December 31, 2016

Quote of the Week

"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us." -- Hal Borland

New Year's Resolutions And Kids

"FORGET GOALS, LET'S REFLECT

Here’s a different take on New Year’s resolutions with your kids. Instead of asking them to set goals and promises for the coming months, help them do a little reflecting about who they are and who they want to be. Don’t make the conversation too lofty or idealistic, and try to avoid sermonizing. Just set the scene for a reflective dialogue that helps your kids think about themselves and their relationships and activities. Over the next several days, watch for times you can have your children ask themselves questions like these..." [full article]

Reading Corner

Title: The Stars Will Still Shine
By: Cynthia Rylant
Ages: 3-8

Why? "As a new year begins, this luminous picture book looks forward to the blessings the year will bring and celebrates the continuity of good things in life. Rylant's poem begins and ends with the verse "the sky will still be there / the stars will still shine / birds will fly over us / church bells will chime." In between, the short verses rejoice in everyday miracles, from blooming flowers and sleeping kittens to peaches, ice cream, and cozy homes, a litany of comforting images expressed with simplicity and grace." -- Carolyn Phelan

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Title: Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration
By: Meera Lee Patel
Ages: Teen - Adult

Why? "I ordered 2 of these journals for both of my nieces, ages 17 and 14. When I was growing up, I loved journals like this one. I think it's important that teenagers explore their hopes and dreams and innermost thoughts, and it's even better if they put it on paper. Now that I'm 30, I have so many journals like this one to look back on. I cringe at some of the comments I wrote in those things, but I also smile and become teary-eyed at others. It's fascinating to look back at some of my dreams and to realize I've accomplished them and to marvel at the unique path my life has taken. I wanted to give both of my nieces a similar experience."

Be the Change

Reflect on the past year together with your children, and take time to express gratitude for what 2016 brought to your lives. Then take some time thinking about what seeds you'd like to plant as a family in 2017 to create ripples of goodness. 

Need some ideas on how to get started? Here's an inspiring list of questions to reflect on together as a family as you think about the past year -- some questions are for grown-ups and many are for the whole family.  As you think about the coming year, you can read about one family's experience of making family kindness resolutions together!