Lend a Hand: Volunteer Opportunties for Kids

Service to others is the payment you make for your space here on earth.
Mohammed Ali

It's never too early to teach our kids about being of service to others. The life lessons are innumerable and the shift we see in them, as well as ourselves, makes all the difference. In a world reeling from the missteps of greed and consumerism, families are rethinking their priorities and reexamining what values they want to instill in their kids. It seems that we are on the brink of a global shift that not only includes rethinking what we have but asks us to consider those that have not. Bringing our children to help bag food for those that are in need has the positive effect of getting them to see beyond themselves ( a lifelong lesson for many of us) or spending a day on a beach clean up crew, not only sharpens their sense of community but gives them the sense of empowerment that they can make a difference, in small meaning full ways. I've listed a few opportunities that are kid friendly/family positive opportunities. For more listings, check the extensive listings on VolunteerMatch and find the experience that feels right for you & your family. Happy Helping!

Every year, my husband & I run a food drive for the Food Bank from our cafe. It's an easy way to raise awareness about the level of help needed for those that are marginally getting by. But families are always needed to help sort food before it goes out in delivery. Kids are more than welcome, with a minimum age limit of 8 years on Saturdays and 4 years old on Sundays. There is no better way to temper a media-marketed materialism with kids than to introduce them to kids who perhaps, have less. One terrific way to do this is to sponsor a family during the holidays or throughout the year. Kids can help shop for presents during the holidays and perhaps shorten thier own lists of stuff they think they need; in order to give to someone that truly does. Make the connection at Family Support Services of the Bay Area. http://www.fssba-oak.org support another family throughout the holidays or beyond

http://www.fssba-oak.org support another family throughout the holidays or beyond

http://www.sfsurfrider.org beach cleanup http://www.holiday-project.org visit the elderly & confined

photo credit:Flickr, nutmeg

Going Global: Language Classes for Little Ones

When I was growing up, the first exposure I had to a language class was Spanish lessons in 4th grade. I loved it- the learning curve was swift for my little sponge brain and most of it I can still remember. Nowadays, parents and educators are seeing the benefits of introducing language at even earlier ages. Some kids are fortunate to grow up in bi-lingual households, for others a classroom is the key to opening the door to other languages-whether it's an immersion class or a music class taught only in Spanish, our children will benefit in the long run.

Lango Kids

http://www.langokids.com/ (throughout the Bay Area)
Is a national program that offers classes in Spanish, French and Mandarin. Parents can get involved with the Tot and Parent classes. Lessons are divided from preschool levels up to early elementary.

The San Francisco Italian Language School
http://www.sfiis.org/
A Romantic language, yes...and who wouldn't like to understand what they are saying in La Traviata? What better way to understand those authentic Italian menus in North Beach then to have a pint-size interpreter in the family? The school has recently begun offering children's classes in the language that is cosi bella!!

Golestan Center for Language Immersion and Cultural Education
http://www.golestankids.com/
Based in Berkeley, this rich multi-dimensional Iranian immersion school begins integrating language acquisition as early as 18 months up to the first grade. Drawing upon Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio philosophies, the classes introduce children to the Persian/Farsi language.

From the Bookshelf

For me, reading is my refuge from the controlled chaos of family life. I've been a lifelong bookworm and whenever I've had a particularly taxing day, I find some peace of mind between the covers of a good book. I have noticed my interests in reading have been shaped by becoming a parent, and I'm always drawn to books that either tackle the subject head-on, like a how-to book or peripherally, as part of a memoir or fictitious character's make up. I'll be posting whats on my bookshelf these days-reviews from everything from poetry to how-to to trashy read. Some recently published and some chestnuts from a few years back. Suggestions, as always, are welcome!

The Myths Of Motherhood: How Culture Reinvents the Good Mother, Shari L. Thurer
While not a light read, Myths of Motherhood stands up as a must read for any new mother berating herself for yet another perceived shortcoming or struggling to find balance in a new role. The book stands as both an historical overview of motherhood and a sociological look at the ways in which culture has continually shaped our roles as mothers. Thurer, a professor at Boston University and trained psychologist, debunks myths around motherhood that are so pervasive and so destructive. What defines a "good mother" and what messages have we internalized along the way? Jumping from the Medieval Period and the emergence of Christian "spin doctors" to revered, present-day authorities like Dr. Spock, Thurer helps us to separate fact from fiction and in the process to forgive ourselves our all too human trespasses.

Bay Area Moms, Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile were so changed by becoming Moms and saw so much pressure amongst their friends striving to be Perfect Moms that they wrote a book about it: I Was A Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids, despite the tongue-in-cheek title, the book surprised me with its straightforward yet humorous tone. Using interviews from other moms, the book is broken into sections. Topics cover letting go of guilt and losing judgment over our choices -and more importantly, those of other moms, are really key. Funny, poignant and never preachy it's a good bedside read especially when you've had a challenging day. They have recently come out with a new book, which focuses less on the kids and more on the marriage

When I first came home from the hospital and spent a good deal of time lolling about marveling at my newfound role of mom, my own mother brought me a wonderful, gently used book that I treasure; The Little Big Book For Moms. Created by Lena Tabori and Alice Wong, both moms, and connected to the Bay Area.-this hefty, little tome is a collection of old fashioned nursery rhymes, fairy tales, finger play (a mystery term to me before motherhood), and recipes for rainy, indoor days-all this juxtaposed against beautiful, turn-of -the century illustrations.

photo credit: Flickr, Shaye Cam

Kids Rock Out In The Bay!

With kid's music, finding tunes that both kids and parents can enjoy can be a particular challenge. But times are changing and musicians are seeing the benefit, both fun and financial, in gearing their music to a slightly.. oh, smaller audience. Local acts can be found everywhere around the Bay- rockin' out with music that engages the kids and their once rockin' parental units. Keep your eye out for the new Hip Kids Music Series offered at Bay Area Discovery Museum. They book a regular line-up of talented musicians that you may or may not have heard of and check your local listings for kid- friendly shows.

The Raytones (formerly known as the Baby Blue Blues Band) not only play excellent blues inspired music, they have their own mascot, Ray the Rhino! Wearing zoot suits and shades is all part of the fun for this fab combo comprised of five friends that just like to get together, rock out and get kids swingin'.

The Time Outs, named Best Band for Kids by SF Weekly, blends 60's garage, indie pop and just good rockin' fun for big and small. They have a new CD out and can be found playing around the Bay at concerts and festivals.

Toychestra
as the name suggests is all about kitschy fun. An all woman, Bay Area based band that plays original music on tiny little instruments-toddler pianos, train whistles and even pots and pans.

photo credit: Flickr, kindergentler2001

No More Scary Clowns

Planning an upcoming birthday party? Looking to entertain the kids at a fundraiser or event? Send in the clowns! Kids and clowns go together like peanut butter and chocolate but many a kid has been left permanently scarred from one scary run in with a not- ready- for- prime time clown or a cranky puppeteer or a balloon lady who is having a bad day. It can be a crap shoot looking for solid kids entertainment but there are plenty of talented, super kid positive entertainers around the Bay Area that come highly recommended by other parents-a few:

Sir Lantz has been recommended by many parents and is an award winning magician. He has been performing for over 20 years for kids. Whether you are looking for straight up magic or a little balloon animal action Sir Lanz will keep them captivated and is a true professional.

TwistyMan as his name suggests, can do some pretty cool stuff with balloons. He is TwistyMan "full time" so that informs his fun loving philosophy. He has performed at Gymborees around the Bay, countless fairs and festivals and has a slew of recommendations from other moms. He has several packages including the ever popular Pirate Package with Shanty songs, tattoos and eye patches..aaaarrr!!

If you want to switch it up and bring in the Girly Clown, there is always the lovable Bitzy the Clown who comes highly recommended-especially for the younger set. Bitzy offers beautiful face painting, a goofy magic show and a "gentle" approach that is good for the clownophobic among us. She can either wear light clown makeup or don a full clown face-she also can come as a Christmas Elf for the holidays.

photo credit: Flickr, Dave Q

Moms Get Crafty

I know you may be saying to yourself, "knitting is sooo 2006"!! And indeed, the crafting craze seemed to have its apex about 4 years ago, but as a hobby, artistic endeavor, or pragmatic means to clothe one's family; sewing and knitting never go out of style! For new parents, finding a little downtime between feedings, burpings and the thrill of diapering can be a challenge. Knitting or sewing or working on any small craft project is a gift of quiet time to yourself. The Bay Area has plenty of classes and workshop offerings around town to get you started and give you inspiration for home based projects like knitting beanies, booties and anything else you can dream up!

Stonemountain and Daughter Fabrics aside from having the coolest name, offers both sewing and knitting classes for all ages. Specialty classes include A-line skirts, pants that fit and recycled sweater and tee workshops. Located on lovely Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley.

Sew Images in Oakland offers beginning sewing classes several days a week and for the truly ambitious among us, a quilting class!

Swankety Swank also deserves a mention for its name alone-but aside from the tongue in cheeckiness of it- the little boutique on Divisadero offers all the crafty classes one could hope for. Knitting, tote-bag making, intro to sewing..and then, inexplicably, belly dancing classes as well.



photo credit: Flickr, vitamin C9000

Tiny Dancers: Movement Classes Just for KIds

Perhaps for some of us the memory of early dance classes bring back haunting memories of cruel ballet instructors too swift with the stick or hippy- dippy movement classes that encouraged us to " be a tree". Whatever your earliest remembrances were, as a parent I urge you to reconsider dance and movement classes for your kids. Times have changed and today's teachers are interested in opening kids eyes and ears up to their own inherent musicality and getting kids to embrace movement of all kinds. There are schools all over the Bay Area ready to cater to your little ballet dancer or tap whiz-find the one that works for you and visit the first class with your little one, stay involved and keep on dancing at home!!

Oakland's fabled Academy of Classical Ballet was founded in 1968 by then Artistic Director, Ron Guidi. There is a pre-ballet class for the littlest of learners 4-6 and formal training in ballet positions and movement begins after that in Level I and II classes.

JCC San Francisco offers a pre-Ballet class as well for ages 3-4 in addition they have a continuing class for 4-5. They also feature a Junior Ballet class for ages 5-7 building upon already established skills and warm up routines. For those kids more inspired by Savion Glover than Mikhail Baryshnikov, there are Tap classes as well as Storybook Song & Dance for pre-schoolers.

Ace Dance Academy in Walnut Creek goes beyond just basic instruction-their mission is to teach kids etiquette through dance, a love of movement and a sense of community through working with others. Classes in Creative Dance are open to 3 1/2 (potty trained) and up. Tap, Jazz and Hip-Hop classes are also available for the older set.

photo credit: Flickr, adjustafresh