This child has wisdom beyond her years to know that imagination and exploration are more valuable than all the movies and television we push at our children. As I sit here in front of my computer I look out at a beautiful world and know that I am truly blessed. You are too, just look around as this video encourages you to do.
Children gain a much broader sense of the world, how it was in the past and how it has evolved, when they have meaningful connection with their grandparents.
Toronto, Ontario (PRWEB) August 31, 2011
Dr. Amy, an expert in caregiving, aging, and retirement, says there are compelling reasons to make a fuss over grandparents. She has developed a free kit for children, containing activities designed to build the bonds of love and understanding on Grandparents Day—and every day.
. The kit is being distributed through various agencies in the United States and Canada, including the Assisted Living Federation of America.
Here are Dr. Amy’s three reasons to celebrate Grandparents Day:
1. Grandparents enrich their grandchildren’s lives by providing a deeper sense of history and identity
2. Grandparents support their grandchildren
3. Grandparents have stories and wisdom to share
As we age we think about the legacy we will leave behind, and the desire runs deeper than simply gifting money. It is about leaving behind the essence of who we are and passing on our stories and life lessons to the next generation. Grandparents Day is an opportunity to make time for meaningful conversation, and share wisdom and stories across generations.
About Dr. Amy Inc.
A leader in caregiver wellness, Dr. Amy Inc. provides caregivers with expert information and support for the emotional and family issues that are a common part of caregiving. Dr. Amy Inc. was founded by Amy D’Aprix, MSW, PhD, CPCA. Known as Dr. Amy for her warm and engaging style, she is a sought-after speaker and a frequent guest on radio and television. Dr. Amy began working with seniors and their families more than 25 years ago, and was a caregiver to her parents for 10 years. She is the author of two books, and has written many articles on caregiving, aging, and retirement. See: http://www.dramycaregiving.com
For more information:
Shelly Potter: (416) 428-7540
shellyp(at)dramycaregiving(dot)com
That's My Daddy
It was her first concert and she was there early. The place was humming with excitement as people poured into the Pavillion. People were friendly and happy and so was she. Suddenly she saw the stage light up and felt and heard the first chords of music through her ear protectors. She noticed one of the big overhead screens, and pointing at it excitedly, said “DaDa, DaDa!” Fifteen-month-old McCamy watched and heard her daddy’s band, Modern Man, as they kicked off the Sweetlife Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion on May 1, 2011.
My Daddy is Singing
Since that time, Modern Man has been seen all around the D.C. area, in New York with The Attic Ends and many other spots.
Not sure what McCamy thought of the whole thing or if she likes her parents rockin’ into the night but she has been serenaded by her daddy since before she was born so I guess she likes to see everyone else enjoying it. She loves music too and rocks out on her own.
Plus the band sounds better all the time and I guess it is clear that this will not be her last concert. This is my favorite from their new EP “Long in the Tooth” by Modern Man.
So Obama met with the Dalai Lama this week and the Chinese were not happy about it. Why should they be? They think the U.S. is supporting the people of Tibet who refuse to accept the rule of the Chinese. I do not pretend to know the intricacies of these relationships but it seems to me that although we espouse freedom, we get ourselves in trouble by not really supporting it – ie Egypt and the Middle East Spring, the Shah of Iran, etc. But then there is also the other issue of our debt to China and the fact that we are beholding to them. What? Why? When did we let this happen?
The fact is that President Barack Obama would be better served if he met with The Dolly Nana and discussed ways to improve the future
of our children. Sure his kids are doing great but with roughly 10% of the US unemployed and another 15% underemployed, most kids are not doing so great. Additionally, the debt that we are placing on their heads is oppressive and should be illegal. True, he is not completely responsible for the financial situation we are in at this time but he asked for the job and he got it so he must be accountable. Major, major changes are needed and it starts with the idea of spending what you earn. Right now, our government is not earning much but distrust and cynicism.
In a recent discussion with my grandchildren I was taken aback by their reaction to the idea of overwhelming debt. One was very knowledgeable and angry. Another was unaware and became visibly upset by the concept. Of course it was 
who was upset and we spent several hours discussing how we got to this point and some options to solve the situation. I am sure his thoughts are at least as valid as those of Obama or Congress. If Obama met with the Dolly Nana, he would be charmed but disarmed. China would not care and there would be no repercussions. So why not, Mr. President?
When I first heard this request, I thought it was funny but now I am beginning to realize the change the once simple device has made in our lives and how “phone” is a total misnomer for the device that allows us to hold our world in the palm of our hand and to expand our braintrust exponentially! With a simple google search or map request, we can avoid the pain and wasted moments of thinking and preparing. With social media and text, we no longer have to plan, consider others actions or even think ahead more than 3 minutes because we can just text them. With mobile ads, businesses can target me based not only on my demographics, personal preferences and stated likes, they can know when I am conveniently located near their outlet. With games, we can target our attention and eyes to a small focused area and concentrate on the eye hand coordination that makes Luke Skywalker battles believable and possible.
But should we let our kids “play our phones”?
From Christine Mallait’s blog on the subject “One of the main ideas to consider about technology and children is: are they getting enough exposure to life outside of the one present inside a television, computer, cell phone, etc.? Back in the day (even ten years ago), children were outside climbing trees, playing sports like baseball in the park, or playing tag outside much more than today’s kids. The onset of technology into children’s lives has made playing Wii sports more desirable than playing soccer outside or going on the computer instead of going to the pool. While obviously children still find their ways into the great outdoors, there are more distractions for them now that video games, iPods, and cell phones have found themselves into the hands of today’s youth. Parents have begun buying into the “easy ways” to entertain children and televisions have become new-found babysitters. Is this necessarily the way the world should be – where technology obscures the great outdoors – especially in such nice weather during the summer? As well, what should the ground rules be for children and new gadgets?
My grandchildren are taught that too much TV, Computer, Wii, Technology will turn their “Brain to Mush”
What are your rules about technology and children?