Teach Kids Social Skills, Encourage them To Form a Club

Sharing this great idea that my daughter came up with. She writes for Bubblews and this is her idea for a club she'd like to start. She explains "I want to start a club. My friend started one and its time I start my own. At school, one of my teacher has shown interest in starting a club with me. We had considered forming a Star Wars club because we are both massive Star Wars fans. However, there wouldn't be a lot to do in the club so I have created a new idea for a club. A conspiracy theorist club."

Okay first that's just a really cool idea. Second, joining clubs are a great way for kids to connect and get involved. Third, starting a club helps kids learn organization, social skills,  motivational and public speaking and self-advocacy. Fourth, a conspiracy theories club--educational, creative and fun! Does my heart proud to call her "daughter." Conspiracy Theorist Club

Minimalist Lifestyle is Healthy for Kids, Parents

My out-of-the house son and I were recently discussing the minimalist lifestyle. We noticed how many people claim to be minimalists but in fact aren't. Case in point: money. It's easy to talk about living simply, but much harder to do it. And now that our son is paying his own way, he realizes why dad and I were so frugal when he was growing up. He sees first-hand how expensive things are and how easy it is get deep in debt. Avoiding debt is one reason parents should live simply. Here are others.  Living minimally is good for families

Student volunteer service credit opportunities: Tips for parents

Volunteering is a buzzword in educational circles. To raise student awareness, groups like United Way coordinate student volunteer programs. Many schools require kids to perform a set number of community service credits to graduate. Elementary and middle schools are getting in on the act, too. If your student needs earn community service credits here are some suggestions.  Student volunteer service credit opportunities: Tips for parents

Best Spiritual, Religious Confirmation, Baptism Gifts for Teens

Several Christian denominations, Catholic, Episcopalian and Lutheran most notably, celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation. In confirmation, the 'confirmand' (confirmation candidate) is anointed with oil and 'sealed with the Holy Spirit'. The confirmand is confirmed by the Holy Spirit and becomes a full, adult member of the parish. Most parishes prepare teenagers to receive the sacrament of Confirmation sometime between eighth and tenth grade. Another confirmed adult, other than a parent, acts as sponsor to the confirmand.

A confirmation sponsor's role is similar to that of godparent. It is customary for friends, family and sponsors to give a gift to the confirmand. The gift need not be large or costly, but rather a token of remembrance. Here is a list of reasonably priced gift suggestions for Confirmation. These suggestions work well for any spiritual life event or celebration including baptism, first holy communion and bat or bar mitzvah,  Read more at  Gift-Giving Guides: Best Religious Confirmation Gifts for Teens