Monday Mar. 8 is International Women’s Day and there is plenty to celebrate. In honor of the big day, Mattel has announced the newest doll to join the Inspiring Women series and it’s none other than First Lady of the United States, UN Spokesperson and human rights activist, Eleanor Roosevelt.

The Barbie Inspiring Women Series is all about showcasing historical and present-day role models who’ve made it possible for girls of today to reach their dreams. Roosevelt was known as the “First Lady of the World” for her efforts and dedication surrounding humanitarian efforts and was a champion on the topics of civil and economic rights.

The Eleanor Roosevelt doll joins those launched over the past year: Dr. Maya Angelou, Billie Jean King, Ella Fitzgerald, Florence Nightingale, Susan B. Anthony, Amelia Earhart, Katherine Johnson, Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks and Sally Ride. The Inspiring Women doll can now be purchased at retailers ($29.99) nationwide beginning today, Mar. 3.

As if that wasn’t exciting enough, Mattel has also launched the “You Can Be Anything Virtual Series” which connects fans of Barbie with role models. The series starts Sat. Mar. 6 at 10:00 a.m. PST and will stream on Barbie’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

The series will consist of inspiring, interactive, and educational 15-30 minute live streams with female leaders and influencers such as Yara Shahidi and Adwoa Aboah, with new content airing weekly on Saturdays. The themes include:

      • Saturday, March 6th: Your Voice
      • Saturday, March 13th: Music & Dance
      • Saturday, March 20th: STEAM
      • Saturday, March 27th: Sports & Wellness

––Karly Wood

photos: Mattel

 

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Remember Your Why

Whether currently, or at one time or another in our lives, I think most of us have experienced the feeling of not having control in a situation, or not knowing what to do, or what is the best decision to make. Perhaps you’ve felt helpless, emotionally overwhelmed, or as if you just couldn’t stand one more thing occurring. Being the mom of a child with profound special needs definitely generates those feelings in me on a frequent basis.

In my opinion, life is about learning to cherish every moment granted to us, especially the sorrowful or ordinary ones because each moment that passes us by holds eternal weight. I’ve identified three ways to encourage myself to retrain my daily focus—to learn, appreciate and soak up how each moment, happy or difficult adds value to the overall story of my life.

Seize the Day
How often do we tell ourselves that we will call our friend later, start eating healthy, focusing on self-care or we’ll start working on accomplishing that life-long dream when the timing is right—then never actually do it? It seems that we are always putting things off because we tell ourselves that we don’t have time right now. If the COVID quarantine has taught us anything it’s that ‘timing’ isn’t the issue. What we may be lacking is the motivation or confidence to live for today and identify the value in the little things.

Regardless of the challenges each day may bring, and with special needs children those can be unique and plentiful, remember your ‘Why.’ Each day presents an opportunity, whether it’s large or small to push ourselves to grow and learn and appreciate the now. That is my ‘why.’  By seizing the most out of each day, I’m modeling for my kids the importance of never settling and to keep seeking ways to turn lemons into lemonade.

Especially on days when I’ve lost my patience because my son has thrown his food to the floor and his hitting was at an all-time high, all while I was extremely sleep deprived, I recognize that how I handled those tough moments doesn’t define me or my entire day—but rather refines me and how I will handle adversity in the future. I instead choose to be grateful for the sweet family moments, random acts of kindness, laughter and the chance to experience it all again tomorrow.

Attitude Is Everything
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact a positive attitude has on one’s life.  I truly believe a person’s attitude is more important than money, than failures or successes, and certainly more important than outward appearances and social-media profiles.

We have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change how others act, the things they say (or post), or the inevitable outcome of many situations. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. We are in charge of our attitude!

I also hold onto a strong belief that everything happens for a reason. I wake up each day with the intention of smiling and laughing more while not wasting energy on gossip, negative thoughts, or things beyond my control. The benefit of maintaining a positive attitude (and constant resetting throughout the day if needed) is that when situations go awry it’s so much more productive to laugh and develop an alternative solution rather than being stressed and angry.

Stop & Appreciate the Beauty in & around You
It is so easy to become hypnotized by a daily routine and feel that everyday actions such as driving to work or coordinating therapy sessions are mundane and monotonous thus causing fatigue and burnout. I would wager that we don’t get burned out because of what we do. We get burned out because we forget why we do it.

We must remind ourselves that we are surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation and we ourselves are a part of that. Choose to focus on what you “get to” do versus what you “have to” do. Life is a gift, not an obligation.

“Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it’s at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.” ― Earl Nightingale

I'm the mom to an 18 year old son with severe autism, a neurotypical teen daughter & have an incredibly supportive husband! I authored a memoir - Welcome to My Life: A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism & host the podcast Living the Sky Life. Visit my website www.LaurieHellmann.com to learn more about me!

Mattel has announced the latest historical icon to be honored in Barbie’s Inspiring Women Series. This year, ahead of Black History Month, Barbie is continuing to inspire girls to dream big by honoring writer, author, activist and teacher, Dr. Maya Angelou, who used her voice and unique writing style to connect with people and inspire generations of Americans. 

Dr. Maya Angelou had a multi-hyphenated career and numerous awards and accolades, including over 50 honorary doctorates and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. She was nominated for a National Book Award in 1970, her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings continues to move readers around the world today.

The Maya Angelou doll wears a head wrap and floor-length dress with floral print. She also holds a miniature replica of her prolific autobiography so girls can be inspired by her stories through play.

In 2018, Barbie debuted the Inspiring Women Series, a doll line dedicated to honoring historical and present-day role models who paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever before. The series has paid tribute to a diverse lineup of women including Amelia Earhart, Katherine Johnson, Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Sally Ride, Billie Jean King, Ella Fitzgerald, Florence Nightingale and Susan B. Anthony.

As part of Barbie’s 2020 commitment to the Black community, the brand pledged to spotlight more Black role models and, moving forward, more than 50% of global role models featured will be Black, Indigenous and Women of Color. Barbie knows that kids’ early childhood experiences shape what they imagine to be possible, so it’s important that all girls not only see themselves reflected in product and content, but also see inspiring role models who have come before them.

The Maya Angelou doll is available beginning today and retails for $29.99. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Mattel

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Barbie sparks the unlimited potential of every child that plays with the iconic dolls. There isn’t anything Barbie can’t do. Barbie’s Inspiring Women series is getting three new additions with some of the most inspirational women of all time, Billie Jean King, Ella Fitzgerald and Florence Nightingale.

Billie Jean King Barbie
Photographer Paul Jordan / Stylist Jennifer Hoon

The Inspiring Women series debuted in 2018 on International Women’s Day featuring Barbie dolls based on artist Frida Kahlo, aviator Amelia Earhart and NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson. This line is dedicated to honoring modern and historical role models who paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever before. Last year, Barbie inspired a new generation of girls with the release of two new dolls,  Rosa Parks and Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. 

Florence Nightengale Barbie
Photographer Jason Tidwell
Stylist Jennifer Hoon

The new dolls are part of Mattel’s mission to close the Dream Gap, a multi-year global initiative to raise awareness around limiting factors that prevent girls from reaching their full potential, by showing girls more role models (historical & present) and telling their stories.

Each doll features authentic clothing and unique accessories, plus educational information about the honoree’s contributions to society, so girls can be inspired by their stories through play.

Ella Fitzgerald Barbie
Photographer Jason Tidwell
Stylist Jennifer Hoon

 

The dolls are available at Target, Walmart, Amazon and at Barbie. They retail for $29.99.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Mattel

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The pen may be mightier than the sword but don’t underestimate the power of the crayon. Environmental awareness, art education, and social change are just three major lessons you can teach youngsters by helping them start collection drives for their second-hand Crayolas and then getting them into the hands of those in need.

To celebrate National Crayon Day, check out these three non-profits that will have you and your mini Good Samaritans thinking beyond the coloring book.

photo: Ryan via flickr

Crazy Crayons
Mail in your broken, unloved violets, carnation pinks, and burnt siennas here (P.O. Box 683, Lake City, CO 81235) and they will be re-crafted into adorable coloring stars, sticks, worms and more. All proceeds benefit the Crayon Recycle Program, which has been spreading the gospel of the Three R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) since 1993. To date, the grassroots educational organization has kept over 105,000 pounds of wax sludge (yuck!) out of landfills with help from earth-minded kiddos, educators and community leaders all over the country.

Insider tip: Sorting is fun but not necessary. Just keep the wrappers on, please!

Online: crazycrayons.com

photo: Bryan Ware

The Crayon Initiative
Daddy, where do all the restaurant crayons go? That head-scratcher combined with a passion for creative expression and art therapy led founder Bryan Ware to start The Crayon Initiative. The non-profit remanufactures rescued crayons then donates them to children’s hospitals. If you’ve got a little Florence Nightingale in your midst, it couldn’t be easier for them to help young patients find relief through drawing. They’ll even mail you a box if you need one.  

Insider tip: Get your favorite family-friendly eateries on board by leaving one of these cards behind after the meal.

Online: thecrayoninitiative.org

 

Crayon Collection
Calling all future philanthropists. In addition to other major partnerships like Denny’s Restaurants, this do-gooder organization joined forces with the National Head Start Association, which provides health and education services to the country’s most vulnerable children. Founder Sheila Morovati was shocked by the math: teachers in underfunded public schools spend upwards of $750 of their own money to provide students with basic school supplies while millions of perfectly good crayons are trashed daily. With a grown-up’s assistance, kiddos can choose a nearby school then coordinate a crayon drop-off, so they can see for themselves where their gently used crayons are going.  Bonus: besides a whole bunch of warm fuzzy feelings, they’ll start to notice and appreciate the things they take for granted.

Insider tip: Don’t overlook the excellent educational and art project curriculum created with the organization’s artist and educator partners here.

Online: crayoncollection.org

How do you recycle your crayons? Share your tip in the comments below!

— Andrea Arria-Devoe

 

It’s hard to believe, but the Brooklyn Book Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the event is introducing a special day just for kids! September 19 will be jam-packed with events for bookworms of all ages, featuring many of the authors and illustrators of your kids’ favorite books. But it’s not just about readings and meetings, the day (and week) will include workshops, performances, a singalong and more. Read on to learn more and see Children’s Day can’t-miss events!

photo: Brooklyn Book Festival

The BK Book Fest Basics
The Brooklyn Book Festival Children’s Day takes place on Saturday September 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with events held at downtown Brooklyn’s MetroTech Commons and NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering. (The adult stuff happens the next day on Sunday, the 20th.) The Fest features kids’ authors and illustrators of books for the tiniest of readers as well as the YA set. In addition to kids seeing and meeting their fave wordsmiths and artists in person, tons of kids’ booksellers will be on hand to help you freshen up the contents of your child’s bookshelf! All events unless otherwise noted are free and open to the public!

photo: Brooklyn Book Festival

Picture Books in Person!
The Picture Book Stage at MetroTech Commons will feature authors and illustrators reading from their work all day long, from 10:30 to 3:30. Check out Drew Daywalk of the boffo hit, The Day the Crayons Quit at 11 a.m.; Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri of Robo-Sauce at 2 p.m., and Edwidge Danticat with her Mama’s Nightingale at 3 p.m. See the full list of readings here.

photo: Brooklyn Book Festival

Illustrator Smackdown!
See popular children’s book illustrators go head to head in the live drawing competition “Illustrators in Action” at 3 p.m. at the NYU Auditorium at 5 MetroTech Commons. Participants include Kevin Sherry (Monsters on the Run), Diana Wege (A Day with Bone Fish Joe) and Frank Morrison (Little Melba and Her big Trombone).

Workshops with Worms and More
Workshops will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the 4th floor of 5 MetroTech Center. At 11 a.m., kids ages 6 and up can turn a bookmark into a simple pop-up book with Esther K Smith, author of Making Books With Kids. Fans of Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals will want to hit a musical storytime event with Aardvarks creator and Music Class Today author David Weinstone at 1 p.m.

Do You Dig Worms?! author Kevin McCloskey will read, draw and hold a worm race to celebrate the creatures at 2 p.m. If you think your kids could use some financial literacy, too, head to Lemonade Sold Out with Candi Sparks at 2:30 p.m.

photo: Brooklyn Book Festival

For the YA Crowd
Kids of the smart and sensitive kind will probably enjoy events at the Young Readers Stage, also in the MetroTech Commons. “Where We Belong” will feature author of the best-selling Wonder R.J. Palacio and others discussing fitting in, standing out and the many places in between at 11 a.m.

At noon, chapter book authors including Jon Scieszka (Frank Einstein), Abby Hanlon (Dory Fantasmagory) and Lenore Look (Alvin Ho and Ruby Lu) will talk about creating  and naming their beloved characters.

If you’ve got a fan of best-selling books such as Olympians by George O’Connor, Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi, or Lauren Tarshis’ I Survived, head to “Greek Gods, Other Worlds and Natural Disasters” at 2 p.m., when these writers will discuss creating exciting worlds on the page and fans can pose their most pressing questions.

photo: Brooklyn Book Festival

Bonus Bookend Events for Kids!
Rather than just take over the weekend, the Brooklyn Book Festival is partying all week long with events all around the city, and kids can get in on the action, too.

On September 19 at 1:30 p.m. Lost in NYC: A Subway Adventure author Nadja Spiegelman will host an event of the same name at the nearby New York Transit Museum. The presentation will include subway trivia, an art project and a live book reading. (Free with cost of admission; $7/adults, $5 kids ages 2-17.)

Joining celebrations and events staged around the world in honor of the 150th Anniversary of Alice in Wonderland, the Lewis Carroll Society of North America will present an interpretive reading by costumed actors of The Mad Tea Party. You can check it out on Saturday at the Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza at 11 a.m. for free, or the Brooklyn Expo Center at 79 Franklin St. at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. for $10.

Brooklyn Book Festival Children’s Day
September 19
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Online: brooklynbookfestival.org

What book is your kid crazy for? Tell us in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor