New Ideas!
Sometimes we hear about some cool new ideas and we are not really sure where to put them in the web site. So for now they go here. As we add new ones we will incorporate these in the pages within NotOprah. Let us know if you have a new idea you would like to share!
Blogging
Tons of moms have started to blog and then hook those blogs up to google reader. It is a great way to learn from other moms and to keep a record or "diary" of the happenings in your own home. What a great tool for us women to share with one another in a busy world. So grab a cup of coffee and enjoy some blogs, you never know how it might encourage you or teach you something new. Here are a few we recommend: Nose to the Tapestry, Cakewalk Style, Paint the Barn, I Hate Green Beans.
Toy Swap
When your child gets a new toy from somewhere they have to pick an old toy to get rid of or even give to someone else. This is a great way to keep the toys from piling up and for allowing your child to give things a way. Teach them how to be selective and make good choices when deciding to keep something or get something new. Who knows - the new toy asking may be less when they know they have to give another toy up.
Earning Time!
I thought this was a great idea for summer, when the days get long and you are more than happy to put your child in front of the computer or TV! I have a friend that decided to have the children "earn" time in front of the computer or TV. They have to do various exercises or chores in order to earn that time. For example: to get 20 or 30 minutes on the computer, the child had to run up and down the stairs 10 times. To get some time in front of the TV, the child had to read their book for equal amount of time. You can make it work for your family - but you have to stick to it!
Serving
This is another great idea for summer. Laura has decided to make "Monday" her serving day. She decided that every Monday they will serve someone. The activities range from making cookies for firemen to making cards for an old folks home. There is not firm commitment but they definitely do something for someone on that day. What a great idea to make serving fun and doable!
Pay it Forward
I have some other friends that decided to pay it forward. They were at Starbucks and decided to pay for the car behind them. What a treat that would be! Also give it a try with your kids in the car and let them experience the joy of anonymous giving as well! Rumor has it that someone started this one day and it continued through a lot of people that one day!