Looking for a way to spend family time unplugged? Check out Unplug and Play by Brad Berger. The book is filled with 50 games that don’t require electricity. We have reached the age of modern technology, and we spend most of our free time on the Internet playing games, texting, or on social media. It is true, we are loosing our connection to family and friends unless it’s on an electrical device.
I was asked to review this book and jumped at the opportunity. I still play board and card games with my grandchildren, but I thought it would be nice to have access to games other than Candy Land, Trouble, Old Maid etc. I must admit, I don’t usually play games when I’m hanging out with friends and family. So I truly thought the book could be beneficial.
I’ll start with an overview first. The book is filled with 50 games that can be played with various age groups for a variety of events. The book includes games in the matching, memory, puzzles, strategy, bluff, and who can respond the quickest category, which can be played during family time, parties or other social gatherings.
When I first browsed the book, I found it rather confusing. Since I was in the comfort of my home I was able to return to it easily and give it a second chance. I found the content overwhelming. I didn’t know where to start in deciding why I would purchase the book except for the fact that you didn’t have to be on a computer to play it. The cover showed various age groups playing together, but the book isn’t broken down by age group. I had to basically review the entire book to determine which of the 50 games I could use. I wouldn’t have time for that while shopping. It would have gone back on the shelf. I’m just not one to spend my money unless I’m certain of the purchase no matter how big or small.
I returned to the book a few days later and decided that I would look for games that I could play on Girl’s Night and games that I could play with my grandchildren. I found 2 games out of 50 that intrigued me.
Who Am I – Each person lists 20 famous people and you place the names in a hat or bowl, whatever you have handy. Each person takes turns drawing a name and than gives a one – three word hint on who the person is. For example, Vivian Leigh. The hint would be Scarlett. If a person gets the correct answer they earn 30 points. If not, another hint would be Miss Scarlett. They would earn 20 points. Three hints 10 points.
Movie Match – In this game you make two columns, Movies and the second column the Actor/Actress. You match the movie with the actor/actress. The first person or team who matches all 20 wins.
My grandchildren are 6 and 2, so playing these games with them was out unless I really manipulated them. I decided to play both of the games when I hosted Girl’s Night and we had a ball playing them. Besides the fact that you only need a pen and pencil to play the games, I really can’t find many pros for this book. I would recommend browsing it if you come across it in a store you may have a different opinion and may have family members that a older and can play the games; however, for me only finding 2 out of 50 games useful, I would not purchase it. I will play Who Am I and Movie Match again. I loved them.
Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review; however, the opinions are my own.
Unplug and Play Book Review
Are You Teaching Your Child About Racism
Do you see the world in black or white? If so you’re missing mesmerizing colors. I created this quote several months ago, and tucked it away. Today I pull it out. I’ve been watching the coverage on Donald Sterling, owner of the LA Clippers, and I’ve had so many things go through my mine. I debated whether I should do this post.
I wavered because I have diverse followers and I didn’t want to offend anyone with my thoughts and truths. However, there are times that we need to put on our big girl pants and face reality. I am known to give things to you straight and I don’t always offer a chaser. But lets not be afraid to discuss uncomfortable issues on Mother 2 Mother. After all, it’s Real Talk for Real Women.
As an African American, I’ve encountered my share of racism. At times blatant and others not so much. I was profoundly offended when I was listening to Donald Sterling’s words. It seems that some people’s focus was on his First Amendment rights and other’s focus was on his racist comments. When I was listening to his words, his First Amendment rights was not an issue for me. First Amendment rights don’t apply when a person is being disrespected. If you think you’re bold enough to speak it, you have to be bold enough to suffer the consequences of your words. I applauded the fact that he has been banned from the NBA for life. NBA= No Bigots Allowed.
Why should his First Amendments rights override another person’s rights to live, play, work and live freely in this country? Why should other people have to endure his bigoted comments? Because he has the right to say whatever he wants? Do we really? This is a prime case of be careful what you say.
Let me be clear, I’m not saying that a person is not entitled to their opinions. However, if your opinions are hurtful to another person maybe you should keep it to yourself. Do you believe people are born racist? Do you think racism is learned behavior? I was called the “N” Word for the first time around 11 or 12. Needless to say, the person who sprouted that word took an ass-whipping. Before I could respond, my sister gave her a whipping that she will never forget. I don’t condone violence, so as an adult I would handle things differently.
But at that point, we weren’t about to walk away without leaving her with a memory. I grow up in a small community, and we were free to roam and be carefree as children. We played together, we went to school together and some dated outside of their race. I am happy to say that most of us have remained friends and follow each other on Facebook. A few of us even worked for the same agency. To me that says a lot of what we truly thought of each other growing up. I’m proud of my upbringing.
Since I believe racism is taught, I made sure that I educated my daughter on the importance of loving everyone. I never limited her on who she could play with, socialize with or date unless I believed that person was harmful in some kind of manner. She had diverse friends growing up and she still has most of them. She dated outside of her race in high school.
We must educate our children to not discriminate against another person based on race, religion, sexual preference, gender etc. It may not be how we choose to live, but so be it. We must have this conversation with our children, so they will know better. They are the next generation and our future leaders.
You can think what you want; however, your offensive remarks could become public. Regardless of whether they were supposed to be private or not, there is a price to pay. It is imperative that each of us think before we speak, period. Being a hateful person is not natural. There’s a hole in your heart. On-line posts are no loner private. So, what you say in another’s presence may not remain private either. Lesson learned. Are you teaching your child about racism or turning the other cheek?
Kids Parties: Ladybug Themed Ideas
Planning a Ladybug Party? Try these adorable ideas that we used for Miss Muffin’s first birthday. The kids will love them, and you will be the best party planner ever. We made chicken salad the night before and the yummy ladybug crackers about an hour before the party. There’s plenty of chicken salad left over from my recipe below to make regular sandwiches for the adults and for you to make sandwich later after an exhausting day. Here’s what you will need:
- Ritz crackers
- Grape tomatoes
- small black olives
- chicken salad or cream cheese
Spread cream cheese or chicken salad on each Ritz cracker. Place 2 slices of the cherry tomatoes face down to form the wings. Place a tooth pick through the olive and stick through the chicken salad to form the head.
The bug mobile was a bug hit. No, the last bug is not a a typo. It was truly buggy. We transformed the yellow school bus with ladybug wings from a Halloween costume and eye lashes that were made for Volkswagen. As you can see, the kids couldn’t wait to take a ride.
We had this adorable cake made, and it was a perfect center piece for the food table. We added ladybug balloons, red and black table clothes and red and black paper products from the dollar store. Use your imagination, the possibilities are endless.
You may also like my chicken salad recipe for the crackers: Creamy Chicken Salad
Cancer Patients Can Fly Free
Cancer patients can fly free to cancer treatment centers around the country free regardless of age. Corporate Angel Network works directly with patients, family members and corporations to coordinate travel needs for cancer patients. Corporate Angel Network is the only charitable organization in the USA who arranges travel for cancer patients to treatment centers, using the empty seats on corporate aircraft flying on routine business. Patients can fly free aboard corporate jets that have empty seats as well.
My father passed away from cancer years ago, but it still seems like yesterday. Fortunately, we live a few hours away from two of the best medical centers in the country, John Hopkins University and the University of Virginia. We utilized John Hopkins during his surgery and treatment. My the grace of God, we were able to cover the medical expense that was not covered by his insurance.
I know that everyone is not as fortune, so I think it’s important to share information so those who need assistance can have a resource and can seek help. During my father’s journey, I met so many incredible people from around the world who had traveled to John Hopkins for various reasons. Many would be in debt after their struggle, but they were willing risk everything for their loved one.
Photo courtesy of stockvault.net
You Are Not The Father
You are not the father! You are not the father! I lost count of the number of times that I heard this statement while watching daytime TV today. I know that it was more times than I heard You are the father. I know I should have been spending my time more productively, but I just didn’t feel like it. Do you ever have those days that you just want to do nothing? I’ve been having quite a few lately.
I digressed back to the show. One lady had been on the show 14 times for a DNA test, 14 times. Now I’m not going to sit here and pretend to be all innocent. I’m not, and I have problems with people who can’t be real and be truthful about who they. I’ve had a good time throughout the years, but I do wonder how a woman would not know who her baby’s daddy is.
I watched these young ladies state they are 150% sure they know who the father is, but the DNA test proved otherwise. Not only were they told the young man who stood accused was not the father, they endured being called out of their name by the young men. There were young ladies who slept with brothers, fathers and sons, and some who didn’t know who they slept with because they were in a drunken stupor. Now the party is over, and reality is hitting them hard. Rather this show is real or not, incidents like this occur everyday.
I decided to switch channels and found myself in a court room watching a judge determine if the men standing before them were the fathers of children being displayed on a screen. There were more DNA tests, but there were slight differences from the other show. Some of the people in the court room were married couples and the wife strayed. There were men and women some who had hooked up years ago, but never married and the child was now seeking the truth about paternity.
Between the two shows, I started thinking about all that these young ladies would have to endure as a single mother and all that they would endure through their parenting journey. I started thinking about the young people who had gone through a part of their life not knowing the truth about who their father really was because of their mother’s poor judgement. I also started thinking about how important DNA tests had become in today’s society to determine paternity. Have we made a wrong turn in society to the point that we need a test to determine who our children’s fathers are?
Are we not teaching our children about birth control or waiting until they are married? I understand women have found a new awakening, and they don’t have a problem getting their freak on. This includes young ladies who aren’t really responsible enough to take on such a huge responsibility. I can relate to being a single parent and all the struggles as a young mother. For this reason, I stressed the importance of protecting herself and not becoming a single parent to my daughter. As mothers, we want support emotionally, financially, and physically, but if a man is not your husband they can’t be depended on to help provide those things for us.
One thing that I noticed was although the young ladies had sex with these young men, nobody was calling the young men out of their names. Some things never change, it’s the women who are looked down on. I also understand why young men want DNA tests, it seems that young ladies give themselves so freely and they do so without thinking of the repercussions. There’s enough blame to go around. As a parent, I didn’t preach absenteeism to my daughter. The chances of your child remaining a virgin until marriage are slim to none. If you’re successful in achieving that goal, my hat is off to you. I did preach about the struggle of being a single parent and the importance of protecting herself from disease and an unplanned pregnancy. I stressed the importance of educating herself, traveling and achieving her goals before she took on the responsibility of parenting. Having these conversations with you child is so important. You can’t just have them in passing, it must be a constant so it can take hold in your child’s mind.
Are you discussing sex with your child? How are you approaching it or how do you plan to approach it?
Note: Photo courtesy of stockvault.net.
Ronald McDonald Gets A Makeover
Do you remember Ronald McDonald and the cast of characters in McDonald Land? I loved the Hamburglar and Officer Big Mac. In recent years Ronald McDonald and his friends have made few appearances on TV or any of the McDonald’s restaurants. It seems his character is a thing of the past except for his appearances relating to the Ronald McDonald House. With all the negative publicity about the fat grams in their food and mothers suing because their children want Happy Meals, and they just can’t tell them no. It seems that McDonald’s has decided to place their focus on their coffee rather than their burgers.
It’s rather sad that a cast of characters have been abandoned. I loved taking my daughter to play in McDonald Land Saturday afternoons when she was growing up. She ate a happy meal every Saturday, and she’s healthy and happy. I find it rather disturbing that obesity is being blamed on corporations such as McDonald’s when in fact the parents should take responsibility for their own inability to control their child’s diet. I guess it’s easier to point the finger at somebody else rather than look in the mirror and say I’m the problem. My parenting skills need some work.
It also saddens me that you can’t find McDonald’s characters incorporated into their playgrounds anymore. Children should be allowed to use their imagine and be carefree. I would love for my grandchildren to see Officer Big Mac, Mayor McCheese, Grimace and the Fry Kids. Instead McDonald’s is changing their marketing gimmicks to the more sophisticated consumer. They carry iPads, text, and sip lattes, mochas, cappuccinos and espressos. The new consumer is sophisticated. Unfortunately, I guess all good things must come to an end. I must accept the fact that we’ve entered a new millennium.
Photo courtesy of Daily Mail
Stop! Wait! Meet the new Ronald McDonald. McDonald’s recently gave him a makeover or at least a new outfit. Does he look creepy? Should the designers left him in his original clothes? Tweeters are debating. McDonald’s wanted to update Ronald and have him take on a new role on Twitter. Most importantly, tThis Ronald will be moving into social media. As a matter of fact, he will be tweeting for the corporation using the hash tag #RonaldMcDonald. Additionally, McDonald’s plans to bring Ronald into the mainstream later this year.
However, from my perspective I think Ronald looks handsome in his new outfit. And I can’t wait for my grandchildren to see him at upcoming events. Finally, I hope they will bring back the other adorable characters.
8 Reasons Dads Are Winning Custody
Dads are winning custody. Times have changed and most courts are no longer awarding child custody to moms. Many years ago moms getting custody was the standard. Most of the time, moms were given custody in divorces or in relationships that didn’t work out. This is no longer the standard. There’s a new generation of men, and along with them comes a new attitude. Furthermore, they’re bring a new perspective and a will to fight for their children. News Flash – they’re winning. Today, I’m sharing tips on why dads are winning custody of their children. Knowledge is power, and power will help empower you.
I’ve watched four of my nephews over the years win custody of their children. Yes, I said three. I have a lot of nephews, if we look at the big picture four is a small number. However, I’ve been on the inside of how and why they’re winning. I’m proud to say they’re doing an excellent job of raising their children too. When the first nephew went to court, I thought his chances of winning were slim. He came ready for the game, hit the ball out of the park and walked away with his son.
The second, third and fourth nephews followed with custody battles for their children. They all came out winners. The first nephew that I talked about shares custody with his son’s mother; however, she knows that she better walk a straight and narrow line. Otherwise, he will win. As a matter of fact, his son is now old enough now to tell the court who he wants to live with. If he has to choose, it will be his dad. The second and third nephews have have full custody of their sons too.
Here’s a few reasons why dads are winning custody from my perspective:
1) First, men are ensuring they are involved in all aspects of their child’s upbringing. They are involved in feedings, changed diapers, and providing financial, emotional and physical support from day one.
2) Women today have outdated thinking. They still think the man owes them. Often they don’t realize the importance of being self-sufficient. Not one of my nephews relies on the system for food stamps, medical care or anything else for their children. They buy food, clothes, provide insurance, pay for recreational activities etc. They are not handing money over to mom for child support, they pay for the purchases directly and track the expenses.
3) Next, men are involved in their children’s recreational activities, attend parent and teachers conferences, assist with homework etc. There’s no mommy or daddy duties. They can perform as well as mom.
4) They established joint custody early. Furthermore, they were smart enough to establish days of custody and times documented through court. Because they have joint custody at least 50% of the time, most are not obligated to pay child support. Their money goes toward the expenses in their own homes for their children.
5) Providing a stable environment that is not subsidized by taxpayers/the state is a plus. The first nephew has a home, and the other two have townhouses. Judges love saving the state money.
6) Additionally, they are involved in community service, coach their children in sports, and strive to set examples. Their children are taken to shows, professional games, have yearly birthday parties, summer vacations at the beach, involved in other family activities and attend church.
7) They consistently strive to improve educationally and professionally. Two of my nephews have opened a business together while raising their children. None of them are stay at home dads. They know they have to work in order to provide for their children and themselves. They’re doing it all, and each of their children are excelling all around. The ability to parent and provide are impressing judges.
8) They obtain legal representation who come out swinging. None of my nephews played dirty in their efforts to seek custody. They won on their ability to parent, their character and their desire to be in their children’s life.
It’s a new day, and if we as women don’t change our thinking and get in position to win many may find themselves on the outside looking in. Not all men are interested in finding out if the grass is greener on the other side. When they have children and their marriages and relationships don’t work they are willing to fight these days. Some are making their children a priority, and they don’t need a women to assist them. They have family and community support, and they’re putting it to use in a positive way.
When I say educate yourself and get in position, it doesn’t have anything to do with being a Welfare Queen or any other stereotype from the 70’s and 80’s. This type of thinking is what I’m talking about in Reason 2 and why men are winning. There’s nothing wrong with seeking assistance to get on your feet, but it should not become a way of life. The world has changed and you need to become aware of what’s happening around you. Society is now seeing things differently, and men are seeing their roles differently.
Finally, you must put on your suit of armor and gear up for the fight if you believe you could end up in a custody battle. It is rare that a storm hits without warning. Drugs, abusing alcohol, beating their partners, or hanging out in clubs are not a part of these men’s life. I’m talking about real men who are willing and capable of raising their children. Strive for joint custody, and work diligently to co-parent.
You may also like: Why Dads Are Winning Custody
Children’s Even Monsters Book
Children either love monsters for they’re afraid of them. Both of my grandchildren were afraid of the dark. My grandson had a fear of the front door at night. Unfortunately, both my daughter and I have front doors that are flanked by a window that allows you to see outside. So when darkness arrived, my grandson would constantly look at the door. Additionally, my granddaughter was afraid of the dark too. Both have gotten better as they have gotten older. Even so, it’s difficult to watch when your children are afraid.
Even Monsters is a great book. It is adorable and beautifully illustrated. Most importantly, children who are afraid of monsters learn that little monsters are just like them. Children learn that there’s no need to be afraid. It’s a great book for those who aren’t afraid of monsters too. Children will be able to relate to Glubb, the adorable little monster in the book.
Also, Even Monsters teachers children that little monsters have to change their underwear, eat their meals, and go to school. Furthermore, Even Monsters like to play video games, play soccer, brush their teeth and go to bed on time. The concept is creative and is appropriate for ages 2-8. It’s a great bedtime story and perfect for story time with grandparents. Add this book to your children’s reading list. Make it a bedtime favorite when your child is feeling frighten or anxious. You can purchase the hardback book here. You may also like Sugar Plum Ballerina Books.
About AJ Smith: Illustrator/author AJ Smith specializes in silly stories and funny drawings. AJ has illustrated eleven books for children in the educational market. Previously, he worked as an animator/designer in NYC on fun shows like Courage the Cowardly Dog and Sheep in the Big City. AJ lives in Newburyport, MA. For more information visit: Even Monsters
Tips for Raising Teen Girls
Should single dads take their daughters to get bras or should they seek the assistance of a woman in the family? As mothers, we just take on the responsibility when the times arrives. But, what about dads? There are many situations today where moms and dads co-parent. There are also situations where dads have primary custody of their daughters. When I was growing up, this was basically unheard of. However, times have changed. Today there are gay couples raising daughters, single dads raising daughters, widows raising daughters, grandfathers raising granddaughters, uncles raising nieces and the list goes on. Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on raising teen girls.
At some point our little girls, regardless of who’s raising them, will start growing into young ladies. They will need a bra. When I look back on my childhood, I can’t imagine my father taking me to the store and purchasing one for me. I was raised in a traditional home, bras and feminine products were my mother’s responsibility. Had my father been widowed, I think he would have reached out to one of my aunts or another family member. Raising teen girls was one thing, but going shopping for a bra was another.
Decades later, I am proud to say that I have nephews who have primary custody of their children and who co-parent. I think my dad would have been proud and very supportive of them taking on this responsibility. He would have seen this as a demonstration of character and a demonstration of the morals and values that have been instilled in them. He probably would wish they would have made wiser choices with the young ladies, but none the less he would have been proud. I’ll save how this all came to fruition in another post.
Here’s a few tips for raising teen girls:
- The endeavor has been made easier for parents these days. Young girls are now wearing bralettes. Yes it seems that our young ladies no longer refer to their first bras as training bras, but bralettes. Dads can purchase bralettes, which resemble undershirts, from Walmart, Target or Macy’s. They are the rage with young ladies now. Also, they come in a variety of colors and stretch as they develop.
- Their are several benefits to bralettes: 1) Dads and daughters don’t have to endure the embarrassment of going to the store and asking for assistance or measurements. Bralettes can purchased in sizes 4 – 6x and 7-14.
For all the single dads raising teen daughters, take a deep breath. Purchasing a bra for your teen daughter is easier than you think.