Kids who respect different worldviews and love all kinds of different people are just two good things that come from being socially aware

Raising children who feel good about who they are, love all different kinds of people, and respect different worldviews is still not mainstream. The good news is that parenting is our greatest social activism because we can influence our children to be more socially aware and compassionate. We can expose them to different environments, cultures, and people, give them opportunities to learn in collaborative settings, and help them find opportunities to serve others. These things will help our children develop the soft skills that they need to be more successful in life and ultimately transform the culture of our society. Here are five specific reasons why being socially aware matters.

Kids who are socially aware will develop and display greater emotional intelligence

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A child who is trained to be socially aware can empathize with the perspectives of others, listen empathically and display vulnerability. These are the skills that comprise emotional intelligence. According to Salovey and Mayer (1990), emotional intelligence is a “set of skills that contribute to the accurate appraisal and expression of emotion in oneself and others, the effective regulation of emotion, and the use of feelings to motivate, plan, and achieve in one’s life.” Research suggests that emotional intelligence may be a greater predictor of success than IQ, so these skills are important to the growth and development of your children. Children who can imagine what others are going through will be better able to perceive, use, understand and manage emotions, which will ultimately serve them in learning and achieving their goals.

Kids who are socially aware will be better prepared to be leaders

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Being socially aware means that you understand how to react to different social scenarios, and you can adapt your interactions to achieve the best results in any situation.  A child who develops the sophistication to read people and situations will be able to gain friends, influence people, and motivate and inspire others. According to renowned executive coach, Maren Perry, it is great to have a strong understanding of your skills, values, and emotions and to be able to focus and manage your emotions, “However, outstanding leaders balance this self-focused drive with a healthy amount of empathy and organizational awareness to leverage others to accomplish more than they can alone.”

Related: 10 Ways Parents Can Fight for Social Justice Every Day

Kids who are socially aware will have greater self-awareness and self-acceptance

Jonathan Borba via Unsplash

According to the book Emotional Intelligence 2.0, while self-awareness “involves looking inward to learn about yourself and understand yourself, social awareness is looking outward to learn about and appreciate others.” This is a reciprocal process of learning that involves understanding yourself and understanding others to greater and greater depths. A child will learn to appreciate their personality and individuality as they learn to authentically respect the experiences and perspectives of others. They will develop the ability to see themselves more clearly and evaluate themselves through introspection. Essentially, as a child learns to step outside of their own experience, they will learn how to be critically self-reflective as well.

Kids who are socially aware are more likely to practice gratitude

volunteering at a food bank is a great way to teach kids how to be grateful
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According to the Character Lab, gratitude is "appreciation of the benefits we receive from others and the desire to reciprocate." To be grateful, you need to be aware of the benefits you receive from others and understand how to reciprocate appropriately. Gratitude is a social and emotional learning skill that is built from in-person interactions, meaningful discussion, and reflection. 

Gratitude is associated with many positive outcomes including more satisfying social relationships and decreased distress and mental illness. There are four components to gratitude, as identified by UNC-Chapel Hill’s Raising Grateful Children Project:

  • Noticing: Did someone do something nice for you? Did someone give you something or take you somewhere fun?
  • Thinking: What are all the reasons you’re thankful for this? Why do you think someone did something nice for you? Does this mean something to you? 
  • Feeling: When you think about these special things or people, how do you feel?
  • Doing: What can you actively do to express your gratitude for this person, place, or thing? 

Social awareness supports a grateful attitude in children because they learn to be humble and appreciative as they consider the perspectives of others.

Related: 10 Words & Phrases You Might Not Know Are Racist

Kids who are socially aware can persevere and find greater purpose in life

October birthday
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Finally, research has also shown that individuals with greater social awareness and higher emotional intelligence perform better on cognitive tasks and are better able to overcome frustration when faced with challenges performing these tasks. Perseverance comes from a growth mindset. A child who approaches learning with humility and open-mindedness is going to be more resilient in their processes. This combination of compassion and resilience will support children in finding and achieving greater purpose in their lives through strong relationships, flexibility of thought, and persistence toward their goals.

Keep your crew entertained even after the presents are open with these city adventures

Christmas Day is almost here. You’ve baked all the cookies and seen all the lights; now you’re looking for something to do with the kids after the holiday hurrahs are over. Luckily, there are plenty of Christmas things to do in Portland, even on that special day. From hiking and watching old movies to taking a river cruise or a day trip, we’ve got lots of activities that’ll keep your kids busy after the main event. Pull on your matching sweaters, fill a thermos of hot cocoa, and head out to explore.

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1. Go See Christmas Lights

If you’ve already visited your neighborhood’s lights, take the family to Portland’s own Peacock Lane, filled with historic English-style cottages, which are all decked out in lights and decorations. A Portland tradition since the 1920s, there are two ways to see the houses: on foot and by car. If you’re staying in your car, visit at non-peak times, which are typically before 7 p.m. and after 10 p.m. Alternatively, head to the Portland International Raceway to be awed by the 250 illuminated holiday set pieces. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the “Largest Light Show West of the Mississippi.” So bring a thermos full of cocoa, adding some marshmallows for good measure, turn on the Christmas tunes and meander through a winter wonderland that is sure to leave a sparkle in your eye!  This is open evenings throughout December including on Christmas Day, but be sure to order tickets ahead of time so you’re guaranteed a spot. Peacock Lane is, as always, free.

Peacock Lane
Between S.E. Stark St. & S.E. Belmont St., one block east of S.E. 39th
Online: peacocklane.org

Portland International Raceway Holiday Light Show
1940 N. Victory Blvd.
Portland
Online: winterwonderlandportland.com

Related: Electric Avenues: Holiday Light Displays That Really Shine

The gingerbread display at Benson Hotel is something to do on Christmas Day in Portland
courtesy Benson Hotel

2. Marvel at Trees & a Gingerbread Display

Make it a downtown scavenger hunt: a tree, a gingerbread house, and more. At Pioneer Courthouse Square, you can visit the city’s holiday tree without the crowds on Christmas Day. The 75-foot Douglas-fir tree—provided each year by Stimson Lumber Company—will be lit up over 14,000 colorful lights. Bring some hot chocolate and treats for an extra magical experience.

Then, walk five blocks over to the Benson Hotel to spy their lobby gingerbread display, a tradition for over 50 years. This year's theme, Multnomah Falls, is surely one your kids will recognize. Made using 150 pounds of gingerbread, 50 pounds of marzipan, 20 pounds of chocolate, 10 pounds of Rice Krispies Treats, and more royal icing than you can image, it's truly a work for art. Our tip? After you've checked out this masterpiece, head to the Historic Stairwell and check out the hotel's mini museum featuring over 160 pictures of Portland's history.

Pioneer Courthouse Square
701 S.W. 6th Ave.
Portland
Online: thesquarepdx.org

Benson Hotel
S.W. Broadway
Portland
Online: bensonhotel.com

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3. Catch a Flick

You can’t beat the classic Christmas-at-a-movie-theater, so why even try. This year the big ticket shows are Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and the new Avatar: The Way of Water. All the area’s large theaters like Regal and Century are open, or head to McMenamins Baghdad or McMenamins Power Station to catch those flicks. For something slightly more festive, grab tickets at Vancouver’s sweet 1930s-era one-screen Kiggins Theater – they’re screening one showing each of Bing Crosby’s White Christmas, and The Bishop’s Wife, a Christmas rom-com with Cary Grant and Loretta Young from 1947.

Good to Know: The Moishe House will also be hosting a movie night complete with vegetarian Chinese food. RSVP if you want in on this event.

Kiggins Theater
1011 Main St.
Vancouver, WA
Online: kigginstheatre.com

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4. Head to the Coast

It’s a fact that the Oregon Coast is lovely in winter—maybe not in terms of weather, but in terms of less crowds, a rugged windswept beauty, and that cozy feeling of staying inside and playing games during a storm. Plus, winter storms tend to churn up more treasure for agate or seashell hunting. It’s also the season for clam digging and crabbing—clam diggers will want to watch for low tides when the beach is more exposed.

Check out Lincoln City’s Finders Keepers program for a fun treasure hunt. The city’s glassblowers drop surprise floats on the various beaches and if you find one, it’s yours to keep. This year, they’ll drop around 50 new floats from December 19 to 25. Good luck!

Alberto Cassetta via Unsplash

5. Explore the Great Outdoors

Whether it's a white Christmas or not, heading outside for some fresh air is a perfect way to get out the holiday wiggles. There are plenty of easy hikes around the city—at parks, arboretums, and in the Gorge. Without the leaves on the trees, you can even spot waterfalls and streams from further away. Be prepared with plenty of layers, water, hot drinks, and spare clothes.

Related: 8 Wondrous Hikes That Are Best in Winter

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6. Enjoy a River Cruise

For an especially magical day, book a ticket for Portland Spirit Cruise where you’ll spend time on the river from the desks of a 150-foot ship. This special two-hour cruise with a holiday buffet comes with holiday cheer and old-world charm as you take in the sights of the Willamette River. Choose from a morning or evening cruise—each comes with live music on a baby grand piano, desserts, and hot drinks.

Online: portlandspirit.com

a smiling boy dressed for winter comes down a snow tubing hill
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7. Hit the Slopes

From Cosmic Tubing to skiing, Mt. Hood is a winter playland where the fun doesn't stop on Christmas Day. Bring your own sled and scope out some excellent tubing or sledding spots, or strap the kids in to find some snowshoe trails. For official slopes, there's plenty of skiing options on the mountain. And be sure to check out Mt. Hood Skibowl for the world's only Cosmic Tubing®. Enjoy over 600,000 LED lights, laser light shows, black lights, colored lights, rocking music, and even dual conveyor lifts dedicated to tubing. It's great fun for the whole family.

Online: skibowl.com

Related: Snow Much Fun! 8 Places to Go Sledding & Tubing

a mom gives a kid a kiss at a christmas decorated restaurant in seattle aromory
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8. Sit Down at One of These Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

If you need a break from the holiday cooking, let one of Portland’s restaurants take the burden off your shoulders. Many are open on Christmas Day– for something more upscale head to Jake’s Grill or McCormick and Schmidt’s. At JinJu Patisserie you can enjoy some of the city’s best croissants along with eye-catching desserts and flavors. And at Prost, enjoy a pretzel or curry wurst while you travel the length of Germany, in beer (minors welcome until 8pm).

When it comes to the best Christmas lights Portland has to offer, these displays are totally lit

The City of Roses should be renamed the City of Lights during the holidays, as far as we’re concerned. Starting right after you finish up Thanksgiving dinner, running throughout the month of December, Portland is ablaze with fun and unique light displays that will brighten up anyone’s day. So after you’ve picked out the perfect tree for the season, fill your thermos with hot chocolate (maybe a hot toddy for the parents), bundle up the kids, and check out these holiday light displays that will brighten your season.

Portland International Raceway Christmas Lights - Winter Wonderland

If you're looking for drive-thru Christmas lights in Portland, head down to the Portland International Raceway for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.  Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi,” the 30th annual Safeway Winter Wonderland is unlike any light show you’ve ever seen. Spectators become part of the show as they drive through the track, taking in more than 250 set pieces and animated displays along the course. Plus, all proceeds from the event will benefit Sunshine Division's year-round hunger relief efforts.

Good to Know: Tickets range from $48 - $155 depending on vehicle size

Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 2022

1940 N. Victory Blvd.
Portland
Online: winterwonderlandportland.com

Related: Our Top Spots for Local Holiday Shopping in Portland

a lighted train runs through the Oregon Zoo during Portland Christmas lights season
courtesy Oregon Zoo

Oregon Zoolights

'Tis the season to check out one of Portland’s most popular light experiences:  ZooLights at, you guessed it, the Oregon Zoo. This larger-than-life display has more than a million and a half lights, plus all your favorite animals, too! You can take it all in two ways: on a classic walk through the grounds or from the comfort of your car during their drive-through experience.

Good to Know: All tickets are timed-entry and must be purchased in advance online. They range from $21-$29, and drive-thru tickets are $65. Remember, Zoo members receive discounted admission.

Dates: Nov. 23, 2022-Jan. 5, 2023 (Closed on Christmas Day)

4001 S.W. Canyon Rd.
Portland
Event details

Related: All Aboard! Holiday Train Rides to Book Now

a lighted reindeer atop a Portland Christmas ship for the lighted boat parade
christmasships.org

Christmas Ships Parade

The Christmas ships are coming! A fleet of ships have sailed down the Willamette and Columbia Rivers every year for 67 years. Grab a perch with a view (restaurants along the route book up quick), pack your thermos and blankets, and watch the floating lights go by. This is a great parade, and the best part is, you can catch it almost every night in December for free. Be sure to check online for when they’ll be closest to you, as the route changes. It's the perfect winter evening activity for tiny boat enthusiasts (and their parents).

Dates: Dec. 3-21, 2022

Related: Your Insider's Guide to the Portland Christmas Ships Is Here

Lighted trees and walkways are part of this Portland Christmas lights display at the Grotto

Christmas Festival of Lights

The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights features more than two million lights and is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. Enjoy the amazing sounds of local schools, churches, and civic groups as you explore the beautiful property.  Concerts are scheduled each evening and families can also enjoy outdoor caroling, puppet shows, and storytimes. 

Good to Know: Kids 2 and under are free at this display.

Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 30, 2022 (Closed Christmas Day)

8840 N.E. Skidmore St.
Portland
Online: thegrotto.org

Christmas on the Campground

Drive by or stroll through the Apostolic Faith Church’s campground to enjoy thousands of lights with the kids this year. The lights are on from dusk to dawn at this free display, and music plays at two different times throughout the night. In addition to the life-size nativity scene, the coolest part of the display is hands down the ginormous Christmas tree at the heart of the display. It's the tallest in Southeast Portland, and it's one reason to bring the kids to see this festive display. 

Dates: Nov. 25 - Dec. 31, 2022

5415 S.E. Duke St.
Portland
Online: christmasonthecampground.com

A mom and young daughter among Portland Christmas lights displays smiling
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Lightopia - An Illuminated Journey

Add Lightopia in Hillsboro to your light tour this year.  Families can take in all the beautiful sights as you drive along a half-mile winter landscape. This free display is open for visitors on Sundays through Thursdays, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends until 10 p.m. One thing to note, you'll need a reservation to drive through, so snag one while you can.

Dates: Dec. 3-31, 2022 (Closed Christmas Day)

Gordon Faber Recreation Complex (Hillsboro Stadium)
4450 N.E. Century Blvd.
Hillsboro, OR
Online: hillsboro-oregon.gov

Clackamas County Winter Fair

Head over to the Clackamas County Event Center for the 3rd Annual Winter Fair and Holiday Market. Not only can you enjoy more than 200,000 lights and scenes, but the kids can meet Santa while you check off people on your Christmas list. Admission to the experience is just $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 3-12. Bring your 3 and unders for free.

Dates: Dec. 2-23, 2022

694 N.E. 4th Ave.
Canby, OR
Online: clackamascountyfair.com

Related: 9 Festival Christmas Tree Farms You'll Want to Visit

Enjoy more Portland Christmas lights at these neighborhood displays

Take a stroll on Peacock Lane

One street you absolutely cannot skip is Peacock Lane—known as Portland’s Christmas Street. Located in S.E. Portland, each house on this little street has been taking Christmas cheer to the next level since 1932. From nativity scenes and rotating trees to re-enactments of your favorite holiday characters and movies, Peacock Lane continues to delight visitors from near and far. You can find this super sweet displays along S.E. Peacock Lane between SE Stark and Belmont Streets.

Insider Tip: Families can walk the display without car congestion on pedestrian-only nights. This year they're scheduled for December 15-17.

Dates: Dec. 15-31, 2022
Times: 6-11 p.m.

Online: peacocklane.org

Visit Portland's Most Festive Neighborhoods

Nearly anywhere you drive in Portland, you are likely to see stunning and creative light displays by local families. Holding true to our city's reputation for creativity, you are guaranteed a bright and magical holiday when you live in the City of Roses. Don't forget to pack some hot chocolate and candy canes, to add to the seasonal magic when you head out to one of Portland's many neighborhood light displays. Pile everyone into the car and head to these neighborhoods to see some of the best home grown displays in town. Some of our favorite areas include the Pearl District, Downtown Portland, Alberta, and the Sellwood/Moreland area.

The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one that we want to share with our children, especially in today’s world. Even if we can’t attend a local march or spend the day volunteering in our community, there are many ways you can bring Dr. King’s legacy to your children while at home. From dramatic interpretations of Dr. King’s speeches to songwriting workshops where kids can write a song inspired by the civil rights movement, there are activities for all ages. Be ready to be inspired!

Tumisu via pixabay

Stanford University’s World House Project Film Festival
The World House Project will host a free, four-day webinar and virtual film festival featuring  30 documentaries, musical performances, interviews and panel discussions that speak to Dr. King's vision of the World House. Jan. 14-17Event details 

38th Annual MLK Celebration
SF parks and recreation presents a virtual celebration of MLK featuring Dr. Joe Canton as keynote speaker.
Jan. 14, 11:30 a.m. Event details 

Rally for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
2022 marks The 5th Avenue Theatre’s sixth year of proudly supporting the Kent School District’s Rally for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Each year, the rally is led by a team of passionate teen leaders and features musical performances, community speakers and student reflections on the life, work and legacy of Dr. King. This year, you are cordially invited to join us as the rally is streamed for the Kent community and beyond. Jan. 17, 7 p.m.

LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto

Brooklyn Tribute to Martin Luther King
The celebration brings together artists and civic leaders to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. King. The 36th edition features speeches by civic leaders and activists. There will also be performances, including live appearances from singer Nona Hendryx with Craig Harris & Tailgaters Tales and Sing Harlem and a recorded dance piece by choreographer Kyle Marshall. Join us in hope and solidarity! Jan. 17, 7:30 a.m. Event details

Tacoma's MLK Day Celebration
Join the city of Tacoma for its 34th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration. This year’s event theme is “Hope & Healing.” Activities will highlight the present and the future of Dr. King’s impacts on our community and feature local performers and speakers who work and volunteer to ensure our community represents equity, hope and healing. Jan. 17, 8 p.m. Event details

MLK Day Celebration 2022
The California African American Museum invites families to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day immersed in music, culture and community. This year’s virtual festival highlights MLK’s dedication to labor and workers’ rights with the importance of these movements continuing on today. Jan. 17, 10 a.m. Event details

National Parks Service

Songs for Justice: 2022 Annual MLK Birthday Celebration
The Rothko Chapel presents Songs for Justice in celebration of Dr. King’s birthday. Log onto the live stream to enjoy a series of concerts and conversations exploring the role that music plays to further social justice movements. Jan. 15, 3 p.m. CT. Event details.

MLK Celebration 2022
The New Haven Museum will present a day of family friendly virtual programming dedicated to celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Performances, storytelling, dancing, art workshops and more—all from your living room. Jan. 17, 10 a.m. ET. Event details.

johnhain via pixabay

Joy as an Act of Resistance
This is the second annual virtual celebration presented by the Saint Louis Art Museum. This year will feature local Black performing artists, Robert Crenshaw, Alicia Revé, and Freeman Word, who will respond to photographs of Dr. King from the Museum’s collection through dance, music, and spoken word. Jan. 17, On Demand. Event details. 

Celebrate MLK Day with MoAD
Celebrate with MoAD on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service! Now being held virtually, the annual event will feature free programmings like art workshops, museum tours, and more. Jan. 17, 11 a.m. Event details

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with the Washington State Historical Society
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with the Washington State Historical Society. Highlights of this virtual event are a performance of his famous "I Have A Dream" speech, an art-making workshop, and more. Jan.17, 10 a.m. Event details

—Kate Loweth

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The Brolin baby wanted to make an entrance! Kathryn Brolin announced that Chapel Grace joined the family on Christmas Day over Instagram this past Sunday.

Baby Chapel joins big sister, Westlyn Reign, 2 and Josh Brolin’s adult siblings from another relationship, Eden and Trevor.

Chapel Grace also joins the grandchild clan to famous grandparents, James Brolin and Barbra Streisand.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Shutterstock

 

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If the days at home have made the whole family a little antsy for outside time, we’ve got the list for you. These kid-friendly hikes near Miami will show you all the gorgeous nature that surrounds us. See iguanas scurry under mangrove trees, birds aplenty and tons of shaded walkways for those hot, hot days. Find you new favorite hike here.

Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, sometimes closures occur at the last minute due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the spread of Covid-19. We highly recommend that you call ahead before you pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe! 

Chapel Trail Park Nature Preserve

The City of Pembroke Pines oversees this 450-acre passive park that was established in the 1990s. The wetlands have become home to 120 species of birds, deer, marsh rabbits, alligators, snakes, turtles, largemouth bass and insects. This nature preserve includes a 1,650-foot long boardwalk that's perfect for stroller hikes. Interpretive signs are found all along the trail, making this a pleasant place to explore for families and newbies to the Everglades.

Learn more: ppines.com

A.D. Barnes Park

This Miami city park has paved trails that are perfect for stroller walks and bike riding. Kids will love the Sense of Wonder Nature Center and the man-made waterfalls throughout the park.

Learn more: miamidade.gov

Old Cutler Hammock Nature Trail

At the Bill Sadowski Park and Nature Center, the nature trail takes you into Florida’s own jungle habitats. Within the park's thirty acres are three distinct habitats: pineland, tropical hardwood hammock and a drained Everglades slough.

Learn more: miamidade.gov

Biscayne National Park Walk

Within sight of downtown Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne is a watery wonderland that protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Here too is evidence of 10,000 years of human history, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents. Though most of the park is covered by water, a short 1/4-mile jetty trail is available at Convoy Point.

Learn more: alltrails.com

Black Creek Trail

This trail is totally flat and great for stroller hikes or even new bike riders. It is 7.6 miles and follows a river which is fun for spotting animals.

Learn more: alltrails.com

Secret Woods Nature Center

Nature is the emphasis at this small park along the New River—nature trails, a nature exhibit hall and a full schedule of nature-oriented programming. With a mile of gentle interpretive trails centered around a top-notch nature center to teach the kids about Southeast Florida habitats, it’s perfect for a family outing.

Learn more: broward.org

—Kate Loweth

 

Featured image: Juanita Mulder via pixabay

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The author of the popular Notebook Doodles coloring book series is releasing a new book designed to build confidence and self-esteem in young girls. Notebook Doodles Mis Amigos Journal is a bilingual guided journal filled with charming middle school-friendly activities and prompts in both English and Spanish. From reflecting on their favorite qualities to describing memories and so much more, this journal is an excellent ESL learning opportunity for young girls while they have fun and think creatively.

Friendship Journal

According to the book’s description, “Kids will have a blast with their friends completing fun prompts like: ‘What characteristics make you a ‘great’ friend? Do you look for the same qualities in your friends?’ /’¿Qué características te hacen una ‘gran’ amiga? ¿Tratas de encontrar esas cualidades en tus amigas?’”

This book offers a perfect way to practice English as a second language, as well as develop narrative, descriptive, and compare/contrast writing skills. This journal is one of a kind and makes an excellent ESL learning opportunity for young girls. 

Available Jun. 23, you can preorder this book on Amazon today. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Fox Chapel Publishing

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s son Archie is the fourth royal little christened in the past few years—following on the heels of his cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Even though the official pics of Archie’s, George’s, Charlotte’s and Louis’s christenings may look fairly similar, there are some notable differences. Unlike his cousins, Archie’s big day was not an entirely public event, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex expressing their desire to have a private, intimate celebration for close family and friends.

Archie’s small-sized event didn’t share a venue with any of his cousins. With a guest list limited to 25, the ceremony was held at Queen Elizabeth’s private chapel at Windsor Castle. Prince George and Prince Louis were christened at St. James’s Palace’s Royal Chapel and Princess Charlotte had her ceremony at Sandringham’s St. Mary Magdalene church in Norfolk.

When it comes to the godparents, Kate Middleton and Prince William announced a lengthy list of seven close friends prior to Prince George’s christening. Likewise, the royal parents announced five godparents before Princess Charlotte’s christening and six for Prince Louis. Breaking from tradition, Markle and Prince Harry have kept mum on the names of Archie’s godparents.

Despite the differences, there are some similarities between Archie’s christening and his cousins’ ceremonies. Baby Archie’s christening dress echoed the ones worn by his cousins. Like son, like mother—Markle’s cream-colored Dior dress was also reminiscent (at least in hue) of Middleton’s christening day fashion choices.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Sussex Royal via Instagram 

 

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It looks like the world’s wait is over when it comes the newest Royal’s future godparents, or is it? Buckingham Palace recently revealed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan to keep this info private, much to our chagrin.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex aren’t exactly an in-the-spotlight couple (for as much as royalty can stay out of the media’s eye). Even though they’re very public figures, the couple wants a quiet christening for baby Archie.

The event itself includes a small gathering of 25 family and friends and, according to a statement by Buckingham Palace, “the godparents, in keeping with their wishes, will remain private.”

The ceremony will take place on Jul. 6 in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle. Recent media statements from the Palace confirmed the couple will release at least a few pics of the event in the days following the ceremony, but don’t expect to see the godparents named in any of them.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Sussex Royal via Instagram

 

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New mum and dad Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are getting ready for an intimate christening ceremony for the adorable little Archie.

According to reports, the royal couple will hold the baby’s christening in Queen Elizabeth’s private chapel at Windsor Castle. A royal source told PEOPLE, Markle and Prince Harry “wanted an intimate, peaceful setting in a place with such a special connection to Her Majesty.”

And don’t expect a gaggle of guests. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are limiting the christening to 25 of their closest family and friends.

The unnamed royal source also told PEOPLE, “This is a beautiful milestone and they are excited to share it as a family first and then with the world.” Not only does this refer to the small size, but it also means the Royals will give us all a sneak peek into the christening—that is after the fact. Reportedly the new parents will share pics in the days after the Jul. 6 event.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Sussex Royal via Instagram 

 

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