"Ask the Teacher": My Latest Appearance on The Social

I was back at The Social today answering questions from viewers and hosts about hot topics like cell phones in classrooms, parent/teacher relationships, bullying, pulling kids out of school for vacation...and more!

The video can be found here: http://www.thesocial.ca/Real-Life/Family/The-inside-scoop-on-life-in-the-classroom

Thanks to Le Chateau for providing my gorgeous dress, shoes and bracelet (it's high praise when Melissa Grelo calls you "Glamour Girl"!), and my sister-in-law Rose for once again keeping my hair game strong. Also special thanks to my friend Janal for keeping me company and helping me prep en route!

From the guest coordinator to makeup artist to segment producer (Kate McKenna, shown with me below) to all of the hosts, everyone made it a wonderful experience for me...yet again! Can't wait to go back!

Tweens and Goal Setting

Today I am pleased to introduce my special guest blogger, Renae Quinton from Crystal Clear Goal Setting, sharing her thoughts on how tweens benefit from setting goals.

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Tweens have dreams, big dreams. They are not afraid to dream the impossible. There is no impossible in the minds of the youth. As a parent your challenge is providing the tools and skills necessary for your tween to advocate for themselves turning those dreams into realities. A systematic goal setting approach supports the “anything is possible” mindset as they grow older and are faced with constant distractions. 

As tweens prepare for their high school years, this is their chance to learn how to take charge of their future with the choices they make, and where they focus their efforts.  

1) Predicting the Future:

Tweens are just getting started to think and act for themselves. They are flooded with choice, whether it be personal activities or course selection.  It can all be a bit overwhelming. Setting goals allows tweens to clearly define what it is that really matters, leading them to identify their unique goals. In tween terms, think of this as choosing the desired prize.

2) Self-Identified Focus:

With so many distractions, such as the array of choices available or the digital invasion of emails and pings vying for attention, tweens who are less adept at tuning out the noise and clutter caused by all the distractions must navigate their way to their goal without getting lost. Goal setting helps your tween remain clear about his/her target goal and focused on decisions.  For example, if you tween’s goal is to make the school golf team and that goal is important, his/her focus will prevail as he/she identifies for himself/herself that he/she is not going to take swimming, gymnastics and soccer but instead is going to focus on golf drills in order to make that goal of being on the school golf team a reality.

3) Success is a Path:

In order for goal setting to have value for your tween it has be to a regular activity. Successful goal setting requires routine, perseverance, commitment and a support network.  Routine goal setting will reward your tween with skills such as commitment and perseverance.  There are many celebrities who had their goals and kept to them when others told them it could not be done: after 12 publisher rejections, JK Rowling, famous author of Harry Potter, reached her goal of getting published. After being cut from the high school basketball team, Michael Jordan renewed his commitment and focus to his goal of being a basketball star.

Goal setting provides tweens with the life skills; perseverance, focus and commitment necessary to turn their dreams into their reality. 

Renae Quinton is the author of the Crystal Clear Goal setting workbook, being used in schools across the Caribbean, and the newly launched Crystal Clear app. You can also find Crystal Clear on Twitter and Facebook.

The Meaning of Flower Colours

I receive a *lot* of media releases in my inbox: most that are not relevant to This Mom Loves and my readers, many that don't pique my interest, and some that are great but I just don't have time to pursue.

This week when I received this information about the meaning of flower colours (just in time for Valentine's Day), I thought it was too cute not to share (the photos are gorgeous!) - plus I'm happy to support Flowers Canada (Ontario).

Take a peek, and see what your favourite colour means!

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Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to show your lover, family or friend just how special they are. Flowers have a long history of being the ideal gift whether you are celebrating 30 years of marriage, have just started to date someone or want to show your friend you appreciate them.

“The beauty of flowers as a Valentine’s Day gift is that they can easily be personalized depending on how you want to make someone feel” said Dejan Kristan, Marketing Director at Flowers Canada (Ontario). “You want to send out the right message to your Valentine, whether it is ‘I love you’, ‘I care for you’, or simply—‘you are a great friend’”.

Dejan offers insight into the meaning of flower colours:

Red: Undoubtedly the colour of passion. Giving out a red flower arrangement will communicate your strong and powerful love. With a colour the same as the heart, red means seduction, desire and passion. Try red roses, red gerbera daisies, or red tulips.

Pink: A colour of innocence and sensitivity, but also very romantic. Although red flowers mean love and passion, pink flowers can show your gentle, yet deep love for someone. Pink flowers can also indicate appreciation, joy and happiness. Try pink ranunculus, calla lilies, or potted azaleas.

Yellow: The colour of harmony, trust and kindness— a great middle ground between friendship and love. Yellow flowers have grown increasingly popular in the work place and at social and family gatherings. These convey meanings of sympathy, thoughtfulness and friend-like love. Try daffodils, yellow tulips, chrysanthemums, or potted begonias.

Orange: Symbolic for growth, enthusiasm and warmth—orange is the colour of friendship and community. Orange flowers send feelings of happiness and joy, with a hint of adventure and spontaneity.  Just like a beautiful sunset, these flowers can also convey a message of fiery passion and intense desire. Try orange parrot tulips, gerberas, or Asiatic lilies.

Green: This colour will send wishes of good fortune and harmony. Green is the colour of health, youth and prosperity. By giving this flower, you are telling your friend or loved one that you’d like your relationship to grow and continue to do well. Try an arrangement with lots of green ball chrysanthemums, or give a lucky houseplant such as jade or pachira.

Purple: A royal colour which often means fascination and respect. Purple flowers show a very romantic gesture as they carry with them feelings of elegance and charm. These can express feelings of love at first sight and say ‘I admire and adore you’. Try purple iris, campanula, or an elegant potted orchid.

Blue: Blue means serenity, intimacy and deep trust. Blue flowers are often used by long-term couples to communicate their never-ending love, trust and loyalty in a relationship. Try soft blue hydrangeas, or a bouquet of delphinium and muscari.

White: The colour of purity, innocence, sympathy and humility. This flower will show your friend or loved one that you are thinking about them. While it does convey messages of purity and innocence, this colour also means new beginnings. If given to a long-term partner, they show you want to move forward and think about marriage. Try white daisies, roses or gardenias.

“Flowers are known for having their own language” added Dejan. “It is important to keep these meanings in mind so that your flowers communicate exactly what you intend. One bouquet will tell a passionate love story, while the other will be the tale of a never-ending friendship.”

For more information, please visit www.pickontario.ca. Follow @pickOntario on Twitter and Instagram, and like them on Facebook.

About PickOntario

Pick Ontario is a comprehensive marketing communications campaign developed by Flowers Canada (Ontario) Ltd. to raise awareness, interest and demand for Ontario-grown cut flowers and potted plants. Launched at the Grocery Innovations Tradeshow in October 2007, the fully integrated strategy includes PR, media relations and outdoor advertising initiatives intended to promote the reasons why consumers and retailers should Pick Ontario. When you Pick Ontario, you are supporting the more than 200 greenhouse farmers who employ over 7,000 people in our province. The growers in Ontario work hard to produce quality flowers and are always looking for latest trends in technology and growing techniques. This is all done to produce the best flowers possible!

Children’s Book Recommendations for the 21st Century Family

I am thrilled to welcome today's special guest blogger, Vanessa Heron from Like Mother Like Daughter - who's also one of my most loyal supporters!

As a mom and primary teacher, I loved Vanessa's idea the moment I read it - and I'm sure you will too!

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It’s 8:00 p.m. and bedtime routine is in full swing. My daughter brings over her chosen bedtime stories and my husband and I look at each other, knowing exactly what we are about to read for the eleventy-fifth time: her favourite princess books followed by her favourite book about a little boy playing hockey. Same storylines. Same characters. Every night.       

                 

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with predictability, my family thrives on it in many ways. There is also nothing wrong with my daughter having favourite stories; the fact that my daughter loves reading makes this mama swell with pride. But sometimes…every once in a while…it would be nice to break out of the monotony of defenseless princesses saved by heroic princes; little boys playing sports exclusively with other little boys; and stereotypical nuclear families having perfect, predictable days. These stories are classic and deserve a place on our shelves, but what about adding some variety to the mix? What about adding some stories that have modern heroes, non-traditional storylines, and diverse characters that represent the modern 21^st century child and their families?

I am here to share a selection of books that do just that. These books add a little bit of seasoning to traditional children’s picture books.

Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall

This is the story of a crayon whose label reads Red. The problem is that Red cannot actually colour red no matter how hard he tries. Why? Because he’s actually Blue! A great story about ripping off labels and being true to yourself.

Not All Princesses Dress in Pink by Jane Yolen & Heidi E. Y. Stemple

Princesses may wear sparkly crowns, but their interests go far beyond sparkle and shine. They play with soccer balls, wield power tools, plant in the soil, and fight sorcerers. A refreshing take on what it really means to be a ‘princess’.

The Boy with Pink Hair by Perez Hilton

The Boy with Pink Hair stands out from other kids. His pink hair makes him different, and because of this he gets called names and teased by the other children. This is an important story about the power of believing in yourself and finding your own special gifts.

The Princess Knight by Cornelia Funk

A daughter teaches her royal father about the inner and outer strength and bravery that exist in a petite princess. A wonderful lesson about not underestimating or stereotyping.

The Only Boy in Ballet Class by Denise Gruska

Tucker loves to dance, and he is very good at it. Unfortunately, Tucker’s passion for ballet causes him to be misunderstood by both family and peers at school, until a chance meeting with some boys on the football team gives Tucker an opportunity to let his ballet skills shine in a whole new light. This is an engaging story about opening up your mind to non-traditional gender roles.

The Family Book by Todd Parr

There are many different types of families in the world. Some are small, some are big; some eat the same things, some eat different things. This adorable book highlights all different types of families and the love that exists no matter what kind of family you belong to.

This is a very small sampling of some of the fantastic books that break the mold of typical children’s literature, celebrate the unique differences in every child, and shine a light on the diversity of the 21^st century family.  The next time you find yourself at your local bookstore or public library, I encourage you to think outside of the pink and blue box and take a chance on one of these great stories!

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Thank you so much, Vanessa! For more from Vanessa, visit Like Mother Like Daughter and find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Tell her I sent you!

Get Into the Valentine's Day Spirit - and Win a Prize!

Sure, some may see Valentine's Day as a commercial holiday, and no, I don't need a special date on the calendar to show my sweetheart how I feel about him...but it's still fun to get festive when a holiday arrives - especially as a parent and teacher of young kids!

Here are a few little touches that get me into the spirit...keep reading to find out how you can win one of them!

Hang a Wreath

I keep a hook on the mudroom door year-round and switch it up with a wreath for every occasion!

Embrace Pinterest

Of course the final results might not (or if you're anything like me, will not) look like the Pinterest-perfect photos you see online, but it can be fun to try! Here you see the a couple of my Valentine's Day-themed Pinterest attempts: XO frames and candy-hearts frame.

Throw a Cushion

This "Happy Pillow" (Hallmark, $34.95) has embroidered and applique front detail and pom-pom attachments and reads, "Let's get happy up in here".

[Giveaway has ended. Plus, guess what? I'm giving away one of these adorable pillows in a flash contest on social media right now (Canada only)! All you have to do to enter is retweet my tweet about the cushion on Twitter, like/comment on my post on Facebook, or like/comment on my Instagram post. You have 5 possible entries, and giveaway ends Thursday, February 4th at midnight Eastern. (I told you, it's a flash contest!)]

Bring it Into the Kitchen 

A few festive details make working in the kitchen even more enjoyable! (Ha ha - just kidding!) Plus, this time of year it's convenient that red is already my kitchen accent colour.

Give a Sick Kids Get Better Gift

What better way to warm someone's heart than to purchase a special if in their name? Ideas, at a range of prices, include a Memory Box, Valentine's Day Craft Supplies or Pet Therapy for a young patient, or a Heart Saturation Monitor - how appropriate! Check out Sick Kids' Valentine's Day Gifts page for more information.

Highlight some Blasts from the Past

As I do for most holidays, I pull out framed pics of my girls (here on their first Valentine's Days) to make a nice greeting at the front door.

Bring Out the Kids' Books

I keep holiday-themed books in the appropriate bins to pull out when the season arrives, and they're like brand-new stories to the girls every year.

Cuddle Up

The Count on Me Bear Techno Plush with Sound ($17.95 with purchase of 3 Hallmark cards, regularly $32.95) was a hit when it arrived at our house...the girls argued over who got to keep this sweet item! Press the button to hear a version of "Count on Me" by Bruno Mars (there's also a coordinating book, sold separately).

Happy Valentine's Day!

Disclosure: I was provided with the above-named two Hallmark items for review purposes. Opinions are, as always, my own.

The Value of YOU - Trista Sutter's Powerful Ted Talk

As you likely already know, TED talks (short for Technology, Entertainment and Design) are short, powerful speeches presented on a variety of topics by speakers who range from high-profile to under-the-radar.

I recently learned of a talk given at TEDxVail by Trista Sutter called "The Value of YOU". While many know Trista as the first Bachelorette, more recently she fell into the trap of describing herself as "just a mom", which is part of what inspired her speech.

In an email, Trista says that this talk is for "anyone who has ever felt judged, either by personal friends/family, strangers on the Internet or otherwise, and worst of them, by their own personal demons.  Many stay at home moms are relating as well as anyone feeling alone and insecure. After being asked to be part of the Naturally Grateful section of TedxVail a year ago, it took me awhile to decide what to speak about, but ultimately, I thought about the kind of message I would want to give to my kids.  Thankfully, they haven’t experienced much judgment in their lives, but I hope that if they ever do, that they understand that they are unique, valued, and loved…and that’s what I want for everyone who hears it, whether they are insecure, bullied, or just need a little reminder to never devalue themselves, no matter their title or lack thereof."

I found her words very powerful, especially when you see and hear a real live person recounting the cruel things that have been said about her on the Internet. It really makes you stop and think.

Take a peek, and if you can't see the embedded video you can also find it here.

Kate's Favourite Things - February 2016

It's a short and sweet list this month, and I'm including only the items that I would recommend. (Believe me, there are some that didn't make the cut!)

MOVIES

(I'm trying to work my way through the Oscar nominees!)

Joy

Jennifer Lawrence was brilliant but to me (and my three companions) the movie - a true story - would have been more inspirational (and therefore less depressing) if the success part was more than an afterthought in the film. Also we wish Bradley Cooper had a bigger role.

Brooklyn

Something in my genes leads me to be fascinated by the Irish immigrant story, and I love Saiorse Ronan as an actress. I'd love to know what others think of the "love story" of the film...it led to a lot of post-movie discussion, but my conclusion is that it's refreshing to see Hollywood share a love story that's not so Hollywood-perfect.

Room

Disturbing, moving and yet very beautiful (it's the story of a young woman who gives birth to and raises a child while held in captivity by her kidnapper) - and I was impressed that it did justice to Emma Donoghue's book. I don't often feel that way about movies based on books. (Read the book first though, if you can.)

BOOKS

Sweet Misfortune by Kevin Alan Milne

This was a cute, light story. It reminded my of Irish chick lit, which always seems to involve a woman running a bakery, and has an interesting twist near the end that I sort of saw coming, but not exactly.

My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout

This bestselling book is built around a mother's extended visit with her adult daughter who is in the hospital, but travels back and forth in time exploring the intricacies of family relationships. It's a quick read, but that's certainly not to be confused with a light read. There's a lot to process and think about.

ACCESSORIES

I just had to show my new watch, picked up as part of a 3 for $10 deal at Ardene. As I said when I shared this pic on social media, I'm all about the high/low shopping.

Have a fantastic February!

Creative Ways To Volunteer at Your Child's School

This week on CHEX Daily host Teresa Kaszuba and I chatted about ways parents can volunteer at school, even if they work (or are home with younger kids, or otherwise unavailable) during the school day.




Teresa and spoke about using your skill set (she said she's been known to emcee a school event or two) or interests to get involved, and some ideas we didn't mention on-air also include tuning instruments, working in the library, or presenting to students about your career. There are so many ways to get involved, even outside the regular school day.

Just a reminder though: of course not all parents are going to have the time or ability to formally volunteer (whether during or after school), and there is no judgment on the part of teachers.

We get it, and unless you are completely and permanently inaccessible by phone, agenda or email to discuss your child's education (no one is THAT busy), there's absolutely no judgment from me.