Christmas Wish List
Are you wishing you had more time at the holidays? If your Christmas wish list includes more time to enjoy the holidays, this post is for you! Now is a great time to start planning the small things and big things. Christmas dreams really do come true! Summary: If your Christmas wish list includes more time to enjoy the holidays, start making your plans and purchases now. Jump to Section Christmas Wish List Starter Don’t wait to get started. Write your to-do list. Plan your budget. Start the gift list for big gifts, stocking stuffers, and little joys for friends. Begin shopping. Make a spot in your attic for the gifts ahead or the napkins you find on sale. Begin writing your Christmas cards. Purchase stamps. Little Gifts Here’s a round-up of my favorite little gifts – spice mixes, printable art, pjs for kids, pretty napkins, and table talk card sets. Gathering these ahead of time allows you to have stocking stuffers and hostess gifts ready to go. Purchase a few gift bags and ribbon, and you’ll be ready to wrap them. You can do many other things ahead. Plan the menus. Write the grocery lists. Purchase the paper products…
Brain Games for Senior Adults and the Whole Family
Would your rather play Quirkle or Scrabble? If you are in the sandwich generation or living in a multigenerational arrangement, you may be looking for fun and meaningful ways to support the older adults in your life. One of the best tools? Critical thinking activities and brain games for senior adults. Highlights: If you’re part of the sandwich generation or living in a multigenerational household, brain games for senior adults can boost memory, problem-solving, and social connection. From puzzles and strategy games to creative arts and family-friendly activities, these engaging options improve cognitive function while strengthening relationships. Jump to Section Statistics show that brain games for senior adults enhance memory, problem-solving skills, mental flexibility, and concentration. Even better, they provide laughter, conversation, and multigenerational connections. Types of Critical and Creative Thinking Activities Puzzles Sudoku, crosswords, and jigsaw puzzles Strategy games Chess, bridge, Quirkle, checkers Word games Scrabble, Wordle, Bananagrams Creative outlets Learning a new musical instrument Painting, drawing, knitting Exploring a new language Social activities Book clubs Game nights Debate clubs Family dinners These activities are not just pastimes. They increase neuroplasticity, improve cognitive function, enhance mental flexibility, and support overall mental well-being. Most importantly, they bring people together. Getting…
Advocate for Your Child at School: Questions Every Parent Should Ask
What questions can you ask to advocate for your child at school? Being an advocate for your child at school can feel overwhelming. You want to give them the skills to speak up for themselves, but at the same time, you may not know what to say, what to ask, or how to navigate the school system either. The good news? You don’t have to have all the answers. You just need the right questions, a willingness to listen, and the confidence to use your voice as an advocate for your child at school. Summary: Knowing how to advocate for your child at school helps parents partner with teachers, counselors, and principals. Across U.S. public, private, and charter schools, using your rights under IDEA, Section 504, and FERPA ensures your child gets the support they need to succeed. Jump to Section This guide breaks down what to ask and how to advocate for your child at school during the elementary, middle, and high school years. Each section includes practical questions you can take to teachers, counselors, or administrators, along with suggestions to help you partner effectively with your child’s education team. Elementary School What Questions Can You Ask to Be…