ML Interest Tag: donkey

Why Celebrating Differences & Teaching Kindness Hand-in-Hand Is So Important

By Joy Turner

All humans are unique. In childhood, there are obvious traits like skin tone, hair color and heritage but our differences come to light through temperament, interests and speed of development. As we continue to grow, our individualities become more refined, and we all develop into a puzzle piece that fits perfectly into the world in which we live.

Noticing what makes each person a unique individual is an important awareness to develop at a young age. When we notice what makes each person different, we can begin to accept, appreciate and show kindness toward the unique personalities we encounter every day.

How do we teach our children to recognize and celebrate each other’s differences? First, by exposing them to different talents, cultures, belief systems, appearances and opinions. And second, by practicing kindness with them and around them.

How to Expose Your Kids to People Different than Themselves

There are many books and toys we can use to teach children about uniqueness. Books in particular are an awesome tool for focusing on different lifest‌yles and abilities because when children read about a character who is dissimilar to them, the opportunity for questions and discussion arises. When children play, they can lean into their own uniqueness, as different toys help them find out what interests them and what they enjoy. Playing also encourages kids to use their imagination, socialize and ask questions.

Here are three books to help us teach our little ones about their unique differences:

1. The Things I Can Do by Jeff Mack: An engaging read that highlights all the great things each of us can do through the character’s point-of-view.

2. Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae: A sweet story that talks about recognizing and appreciating the special skills we each have and acceptance of others’ differences.

3. The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith: A silly book that talks about the different unique traits of a fun main character.

Here are three toys and games that expose young children to diversity:

1. Basket of Babies: Baby dolls that introduce children to a variety of skin colors.

2. Cre8tive Minds Marvel Education Friends with Diverse Abilities Figure Set: Figurines that normalize many physical disabilities.

3. Friends and Neighbors: The Helping Game:  A game that helps children learn about emotions and how to be empathetic toward others.

Always Practice Kindness

To raise kind humans, we must be kind ourselves. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation says that “kindness is contagious” and children aren’t immune! Creating an environment of respect and acceptance in our homes and showing our kids how to be kind can make a big impact on their attitudes toward others outside the home. Engaging in “uniqueness-focused” activities with your kids is an additional way to celebrate individuality and learn how to respect what makes others different, too.

Here are three recommended activities to celebrate uniqueness in your home:

1. Help your children feel comfortable and confident expressing their individualities by allowing them to select their own clothes for the day, encouraging them to share their likes and dreams and showing interest in the things that interest your children.

2. Experience other cultures by making different foods that relate to a holiday celebrated somewhere around the world, listening to music from another continent, trying to speak another language or even taking a trip to another country.

3. Perform a random act of kindness for a neighbor or someone you don’t know to show your children how good it feels to do something kind for someone different than you.

The Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care Character Essential for February is “We Are Unique.” For more information about helping your kids identify their special personal traits and how to teach kindness, download the Character Essentials Activity Book for free.

Joy has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. As Vice President of Education at Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care, she oversees all things curriculum, assessment, training and more. Joy earned a B.S. in Education from Salisbury University.

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I Legitmately Know the Real Santa

By Maryellen Brito

There has been a lot of questioning about the legitimacy of Santa in our house. It started last year. We tracked him on the Eve and searched the internet for “actual footage” of Rudolph. Our son was only four years old and I thought we had more time. When I discussed this with other families, I got a variety of responses. Some shrugged it off and said they don’t do the Santa thing because they don’t like lying to their children or the patriarchy of it. There were the families that recommended all the ways I could prove his existence. Then there were the parental’s that firmly declared a halt to playdates with our son for fear he would expose their children to this curiosity. “The threat of Santa is how we get through the season.”

I get it. I do. I understand that the idea of sitting on a strange man’s knee telling him what a good girl or boy they’ve been in exchange for gifts can be jarring. I see this and don’t dismiss it. I also know that Christmas is not about Santa on a religious note, and frankly, he tends to overshadow the real man of the hour anyway. Woman of the hour too. I mean, Mary rode on a donkey for five days—pregnant! Way more impressive than a fat guy flying in a sleigh for a day. Am I right?

However, to me, it wasn’t about greed and spoils. The Santa I grew up with lived in the small town of Bristol, Rhode Island. He goes by Gerry.

Mickie and Gerry were friends of the family for as far back as I can remember. Always involved in the community and often seen breakfasting at the King Phillip Inn on Sundays. I remember my parents confiding in me the big secret—they were the real Mr. and Mrs. Claus. “Maryellen, you can’t tell anyone.” I nodded, and my world spun faster. I. Knew. Santa. Mind. Blown.

Their license plate said “Ho Ho Ho,” and they were never skimpy with candy canes. The beard? Oh, it was real alright! As was their generosity. Booked from November to January, morning until night, they didn’t accept payment for their visits, only donations to a charity.

I usually knew when they were coming over. The excitement was apparent by children and adults alike. Christmas carols playing and candles lit, I’d wait. Anticipation consumed me. I got butterflies as soon as I heard the bells. They had this way of entering. A subtle shaking of jingle bells before making their entrance. Not too loud or over the top. No annoyingly fake ho, ho, ho-ing. Rather than overwhelming energy, they were calm and mystical. The air seemed to sparkle around them. Santa was soft-spoken and understated. Still, I could be shy around him. Luckily, Mrs. Claus took the reigns and steered me in the right direction. She did most of the talking with a kind smile and lots of questions. The elves definitely answered to her; that much was clear. Santa, too, no doubt.

Some might say that knowing Mickie and Gerry in real life should have ruined the experience for me. Quite the opposite. It was never Mickie and Gerry playing Mr. and Mrs. Claus. No, t’was Mr. and Mrs. Claus that played Mickie and Gerry. Or so it seemed. Seeing them out and about town or talking with them at family gatherings, Gerry had the same twinkle in his eye wearing jeans and a sweater that he did in his fur-trimmed, red suit. Mickie was as sassy, sweet and in charge as when she wielded sugary treats.

The older I got, the more I had the privilege of getting to know them. You know, the undercover them. They are Jewish and frequented the restaurant where I worked. Whenever the Rabbi joined, Mickie would whisper, “Don’t tell him I order the pork.” Naughty Mrs. Claus! Girl, I got you.

The restaurant was below the 2nd Story Theatre. Most diners ate before the play, so the joint was empty for the show’s run time. In December, Mickie and Gerry… ahem… Mr. and Mrs. Claus would sneak in the side door between gigs, ringing their signature bells and help themselves to a full meal. Well into my twenties, I still got butterflies. It had nothing to do with gifts. Obviously, I knew who was supplying those long, long ago. But I still believed. I believed in them what they were doing. The joy they were spreading, and the magic of Christmas.

That is what Santa represents to me, and why my heart aches as my son heads down the road to not believing. I appreciate and value his curiosity, and will stop myself from plotting drastic action to prove otherwise, but for now I stand by my statement. Yes, Francis, there is a Santa Claus. His name is Gerry.

—Maryellen Brito

 

I am an actor in New York City, currently cast in my most fulfilling role to date - mom! When I’m not chasing my son around the playground, I’m busy writing, cooking and trying to remember what I went upstairs for. 

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Hallmark’s Amazing New Keepsake Ornaments Feature a Golden Girl & Hocus Pocus

by Sarah Shebek

The countdown to Christmas is on! It’s a few more months until we’ll hang up the mistletoe but Hallmark has already released its 2021 Christmas ornament keepsake collection. Including (drumroll please!) Winifred Sanderson from Hocus Pocus and Blanche from Golden Girls.

We love the new Blanche Devereaux ornament and it’s the perfect addition to any holiday tree. She’s decked out in her red wedding dress and the ornament plays audio clips of some of her classic lines on the popular TV show. It’s pre-packaged for easy gift giving and storage, so Blanche can steal the stage for years to come.

Another classic leading lady has been memorialized in ornament form, thanks to Hallmark. Winifred Sanderson rocks her signature green dress and holds a witch’s spell book and broomstick. She also comes in a commemorative box and can add a festive touch to your Halloween decor, too.

Both ornaments are $19.99 and are available to buy either online or at your local Hallmark store. The two are part of Hallmark’s larger keepsake collection that also features Baby Yoda, Harry Potter, Donkey Kong and much more. Shop the whole collection online today as you dream of merry months ahead!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Hallmark

 

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5 Ways to Build Your Preschooler’s Confidence

By PBS KIDS

Photo: PBS Kids

Preschool is one of my favorite stages in a child’s life. Between the ages of 3 and 5, kids really start developing a sense of who they are and how to be a part of the world around them.

That’s why building self-confidence at this stage of life is essential. We want our kids to see what’s good about themselves, to believe in themselves, and to know they are important.

PBS KIDS has a great lineup of shows that encourage children to find and celebrate what’s great about them, including the new “Donkey Hodie” series. What I love about “Donkey Hodie” is that it celebrates the playful silliness of early childhood while supporting both kids and parents as we work together to build crucial life skills, like self-confidence.

Looking for some ways to boost your child’s confidence skills? Here are some ideas, with help from Donkey Hodie and her pals.

1. Let Them Lead

Self-directed play and learning are crucial to the development of self-confidence. In the “Donkey Hodie” series, Donkey and her pals are the leaders of their own imaginative play and activities. Being in charge of how they play is a normal and important part of children’s development during the preschool stage. Give ample opportunities for independent play. And when you’re playing with your child, you can try being the “actor” and letting your child be the “director.” Encourage them to come up with the ideas for how the play happens and the materials they may want to use. Ask about the details of the choices they’re making, and let them decide what happens next and what the outcome will be. Try encouraging this kind of child leadership in play by asking open-ended questions and saying things like:

  • How did you decide what to name those toys?
  • I wonder what kind of feelings these superheroes are having right now?
  • What do you think should happen next?

2. Get Creative Together

In the episode “Art Show Today,” Donkey must listen to her inspiration and work through her mistakes to create an art project she loves. Artistic play is a fun way to build self-confidence. Creating art or doing other imaginative projects gives children the opportunity to come up with ideas, make decisions on their own, and think about what they like. These are the building blocks of self-confidence.

So make some space to get creative! It doesn’t have to be pre-planned crafts—in fact, going in without a plan is a great way to foster imagination and provide more opportunity for self-expression and decision-making. As Donkey says, “There are so many ways to make art!”

3. Praise Effort in the Process

In the episode “Mountain Climb Time,” Donkey and Panda encourage one another as they climb Mt. Really High Up (“We’re on the right path, buddy!”). Part of being self-confident is recognizing the value in the process of what we’re doing — not just the outcome. We can help instill this concept in our kids by noticing and celebrating their efforts, and helping them to enjoy themselves in the moment rather than focusing on a particular accomplishment. This might sound like:

  • “I see you’re working really hard at that!”
  • “Hasn’t it been fun to spend time creating this?”
  • “You’ve had so many creative ideas for how to solve this problem!”

4. Practice Being Proud (without Being Perfect)

How do we help our kids continue to feel capable, even when they mess up or don’t reach their goals? One way is to practice being proud of one another—and ourselves—and to focus on what has gone well rather than what has gone exactly how we planned. In “Mountain Climb Time,” Donkey and Panda aren’t able to climb the whole mountain on their first try. Grampy Hodie reminds them that just because they didn’t reach their goal the first time, it doesn’t mean that they failed. Your preschooler will flourish when they hear similar messages.

  • “I know you’re sad you didn’t win, but I’m so proud of you for finishing the race and trying your best!”
  • “When you keep trying, you keep learning new things!”
  • “I’m proud of us for working together to get so much done today. We can keep working on it tomorrow.”
  • “Even though it’s not as tall as you wanted, I hope you’re proud of yourself for building such an amazing tower!”

5. Continue Showing Lots of Love

Fred Rogers, whose playful humor and work is the inspiration for “Donkey Hodie,” provided a wonderful model for developing healthy kids and communities. His words and legacy often guide my own parenting and have helped me understand how to build self-confidence in my daughter as she discovers who she is in the world. Fred always said that love is the foundation of everything. “Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people.” When we offer our children unconditional and unquestionable love, we give them permission to see themselves as whole, good and likable people. When we love our kids and let them know it often, we create a world for them where they know they matter. And that is where confidence is born.

Lindsey Pruett-Hornbaker, MA, is a non-profit consultant and writer of grants, curriculum, and essays. She is a wife, mom, and clinical counselor-in-training. Lindsey believes in the power of strong coffee and inclusive communities, and she gets curious about life and parenting on Instagram.

This post originally appeared on PBS KIDS for Parents.

PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children learn life lessons, explore their feelings and discover new adventures, while seeing themselves uniquely reflected and celebrated in lovable, diverse characters through television, digital media, and community-based programs. 

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“We Can Do Hard Things:” Building Resilience in Kids

By PBS KIDS

My 6-year-old was excited to make a star out of sticks and string, but as the materials tangled, his frustration spiked. So we took a break and went on a walk together.

“Do you remember when you were learning how to ride a bike?” I said. “You fell down a lot at first, and you got really frustrated sometimes, but you didn’t give up. Now you ride around like a pro. Everything new takes practice, but you always figure it out.”

Childhood is all about growing, on the outside and inside. Tasks adults take for granted—like buttoning a jacket—require practice to master. Every time our kids work through these big and small challenges, they are building their skills for resilience and perseverance. These aren’t fixed traits that kids are born with. Rather, they develop slowly through life experience, practice, and with the support of caring adults.

“Donkey Hodie,” a new puppet series from PBS KIDS, draws its inspiration from Fred Rogers and his mission to help young viewers navigate the challenges of childhood. In each episode, characters set goals, encounter obstacles, explore and test solutions, experience failure, and persist toward their goal, asking for help as needed. While the show is set in the whimsical land of Someplace Else, it models a problem-solving process that kids and parents will readily recognize.

Here are 4 ways parents and caregivers can support this vital effort to help kids build perseverance and resilience.

1. Help Children Name Their Goals
Goals are powerful, even for kids. They want to learn how to tie their shoes, shoot a basket, buckle their seatbelt, write their name, cut with scissors, walk the dog, learn a new game, make a new friend, name all the dinosaurs, build a tower, and find ways to be helpful, and become contributing members of their families and classrooms.

When children can name a small goal they want to accomplish, it can help them focus their attention, explore strategies, and persist when things go wrong. And it helps us, as caregivers, celebrate their successes. “You did it! You learned how to zip up your coat all by yourself!”

2. Help Children Work through Tough Emotions
Sometimes, learning and growing can be really frustrating. A little empathy can go a long way in helping kids find the strength to try, try again. Try a simple phrase like this: “You spent a long time building that tower and then it fell. That’s super frustrating!”

Calming big emotions is a vital step that comes before problem-solving. In the story “Royal Sandcastle Builders,” Donkey, King Friday, and Purple Panda sing about the different ways they practiced calming down after getting frustrated at trying to build a sandcastle. And then they are able to try again! When kids are in the middle of an emotional storm, it’s unrealistic to expect them to brainstorm solutions! But when the storm passes, we can be there to help them think about what to do next.

3. Praise Children’s Efforts & Be Specific
Generic praise—such as “Wow!” or “Good work!” or “Nice!”—is warm and supportive. But descriptive praise is even more powerful because it’s specific and helps kids make the connection between what they are doing and what they are learning.

This language shift can be pretty simple. Just describe what you notice. “Good work” can become “Good work figuring out how to share with your sister.” “Nice!” can become “Nice! I like all the different colors you used in this picture.”

When we offer specific observations, we show our kids that we are paying attention to them. We see their effort. And when it comes to building perseverance and resilience, effort matters more than the outcome.

4. Use Stories to Teach Them about “Yet.”
There’s a big difference, emotionally, between the phrase, “I can’t do it!” and “I can’t do it, yet.” The word “yet” is a bridge between present frustration and future possibility. Stories are a great tool for inspiring kids to persevere, especially when they hear and watch stories about characters who work through challenges. We can also tell children stories about themselves! My kids love hearing stories about how they turned a struggle into an achievement. It helps them feel proud and reminds them that they can do hard things.

Growing up is hard, amazing work. Kids deserve supportive adults by their side, offering encouragement and celebrating all the ways they are growing.

—By Deborah Farmer Kris
Deborah Farmer Kris is a writer, teacher, parent educator, and school administrator. She works on parenting projects for PBS KIDS for Parents and writes about education for MindShift, an NPR learning blog. Deborah has two kids who love to test every theory she’s ever had about child development! Mostly, she loves finding and sharing nuggets of practical wisdom that can help kids and families thrive — including her own. You can follow her on Twitter @dfkris.

This post originally appeared on PBS KIDS for Parents.

PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children learn life lessons, explore their feelings and discover new adventures, while seeing themselves uniquely reflected and celebrated in lovable, diverse characters through television, digital media, and community-based programs. 

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Fred Rogers Lives on in New PBS “Donkey Hodie” Series

by Karly Wood

Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures have a special new show! Say hello to Donkey Hodie, a brand new PBS KIDS puppet series that will encourage preschoolers to “aim high, embrace challenges and work hard to achieve their goals.”

The series will premiere on May 3, 2021 and follows Donkey Hodie, granddaughter of the original Donkey Hodie character (now known as Grampy Hodie) from Mister Rogers Neighborhood. The multi-platform show continues Rogers’ mission of helping kids navigate childhood and will have original new music along with reimagined versions of Rogers’ classics.

photo: Courtesy of PBS Kids

Donkey Hodie takes place in Someplace Else which was created by Rogers on Mister Rogers Neighborhood. Kids will follow Donkie Hodie, a bright yellow donkey with a magenta mane, on her adventures with her friends Purple Panda, Duck Duck and Bob Dog. Everyone’s dreams are possible in the land of Someplace Else!

Linda Simensky, Head of PBS KIDS Content shares “We’re thrilled to bring Donkey Hodie’s engaging, character-driven stories full of adventure, imagination and music to PBS KIDS. As kids laugh and sing along with Donkey Hodie and her friends, they will learn important life lessons about teamwork, empathy and resilience to help them see a world full of possibilities.”

Tune in starting May 3 on PBS Kids to meet Donkey Hodie and all her friends!

––Karly Wood

 

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Hop On Over & Meet the 2021 Cadbury Bunny!

by Erica Loop

There’s a new Cadbury bunny—and she doesn’t have fur or floppy ears. The iconic Easter-time treat-maker recently announced the winner of the 2021 Cadbury Bunny tryouts.

While the new “Bunny” does hop, she’s not a rabbit. This year’s distinguished winner is none other than Betty the Australian White’s Treefrog.

photo courtesy of PR Newswire/Cadbury

Betty the treefrog hales from Stuart, Florida. The 2021 under-one-year-old amphibian took the top spot out of more than 12,000 entries. Along with Betty, the other 10 Cadbury bunny finalists include a donkey, mini horse and a goat.

Trevor Jakubek, Senior Associate Brand Manager, Cadbury Brand team, said in a press release, “Thank you to all of our amazing finalists in the Cadbury Bunny Tryouts this year and congratulations to Betty the frog, our newest Cadbury Bunny! We are so excited to pass the coveted ears to her and know that she is going make a great addition to our Cadbury Bunny ‘hall of fame’.”

As the grand prize winner, Betty will get the honor of starring in the 2021 Cadbury Clucking Bunny commercial. She’ll also get a $5,000 cash prize—or at least, her humans will. Along with the prizes Cadbury will lavish on the treefrog, the company will also donate $15,000 to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

—Erica Loop

 

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Twin Essentials

by #MomLife

 

Natasha D'anna

Natasha D'Anna: Mom of 3, which includes twin girls and a son, wife, NYC Influencer, Award winning Children's book author & ABA Therapist, sharing stories about a bonded lifestyle.

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Having twins is double the blessing. It is something that I like to remember rather than being overwhelmed with the thought of having two babies at one time. Now that we’ve shifted those gears; let me share some of the top items that have helped twin parents make life a little easier; especially when doing it alone. Here are the lists of gear needed as well as books that can bring you from day to night.

I wish that I could say that there is a specific rule book when caring for twins, But there isn’t. Just as it goes when having your singleton baby; It is all in the matter of nurture and what fits you comfortably. Journaling was a great way to mentally answer my own questions as well as keep notes and track of our daily routine. Movement was always a great part of our day, and still is. Lastly, call on your fellow twin mamas who laugh at the days that are upside down.

1

What to Expect When You're Expecting Twins

The twin parenting book of what to expect when expecting twins

$9.99

I loved reading through this book. Its a quick navigator and gives you direct references.

BUY NOW

2

Bugaboo Donkey for 2

Your second set of wheels

$1889

I loved the position of this stroller. Its easy to access both babies and have them occupy each others attention when strolling.

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3

Twin 2 Go Carrier

Your second set of hands.

$189

It is such a lifesaver to be able to walk around with both babies as well as balance yourself to better posture and strength.

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4

Twin Z Pillow for Nursing

Comfortable Nursing like a pro to feed both babies at one time.

$9.99

I loved being able to have the extra height and arm support when nursing both babies at one time.

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5

Baby Connect (Babies Feeding Schedule App)

The app that helps you remember to feed both babies.

$4.99 BUY NOW

The App that helps you keep track your babies feedings without losing track of which baby ate last.

How Do I Talk to My Kids about the Election?

By Joann Suen & Sapna Satagopan

Photo: Via XyzaNews

If you’re anything like me, you’re both excited and anxious when your kids ask about the 2020 US presidential election. But if you think, “My kids are so young, they don’t even think about these things,” then I’ve got news for you—they actually do!

Back in 2016 (when we were able to chaperone field trips), I had an interesting and awkward encounter with my four-year-old son’s field-trip partner. I naively thought I’d be the cool parent making conversation about the tall buildings and nice street art that we’d pass, but that anticipated casual chat became a debate about the election.

My son’s partner turned to me with her sweet smile and pigtails, and said, “Who’re you going to vote for?” Of course, as any parent might do when he or she doesn’t have an answer, I deflected and asked her the same question: “Who would you vote for?” Needless to say, that was probably the longest fifteen-minute walk I ever took, but it made me realize that kids are listening when adults talk, or when the news is on, and yes, kids have a lot of opinions about news topics, like the election.

That’s one of the reasons why I (along with my business partner and fellow mom Sapna Satagopan) started Xyza: News for Kids. We wanted to create a news source that kids can relate to, engage in, and that parents can trust.

Recently, Sapna and I have been approached by lots of parents who want to know how they can talk about the election with their kids. There’s no one perfect formula—every child is unique, after all—but we’ve found that our RESET approach works well in relaying the news to young children.

What Is the RESET Approach?
We’re encouraging you to consider how adults consume news versus what makes sense to young children. For example, we might be interested in long-form feature articles, but children are more engaged in quick tidbits of information that they can relate to. As the election approaches, there may be a million questions that arise at your dinner table, so we’re sharing five effective ways (R.E.S.E.T.) to help spark thoughtful political conversations at home.

#1: Relatable (Can My Child Relate to the Election?)
News is easier to consume when you can relate to the topic, and being able to relate to the democratic election process is important because kids can’t vote. So, why would they be invested in something that they can’t actually participate in? Ask yourself, “How can I make the elections resonate with what’s happening in my child’s life right now?” Ask your child how his or her class makes decisions. Do they take a vote? Relate that back to how US elections work and highlight the differences—e.g., popular versus electoral votes.

#2: Exciting (What Are Some Exciting Stories about the Election?)
Talking about the candidates and sharing their resumes verbatim may not be exciting for a ten-year-old, but there are SO many stories that provide age-appropriate context to the US election. For example, ever wonder why the donkey is the symbol of the Democratic Party and the elephant is the symbol of the Republican Party? How about why Americans vote on a Tuesday? Your kids might also be interested in the fact that Kamala Harris is the first female vice-presidential candidate of South Asian and African descent. Who are some other politicians who broke the gender ceiling? And if your conversation leads to the question of who can vote, you could share that even American astronauts stationed on the ISS can vote!

#3: Sides (There Are Many Sides to Every Election)
If you have more than one child, the concept of taking sides is nothing new. “He’s wrong, because” … “No, she’s wrong, because” … Yeah, we can relate, but we’ve found that nothing sparks a family discussion like a healthy debate. More often than not, debates reveal a lot about how kids and adults think, so why not use them as a way of talking about the election? For example, did you know that elections are a national holiday in many countries? Should the United States follow suit? How about the debate around lowering the voting age—is sixteen too young or just the right age to vote?

#4: Engagement (Engagement = Interest in the Election)
If anything can make a news topic come to life, it’s a fun game. While kids might feel like adults always (*eye roll*) know the answers, it’s almost certainly not the case when it comes to current affairs and relating trivia. So, put it to the test and have a family trivia night about the election. Which president served more than two terms? Which president won all of the electoral votes? Who was the first female to ever be elected as the presidential nominee of a major party? The winner gets major bragging rights!

#5: Two-Way Street (Learning about the Election Is More Than Just Reading about It)
When it comes to the election, thinking about what happens close to home can be easier to understand than looking at what’s happening further afar. Of course, we’ll be electing a president in the 2020 election, but local politicians are also vying for votes. Take those door tags and flyers you get delivered, and ask for your child’s opinion on who will serve your community well and why. Or simply create a mock vote at home. And if there’s a nearby socially-distanced rally or community roundtable hosted by a local candidate, attend the event together and have your child prepare questions about topics that matter to them to ask the candidate.

By asking for their opinions and inviting them into a local news story, your child will feel more invested in what’s happening in the world.

This post originally appeared on Xyza: News for Kids Blog.
Joann Suen & Sapna Satagopan
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

We're two perfectly imperfect moms who have five very different kids between the two of us. We believe that topics in news are a fantastic way to spark conversations in families. That's why we started the Dinner Table Conversation series here at Xyza: News for Kids. Won't you join us in the conversation? 

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Ditch the Phones for a Digital Detox at Aruba Marriott Resort

by Maria Chambers

Gorgeous calm waters, predictable rain-free weather, constant refreshing breeze, and welcoming locals. . . it’s no wonder travelers tend to put Aruba on repeat once they visit this One Happy Island. Aruba Marriott Resort invites you to immerse yourself in all the island has to offer, and even rewards guests who are up for the challenge of unplugging. Take the plunge and hear how a trip to Aruba will make for One Happy Family.

The Basics

As great as family time can be, plenty of personal space is an absolute necessity. Aruba Marriott Resort has the largest rooms on the island, at 500-square-feet, with an additional 100-square-foot balcony that overlooks the mesmerizing blues of the Caribbean Sea.

The Digital Detox

Think you’re up for the challenge of a digital detox? Aruba Marriott Resort is sweetening the pie by rewarding guests who are willing to ditch their phones for the majority of their stay. Pony up your phone, which will be stored in a safe, and the resort will give you a disposable camera to capture memories old-school style, plus bonus Marriott Bonvoy points to redeem for a future stay.

On-Property Entertainment

Enhance your cultural travel experience by opting to visit Aruba during their month-long Carnival season and you’ll quickly see why they call themselves One Happy Island. You’ll experience a colorful celebration full of exciting dances, cheerful music and over-the-top costumery that celebrates the bright spirits of the local culture. If you can’t make it to the official Carnival, Aruba Marriot Resort has you covered with a mini Carnival at their beachside La Vista restaurant every Thursday night.

All the kids really care about is the size of the pool and whether or not there’s sand to bury a sibling, or maybe you. To answer both, the pool does not disappoint with a cascading waterfall, hot tub and swim-up bar with kiddie cocktails on command and the sand is prime for castle-making and moat-digging. As a parent, you’ll appreciate the calmness of the water that makes for a low-key ocean experience.

At a kiosk next to the resort, you can rent floats, paddleboards, kayaks and (we highly recommend for big laughs) schedule a 4- or 8-person tubing ride. You get to dictate the speed and excitement level to the driver via hand gestures and if you give your kids that control, just hang on for dear life!

photo: Donkey Sanctuary Aruba via Maria Chambers

Off-Property Play

At one time donkeys were an important mode of transportation on the island. But, as cars replaced donkey-powered transport, some 1,400 of these four-legged friends were left to roam aimlessly where they were often hit by the cars, fell prey to disease or were turned into lion food for visiting circuses. Donkey Sanctuary Aruba was created as a safe haven where each donkey was given a name, nourishment, a cozy place to take a snooze and an abundance of all-important love. Now, travelers can have playdates with the donkeys and, for a small fee, try a hand at feeding the sweeties.

photo: De Palms Snorkel Adventure via Maria Chambers

For a truly unforgettable experience, take the kids to swim with the fishes on a De Palms Snorkel Adventure tour via a 70-foot-long catamaran. You’ll explore three fish-filled snorkeling spots, including swimming above one of the largest sunken cargo ships in the world, the German’s SS Antilla. Your per-person fee includes lunch, drinks (including alcoholic beverages for adults), and snorkel gear. Pro tip: If your kid has their own snorkel gear, bring it. With so many people in the water all using the same gear, it’s helpful when your kid’s snorkel looks different to help track them in the water. 

Where to Dine

All this play will leave tummies grumbling, for sure. If you’re looking for on-property convenience, you’ll find a Ruth’s Chris Steak House with 5-star steak and seafood options, the beachside Atardi which specializes in seafood and stellar ocean and sunset views, La Vista makes friends with the pickiest of eaters with a wide array of buffet options all day, The Lobby is your answer for the inevitable island sushi crave, and Waves Beach Bar and Grill comes through with the casual pool-side lite bites and cocktails.

Oh, and for your morning fuel, mosey on down to the Starbucks for a caffeine fix or Gelato and Co. for an acai bowl or smoothie (and then cruise back by for a late-night gelato feast).

With so many options at the resort, you don’t technically need to ever leave. But, if you want to swap one beautiful scene for another, make a date with The West Deck. It’s set outdoors on a large wooden deck overlooking a white sandy beach, where fidgety kids can play bags and architect sand castles or be entertained watching planes and departing cruise ships with live music floating in the background.

photo: Linda’s Dutch Pancakes via Maria Chambers

Some would say it’s rude to not at least try Dutch cuisine while on a Dutch island, and it may as well be a pancake. Savory or sweet, let your taste buds guide you at Linda’s Dutch Pancakes, where you can plant your face in a 20-inch Dutch pancake. If you’re unfamiliar, Dutch pancakes are thinner than a pancake, and ingredients requiring cooking are cooked into the pancake.  Choose from preset combinations, like Strawberries & Whipped Cream or Brie, Walnuts & Honey, or imagine your own creation.

When to Go

The island has an average rainfall of under 20 inches a year and sits completely outside the hurricane belt. These truths, coupled with the fact the average daytime temp is a temperate 82 degrees, makes it an ideal tropical destination year-round.

Airport Information

Book your flight into the Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), which is about a 20-minute drive to the hotel. Give yourself a bit of extra time when you depart because you will go through both Aruba security and U.S. Customs, which saves you time when you land into the U.S.

photo: Maria Chambers

Good to Know

  • We’ll answer the #1 question every American asks when leaving the country. Yes, you can drink the water. It’s actually one of the safest waters to drink on any island.
  • US dollars and Aruba’s local currency (florin) are accepted across the islands.
  • The local language is called Papiamento, but English is widely used.
  • There’s a fully-stocked shop near the lobby where you can purchase essentials like sunscreen, and the selection is good, so no worries about packing your own.
  • There is a nice 24-hour workout facility with free weights and machines, for those that like to keep up their exercise routine on the road.
  • Fun fact: Aloe is Aruba’s largest export, so give an aloe-infused cocktail a whirl in The Lobby Bar.

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
L.G. Smith Blvd. #101, Palm Beach, Aruba
Online: marriott.com

— Maria Chambers

Photos provided by Aruba Marriot Resort, unless otherwise noted.

This trip was paid for by Aruba Marriott Resort and all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.

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