Summer Fun

I always assumed that children watch less television in the summer. I imagined that kids would be swimming, reading, playing outside and pestering their siblings all day, but apparently that’s not the case. Without school and afterschool sports, kids actually end up watching more television to fill the time, rather than less.

The problem is that parents and kids alike often feel at a loss when it comes to finding alternatives to television and video games in the summer.

I know what that’s like and I have a great book that can help (and it isn’t my book, although I naturally recommend it as well). The book I’m talking about is full of creative ideas and games for kids. It’s called “Unplugged Play: No Batteries. No Plugs. Pure Fun” by Bobbi Connor. Connor is a radio host of a program called The Parent’s Journal. She interviewed me about my book and she really understands how important it is to get kids unplugged more.

For my family, it’s been a pretty good summer so far with plenty of time outside, since the sun has finally come out in Oregon. My son talked me into taking a number of unorthodox hikes to various waterfalls where few others have been before us. In fact, one of our destinations was so difficult to reach we were not surprised that one couple who tried it had to be rescued by helicopter.

To find out more about my son’s (less challenging) recommended hikes you will soon be able to check out his website. I’ll keep you posted.

Happy Hiking!

Ellen

Creativity at its best

One of the best parts about having a website and a blog is hearing from other people with great ideas. That's how I found out about this fabulous design.

For all the parents who are tired of logo-laden apparel, this provides a great alternative. The message is powerful. It's non-corporate advertising at its best. I want to see these T-shirts on everyone. I want to have a baby just so I can buy her (or him) this shirt in the smallest size it comes in. Considering the fact that I am past the fertile stage of my life, this should prove how much I like these shirts. I guess I will have to settle for getting invited to a baby shower and giving the shirt to the expectant mother. Well I suppose I can also buy a bunch of them to offer at my workshops.

I don't know the people who run this site yet, but I'm sure they must be wonderful people to have come up with this great idea. I hope you like it, too.

Enjoy the nice weather, if it is actually nice where you are. Climb a tree, play outside. Show your children that the world outdoors can be one big play station. And you don't have to buy these shirts to do that. But you might want to anyway!

Happy Parenting!

Ellen

Lots of Laughs

Now that TV-Turnoff Week is over, I thought it would be a good time to acknowledge the people out there who have a great sense of humor about it. Check out the comic strip, Stone Soup, whose creator lives in Eugene, Oregon. See the April 21-26 strips.

The good news is that most people who participate in TV-Turnoff Week end up watching less television even months later. So maybe the kids in Stone Soup will be playing outside more this summer, too. I know I'll be following the strip to find out, because reading the comics is still one of my favorite television substitutes. And kids love it, too!

Happy May!

Ellen