Mary Manz Simon's Blog, page 14
July 23, 2018
Unplugging
Trending right now:
Parents are taking themselves and their kids off the grid at resorts that offer phone-free vacations. When booking this type of getaway, the hotel can be the “bad guy,” not mom or dad.
July 20, 2018
To bad or not to ban
The problem vexing administrators as they think ahead to the new school year: to ban or not to ban student cell phones.
Although cell phones have proven valuable in school shootings, the digital distraction is having a negative impact on learning.
Students at all levels are confident of their ability to multitask. However, research has shown that rapid attention shifts actually hijack our thinking.
Plus, the anxiety that results from being disconnected to phones, laptops and other gadgets also distracts from learning.
“To ban or not to ban?” The question is real. The answer is not clear.
July 18, 2018
Savory sweetness
Savory frozen confections continue to surprise (and delight?) this summer.
Flavors range from smoked salmon to maple candy bacon ice cream, but pizza-flavored might be the kid favorite. Children aren’t typically adventurous with food, but that hasn’t been true with ice cream.
I still prefer pepperoni, basil, oregano and garlic on a plate, not in a cone.
July 16, 2018
Sweet spot shopper?
Are you deep into back to school (BTS) shopping?
If so, you’re in the mainstream. Although deals and coupons have been available for a couple of weeks already, research shows that “early spenders” actually end up spending more than those who procrastinate.
Making price comparisons, finding coupons and watching for free shipping make sense anytime, from early July to late August, the heart of the BTS season.
July 13, 2018
The return of vintage books
Surprised to see familiar books on your child’s summer reading list?
Classics like Make Way for Ducklings, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and On Top of Spaghetti are some of the vintage picture books that were popular when today’s parents were young children.
The nostalgia afterglow is continuing this summer, as reflected in the picture books that another generation of parents and children are enjoying together.
July 11, 2018
Road food
When traveling with our children during summer vacations, we looked for food courts. We knew even picky kids could find at least one food to eat.
But if the “experification” trend continues, food courts will have even more appeal if they become culinary mini theme parks.
Outside the U.S. shopping center food courts have added workshops and centers for making pasta, fruit and vegetable creations and spectacular desserts. Sounds like a perfect way to break up a long car trip.
July 9, 2018
Junior chefs
Summer grazing offers multiple opportunities to catch kids in the kitchen.
Teaching junior chefs how to cook from scratch is easier when that definition includes pre-made parts or meal helpers.
When invited, kids will often add their own creative touches to dinners or side dishes.
July 6, 2018
Screenless playtime
We know the importance of managing a child’s screen time, but what about regulating the “screenless time” with AI? (artificial intelligence)
One of my grandsons loves to talk to Alexa. But I wonder what our little guy would be doing if he wasn’t spending time with this virtual friend.
Does his screenless time keep him from climbing the big tree in his backyard or playing with his little brother or reading a book?
We’re on the front edge of a new era in parenting.
July 4, 2018
“Impact vacations” trending
Researchers show that Americans prioritize “making a difference.”
That’s why I’m not surprised so many families are taking “impact vacations.”
Helping to install a park playground, paint a house for a low-income family or volunteer at a special event for developmentally disabled adults are being included in summer trips and travel.
The definition of what it means to raise children in a healthy, balanced environment is expanding to include helping those outside the family circle.
July 2, 2018
Prioritizing experiences
This summer, super cool kids are defining themselves by what they do, not what they buy.
Experiences are the new social currency. That means money is going toward engagement-driven activities, not products. This is an especially valuable tidbit for parents who want tweens and not-yet-employed teens to come along on the family vacation.
