Is it just me or does it seem that more and more people are using the web to ridicule rather than provide constructive criticism? I’m not talking about those sites and blogs where people have made a commitment to a particular topic and provide a service by evaluating products and ideas for the greater good. I’m talking about those people who roam the web searching for something they can take out of context and pick fun at. Sure, it’s their right to say whatever they feel. But, I’m not sure the motivation is to inform the public or even freedom of expression. There seems to be a perverse desire to find negativity in the things that others are doing. If Mother Teresa were an unknown and decided to take her cause to the web and posted her thoughts with a picture (not in religious habit), even she would be a target! Not that she would care of course. But, the point is, there are people out there who just love to shoot others down. It might be tendency. It might a form of self aggrandizement or perhaps a defensive mechanism. But, I think the most likely reason of all is that their hearts are three sizes too small. Bring anyone to mind???? Unfortunately many of these Grinches are parents too. Can you imagine what their children are learning? If you don’t feel good about yourself, no problem, just focus that energy on criticizing others. I actually have empathy for these people. I think most of them do it unconsciously. Perhaps it was how they were treated as children. Moreover, we as a society tolerate it. In fact, our society’s desire to feel better about ourselves through the criticism of others is so popular that we have made it a profitable career for many. Well, guess what? It’s not clever or funny. It’s just bad manners and even though these people may get others to laugh with them, they’re not really contributing anything to the world other than negativity. What our children really need is to learn genuine skills for critical analysis so that they can differentiate for themselves what is valuable.
It’s unlikely that the perpetrators of this kind of criticism are going to read this, so I guess I’m really speaking to the victims. Chin up I say and know that this kind of criticism, although painful, is impotent. Even if it comes from those close to you. No one is perfect, but the conscious effort to put forth a creative solution to problems out trumps the lazy critic every time.
Let's find creative ways to inspire children to be good citizens
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
CanadianParents.com blogger, Blake Eligh, gives a rave review of Golly Gee-pers! Table Manners Cards
Although the new year is just a couple of days away, this isn't exactly a resolution post. While everyone else makes plans to overhaul everything, the only resolution I'm making is to find peace at the dinner table.
Ms. Eligh's daughter becomes the biggest proponent.
To get there, we’re trying out two new games that I hope will entice the girls towards a calmer mealtime. First up is golly gee-pers’ Table Manners card game. Developed by mom-of-two Staci Ericson, the dinner time game aims to improve table manners through fun and gentle reminders instead of finger-wagging (and, let’s face it, incessant nagging). We’re not super strict about manners yet, but we’ve had trouble getting the kids to stay put during meals.
The game isn’t complicated and has been a hit with our big kid. At five, she’s suddenly all about rules — reminding us, enforcing them and ratting out anyone who isn’t following them. She loves to catch me flauting the rules, but is equally excited to reward her sister for good behavior.
To Purchase Golly Gee-pers! Table Manners Cards go to http://www.gollygee-pers.com/
To read the entire article go
http://blog.canadianparents.com/thedailybite/
Monday, December 26, 2011
THINK OUTSIDE THE CARD!
Getting kids to write thank you notes isn’t always easy. They procrastinate, make excuses and ultimately parents end up having to force their little darlings to do the right thing. Well, guess what? It’s easier than that. The trick is to tap into your child’s personality and or talents. Here are 20 ideas that will have your child not only willing to send out thank you’s but, wanting to as well.
Create a Video. (the entire show need only be 5 minutes or less. Get Mom, Dad or a sibling behind the camera then e-mail or post to Aunt Annies' facebook page).
1. Kids can dress up, use props and act out a thank you skit.
2. Kids can sing a thank you song (little ones can use the Happy Birthday tune),
3. Play an instrument (doesn’t have to be well it just has to say “thank you“ somehow).
4. Perform a puppet show using stuffed animals, dolls, toy, props.
5. Perform a “thank you” dance
Capture the sentiment in pictures
1. Kids can spell out “thank you” with rocks, sticks, leaves and other backyard treasures.
2. Take photos of your child playing with her new toy then let her make a collage.
3. Let the child get behind the camera and shoot a “thank you” photo.
4. Cut out pictures from old magazines to make a unique card.
5. Create a pretend newspaper article with captioned photo image. “Awesome Grandma gives the perfect gift!”
Put it on paper:
1. Write a poem. It can be “roses are red, violets are blue…”
2. Draw a colorful “thank you” on a puzzle card ($1.50 at craft stores). Disassemble it and send out for the receiver to put back together.
3. Draw a maze leading to the word “Thank you”.
4. Draw, paint or color a picture.
5. Write “thank you” vertically on a lined piece of paper. Then use each letter to say something nice about the gift or person.
Cook something up:
1. Decorate cookies to spell out thank you.
2. Create a thank you “recipe” (one cup of gratitude, dash of surprise etc.)
3. Make brownies or treats, wrap in cellophane tied with a handmade thank you tag.
Use Technology:
1. Skpe a thank you
2. Use fun fonts, paint and draw applications, borders etc. to make a fun computer generated card.
And, of course, if your child is willing, there's always the old fashioned thank you note.
Tell us what your children do to say "thank you."
Create a Video. (the entire show need only be 5 minutes or less. Get Mom, Dad or a sibling behind the camera then e-mail or post to Aunt Annies' facebook page).
1. Kids can dress up, use props and act out a thank you skit.
2. Kids can sing a thank you song (little ones can use the Happy Birthday tune),
3. Play an instrument (doesn’t have to be well it just has to say “thank you“ somehow).
4. Perform a puppet show using stuffed animals, dolls, toy, props.
5. Perform a “thank you” dance
Capture the sentiment in pictures
1. Kids can spell out “thank you” with rocks, sticks, leaves and other backyard treasures.
2. Take photos of your child playing with her new toy then let her make a collage.
3. Let the child get behind the camera and shoot a “thank you” photo.
4. Cut out pictures from old magazines to make a unique card.
5. Create a pretend newspaper article with captioned photo image. “Awesome Grandma gives the perfect gift!”
Put it on paper:
1. Write a poem. It can be “roses are red, violets are blue…”
2. Draw a colorful “thank you” on a puzzle card ($1.50 at craft stores). Disassemble it and send out for the receiver to put back together.
3. Draw a maze leading to the word “Thank you”.
4. Draw, paint or color a picture.
5. Write “thank you” vertically on a lined piece of paper. Then use each letter to say something nice about the gift or person.
Cook something up:
1. Decorate cookies to spell out thank you.
2. Create a thank you “recipe” (one cup of gratitude, dash of surprise etc.)
3. Make brownies or treats, wrap in cellophane tied with a handmade thank you tag.
Use Technology:
1. Skpe a thank you
2. Use fun fonts, paint and draw applications, borders etc. to make a fun computer generated card.
And, of course, if your child is willing, there's always the old fashioned thank you note.
Tell us what your children do to say "thank you."
Sunday, December 4, 2011
You Better Not Pout...
When your child doesn’t get her way does she cross her arms, squint her eyes, scrunch her face then sink abruptly into a slump?
Ugh! Don’t you just want to say “.. I hope Santa doesn’t find out or you’re gonna be in trouble!“ Say the last part kind of singing and she might just look around nervously and collect herself into a model of cooperation.
Well, I’ve decided I am going to experiment with embracing the pout. After all, we’re Americans. We perfected the pout. In fact, this whole idea came to me the other night watching the news. A group of protesters were sitting in front of a government building bobbing signs telling everyone why they were unhappy. Passers-by sometimes commented in favor of or against their cause, but as long as they were not breaking any laws, nobody sent the pouters to their rooms or took away their TV time.
That's when it occurred to me to turn the whole "you better not pout" song up-side-down. I got so excited at the possibilities here that I almost wanted my child to pout. What if we allowed children to pout or more specifically to air their grievances in writing or drawing in the form of "pouting posters". They would take a piece of paper and draw or write how they feel. Maybe it would be, “I wanted the blue one," or "I don’t like my sister ’cause she won at Go Fish," or even, “mom‘s unfair”. We could even help them tape the pouting poster to a stick and show them how to bob the sign meaningfully. No Santa threats, no lost privileges, just freedom of expression. It may or may not not change why the pouters are pouting, but they will get a chance to make their feelings known. They might even get so busy creating their signs that they forget all about pouting.
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying pouting should be encouraged. Many kids don’t pout and are thoroughly annoyed when others do it. But, I guess if I had to choose between whining, a tantrum, swinging arms, or a pout I would choose the pout. Besides they’re going to learn sooner or later that pouting is protected under the United States Constitution (kind of?). So, I say, in the spirit of an American tradition, don't suppress the pout, experiment with it as an opportunity for your child to express herself” Free printable "pouting posters" at http://www.gollygee-pers.com/ then go to freebies
 |
| photo from totsandgiggles.com |
When your child doesn’t get her way does she cross her arms, squint her eyes, scrunch her face then sink abruptly into a slump?
Ugh! Don’t you just want to say “.. I hope Santa doesn’t find out or you’re gonna be in trouble!“ Say the last part kind of singing and she might just look around nervously and collect herself into a model of cooperation.
Well, I’ve decided I am going to experiment with embracing the pout. After all, we’re Americans. We perfected the pout. In fact, this whole idea came to me the other night watching the news. A group of protesters were sitting in front of a government building bobbing signs telling everyone why they were unhappy. Passers-by sometimes commented in favor of or against their cause, but as long as they were not breaking any laws, nobody sent the pouters to their rooms or took away their TV time.
That's when it occurred to me to turn the whole "you better not pout" song up-side-down. I got so excited at the possibilities here that I almost wanted my child to pout. What if we allowed children to pout or more specifically to air their grievances in writing or drawing in the form of "pouting posters". They would take a piece of paper and draw or write how they feel. Maybe it would be, “I wanted the blue one," or "I don’t like my sister ’cause she won at Go Fish," or even, “mom‘s unfair”. We could even help them tape the pouting poster to a stick and show them how to bob the sign meaningfully. No Santa threats, no lost privileges, just freedom of expression. It may or may not not change why the pouters are pouting, but they will get a chance to make their feelings known. They might even get so busy creating their signs that they forget all about pouting.
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying pouting should be encouraged. Many kids don’t pout and are thoroughly annoyed when others do it. But, I guess if I had to choose between whining, a tantrum, swinging arms, or a pout I would choose the pout. Besides they’re going to learn sooner or later that pouting is protected under the United States Constitution (kind of?). So, I say, in the spirit of an American tradition, don't suppress the pout, experiment with it as an opportunity for your child to express herself” Free printable "pouting posters" at http://www.gollygee-pers.com/ then go to freebies
Thursday, December 1, 2011
An Interview with Santa Claus reveals that neat handwriting and good manners count!
Interview with Santa Claus
This edited article is from www.jconline.com
Reached by phone at his workshop at the North Pole, St. Nicholas, commonly known as Santa Claus, gave an exclusive interview to the Journal & Courier Wednesday afternoon.
J&C: Good afternoon, Mr. Claus.
SC: Call me Santa. Everyone does.
J&C: You are probably aware of this, but thousands of children are preparing letters to you and our local postal carriers will collect them and make sure you receive them in time for Christmas.
SC: I'm so pleased. Mrs. Claus and I love to receive mail and I read a big stack of letters every night after we have dinner.
J&C: Santa, on behalf of the schoolchildren down here, could you please provide some tips on writing an effective letter to you?
SC: I'd be honored. It's important to ask kids to take their time and use your their best handwriting or printing. My eyesight isn't what it used to be, so make sure your letter is nice and clear.
J&C: Do some kids type their letters on a computer?
SC: Absolutely.
J&C: Does correct spelling matter?
SC: Well, I always like to see older children using proper spelling. It shows me that they are working hard on their weekly spelling words at school. But I know younger children sometimes spell words the best they can. I've read so many letters through the years I can usually figure things out.
J&C: What else is important to remember?
SC: The two magic words: please and thank you. It makes me so happy when I receive polite letters. Did you know that some children even write me thank-you notes after Christmas? Mrs. Claus has a number of them posted on the refrigerator with magnets.
J&C: Do you ever get letters from children who ask for things for other family members, not themselves?
SC: All the time. There are millions of children around the world who are very concerned about the people they love. I always enjoy hearing from them.
J&C: There are lots and lots of good kids down here who have been behaving well at home and at school.
SC: I know! Too many to mention, but, look I've only got time for one more question before I have to get back to toy-making. We're working on Lincoln Logs, Barbies and bikes today.
J&C: Will you be making some guest appearances before Christmas?
SC: Oh yes! I really enjoy seeing the children so I always try to make time to do that. Ho, Ho, Ho!
J&C: Thanks for your time, Santa.
SC: Your welcome. Tell the kids to keep those cards and letters coming!
I wonder if Santa will be handing out any Table Manners Cards? http://www.gollygee-pers.com/
 |
| photo courtesy of www.stressedrach.com |
Reached by phone at his workshop at the North Pole, St. Nicholas, commonly known as Santa Claus, gave an exclusive interview to the Journal & Courier Wednesday afternoon.
J&C: Good afternoon, Mr. Claus.
SC: Call me Santa. Everyone does.
J&C: You are probably aware of this, but thousands of children are preparing letters to you and our local postal carriers will collect them and make sure you receive them in time for Christmas.
SC: I'm so pleased. Mrs. Claus and I love to receive mail and I read a big stack of letters every night after we have dinner.
J&C: Santa, on behalf of the schoolchildren down here, could you please provide some tips on writing an effective letter to you?
SC: I'd be honored. It's important to ask kids to take their time and use your their best handwriting or printing. My eyesight isn't what it used to be, so make sure your letter is nice and clear.
J&C: Do some kids type their letters on a computer?
SC: Absolutely.
J&C: Does correct spelling matter?
SC: Well, I always like to see older children using proper spelling. It shows me that they are working hard on their weekly spelling words at school. But I know younger children sometimes spell words the best they can. I've read so many letters through the years I can usually figure things out.
J&C: What else is important to remember?
SC: The two magic words: please and thank you. It makes me so happy when I receive polite letters. Did you know that some children even write me thank-you notes after Christmas? Mrs. Claus has a number of them posted on the refrigerator with magnets.
J&C: Do you ever get letters from children who ask for things for other family members, not themselves?
SC: All the time. There are millions of children around the world who are very concerned about the people they love. I always enjoy hearing from them.
J&C: There are lots and lots of good kids down here who have been behaving well at home and at school.
SC: I know! Too many to mention, but, look I've only got time for one more question before I have to get back to toy-making. We're working on Lincoln Logs, Barbies and bikes today.
J&C: Will you be making some guest appearances before Christmas?
SC: Oh yes! I really enjoy seeing the children so I always try to make time to do that. Ho, Ho, Ho!
J&C: Thanks for your time, Santa.
SC: Your welcome. Tell the kids to keep those cards and letters coming!
I wonder if Santa will be handing out any Table Manners Cards? http://www.gollygee-pers.com/
Monday, November 28, 2011
Golly Gee-pers Joins Campaign To Raise Money For Our Schools
Moms Helping Schools™ is a special place to shop!
Moms Helping Schools (MHS) is more than just a school fundraising platform. MHS was founded because we, as mothers, care about “our” collective children’s education. We also care about helping moms and women entrepreneurs start and succeed with their businesses.
School budgets have been cut and our teachers, administrators and most importantly our children are directly impacted by this. One thing we see again and again is that parents, grandparents and caregivers tend to step in and do everything they can to fill in the gaps.
The purpose of the Moms Helping Schools program is to provide a new revenue stream for schools nationwide. When you proceed to checkout at MomsHelpingSchools.com, 40% of the total purchase will go direclty to the school or education foundation of your choice. These great products -- that your family will love -- will be shipped directly to your home for your convenience.
Where does the money go?
To purchase a Moms Helping Schools Product go to http://www.momshelpingschools.com/
Moms Helping Schools (MHS) is more than just a school fundraising platform. MHS was founded because we, as mothers, care about “our” collective children’s education. We also care about helping moms and women entrepreneurs start and succeed with their businesses.
School budgets have been cut and our teachers, administrators and most importantly our children are directly impacted by this. One thing we see again and again is that parents, grandparents and caregivers tend to step in and do everything they can to fill in the gaps.
The purpose of the Moms Helping Schools program is to provide a new revenue stream for schools nationwide. When you proceed to checkout at MomsHelpingSchools.com, 40% of the total purchase will go direclty to the school or education foundation of your choice. These great products -- that your family will love -- will be shipped directly to your home for your convenience.
Where does the money go?
- We give 40% of product sales directly to the school;
- We pay the small business owner her wholesale price; and...
- We use what is left over to administer the Moms Helping Schools program (including: warehousing, fulfillment, marketing, school outreach, public relations, product management and bookkeeping).
To purchase a Moms Helping Schools Product go to http://www.momshelpingschools.com/
Monday, November 21, 2011
Table Manners Cards Get Some Air time
Phil talks to Staci Ericson, creator of Golly Gee-Pers and Dr. Travis Stork physician and co-host of “The Doctors
What is it like to be a guest on a radio show? I found out this past Saturday when I was invited to be on the popular national radio show Good Day with Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert and co-host Doug Stephan.
Because the show is live and goes on the air at 8:15 Eastern time, I had to wake up at 4:30am Pacific time. I consumed a couple cups of coffee to shake off the cobwebs,although I'm not sure it did much for my nerves. I then sat patiently in my robe and slippers waiting for the producer to call. When the call time came and went I started to worry. I checked my landline and my cell to make sure they were both charged. They were. I then rechecked the scheduled time; that was right too. Perhaps three minutes is too soon to panic, I decided. Just then the phone rang. It was the producer, Michael, "you're on in 90 seconds"
Phil Lempert is one of the country's leading consumer advocates when it comes to food and nutrition. He is also the Food Trend Editor for the Today Show and ABC News Now. Co-host Doug Stephan is one of the top talk radio hosts in the country with over 3.75 million listeners every week. This was big time. After the catchy intro song, "Eat Your Food; Don't Wear it" faded, I was introduced. Much to my dismay I discovered that I had a sleepy frog in my throat that continued to stay with me throughout the interview. On the other hand, Phil and Doug had both obviously done their homework, knew my product and my backstory and made it delightfully easy to talk about Golly Gee-pers! I have to say, but for their clever prompting and warm personalities I would have been a deer caught in the headlights. I managed to make most of my points with one grave exception. I never once mentioned that my game had just won two awards. Ouch! Then, just as I was starting to get the hang of the radio conversation thing, our time was up. Truthfully, I was relieved. I shuffled off in my robe and slippers back to bed hoping I hadn't just ruined any chance of my product really taking off.
Fast forward to Monday morning. I summoned up the courage to listen to the the tape of the show.
If you would like to hear what all this agony has been about feel free to click on the link and go to the archive for November 19, 2011. My interview begins about 16 minutes and 30 seconds into the show.http://www.dougstephan.com/programhighlights
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