Monthly Archives: August 2012

Boulder Family Events: August 31 to September 6, 2012

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Boulder Family Events: August 31 to September 6, 2012

Special Events This Week: Blue Moon Night Walk, Pearl Street Stampede, Free Day at the Denver Art Museum, Boulder Hometown Fair, Free Day at Boulder History Museum, Free Day at Denver Children’s Museum

Friday, August 31

  • Children’s Storytime at the Main Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.
  • Family Game Night at Meadows Library. Play some old and some new games for the entire family. 4:30 to 6:30pm. All ages.
  • Blue Moon Night Walk with OSMP. 7:30 to 9:00pm. Free. Ages 6+
  • Pearl Street Stampede. Join in the fun and support CU by bringing the whole family out to cheer on the CU Buffs, listen to the marching band, and have just enjoy a night out on Pearl Street. CU vs. CSU. Free. All ages. Starts at 7:00pm in front of the Boulder County Court House.

Saturday, September 1

  • FREE DAY at Denver Art Museum
  • French/English Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. All ages.
  • Boulder Hometown Fair. This eclectic event is mellower than Boulder Creek Fest, so in many ways better for families. There are kids’ activities, a fun run, music & performances, food, vendors and much more. 9/1 through 9/3. Free. All ages.
  • Home Depot Children’s Builders Workshop. Drop by the Boulder store and your kids can create something of their own. These are fun workshops that kids love! Free. 9:00 to Noon.
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. [Date change due to bike race.] 8:00 to 2:00pm. 13th Street between Arapahoe & Canyon Blvd. Great opportunity for families to purchase locally grown produce, eat delicious food, listen to live music and so much more! A Boulder kids’ favorite.
  • Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts [BMOCA] Check out Art Stop which provides FREE guided art activities for kids on Saturdays during the Farmer’s Market. I have heard that they have a space where you can throw a cup at the wall. Kids love it! 8:00am to 2:00pm. All ages
  • Bats under the Moon Join OSMP naturalists for a full moon hike to look for bats and hear about how bats live, feed, fly and more. Hike location will be given when you register.  Call 303-441-3440 with number in your group, & your contact information before Friday at 5 pm to pre-register.
  • Twenty Ninth Street Live! Free, outdoor venue. 6:15 to 10:00pm.

Sunday, September 2

  • FREE Day at the Boulder History Museum.
  • Boulder Hometown Fair. This eclectic event is mellower than Boulder Creek Fest, so in many ways better for families. There are kids’ activities, a fun run, music & performances, food, vendors and much more. 9/1 through 9/3. Free. All ages.
  • Go Club for Kids & Teens at the Main Boulder Library. 2:00 to 5:30pm. Ages 5 and up. Free. “Learn to play the ancient and mysterious game of Go.”

Monday, September 3

Tuesday, September 4

Wednesday, September 5

  • Wednesday Storytime @ Main Boulder Library. 10:15 to 11:30am. Free. Ongoing.
  • Cruisers & Crawlers at the Main Boulder Library. 10:15 to 11:30am. Free. 9 to 24 months.
  • Family Garden Story and Song Time with Kristin at Barnes and Nobles. Free. All ages. 1:00pm.
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. 4:00 to 8:00pm. 13th Street between Arapahoe & Canyon Blvd. Great opportunity for families to purchase locally grown produce, eat delicious food, listen to live music and so much more! A Boulder kids’ favorite.
  • Valmont Bike Park Family Rides. Bring the bikes and the family for fun rides on the amazing terrain at Boulder’s coolest bike park. All ages. 4:00 to 6:00pm. Free.
  • Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts [BMOCA] Check out Art Stop which provides FREE guided art activities for kids on Saturdays during the Farmer’s Market. I have heard that they have a space where you can throw a cup at the wall. Kids love it! 4:00 to 8:00pm. All ages.

Thursday, September 6

  • Storytime and Kids Hike. Join OSMP to hear stories and take a kid-friendly hike at Chautauqua. Meet at Chautauqua Ranger Cottage. 9:30 to 10:30am. Free. 3 to 6 year olds and their caregivers.
  • Toddler Time at the Main Boulder Library. 10:15 to 11:30am. Free. Children 18 to 36 months & their caregiver.
  • Thursday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. A fun time with kids’ story, music and more. Free. All ages. 10:15 to 11:00am.
Upcoming Events:

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach me at Boulder4Families@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.

#families, #free, #boulder, #events, #boulderfamilies #August

DIY: Creative Paper Lanterns To Make With Your Kids

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Summer is still in full swing around here, but the days are getting shorter. To honor those shortened days–or to keep the light around longer–I am posting about a very cool lantern making project I found on the very fresh blog, willowday.com. These lanterns are beautiful, creative and easy to make with your kids. They use LED lights, so you may need to get those. Try Michael’s or McGuckins around Boulder.

Paper Lanterns. These non-flammable, simply beautiful, versatile, paper lights, have been a staple in our summer entertaining — scattered on dinner tables, added to picnic blankets, strung across the patio; they’re even a excellent kid’s craft: the kids have made night lights for their rooms.

After making “night lights” for Grayson’s camping birthday,  I just couldn’t stop. My personal current favorite are the ones made of news print. They are just so fresh.
See? You can hold light in the palm of your hand, if you use LED lights.

Why not do these with your kids and paint each face of the pyramid a different color? Since they’re lit with LED lights, they’re non-flammable and don’t require matches. How cool is that?

TUTORIAL BELOW

SUPPLIES
Paper: regular, transparent, news print, etc.
LED tea light candles
Scissors
Hole Punch
Scotch tape
HOW TO:
Francesca and Grayson helped me make this colorful tutorial.
1) Begin by either printing out the template, (PDF TEMPLATE HERE), on your desired colored paper OR print one template which you will use for tracings. I  have one cardboard template ready at all times and like to have this handy. For a group of kids or party, having sheets already printed is a time saver.
2) Cut out the lantern shape on desired paper.
3) Punch holes with hole punch.
4) Fold the corners up.
5) Using the longest piece of tape possible, place in on the INSIDE of the box and very, very carefully pull the opposite side up and seal tightly. You do not want light coming out of the edges, so take time to seal these well.
6) Carefully insert the LED candle.
7) Press to light when desired.
I hope these bring beauty tables and even, corners of your home! Enjoy.

Boulder School Kids: Cool Days Off School Programs

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If you have school age kids you know that though school has started our kids are often out. There are professional days, conference exchange days, holidays–you name it. In fact we have only had one full week at this point. Sometimes these days off school even sneaks up on you. If you are a working parent, have something scheduled on those days, or your child just wants an opportunity to do something new, then you may be looking for something educational and fun for them. Here are some suggestions:

Factory Made: Offers creative programs for kids ages 7 to 17 on days when they are not in
 school.

YMCA: The Y offers an amazing variety of sports and general programs. They offer a sliding scale for most programs so everyone can take part.

CU Science Discovery: They offer classes in a wide variety of science related topics. Their offerings change so check back to see what fits best for your child.

Life Long Learning: They offer classes for kids and teens in a large variety of topics.

Square State Skate: These are fun skateboarding programs run by two educators. They know how to bring together education, technique and fun all wrapped up together. The programs are full days and reasonably priced.

Family Travel: Blogs About Traveling All Around The World With Your Kids

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My family is deep in contemplation about traveling. We have traveled with our 2 kids all around the world since they were both under a year. Both my kids had passports by the time they were 7 months old. Travel brings us together. It give my family and my kids the opportunity to really count on each other–without the trappings of everyday life, friends, & distractions. It gives our family rich experiences as we head off the beaten path whenever we can.

If you are considering travel, just go. Take that trip you have been thinking about. Be inspired to take your 1 year old to Central America–you can do it–and though they may not remember details, the experience will be an integral part of their being. At all ages we gain both tangible and non-tangible growth from experiences such as travel.

We are talking as a family about putting together a trip, and as I did some research I came across a fun website about a single mom and her son who have been traveling for 8 years. She listed 5 Fun Kid Outings in Antigua, Guatemala. She has also listed some other great family-friendly travel blogs that give advice on what to do with kids in all sorts of places:

List Of Fun Things To Do Traveling With Kids: Antigua, Thailand, Turkey, Israel, Netherlands, UK, etc… These sites reach far and wide around the globe to help you come up with ideas of what to do in different countries with kids.

Bellissima Kids: What To Do WIth Kids in Stockholm, London, Paris, etc.. She has a list of many ideas.

National Geographic Hosted Blog: Global Bros brings you highlights from a family’s year long trip around the world, written by the kids.

Are you thinking of traveling somewhere with your kids soon? Do you have any suggestions for families planning travel around the country or around the world?

Boulder Family Events: August 24 to 30, 2012

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Boulder Family Events: August 24 to 30, 2012

Special Events This Week: Festival On Main, FREE Day at the Botanic Gardens, Boulder JCC free demos, & the East End 2k race.

Friday, August 24

  • Children’s Storytime at the Main Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.
  • Just Between Friends Sale. Consign or buy used kids’ gear and maternity clothing at this huge sale. Get rid of some of the things you don’t use and pick up with you need. 8/22 to 28.
  • Festival On Main. Head to Longmont’s signature summer event. Food, drink, performers, and much more. Free. All ages. 6:00 to 9:00pm.
  • Family Game Night at Meadows Library. Play some old and some new games for the entire family. 4:30 to 6:30pm. All ages.

Saturday, August 25

  • Boulder Main Library is closed today. 
  • USAPro Challenge Bike Race is in town today.
  • Twenty Ninth Street Live! brings Great American Taxi to the mall. Free, outdoor venue. 6:15 to 10:00pm.

Sunday, August 26

  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. [Date change due to bike race.] 8:00 to 2:00pm. 13th Street between Arapahoe & Canyon Blvd. Great opportunity for families to purchase locally grown produce, eat delicious food, listen to live music and so much more! A Boulder kids’ favorite.
  • Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts [BMOCA] Check out Art Stop which provides FREE guided art activities for kids on Saturdays during the Farmer’s Market. I have heard that they have a space where you can throw a cup at the wall. Kids love it! 8:00am to 2:00pm. All ages
  • Go Club for Kids & Teens at the Main Boulder Library. 2:00 to 5:30pm. Ages 5 and up. Free. “Learn to play the ancient and mysterious game of Go.”

Monday, August 27

Tuesday, August 28

  • FREE DAY at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Free. All ages.
  • Children’s Storytime at George Reynolds Branch Library. Free. 10:15 to 11:00am. Ongoing event.
  • Folk Dance for Children [and the Whole Family]! Participatory dance program for children of all ages and their parents! A fun way to learn dances from around the world, find out what young folks like in other countries. Outside on the Plaza beside the Dushanbe Teahouse, 1770 13th (between Arapahoe & Canyon) in Boulder. Free. All ages. 6:15 to 7:00pm. Ongoing activity.

Wednesday, August 29

  • Wednesday Storytime @ Main Boulder Library. 10:15 to 11:30am. Free. Ongoing.
  • Family Garden Story and Song Time with Kristin at Barnes and Nobles. Free. All ages. 1:00pm.
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. 4:00 to 8:00pm. 13th Street between Arapahoe & Canyon Blvd. Great opportunity for families to purchase locally grown produce, eat delicious food, listen to live music and so much more! A Boulder kids’ favorite.
  • Valmont Bike Park Family Rides. Bring the bikes and the family for fun rides on the amazing terrain at Boulder’s coolest bike park. All ages. 4:00 to 6:00pm. Free.
  • Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts [BMOCA] Check out Art Stop which provides FREE guided art activities for kids on Saturdays during the Farmer’s Market. I have heard that they have a space where you can throw a cup at the wall. Kids love it! 4:00 to 8:00pm. All ages.
  • Try a Free FamilySong Class with Kristin McLean of FamilyDance Planet. This is a trial at the Boulder Jewish Community Center. Birth to 5yrs. 10:30 to 11:00am. RSVP to beth@boulderjcc.org to reserve a spot.

Thursday, August 30

  • Storytime and Kids Hike. Join OSMP to hear stories and take a kid-friendly hike at Chautauqua. Meet at Chautauqua Ranger Cottage. 9:30 to 10:30am. Free. 3 to 6 year olds and their caregivers.
  • Thursday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. A fun time with kids’ story, music and more. Free. All ages. 10:15 to 11:00am.
  • Signing Smart Baby Sign Language Demo class at the Boulder JCC. 6mo to 2yrs. Free. 11:45 to 12:15pm. RSVP to Beth@boulderjcc.org.
  • East End 2k. Non-competitive 1k fun run for kids under 11. Don’t forget to register.
Upcoming Events:

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach me at Boulder4Families@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.

#families, #free, #boulder, #events, #boulderfamilies #August

Boulder Family Deals: Crocs, Legoland/Sea Life Aquarium, slap watches, swim and riding lessons

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Here are some great deals on many great things for families. What’s here I’ve listed: Crocs, Legoland, slap watches, swim lessons, National Wildlife Federation’s kid magazines, + riding lessons.

Crocs on sale at Zulily. Kids, Men & Women’s styles. Just out today. Click here.

2 Slap Watches [the kind kids are loving] for $12. These are analog, so a great way to teach kids to tell time. Click here.

The Swim School of Boulder has a great deal: 2 lessons for $25 or 4 lessons for $50. My kids love their program! They are getting great reviews on Boulder Rock’n Moms too. Offered by Plum District. For this deal you have to go to the “Denver” button and then “Boulder”. To get this deal click here.

LEGOLAND/SEA LIFE AQUARIUM & Accommodations at the Grand Pacific Palisades Hotel for 2 people for 2 days/2 nights, $365. Got a Lego crazy kid? This is a great vacation! Offered by Plum District. Click here.

National Wildlife Federation‘s magazine subscription: Big Backyard, Ranger Rick or Wild Animal Baby. Offered by Livingsocial. $10/year subscription. Click here.

Horseback Riding Lessons. Horse crazy kid? Livingsocial is offering a deal on lessons at Happy Trails Riding Center in Boulder County. 4, 1 hour lessons for $110. This is a great way to see if riding is something your kiddo really enjoys. Click here.

Family-Friendly Tours To Explore Around Boulder

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Looking for something different to do with your family during the week or on the weekend? Check out these opportunities to learn something new. They are all free, family-friendly, and a hit with the kids:

Celestial Seasonings Tour: Learn how tea is harvested, blended, packaged and makes its way to market. This is a 45 minute tour that leaves on the hour every day of the week. The tour is free and includes samples. Kids of all ages enjoy this tour!

NCAR Self-Guided Tour & Weather Hike: NCAR provides a building full of things to discover for kids and adults alike. Kids can explore many things related to weather in this hands on setting. There is also a short weather hike right above the building. Bring a picnic lunch and eat outside or plan to eat in their cafeteria. The tour is free and exhibits are open when the building is. Our family loves visiting NCAR!

Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art & Sculpture Garden: Explore paintings and statues of Western life and art. This is a relatively extensive collection of art and it is always free to visit.

Kids Eat Free! List Updated

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It’s around this time of year with all the transitions going on that I find myself looking for a convenient, reasonably priced place to take the family. Here is an updated list of Kids Eat Free! & Kids Eat Cheap! listings.

I have been getting rave reviews about Larkburger and Wahoos. Thanks to both of these restaurants for being so family-friendly! Let me know what you like on the list and what else belongs here…

Monday

  • Larkburger invites kids ages 12 and under to eat FREE every Monday from 4 p.m. to close when an adult spends $9. 2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder. 303.444.1487

  • Beau Jo’s Pizza’s Family Night is Mondays. Up to 2 kids eat FREE with each paying adult. Plus there is kids’ entertainment each night. They have gluten-free options. 2690 Baseline Road, Boulder. 303.554.5312
  • Spooners Frozen Yogurt offers 50% OFF for Kids after 6pm every Monday. They are located in 29th Street Mall.

Tuesday

  • Oscar Blues in Lyons offers Kids Eat CHEAP on Tuesday. Kids eat for 99 cents off their kids’ menu. 303 Main Street, Lyons. 303.485.9400

Wednesday

  • Up to 2 kids eat FREE with the purchase of an adult meal at the Lazy Dog Sport Bar & Grill on the Pearl Street Mall. 1346 Pearl St., Boulder. 303.440.3355.
  • The Attic Bar & Bistro offers a Kids Eat Free until 7pm. 949 Walnut St., Boulder. 303.415.1300.
  • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos serves up to two FREE kids meals for every $10 adult meal purchased after 4pm on Weds. Kids must be 12 or younger. 2790 Pearl Street, Boulder. 303.473.9072
  • Mamacita’s offers Kids Eat for CHEAP off the kids menu all night. Kids eat for 99 cents of the kids’ menu. This restaurant is on The Hill–great people watching.

Thursday

  • What restaurant should go here? If you know of one I’m glad to include it on the list. 

Friday

  • What restaurant should go here?If you know of one I’m glad to include it on the list.

Saturday

  • What restaurant should go here? If you know of one I’m glad to include it on the list.

Sunday

  • Centro Latin Kitchen has Family Night each Sunday where Kids under 10 receive a FREE kid’s entrée (choice of any entrée from the Centro kids’ menu) with the purchase of an adult entrée after 5 p.m. 950 Pearl St., Boulder. 303.442.7771.

Everyday Discounts for Kids

  • Moe’s Original Bar B Que offers Kids Eat Cheap Every Day. Kids 10 and under pay $2 for their kids menu daily. They are new in town, but delicious!
  • St. Julien/Jill’s offers free meals for children 3 and under when they eat off the children’s menu. 900 Walnut St., Boulder. 720.406.9696
  • The Taj offers Kids Eat Free under 5. Between 5 and 10 years kids pay 1/2 price for meals. 2630 Baseline Rd., Boulder. 303.494.5216
  • Smiling Moose provides a Free Kids Meal with the purchase of any sandwich, chips, & a drink. Coupon is at the link above. 3223 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder. 303.530.2700.
  • Wild Mountain Brewery offers Kids Eat Free on the first Tuesday of each month. For kids 12 and under with a paying adult. 70 East First Street, Nederland. 303.258.WILD.

Don’t forget to always call ahead to make sure these restaurants are still offering their Kids Eat Free deals as they are subject to change at any time.

If you tried one of the Kids Eat Free! deals, did you like it? Which restaurant[s] are your family’s favorites in the Boulder area? Where are some other great deals for families? Any favorites for the gluten free crowd? Dairy free crowd? I cannot wait to hear the juicy details…

Boulder Family Events: August 17 to August 23, 2012

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Pearl Street Mall Kids’ Rock Area

August 17 to August 23, 2012

Listed here are some great family events. Most are free. They are all opportunities to be together as a family and engage your kids of all ages. HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEK!

Special Events This Week: Flick & Float, Lafayette Peach Festival, FREE Day at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Kids Gone Fishing, All That Glistens Is Not Gold, & Princess Bride at Boulder Outdoor Cinema.

Friday, August 17

Saturday, August 18

  • French/English Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Join Marie for delightful stories in French. Free. All ages. 10:15 to 11:00am.
  • Flick & Float: The Lorax. Join the City of Boulder to float lazily in the pool and watch The Lorax. Entry at 7pm. Movie starts at dusk. $10/family of 4. All ages.
  • Kids Gone Fishing. Join Boulder County Open Space to teach your kid[s] how to fish. Kids will run through different learning stations and leave with confidence and experience to continue fishing. Registration required–link on site. Free. Ages 5 to 15. 9:00 to Noon.
  • All That Glistens Is Not Gold. Try your hand at gold panning with Boulder County Open Space. Registration required–link on site. Free. All ages. 11:00 to Noon.
  • Lafayette Peach Festival. Enjoy everything peach at this fun family-friendly event. Includes concerts, food, face painting, activities, etc. Free. All ages. 9:00 to 4:00pm.
  • Boulder Outdoor Cinema presents Princess Bride. This is such a fun, outdoor, evening event for the whole family.
  • Children’s Saturday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Free. Ongoing activity.
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. 8:00 to 2:00pm. 13th Street between Arapahoe & Canyon Blvd. Great opportunity for families to purchase locally grown produce, eat delicious food, listen to live music and so much more! A Boulder kids’ favorite.
  • Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts [BMOCA] Check out Art Stop which provides FREE guided art activities for kids on Saturdays during the Farmer’s Market. I have heard that they have a space where you can throw a cup at the wall. Kids love it! 8:00am to 2:00pm. All ages
  • Home Depot: Kids Building Project. Join the folks at Home Depot to create a new craft. Always hands on and the kids keep their project. Free. 9:00 to Noon.

Sunday, August 19

  • Go Club for Kids & Teens at the Main Boulder Library. 2:00 to 5:30pm. Ages 5 and up. Free. “Learn to play the ancient and mysterious game of Go.”

Monday, August 20

Tuesday, August 21

  • Children’s Storytime at George Reynolds Branch Library. Free. 10:15 to 11:00am. Ongoing event.
  • Folk Dance for Children [and the Whole Family]! Participatory dance program for children of all ages and their parents! A fun way to learn dances from around the world, find out what young folks like in other countries. Outside on the Plaza beside the Dushanbe Teahouse, 1770 13th (between Arapahoe & Canyon) in Boulder. Free. All ages. 6:15 to 7:00pm. Ongoing activity.

Wednesday, August 22

  • Wednesday Storytime @ Main Boulder Library. 10:15 to 11:30am. Free. Ongoing.
  • Storytime and Kids Hike. Join OSMP to hear stories and take a kid-friendly hike at Chautauqua. 9:30 to 10:30am. Free. 3 to 6 year olds and their caregivers.
  • Family Garden Story and Song Time with Kristin at Barnes and Nobles. Free. All ages. 1:00pm.
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. 4:00 to 8:00pm. 13th Street between Arapahoe & Canyon Blvd. Great opportunity for families to purchase locally grown produce, eat delicious food, listen to live music and so much more! A Boulder kids’ favorite.
  • Valmont Bike Park Family Rides. Bring the bikes and the family for fun rides on the amazing terrain at Boulder’s coolest bike park. All ages. 4:00 to 6:00pm. Free.
  • Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts [BMOCA] Check out Art Stop which provides FREE guided art activities for kids on Saturdays during the Farmer’s Market. I have heard that they have a space where you can throw a cup at the wall. Kids love it! 4:00 to 8:00pm. All ages.
  • Just Between Friends Sale. Consign or buy used kids’ gear and maternity clothing at this huge sale. Get rid of some of the things you don’t use and pick up with you need. 8/22 to 28.

Thursday, August 23

Upcoming Events:
  • Kids Races in Boulder: August 30. Lengths vary, but these are just pure fun for families! Click the link to find out how to register and more information.

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach me at Boulder4Families@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.

#families, #free, #boulder, #events, #boulderfamilies #August

We All Need It: Acknowledgement + Support!

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Today was not the best day for a variety of reasons. It could have been. My kids and I spent the morning with a good friend and her kids hanging out and making awesome ceramic pieces to go on a totem pole. Every day that includes an art project rocks! But some other things were slipping in to weigh down my day.

Then it happened. I was waiting in the interminable line at Noodles with my kids [had to catch a bite before one of the kids had a try out]. The kids had been bickering a lot in the car and it looked like it would continue [after circling at least 4 times to even find a parking spot in what looks like an endless sea of spots, but none available], but they actually got to business deciding what to order. In the end they decided to SHARE two meals–all on their own mind you. As I was paying attention to when we could get our order in since it was looking like we could be late for the aforementioned try outs, a woman tapped me on the shoulder. Then she uttered these magic words:

“Your kids are so sweet! Whatever you are doing, it’s going really well. Keep it up!” 

I cannot imagine what the look on my face was as I mustered the energy to stammer, “Thank you…” Then I was off to order, but the feeling of being acknowledged lingered. It was the best because it was fully unexpected, honest, and bold. Parenting [as you know] is a tough job [yes, it is also very rewarding and I wouldn’t change it for anything else in the world!]. I want to offer that same acknowledgement to someone soon. Especially a parent in the throws of dealing with a tough situation and doing it well. I tend to be too shy or not want to intrude. Or I wonder how they will take it if I say something. Either way I keep my mouth shut and let other parents do their thing. I plan to change that approach–right now!

What would our world/community be like if we all took a moment to acknowledge another person’s efforts? Just this small act… Have you ever said something positive to a parent you don’t know about their children or how they are parenting? How did it feel? How did it work out?