I ran across this article and found it of interest, especially with our focus on connecting and playing as part of daily life. One thing that stood out to me was the importance of developing life skills as a child including language, communication, and problem-solving. Play fits in perfectly with these. Another standout was how to develop a plan to gently decrease screen time. I’ve included a link to the article but we have an expert on that, right here in the community with @Max Orlewicz I’m interested in your perspective, was the article on target, too hyped, or something else? https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/article/some-of-what-happens-during-youth-cant-be-reversed-its-another-reason-to-rethink-kids-screen-time/

First time making English muffins and this could be a great family project. It’s a two stage bake and I did yeasted not sourdough. Night before, make the dough then refrigerate overnight. Day of, shape the dough, cook on the stovetop, cool, and eat. Recipe here: https://pantry.bakinggreatbread.com/ Search for English muffin What are you doing today?

Borrowing this from my mentor @Katya McEwen who is also hosting a summit this week. If you’re interested in her summit I’m sure she’d be happy to share details. Now, let’s have some fun! Your weekend in GIFs only... Tell us about your weekend in GIFs only👇🏼 - Step One - post your day or weekend in GIFs (max 4) - Step Two - Try and guess what at least 2 other members are doing - Step Three (bonus) - confirm if guesses or correct or if we should try again Here are mine. I’m in a guessing mood so I’ve tagged several of you. If I missed anyone let me know. @Allan Webster @Brenda Chilstrom @Janell Bitton @Anna Murrietta @Anna Brown @Catherine McDowell @Celia Kibler @Charlie Svensson @Daniel Cavaretta @Dannielle McAuliffe @Dee Gosrani @Des Cooke @Evelene Sterling @Elizabeth Houston @Betty Jo Winters @Michelle Fuentes @Gus Gray @Amy Grantham @Karen Gibson @Heather Wilson @Jacqueline Hutchinson @Jay Dee Archer @Kristy Allison @Lisa Kilby @Lisa Vanderveen @Wendy Lee-Chu @Mayelice Castro @Maryna Tempalova @Max Orlewicz @Natasha Bryant @Nakita Fele @Sharon Otaguro @Paisley Kiddie @Paul Wren @Ruben Plasmeijer @Roslyn Hill @Rene Kerkdyk @Ramona Zihlke @Sandie Slowey @Sarah Cooper @Sasha Woodall @Samuel Wendland @Tim Tindle @Anzumana Taal @Yu-Tzu Huang @Jen Staniforth

This is something we did as kids and I encouraged my kids to do. It’s also one of the fastest ways to shift a child out of the “there’s nothing to do” mindset by helping them realize they can make life better for someone else. This activity works because it gives kids something many of them are quietly craving: a real sense of purpose. Alternatively, if your kids are older, volunteering at an organization is another powerful way to give back. Gather the Gear: Whatever you already have around the house. You might use: - Paper and markers - Tape/glue - Cardboard - Baskets or containers - Sticky notes - Outdoor materials like rocks, sticks, or flowers The Steps: Invite your child to create something another person in the family or in the community could genuinely use or enjoy. This shouldn’t be something you told them to do, instead, it should be something they choose. Idea if they are stuck: - A snack bag for someone having a hard day - A picnic setup in the backyard - A bookmark for a grandparent, teacher, or neighbor - A relaxation kit - A breakfast setup for the next morning The key is letting the child think about another person’s experience. Instead of asking: “What do you want to do?” Try: “What would make life easier, calmer, funnier, or kinder for someone today?” That small shift changes the energy of the whole activity. The Twist: Partway through, introduce a real-world limitation. Examples: - You can only use items already in the house - It has to work outdoors too - It must solve two problems at once Limitations often spark more creativity, not less. Adjustments by Age: Ages 3-5 Focus on simple acts of contribution. A pretend tea tray, a blanket setup, flowers in a cup, or a “reading spot” for someone they love all count. Ages 6-8 Encourage planning and personalization. “What colors would Grandma like?” “What would make this easier to use?” Ages 9-11 Add problem-solving and function. “Can you improve something people struggle with every day?”

Hey everyone! Tomorrow is Mother’s Day in North America and my son and his girlfriend are taking me to breakfast tomorrow so, I’ve rescheduled the shift to June. Apologies for the short notice. We’ll be back on schedule next week with Boredom Busters.