages 8 yrs+

Granddaddy never had Erector sets like this. From steel beams and girders, build a modern-day Hummer with full function RC action or an interactive spy robot, capable of wireless PC communication.

CREATIVE PLAY

In its most natural, child-initiated form, play is miraculously creative: unstructured, open-ended, imaginative, carefree, and fun. And children come by it naturally – seeing the world with fresh, new eyes and then using what they see in original ways. Visual arts and other creative activities provide children outlets to express themselves.

1. Do a Dot · Ages 3-7 yrs.

Dots and dazzles but no splashes and spills. American-made poster paints in big sponge-tip applicators make a child's first painting experience fun and easy for everyone.

2. Educational Insights Play Foam Jumbo Pack · Ages 3 yrs+

Squish it, shape it, save it – then start all over again! Last year's miracle molding material returns with more colors in a 12-piece pack.

3. Made by Hands Make Your Own Cards · Ages 4-11 yrs.

Pop out greetings with pride and great thank-you notes, too. Made-in-America kits come packed with piles of die-cut pop-outs, glue sticks, card forms, and envelopes.

4. Harrisville Potholder Kits · Ages 6 yrs-adult

From a weaving expert in Vermont come kits and supplies to make cotton-loop potholders, just like the kind that probably still hang in your grandmother's kitchen.

5. Creativity for Kids Fashion Studio · Ages 9 yrs-teen

Get ready for the runway: Fashion Design Studio gives fashion ingénues the stuff, know-how, and inspiration to dream up designer originals.

6. Klutz Stencil Art · Ages 8 yrs-adult

Klutz Stencil Art provides the right tools and the right techniques so that you can effortlessly create inspirational artwork.

FANTASY & PRETEND PLAY

Fantasy play fires up kids' creative juices and helps them grow socially and emotionally. As children invent and act out imaginary stories, dreams, and desires, they are able to express their own strong feelings in acceptable ways.

1. Creative Education of Canada Knight & Princess Capes & accessories · Ages 4-8 yrs

Glitzy capes that fall to the floor, peaked caps with flowing veils, bejeweled foam swords, and magic wands – just add a kids' imagination and there's no telling what kingdoms can be conquered!

2. Aeromax Jr. Astronaut Helmet · Ages 5-8 yrs

"Mission control to Pilot, all systems are go!" Amazing talking helmet has an interior communication receiver that safely relays authentic NASA messages right to the pilot's ear.

3. Hotaling Imports Papo Knights & Castles · 4-11 yrs.

Go back in time to the days of yore – reenact the whole Middle Ages with this incredible collection of hand-painted knights and colorful wood castles.

4. Folkmanis Animal Puppets · All ages

Incredibly expressive, Folkmanis hand puppets make wonderful interactive gifts for all ages, super for babies, older sibs, and adult storytellers alike. From the award-winning Chameleon and Snowy Owl to the new Galapagos Tortoise and woodland Fawn, each puppet has a unique charm.

5. Schleich New Animal Nursery and African Animals · Ages 3-10 yrs

Serengeti heaven! Create an entire African wildlife diorama with these authentically-detailed, German-designed animals and nursery.

6. Playmobil Passenger Plane · Ages 4-8 yrs

Ready for takeoff! The new Playmobil Jet Plane is packed with such realistic detail it's certain to pass any little pilot's inspection.

7. Bruder Mack Series of Jumbo Trucks · 3-7 yrs

Spiel Gut! These German-made trucks get the highest European Good Toy award for quality and play value. They're big, brawny vehicles that look and function like the real things.

GAME PLAY

Learn to play and play to learn: Games teach us all how to take turns, how to win and lose, how to calculate, how to plan ahead, and how to have fun with family and friends.

1. Blue Orange Games Zimbbo's and Froggy Boogie · 3-adult

Zimbbos and the new Froggy Boogie are great preschool games, featuring big colorful wood pieces and simple play action that combines luck, skill, and surprise.

2. Eeboo Matching & Memory Games · 5-8 yrs

Match up pairs and enjoy pretty art as you do. From nature to fairytales to children around the world, the themes and charming illustrations are guaranteed to captivate kids.

3. FunStreet Ruckus and Pile-it Card Games · Ages 5-adult

It's make it and break it, sort it and steal it! Who would ever believe math set theory could be played at such break-neck speeds?

4. Gamewright Card Games · Ages 6-adult

Rat-a-Tat Cat, Scrambled States of America, Slamwich … Buy just one and you'll get hooked on this whole series of fast-action, quick-thinking card games, made right here in the U.S.A.

5. Bananagrams · Ages 7-adult

No pencil, no paper, no bulky board – Bananagrams is fast and fun and the most delicious new word game in years.

6. Innovention Khet · Ages 9-adult

Illuminate to eliminate! Egyptian-themed board game combines real lasers with strategy in a Mensa award-winning duel.

INVESTIGATIVE PLAY

Kids are born scientists. From infancy, children seek out and explore, inquire and investigate, and learn from hands-on experience and experimentation how the world works. Science and applied math are simply child's play.

1. Learning Resources Teaching Cash Register · Ages 3-10 yrs

Simple enough for a three year old and sophisticated enough for your yard sale, this amazing talking machine is a coin wizard, calculator, and 4-level game machine.

2. Scientific Explorer My First Airplanes · Ages 4-8 yrs

The aerodynamic My First Airplanes teaches all about flight and is the latest in the award-winning My First series of hands-on science fun.

3. Insect Lore Butterfly Garden · Ages 6-11 yrs

Award-winning kit lets kids witness the miracle of metamorphosis, then release lovely painted ladies, a native butterfly species in all 50 states, into the wild.

4. Elenco Snap Circuits · 8 yrs-teen

Snap Circuits makes learning electronics super easy and fascinating fun. Plastic modules are color-coded and so are the step-by-step manuals.

5. Thames & Kosmos Physics Kits · Ages 8-teen

It takes the Germanic scientific mind to make physics seem like a walk in the park. Just follow the manuals, build models, then conduct experiments with them.

6. Creative Whack Roger Von Oech's Ball of Whacks · Ages 8-adult

A true scientific phenomenon and the all-time creative toy. Take it apart and soon you'll discover the many mind-boggling ways the 30 magnetic pyramids can be rearranged.

Where Do the Children Play?

Last night, I attended a fund raising event at my son's school. Not only did I meet some great people from the community, but I also had the opportunity to hear some fabulous speakers and meet authors of books that I highly recommend.

The event was entitled PLAY: Creating Space for Imaginative Play in an Over-Scheduled Society. Along with the keynote speakers (Jan Tober, Mallika Chopra and Dr. Anthony DeMaria), they showed the PBS documentary, Where Do the Children Play? which was phenomenal. I highly recommend it to all parents, grandparents, educators and anyone else interested in child development.

I would really like to know where I can send people to see the film for themselves. I've searched at both ShopPBS.Org and the official PBS website but it is so new that it isn't yet available for purchase!

Play Based Learning

My 4-year old son has a much different childhood than mine already. He not only knows how to work the DVD player and his own DVD remote controlled video game, but he can text message (the ABCs) and can work the mouse - and my computer - better than I can. Which is why I'm thrilled that he will be going to school next fall - Pre-K - which is play based. It is so important for children to explore, discover and learn through hands-on projects, experiments and work together to create.

There has been much research on play based learning and, just recently, I have been introduced to the concept of playtime and just how much children benefit from the non-structured activity that I grew up with outdoors, indoors - in the winter - and throughout my youth.

Now, I don't know about the rest of you, but I was one of those people who chose to have kids because I enjoy playing. I still do and I - hopefully - always will. A recent study done in the UK was quite disappointing to read, although it didn't really surprise me. The Pica Perspective sums it all up quite nicely.

And, because I feel play is so vital to today's youth, I dug up some quotes related to play to inspire the child in all of us to remember what it was like to be young and having "nothing to do."

"Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child's soul." - Friedrich Froebel

"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." - Plato

“Play is the highest form of research.” - Albert Einstein

"We do not stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw

"You've achieved success in your field when you don't know whether what you're doing is work or play." - Warren Beatty

"If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play." -John Cleese

"The parent who gets down on the floor to play with a child on Christmas Day is usually doing a most remarkable thing -- something seldom repeated during the rest of the year. These are, after all, busy parents committed to their work or their success in the larger society, and they do not have much left-over time in which to play with their children." - Brian Sutton-Smith

"It should be noted that children at play are not playing about; their games should be seen as their most serious-minded activity." - Michel de Montaigne

What is Love?

From an Early Childhood Educator:

Today at circle time we talked about love. I asked the children, "What is love?" Here are some of their answers.

Love is....

• when you love a girl and you buy her a Sleeping Beauty dress.
• when you buy the boy you love shaving cream.
• when you kiss a bunch.
• when you put on a ring and kiss.
• when Mommy and Daddy watch Monsters Inc. with me.
• a sleepover with my brother.
• a snuggle with my mommy.
• love is when your heart gets happy.

I also asked, "What does love feel like?"

• It feels good...really good!
• It feels like a happy heart that is smiling.