Nurturing healthy habits in children is a pivotal task, essential not only for their current well-being but also for laying a robust foundation for a healthy and prosperous future. This article, presented by Lexy The Rap Dad, unfolds strategic approaches that can profoundly influence and encourage children to embrace and maintain healthy habits, leading to their overall growth and development. Let’s get started.
Integrating physical activity into play is vital for a child's health and development. By promoting active playtime, children can enjoy the benefits of exercise disguised as fun. Activities such as team sports...
]]>Nurturing healthy habits in children is a pivotal task, essential not only for their current well-being but also for laying a robust foundation for a healthy and prosperous future. This article, presented by Lexy The Rap Dad, unfolds strategic approaches that can profoundly influence and encourage children to embrace and maintain healthy habits, leading to their overall growth and development. Let’s get started.
Integrating physical activity into play is vital for a child's health and development. By promoting active playtime, children can enjoy the benefits of exercise disguised as fun. Activities such as team sports, interactive outdoor games, or rhythmic dance routines not only bolster physical fitness but also enhance cognitive abilities and emotional balance. This strategy is crucial in instilling an appreciation for physical activity from an early age, fostering a lifelong habit of staying active and fit.
Guiding children to envision their future can be a profound motivational tool. Discussions about potential career paths and educational opportunities can also help you make a positive change; for instance, you might start exploring online computer science or data analytics degrees. Delving into areas like logic, system architecture, data structures, artificial intelligence, and computer theory not only expands your intellectual scope but also helps you understand different systems, fostering a mindset geared towards innovation and problem-solving. The best part? Pursuing a degree is a great way to lead by example.
Creating an environment where children feel safe to express themselves is imperative for their emotional and mental development. Open communication encourages children to share their thoughts, experiences, and concerns, fostering a sense of security and belonging. This strategy strengthens familial bonds and supports the development of strong communication skills, essential for navigating life's challenges. It also plays a critical role in building their self-esteem and confidence, equipping them to express themselves clearly and effectively in all areas of life.
Adopting a lifestyle that emphasizes nutritious eating and eco-conscious living is crucial in today's world. Introducing children to a variety of healthy food options and teaching them the importance of a balanced diet cultivates good eating habits. Simultaneously, choosing eco-friendly products and practices instills a sense of responsibility towards the environment. This dual approach not only fosters physical health but also ingrains values of sustainability and care for the planet.
Use The Right Tools
When it comes to eating healthy, getting enough exercise, and keeping the house clean, it’s crucial to make sure you’re using the right tools. Shopping for items like vacuum cleaners, workout gear, and kitchen items can be challenging if you don’t know much about the products, so look for in-depth reviews that will help you make the right decision. This will allow you to compare items to ensure that you’re getting the most for your money, and the process will teach your children the importance of buying the right products for their needs.
Comprehensive health education is a cornerstone of a child's upbringing. Engaging children in discussions about the importance of nutrition, exercise, and sleep hygiene provides them with the knowledge to make informed choices about their health. This education extends beyond physical wellness to include information about mental health, hygiene practices, and personal safety. Empowering children with this knowledge equips them to take proactive steps towards maintaining their health and well-being.
Emphasizing mental health is as crucial as physical health. Regular conversations about emotional well-being, stress management, and the normalcy of seeking help when needed are indispensable in a child’s upbringing. Promoting an understanding and acceptance of mental health issues helps destigmatize these topics and encourages children to be attentive to their mental and emotional needs. It also prepares them to face life's challenges with resilience and to seek support without hesitation when necessary.
Integrating these strategies into everyday life can have a lasting impact on children's development and overall well-being. By encouraging active play, inspiring with future aspirations, and fostering open communication, we empower our children to adopt and maintain healthy habits. This holistic approach paves the way for them to lead a balanced, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Have a question for Lexy The Rap Dad? Get in touch today to learn more about merchandise or performances.
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Children look up to their parents, consciously or subconsciously adopting their habits and ways of thinking. It is imperative for parents to exemplify the behaviors they want to instill in their children, be it conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, or problem-solving skills. When parents are proactive, make balanced choices, and exhibit empathy, these traits don't just stay within the family home; they propagate into their children's social interactions and future ambitions.
Autonomy is vital for anyone aspiring to be a leader. From allowing children to prepare their own lunches to permitting them to resolve disputes with friends on their own, parents can cultivate self-sufficiency in a myriad of ways. The key is to offer opportunities for children to make decisions that are age-appropriate, gradually increasing the level of difficulty and complexity. Such experiences build not only practical skills but also an ingrained belief in one's own capabilities.
The essence of personal development lies in the commitment to continuous learning. Parents can set an example by engaging in learning experiences themselves, be it acquiring a new skill or taking courses that could lead to career advancement. The visibility of a parent's commitment to learning, without the pursuit of accolades or scores, offers not just a life lesson but also illustrates to children how continuous learning can directly benefit their future endeavors. If you’re interested in the health sector, take a look at the options for online degrees in fields like nursing education or administration to see how this can help your career, as well as personal growth, by opening doors to new opportunities and skill sets. With flexible courses, you can continue to work and take care of your family while you learn.
The ability to set and achieve objectives is a critical component of leadership. Parents should guide their children in articulating their short-term and long-term aspirations. From working on school projects to developing personal hobbies, aim setting and follow-through should be an ongoing process. This not only imparts organizational skills but also instills a proactive mindset that is undeterred by setbacks.
Team dynamics often bring out leadership traits that may not be visible in solitary settings. Parents should engage their children in activities that require collective participation. Whether it's a family game night or community service, these situations teach children the importance of effective communication, reliance on others' expertise, and the joy of shared achievement. You could even help them start their own business and involve the entire family.
Leadership isn't just about taking charge; it’s also about ethical governance. Parents have a golden opportunity to instill a strong moral compass in their children by teaching them the implications of their actions. Discussing the outcomes of ethical and unethical choices without resorting to punitive measures can pave the way for children to become responsible adults who value integrity.
The development of leadership skills is not an overnight process, nor is it one that occurs in isolation. Parents serve as the primary educators and role models for their children in shaping these competencies. By adopting these six effective strategies—becoming a role model, promoting self-sufficiency, emphasizing lifelong learning, cultivating purpose through objectives, advocating team spirit, and fostering ethical responsibility—parents can set their children on a path to becoming accomplished leaders. In doing so, they equip them with the tools necessary for success in any field they choose to pursue.
Have a question for the team at Lexy The Rap Dad? Get in touch today!
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]]>Literacy is the bedrock of education, the foundation upon which learning is built. It’s crucial to explore unique and enriching methods to boost literacy skills in children, and the integration of music is often undervalued method.
Examining the interaction between music and literacy reveals an intricate dance, where each step taken is a leap toward linguistic proficiency. In this article, Lexy The Rap Dad delves deeper into the multifaceted ways music intertwines with language development, opening doors to a harmonious learning experience.
]]>Literacy is the bedrock of education, the foundation upon which learning is built. It’s crucial to explore unique and enriching methods to boost literacy skills in children, and the integration of music is often undervalued method.
Examining the interaction between music and literacy reveals an intricate dance, where each step taken is a leap toward linguistic proficiency. In this article, Lexy The Rap Dad delves deeper into the multifaceted ways music intertwines with language development, opening doors to a harmonious learning experience.
Children encounter the core elements of language in their formative years, including basic sounds and phonetics. Music that’s rich in tonal variations and rhythmic intricacies offers them an unparalleled auditory playground. Kids can learn to discern and internalize these foundational sounds. This musical interaction fosters their ability to differentiate phonetic subtleties, laying a robust foundation for reading and comprehension.
The world of music opens doors to a rich and varied vocabulary for children. Songs with enchanting tunes and recurrent lyrics are a fertile ground where seeds of new words are planted and cultivated.
Melodic exposure can make it easy for kids to absorb and retain words, which ultimately enhances their lexical repertoire. Lexy The Rap Dad offers unique rap-a-long albums for taking your child’s vocabulary to the next level!
Music presents a layered symphony that fine-tunes the ear and allows listeners to pick up on subtle auditory differences. Children’s listening skills evolve as they engage with diverse musical patterns.
This heightened auditory sensitivity enhances their capability to understand spoken words. Plus, it aids in comprehending written content. Such skills are vital cornerstones for language acquisition and literacy growth.
Allocating a specific area in your home dedicated to musical exploration can be pivotal. This specialized, inviting space filled with various musical instruments can ignite a passion for music. Moreover, such enhancements to your living environment could augment your home’s overall value. Be sure to meticulously document the home improvement process!
Songs are more than mere auditory delights. They stand as representations of linguistic artistry. Each lyric unfolds a tapestry, rich in grammatical structures and meaning.
Through these, children gain invaluable insights into the intricacies of sentence construction. They also learn to understand and appreciate linguistic nuances so they can tread confidently toward mastering advanced language skills.
The boundless landscape of music serves as a creative playground for children. It encourages them to weave narratives and construct imaginative realms, enriching their narrative skills. This creative engagement stimulated by musical exposure is a precursor to enhanced writing capabilities and expressive storytelling.
Learning to play an instrument is a profound journey into the realms of strategy and interpretation. It pushes your cognitive boundaries and requires you to decipher complex musical notations.
Mastery demands the synchronization of movements with auditory cues, which involves constructing and understanding melodic sequences. Collectively, these challenges cultivate analytical thinking and enhance problem-solving prowess—crucial qualities for kids to develop in their formative years.
Music is a silent architect of literacy with its rhythmic allure and melodic charm. It weaves into the fabric of language learning, bolstering vocabulary, enhancing auditory discrimination, and nurturing creativity. The musical journey enriches the learning experience for kids, crafting a holistic (and critical) developmental pathway.
We can gift our children a lifelong companion in their literary voyage by embracing the symphonic integration of music in the learning environment. Watch the transformative dance between music and language unfold to reveal a spectrum of linguistic possibilities—and observe the literary blossoming it catalyzes in your child’s life!
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]]>Did you know that bees dance to communicate with one another?
You are awesome and smart so you might have already known that.
But did you know that bees make Royal Jelly? That’s right! Royal Jelly is a food made by worker bees for larvae who will grow up to be queens!
Where did I learn these awesome facts about bees you may ask?
From a wonderful book called ‘B Is For Beekeeping’ which is an alphabet book by Justin Weiss made for kids and bee lovers!
The best part of the book is that a portion of proceeds go to supporting nonprofits that support the conservation and protection of honeybees! It doesn’t get much better than that as far as Lexy The Rap Dad is concerned.
Justin Weiss and his family are from a small homestead outside of Dallas, Texas and they started backyard beekeeping in 2017. They love working together as a family to care for their garden, chickens and beehives.
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You are awesome and smart so you might have already known that.
But did you know that bees make Royal Jelly? That’s right! Royal Jelly is a food made by worker bees for larvae who will grow up to be queens!
Where did I learn these awesome facts about bees you may ask?
From a wonderful book called ‘B Is For Beekeeping’ which is an alphabet book by Justin Weiss made for kids and bee lovers!
The best part of the book is that a portion of proceeds go to supporting nonprofits that support the conservation and protection of honeybees! It doesn’t get much better than that as far as Lexy The Rap Dad is concerned.
Justin Weiss and his family are from a small homestead outside of Dallas, Texas and they started backyard beekeeping in 2017. They love working together as a family to care for their garden, chickens and beehives.
Justin has dedicated this book to his two children and all the profit from the book goes to supporting bees! We need to do all we can to support bees so future generations get to enjoy them (and their delicious honey;)
Bees are critical to our food systems. Protecting bees is about more than allowing insects to buzz and pollinate — it’s about protecting the integrity and sustainability of our agricultural systems. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), bees and other pollinators affect 35% of global agricultural land, supporting the production of 87 of the leading food crops worldwide. Bees also help to pollinate the majority of the planet’s wild plants, which support healthy ecosystems.
‘B Is For Beekeeping’ is a wonderful book for children of all ages (especially those who love insects and nature!)
My son and daughter really enjoyed the book and we have learnt so much about bees, beekeeping and our own garden from this lovely alphabet book.
If you’d like to support this wonderful cause please visit Justin’s website to purchase your copy - https://bisforbeekeeping.com/
Thanks for reading!
]]>What do you do when you need to make and record a song during a global pandemic?
You get creative!
It was the height of the pandemic in the summer of 2021 and I had a really cool idea to make a song about ‘Picky Eaters’ because my daughter is the pickiest of picky eaters.
After some brainstorming, my awesome producer, DJ Dino, sent me a funky beat for the song via email and I started to write some lyrics about Picky Eating (which I was a new expert on).
]]>You get creative!
It was the height of the pandemic in the summer of 2021 and I had a really cool idea to make a song about ‘Picky Eaters’ because my daughter is the pickiest of picky eaters.
After some brainstorming, my awesome producer, DJ Dino, sent me a funky beat for the song via email and I started to write some lyrics about Picky Eating (which I was a new expert on).
That was the easy part… Now we needed to record the song but there were absolutely no recording studios open! After all, it was a pandemic.
My wonderful wife came to the rescue and bought me an early birthday present, a ‘Shure’ mini mic that connected to my iPhone and was capable of recording incredible sound! (I’m not sponsored by Shure, but it sure is a great mic!)
So I set out to record my lyrics and for the first time I was doing it in my basement! Now I needed a wicked chorus.
Luckily our amazing featured vocalist, Lady Unicorn, lives just down the street. So I hopped on my bike and rode our handy little ‘Shure’ mic down to her house – leaving it outside so that we all stayed socially distanced and safe.
Within 24 hours she had recorded the incredible chorus of ‘picky picky picky’ from the comfort of her home.
I downloaded the vocals and excitedly sent them to DJ Dino, and within a week we had a brand new ‘Picky Eaters’ song!
After thinking we would have to wait a whole year to record the song, it came together with a little help from my awesome wife, some cool technology and my wonderful ‘Rap Dad’ team!
So, that’s the story of ‘Picky Eaters’ and how a mighty mic and some creative thinking saved the day!
Listen to how the song turned out here! - https://youtu.be/8J3UbNSdeeI
]]>The Benefits of Being a Teen Entrepreneur
According to surveys, 61% of teen girls and 54% of teen boys said they have considered starting their own businesses. Of those, 6% of teen boys followed through on their aspirations, compared to just 4% of teen girls. Fear of failure is the number one reason that most young aspiring entrepreneurs do not start their first businesses until about the age of 28.
Though fear of failure is natural and universal of all entrepreneurs — adults and teens alike — there are countless more reasons for you to follow through with your dreams of business ownership despite your young age.
A few top benefits are the opportunities to:
Most importantly, entrepreneurship gives you an opportunity to express your creativity and live out your passions in a productive and profitable way.
Top Tips for Teen Entrepreneurs
Now that you understand a few of the top benefits of starting a business before you turn 20, it’s time to brush up on tips for success. First and foremost, experts urge teen entrepreneurs to remember that failure is not the end of the world and that you can and should learn from it. Making mistakes as a teen gives you ample time to acknowledge them, learn from them and grow because of them.
Business experts also encourage teens to find a mentor, be ready to face financial challenges, network, and take risks. Before starting, teens should learn their industry inside and out. It is vital for any entrepreneur to set realistic goals and manage one’s time appropriately. Finally, experts stress the importance of not undervaluing products or services, organization, and marketing.
It also helps teen entrepreneurs to form a proper business structure. In many cases, it is recommended to form a limited liability company, which offers ample protection against certain liabilities and many tax advantages. LLCs are also easy to form. In fact, depending on your state rules, you may be able to use a formation service such as ZenBusiness and avoid hefty lawyer fees in the process.
Starting a business as a teen can prove hugely beneficial to you and your future. With the right guidance, you may also find it to be a profitable endeavour.
]]>This blog is all about friends believing in each other. Without them, we wouldn’t have the confidence to chase our dreams.
When my son was born we discovered he needed to have surgery at The Hospital For Sick Children. So, I decided to leave my job to be at his side during his recovery. While off, I was inspired to start writing stories for my children and found I had a knack for storytelling.
Encouraged by my wife, I visited a local elementary school to read the books. After my initial performance, the school's librarian told me my books sounded like rap songs and she dared me to rap one of the stories for the next group of kindergarten students I was presenting to.
]]>When my son was born we discovered he needed to have surgery at The Hospital For Sick Children. So, I decided to leave my job to be at his side during his recovery. While off, I was inspired to start writing stories for my children and found I had a knack for storytelling.
Encouraged by my wife, I visited a local elementary school to read the books. After my initial performance, the school's librarian told me my books sounded like rap songs and she dared me to rap one of the stories for the next group of kindergarten students I was presenting to.
When I tell my ‘origin’ story in interviews, I often say that this moment, with the librarian, was the defining moment of becoming ‘Lexy The Rap Dad’. But really the defining moment came a few weeks before and it all started with my good friends, Steph, Jon and Chris.
When I told my friend Steph that I was writing children’s stories, she mentioned she knew a publisher and if I dropped off my stories she would be happy to pass them on. I was so excited that I printed all 50 stories and rushed over!
Steph met me on her driveway and I asked her if I could read her one of the stories. It was ‘Myrtle’s Big Race’ and she said she’d love to hear it. After I finished reading, Steph told me that the story gave her goosebumps and she really believed I had found my calling as a children’s author. That alone gave me a ton of confidence. But what happened next, when I wasn’t even there, changed everything.
One of my closest friends is Steph’s husband, Jon. In addition to being a thoughtful friend, Jon also introduced me to a lot of my favourite hip-hop artists growing up and was very influential in my musical tastes during highschool. I often looked to Jon to find my next favourite artist or hip-hop style. I highly respect Jon’s musical opinions.
Unbenounced to me, another best childhood friend named Chris (also very influential in my musical tastes), was visiting Jon on the same day I dropped off the stories.
Steph, Jon and Chris were sitting on the couch and my children’s book manuscripts were sitting in front of them on the coffee table. Steph picked up the stories and told the boys that I had started writing kids books. Instead of laughing at the notion, my two dear friends, Jon and Chris, picked up the stories and started reading them aloud to each other. After a few lines, I guess they realized my stories rhymed and they proceeded to rap them to each other complete with beatboxing! When I heard this days later my heart sang. I felt for the first time that I COULD REALLY DO THIS! If my friends liked them that much, I may be onto something.
Jon and Chris went on to tell me my kids' stories were ‘dope’ and I was utterly inspired. Their responses and confidence held so much weight for me mentally. It made me believe that if these two music lovers, Jon and Chris, (whom I hold in such high musical regard) liked my stories and thought they sounded like cool rap songs, I could make them into something special.
Here’s the point… believe in your friends. Without the confidence from my friends Jon, Chris and Steph that day, I may not have pursued my dreams of becoming a children’s entertainer with such vigor. But, because my friends believed in me, I started believing in myself. So, even though the first time I rapped my books was prompted by a librarian at a school, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to stand in front of all those kids and teachers that day and rap my books if it weren’t for my dear friends cheering me on in my mind.
The moral is, believe in your friends, you never know how far your belief will take them. Thanks Steph, Jon, Chris and everyone else who has believed in my journey.
]]>I read a story about a girl named Ella Grace, age 11, from Ajax, Ontario and I was instantly inspired and wanted to share it with you. Ella and her friend Cash Daniels, age 11, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, are helping to save the environment and clean up our ocean’s in a big way. Ella and Cash created ‘The Cleanup Kids’ initiative which aims to educate children about the environment and inspire them to help protect it.
For their efforts, Ella and Cash have been awarded the 2021 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. They were chosen for the award because of their tremendous initiatives to help save the environment and what they are doing to inspire others to pitch in.
I had the opportunity to interview Ella, please read our conversation below. Thanks for checking it out!
]]>For their efforts, Ella and Cash have been awarded the 2021 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. They were chosen for the award because of their tremendous initiatives to help save the environment and what they are doing to inspire others to pitch in.
I had the opportunity to interview Ella, please read our conversation below. Thanks for checking it out!
Q: Ella, first off I commend you for your work in helping to save the environment. When did you become interested in the environment and how did you get started?
A: Thank you! Protecting the environment has always been something that I have just known I wanted to do. As long as I can remember I have been amazed by the ocean and all of it’s creatures. As I started to learn about the threats to our wildlife I decided I wanted to help protect them as much as I could. I started doing shoreline cleanups, and speaking out against plastic pollution anywhere and everywhere I could. That naturally just progressed into the work I am doing now.
Q: I’ve read that you are passionate about reducing plastic pollution in oceans. What do we need to do in North America and across the world to help?
A: It’s true! Plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats to the planet. Cleaning up plastic from our waterways or shorelines is great, because it will help protect animals that could ingest or become entangled in the plastic, but truthfully it doesn’t address the main problem. The biggest thing we can do in North America, or anywhere, is STOP using plastic. Make an extra effort to buy things in glass, or paper or aluminium. These are all materials that can be endlessly recycled, where as plastic, IF it is actually recycled (which less than 10% of plastic actually is) can only be recycled a couple times before it isn’t able to be remade into other products again. If we stop buying the plastic, we eliminate an entire step of having to clean it out of our waterways, or having to worry about where it goes.
Q: Monofilament receptacles are places for fishermen to properly dispose of fishing line. Why is this so important for marine life and how can anyone reading this article help you?
A: Monofilament receptacles are containers that are placed along the shoreline in areas where fishing is popular. The idea is that instead of the fishing line blowing away and ending up in the water where animals can and do get trapped in it, it is tucked safely into the receptacle where it is then collected and disposed of in a safe way. Anyone who is reading this article and goes fishing can take extra care to make sure their fishing line doesn’t blow away. If anyone is interested in sponsoring a receptacle to be placed along a waterway they can also send us an email to hello@thecleanupkids.org
Q: What is the ‘Ocean Heroes Bootcamp’ and how did it help your journey?
A: Ocean Heroes Bootcamp is a program for kids that is run by Lonely Whale and Captain Planet Foundation. At the bootcamp, kids from all over the world come together to discuss our ideas on how we as youth can help protect the oceans, and inspire other people to want to do the same. Ocean Heroes Bootcamp really helped me because I was able to meet other kids who were like me. It made me realize that there are lots of other kids who care about the planet too.
Q: You regularly create conservation videos and speak at schools about your environmental mission. What do you say to kids (and adults) to inspire them to pitch-in to your cause?
A: The thing that I say most often to other kids and adults is “You are never too old, or too young to get involved. Every little bit of action adds up to make big changes” I really believe that people want to help, but just honestly don’t know where to start. It is overwhelming. I always suggest trying one new thing. Maybe decide your family is going to give up plastic bags, or straws, or single use water bottles. Once that becomes a habit and you do it without even thinking about it, add another thing. You would be surprised how one little action will get noticed and inspire others to join in!
Q: If you could sit down with the World’s leaders to discuss saving the environment, what would you say?
A: Oh boy!! That would be my dream. I would have a very stern talk with them. I would tell them that they need to stop with the talk about “doing more”, and ACTUALLY DO MORE! Talking about banning single use plastics, or lowering carbon emissions, or increasing green energy doesn’t create any ACTUAL change. My generation is the generation that is going to suffer the consequences of the lack of action taken by the current world leaders. The whole point is to try and stop this crisis before we reach a point that we are past being able to stop it. Sadly, that point isn’t far off. The next 10 years are said to be the most important in terms of deciding what our future, and the lives of future generations will look like. That is a big responsibility, and I would tell them that if they aren’t up to the job, stand aside for someone who is!
Q: You have already done so much for the environment and you are only 11! What is next for Ella? What type of environmental goals do you have for the future?
A: I don’t feel like I have done so much, I feel like I care a lot, and for me taking care of the environment is a small price to pay for living on this beautiful planet. The next projects I have coming up are all based around the current Climate Crisis. I am involved in a really amazing film that is going to show the whole picture of what is happening to our coral reefs, and why EVERY single person on earth is affected by this, regardless of if you live near an ocean or not. This film will show the devastation of coral bleaching due to climate change, but it will also give hope that if the world pays attention that there are ways to stop this in its tracks. I will be learning something called Coral Gardening with one of the World’s top coral scientists, Dr. Kirby. I can’t wait! For the future my goals are to be an active voice in creating real change towards the way we look at our planet. I hope I can be a part of the movement that shows people that our planet isn’t an ever renewing resource if we don’t take care of it. I think I would like to go into underwater filmmaking. The impact that nature and environmental shows have had on me has been huge. I hope I can do that for the next generation so they realize how important activism is, and how truly ANYONE can do it!
Q: What can we start doing today in our own homes to help save the environment?
A: The single biggest thing anyone and everyone can start doing in their home today is to reduce the amount of meat they eat. I know it isn’t what people want to hear, but it is the truth. By increasing the amount of plant based foods you eat you are able to make a massive impact on the amount of carbon emissions you are personally contributing. I think a lot of people get put off because they think it is all or nothing. It doesn't have to be. Again, start small. Maybe that means picking one or two nights a week that your family doesn’t eat meat. You will be surprised how easy it is to substitute meat for plants. If anyone wants some suggestions on amazing plant based recipes and cooks to follow, just send us an email or message on instagram!
]]>Wednesdays are one of my son’s favourite days because it’s garbage day! He waits to see the garbage truck round the corner then begins pumping his fist like a piston with a huge smile on his face in the hopes of getting a honk back. Almost every time he is rewarded with a honk and a smile from our friendly neighborhood garbage men & women. It’s a small gesture from folks doing a hard job but it means the world to a four year-old boy (somewhat starved for meaningful social interactions during a global pandemic).
It’s a moment for me as a parent that I will always relish and one I hope will never end.
]]>It’s a moment for me as a parent that I will always relish and one I hope will never end.
My son really loves every aspect of the truck and it’s given me a great opportunity to explain the recycling, compost and trash process. He is now telling his big sister what can and cannot be recycled and I’m a proud dad. In the end it always comes back to the garbage truck's cool compactor; who doesn’t love seeing it make a big CRUSH.
One pandemic Wednesday in the Summer, while waiting for said awesome truck, my son said to his sister and I, ‘waiting on the garbage truck’ in a cool four year old manner while kicking his cute feet in excitement. I did the one thing my brain loves to do and started singing a jingle about the garbage truck to entertain his curiosity of the subject. I sang back what he had said but in my own Friendly Fables way. Here’s a video clip where you can hear the original audio and see the song come to life. My daughter joined in right away while I was singing, so I knew I was onto something.
I am really proud of how the song turned out overall musically, I feel it’s a richer and more complex structure than the songs on our first album. But I am doubly proud that the song teaches kids about saving the environment. Namely by doing the little things around the house like reducing, reusing and recycling.
Thank you for reading about how this song came to life. Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive behind the scenes blogs about all 14 new songs!
]]>I recently had the absolute pleasure to interview Lisa Sonshine, who is half of the Juno nominated kids group Sonshine & Broccoli. In addition to Lisa being an incredible children’s performer, she is also a wonderful mother. Speaking with her about raising an infant during the pandemic really was enlightening and encouraging for me to hear.
As parents, we are all on this journey together. Unfortunately we do not receive an instruction manual when kids arrive so it’s helpful to hear perspectives from other parents, especially ones like Lisa who are doing an inspirational job balancing being a parent and an entrepreneur / entertainer.
]]>As parents, we are all on this journey together. Unfortunately we do not receive an instruction manual when kids arrive so it’s helpful to hear perspectives from other parents, especially ones like Lisa who are doing an inspirational job balancing being a parent and an entrepreneur / entertainer.
Which cool parent should we interview next? Stay tuned and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter. In the meantime, here is a fun and authentic look at parenting and life during the pandemic with Lisa Sonshine. Thanks for reading!
Q: What’s it like raising a child during the pandemic?
A: Well, I would have to say I would break this question into two parts. My son was only 3 months when the pandemic started and we decided as a family to move to my cottage for 6 months. It was dreamy. I took my son for long drives and walks. Where we were, Covid didn’t feel so heavy. When we moved back to the city my son was 9 months and it felt much harder to keep an active boy busy. Once we found our groove it was totally fine. It was much nicer when he started to be able to interact with other kids in the summer.
Q: Pretend you’ve got a baby-free day tomorrow, where are you going first? (It’s ok to say ‘back to bed’;)
A: Ahhhhh...my old life pre babes. LOL. Sometimes I dream of these days. I would definitely work out at one of my favorite places. Grab a coffee. Run a few errands. Meet friends for lunch. Do a little self care etc mani/massage...chill out before going out for dinner.
Q: Is there anything that you’d do differently with your second child than with your first? Any major lessons you’ve learned?
A: I don’t think so. Actually I think I would be more calm. As a new mama everything is just so NEW. I most definitely panicked when looking back wasn’t totally necessary. I think your first teaches you and shocks you at the same time. I’m hoping with my second I will remember to chill out. LOL
Q: Are there any songs you’re sick of singing to your son already? (In our house I refuse to sing Baby Shark and the Gummy Bear Song, LOL)
A: LOL, same same over here. Baby shark for sure. But the joy he gets with ‘Wheels on the Bus’ and ‘ei ei oh’. As a children’s entertainer I for sure thought I would be singing him all of my own songs. We do that too , but wheels on the bus definitely trumps Sonshine & Broccoli right now.
Q: What’s been your least favourite thing about the pandemic? What’s been your favourite thing about the pandemic?
A: My least fav thing has been being isolated from family and friends. Not having the closest people in my life really get to know my son while I know their kids deeply. My fav thing was getting a solid 18 months as a family. My husband was working from home so we really got to be together with my son. Time we otherwise wouldn’t have had.
Q: Do you have any advice for new moms (parents) reading this?
A: great question. Yes, yes. Trust your gut. Trust yourself. They say ‘mama’s intuition’. It’s a real thing. Reach out for help when you need it. Show up as honestly as you can with your partner or support as to where you are emotionally postpartum. Try to get yourself around other mamas.
Q: As a Juno nominated children’s entertainer, what’s your favourite thing about performing for kids?
A: I love, love, love what I do. It’s been almost 19 years and everytime I get to rock out on stage for these kiddos it’s a real blessing. Music is the universal language. One our children thrive on. What a gift to see these little people clap, jump, dance and sing your songs. I mean there is no bigger joy.
Q: Who is your favourite children’s entertainer? (past or present)
A: great question. We have lots of friends in the States (USA) that I admire and love their music.
Canada
Q: I know you love musical theatre. What is your favourite stage production of all time?
A: Hands down, RENT!
Q: What’s one dinner your family could survive on for the whole pandemic? What’s something you are sick of eating?
A: SUSHI. Everyday and night for sure. Honestly I’m sick of everything. LOL, we go through waves. Especially being pregnant I feel like I’m on a cooking strike. (Mama is tired!)
Q: What’s something you will tell your kids about the pandemic?
A: What a wild ride it was! I will tell our kids how to be grateful for the very little things. Our health, our love for one another. Reminding them how little we need when it’s all taken away. No distractions. Simple. Easy does it. And most important...THIS TOO SHALL PASS!
Q: You are in a group called ‘Sonshine & Broccoli’, hard hitting question; do you actually like eating broccoli?
A: I mean I don’t hate it. Definitely not my go to food. But it's cool to be green:)
Thanks Lisa, I appreciate your answers and insights. Coincidentally broccoli is my kids favourite vegetable! Sharing our experiences connects us and reminds us we are in this together. Have a story of your own to tell? Want to be interviewed next? Leave a comment below. Thanks for reading.
]]>When I’m not entertaining children from around the world with my rap-a-long books & songs, you can find me with my kids. I am a stay-at-home Dad by day and there’s just no job like it.
While working on Friendly Fables I have had the opportunity to meet and speak with some incredible parents. One rad dad in particular is someone who I have followed in various capacities over the years: Rick ‘The Temp’ Campanelli. From world trips with his kids, to nature hikes or just reading a good old fashioned book, this dad does it all with style and a smile.
It is now my great pleasure to share with you a recent Rad Dad Chat I had with Rick where he discusses parenting during a global pandemic, what he is looking forward to most, and some other fun answers about his life as a dad. We hope you enjoy reading it!
]]>While working on Friendly Fables I have had the opportunity to meet and speak with some incredible parents. One rad dad in particular is someone who I have followed in various capacities over the years: Rick ‘The Temp’ Campanelli. From world trips with his kids, to nature hikes or just reading a good old fashioned book, this dad does it all with style and a smile.
It is now my great pleasure to share with you a recent Rad Dad Chat I had with Rick where he discusses parenting during a global pandemic, what he is looking forward to most, and some other fun answers about his life as a dad. We hope you enjoy reading it!
Questions for ‘Rad Dad’ Rick Campanelli:
Q: What dinner are you sick of cooking/eating the most during the pandemic?
A: First of all we love to cook and eat over here…we’re Italian LOL…but the one meal that I must have prepared over a hundred times during the pandemic is French toast… My boys absolutely LOVE their French toast - they ask for it almost every morning.
Q: What has helped your family stay safe and calm during this pandemic? Hikes? Music? Books? Dance parties?
A: We have done so much as a family because of lockdowns or just because of my wife and I both being stay at home parents - we love it. There have been lots of hikes, puzzles, LEGO’s, stuffy parties, Disney+...
Q: Despite so many awful days, I’ve been lucky to be with my family and have moments that I’m grateful for — what has the pandemic made you grateful for?
A: Experiencing a world wide pandemic like COVID-19 has made us realize that family and family time is most important…especially the very young and very old family members. My wife and I have always tried to spend as much time with family as we could before the pandemic and since the pandemic/lockdowns - we have just gotten that much closer.
Q: What’s a normal thing you miss doing the most? (I miss Mandarin buffets, is that weird?)
A: I also miss Mandarin buffets LOL…ah man, we’d go at least once a month. I also miss live music concerts (although my wife and I are so excited to finally go see Maroon 5 in concert tonight)!!
Q: Have you changed the way you grocery shop and your shopping habits?
A: At the start of the pandemic we were using the grocery delivery service a lot…we wouldn’t set foot in a grocery store…but as the pandemic continued we decided to venture into the grocery store but we’re able to streamline our visits.
Q: How many nights a week are you ordering in?
A: We love to eat in but we also love to cook. I would say we order in or do drive-through 4 times a week!
Q: How do you feel about kids going back to school? And if school closes again what are you going to do? (‘Go crazy’ is a valid answer.)
A: We are very excited to get the kids back in school - even though there have been play dates with one or two of their buddies - there’s nothing a kid needs more than being around his/her buddies to stimulate them…whether it’s learning, playing or just being social. If the school closes again (you never know) we would love that they would be back home with us.
Q: What do you say to your kids when they are feeling worried or upset?
A: Feelings are just temporary… We just try to reassure them that everything is going to be alright/calm them down by just talking through the situation and keeping positive.
Q: Are you going to go back to live events right away? (Concerts, Blue Jays, Leafs, Bills, Packers) If so, are you bringing the kids?
A: Yessir, Maroon 5 tonight, Las Vegas Raiders for their season opener, Tiger-Cats in a couple weeks!! I want to do it all again, NOW!! We are fully vaccinated and ready to start the world back up again!
Q: I know you are a prolific traveller and you must be missing exploring the world with your family. If you could go anywhere tomorrow where would you go?
A: Yes we absolutely LOVE to travel and explore. I have always wanted to take my family to Africa and hit up a safari or two. We love animals and to see them in their natural habitat would be the best!!
Q: Have you picked up any new hobbies / skills during the pandemic?
A: I have definitely spent a lot more time in the kitchen cooking - I love it there. In the 90’s my fave place to be was a mosh pit - now, it’s the kitchen LOL
Q: If you had a t-shirt slogan about your favourite pandemic saying, what would it be? Mine is: Keep calm and read on.
A: Haha, somebody already made one with my face on it…it reads… “Check your temp…I’m fine” LOL
Thanks Rick for your thoughtful and honest responses! To all the parents out there reading this, I would love to hear your parenting stories. Sharing our experiences connects us and reminds us we're in this together. Thank you for reading.
]]>This is my favourite behind the scenes story for sure! Many of you are familiar with our best selling ‘Farts’ book and the Farts Rap-A-Long song on YouTube but not everyone knows how they came to be.
A few years ago I was very excited to be returning to my elementary school, Lakeside P.S, to share my Friendly Fables stories with their elementary students.
I arrived in the library and was greeted by smiling, eager faces. I could picture myself as a young boy in the crowd, so I really wanted my performances that day to be special.
]]>A few years ago I was very excited to be returning to my elementary school, Lakeside P.S, to share my Friendly Fables stories with their elementary students.
I arrived in the library and was greeted by smiling, eager faces. I could picture myself as a young boy in the crowd, so I really wanted my performances that day to be special.
I proceeded to read for the Kindergarten and Grade 1 students and finished my performance with ‘How To Bake A Monster Cake’. When I reached the part in the story with the gross monster cake ingredients the kids lost their minds! Especially at the mention of ‘a dog fart’.
Hearing the laughter that ensued in that moment, I was reminded how funny Farts are to kids. The smiles and giggles that followed through the rest of the book really motivated me.
As the students from the first group were leaving the library, a teacher told me that the book I had read, ‘How To Bake A Monster Cake’, sounded like a rap song and she dared me to rap it for the Grade 2 students who were arriving. “They will love it!” She said with a smile.
I’m not one to turn down a challenge, especially if it involves my favourite genre of music. So at the end of my performance for the Grade 2’s, I decided to rap for them the book.
I will never forget the look on those kids' faces. Something awakened inside of me and their smiles and cheers made the book come to life!
So much so that at one part in the book the teachers who were watching the performance joined in with their own hook/chorus from around the Library “Boogers and Farts will make it great!”
I left that library that day a changed man. I went home knowing I needed to write a ‘Farts’ Rap-A-Long book for kids. That night for dinner we had tacos and the first line I wrote in the book was “When it’s taco night and there’s refried beans, I know I will fart all night in my dreams.”
The ‘Farts’ book is now a Friendly Fables best seller and the Rap-A-Long music video has hit over 300,000 views! Thank you to the awesome Lakeside teachers that inspired me that day and to all the kids for reminding me how funny Farts are. Thanks for reading.
]]>In My Cool New School, Annie isn’t nervous for her first day at ‘big kid’ school - she’s excited! New friends, amazing teachers, painting, dinosaurs, yoga, recess and more - what’s not to love?! When Annie’s dad arrives at the end of the school day, she can hardly believe it’s time to go home. The day flies when you’re having fun!
While Annie may have felt like she was playing all day long, parents and teachers know that she was learning every step of the way. Children learn through play - it’s an important part of development and education, and it’s not just about advancing social skills! Playtime teaches everything from geometry to physical education. Picture a sensory bin - maybe one filled with sand, water or macaroni noodles. This isn’t just a fun, tactile play centre for children - it’s a way for them to distinguish between fluids and solids, understand weight and measurements, recognize different textures and yes, have fun. Singing helps with the development of language skills. Wooden building blocks and toys like Lego are fantastic for developing fine motor skills as well as logic, and gym class helps with coordination, strength and flexibility as well as athletic concepts. Truly, there’s a lot more to play than meets the eye!
Annie may not realize how much the fun she has at school is helping her learn and grow, but her teachers and parents can see her thrive and shine. My Cool New School is a wonderful story for kids who are excited about school AND those who need a little help getting excited. Trust us - Annie’s enthusiasm is contagious! Thanks for reading. ]]>Childhood is a brief chapter in life that leaves a lasting imprint as we grow. It’s the foundation of our whole lives; the place where our stories, relationships and memories begin. Ask anyone about their childhood and you’re sure to get a visceral reaction - the good, the bad, the endless discoveries and the pure joy of being a kid. It truly is an amazing time!
]]>Knowing this, it’s no wonder that parents strive to make childhood as magical as it can be. We’re not just talking about ice cream cones and trips to Disney World - we mean the really magical stuff: love, laughter, family, security, happiness and health. These elements are as important as the food we eat and the air we breathe, and kids depend on us to create this type of environment for them.
Every child deserves the best possible start in life, and furthermore, a positive childhood is closely linked to the development of important emotional skills. The Canadian Pediatric Society reports that a child’s early childhood experiences can either nurture health and resiliency or make children vulnerable to poor health and development. “If children are supported with positive environments and social experiences, their future will look bright. But if they experience chronic stressors...their development and health and well-being risk being disrupted or undermined.”
Some stressors can be avoided, but others are beyond our control - health issues and childhood injuries are a great example of this. In many cases, our health is something we take for granted until it’s threatened. It may be a simple cold, a broken arm or a serious illness - when you’re little, any challenge can feel big!
I wrote the book Heroic Hospital Quest for kids who have undergone or are going through health-related struggles. It’s a tribute to the parents of sick children and the medical teams that help them heal and recover. While the book is set in a hospital, it’s easy to relate the story to less serious illnesses. It may be “just” an ear infection, but when you’re three years old, that’s serious stuff! No matter how big or small the ailment, this story will comfort and inspire kids.
If we could tell kids one thing, it’s this: when you get sick, don’t be scared. Everything is going to be ok. With the help of a doctor and the love of your family, you’re in good hands.
]]>And then there’s TV, smartphone apps, videogames and iPads...mom (or dad) guilt...and real life.
Parents take a lot of heat for screen time. Kids often get too much of it, whether it’s cartoons or time on the iPad. But here’s the thing - you can’t fault a tired mom or dad for needing a little break. Maybe you need to cook dinner so you flip on the TV to keep your kids out of your hair for half an hour, or you’re just plain exhausted and need a break. WE GET IT. We’ve been there, and we’ve done it too (most days, actually).
But there is something to be said of balance. An excess of recreational screen time (defined as more than two hours a day for kids) has been linked to poorer cognitive development. The Canadian Pediatric Society reports that 85% of Canadian kids are taking in more screen-based media than recommended, and the majority of U.S. infants aged 6 months to one year in age use a touch screen device EVERY DAY.( No matter how you slice it, that’s a lot of kids glued to screens.
We don’t want to get rid of televisions and smartphones. We don’t want to judge parents or shame anyone. The Friendly Fables team watches as much Paw Patrol as the next family, to be honest. Still, we try to achieve that balance wherein parents get a little iPad babysitting break without overdoing it. We watch a little Disney+ or Wild Kratts on the iPad and make sure Chase is still on the case, but then we put it away and get back to the really good stuff: a colourful, engaging, timeless children’s book. It’s the same sort of timeless, ageless joy that comes from fort building and Lego and jumping on a bouncy castle and kicking a soccer ball and all the other things we love from our childhood.
Remember the magic of books, celebrate them in any way you can. Tech is dated the day after you buy it, but books just get better with age.
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