Encouraging Children to Participate in Community Service

Community Service Ideas for Kids

by Mina Frannea

The holidays are a time of the year when people are often inspired to volunteer their time to those in need. As parents, my husband and I hope to instill in our children the importance of community service and the concept of “giving back”. Children learn a lot by watching so we try to set examples by giving of our time to school activities and various community organizations. This has helped our children accept service related activities as a normal part of our lives.

If you are interested in exploring volunteer opportunities that your child can participate in with you, look for tasks that aren’t too complicated, are age appropriate and relevant to interests or skills that your child enjoys.

Depending on a child’s age (minimum age requirements may apply), he or she may be able to:

‘Ho, Ho…Uh Oh!’ Get Ready to Jingle with Junie B at DCT

Junie B Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells - Dallas Children's Theater

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

 

by Mina Frannea

We caught a recent performance of Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at the Dallas Children’s Theater. It’s a light-hearted show that the whole family can enjoy and will make you laugh out loud!

The Performance

As the performance opens, it’s the last week before winter break and Junie B’s class in Room One is about to participate in a Holiday sing-along. The class has also been chosen to lead the entire auditorium in a chorus of “Jingle Bells.”  Nervous about the upcoming show, Junie B has a flashback to last year’s disastrous performance of a Columbus Day play when her arch rival May tries to take over and chaos ensues. The Columbus Day skit, a show within a show, is FUN and wonderfully portrayed by the cast. I especially liked the creative use of silk-like fabric to represent roiling ocean waves.

To Santa or Not To Santa?

Do You Encourage Your Kids to Believe in Santa Claus?

Do You Encourage Your Kids to Believe in Santa?

by Kerrie McLoughlin

Who knew Santa was such a loaded topic? Most parents can talk rationally about it, but some people get downright hostile about whether or not they play Santa and why, and they will defend their decision to the death! Of course the Santa decision has much to do with how you grew up, but you also need to consider how your spouse grew up then take into account your religion, your beliefs, how you want to raise your kids and more. Let’s explore both sides of the debate.