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Snapshots of Parenting with Purpose – 52 New Experiences

Our children get report cards.  Employees get reviews.  As parents you may not get feedback from others on your parenting.  We would like to take some time here at The Educators’ Spin On It to celebrate the moments you share with your children that deserve recognition. We would like to give you positive feedback on your parenting experiences and share your story with others for inspiration!
Our inspiration this week comes from Danielle.  She is a mom and author of 52 Brand New
She writes to us,
“This year my children and I are planning to try 52 New Experiences, one for each week of the year.  So far, we’ve tried such diverse things as licking a 9V battery, participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count, and painting like Jackson Pollock.  We’ve had fun doing all of these activities, but the activity that was the most meaningful to me was when we volunteered at our local food pantry.  I felt so proud of my children, ages 6 and 4, as I watched them sort the cans and put them on the shelves.  They took their job so seriously yet really enjoyed what they were doing.  The purpose of our experiment this year is to try 52 NEW things, so I don’t know if we’ll have time to revisit some of the things we’ve tried.  However, my kids have already asked when we can go back to help at the pantry.  We are going during our spring break to help with the holiday meals.  I am so touched by my children’s concern and eagerness to help.  It makes me feel like I must have done something right!”

Our Spin On It:

How amazing is this?  Kids learn so much by experiencing new things.  Their vocabulary is strengthened, their experiential knowledge grows and they are able to explore the unknown with the support of a loving, guiding parent.  Both Kim and I try to challenge ourselves to try new things with our kids and have found some things that we really enjoy and others that we do not!  All kids learn differently and enjoy different things.  Sometimes as parents if we extend our field trips, book choices, and learning activities beyond what we usually choose or do, our children benefit in so many ways!

What can you do?  Not everyone is up for a 52 week challenge =0  Don’t worry, you can start small and plan just one or two new things to do this month with your children.  It can be as simple as doing a new science project or as large as planning a day trip. Your children may even be able to help you plan these new adventures!!!

Are you great at trying new things with your kids?  That is wonderful!  Maybe think about how to encourage others to join you in your adventures?  I know that my neighbor wasn’t as confident visiting new places by herself with young kids, but more than happy to go along with a friend.  By giving her a quick call and asking her to join us, we were able to share the adventure and double the kids were able to experience these new experiences! Are you in a moms group?  Maybe schedule an “out of the box” play date to a new place or to try something new with your kids. We’d love to hear how you have been inspired by Danielle!

Look around you at the world.  Who is inspiring you to be a better parent?  Is it your own dad who made a special trip to help you fix a leaky bathroom faucet?  Is it your friend who is a phone call away with friendly parenting advice?  Is it your husband who builds forts out of sticks with the kids in the backyard? Is it the stranger walking into a grocery store who stops for a moment and kisses his child, snuggled in a carrier close to his chest?
If you could take a snapshot of a great parenting with purpose moment, what would it look like for you? You don’t have to actually catch this moment on camera, but we sure would love to hear about it!  Please send us your story of the grandparent, neighbor, friend, family, spouse, or community member that you saw parenting with purpose.  If you have a picture that represents that moment and don’t mind sharing it with us, send us that too! (but not necessary at all!)

For more Snapshots of Parenting with Purpose
Introduction Post

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Comments

  1. Wonderful idea! I found you via UBP12 and now following via GFC. LOVE your concept of educating and parenting. I come from a household of both parents as teachers AND farmers. Parenting and education go hand in hand!!! I'd love for you all to stop by The Vintage Milk House! Have a great weekend! – Kali

  2. One of the greatest things about being a Mom is watching my girls experience things for the 1st time. Their loves are full of firsts on an almost daily basis. It is awesome. I LOVe the 52 week challenge because it is celebrating doing new things together. What a lovely way to get kids to try new things, think outside the box and grow as people. Fabulous! That Food Pantry idea (& photo) warmed my heart – great job Danielle!

    This is a wonderful series ladies and I look forward to seeing other stories.

    Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas

  4. That is SO true =) I brought my camera to Elly's school for their first ride on a school bus and took a picture of all the kids getting on for the teacher. It would be neat to have our kids write a journal of their new experiences throughout the year!

  5. 52 new experiences is an awesome idea! Of course, they don't all have to come from home – I am sure my daughter has plenty of brand new experiences (for example, her first field trips) in school.

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