Beltane and the Sex Talk

There is much to be said about Beltane, and I could have gone with this subject in many ways. There was the obvious child inspired article, with crafts and recipes. Or I could have gone the adult way, going into the passion of which is Beltane. However, many of us over step this time of year, an opportunity of educating our children about sex.



Just as in Autumn we focus on concepts like death and change, the wheel of the year spins around to to Spring, that draws out passion and life. Sex for us mammals is the the root of life. It is how life is created and it's a constant thrive for most of our adult life. Past generations, due to monotheist influence, have been very oppressive on this issue. It is something we as modern adults, regardless of believes, should overcome. If not for our own sake, than for our children's.

When it comes to sex, keep it age appropriate of course. It's best to start as early as they are born. Referring to the genitals in correct medical terminology, i.e. penis or vagina. Talk to your baby when you change him or her. Tell them what you are doing as you clean them. This teaches the child to identify their own anatomy and it encourages a healthy outlook on their body.

When they become older, don't shy them away from seeing a baby being changed, bathed or dressed, even the opposite gender. In fact use the opportunity to tell them the name of the genital and how people are usually identified as male and female. This shouldn't be shameful or a secret. It's simply identifying reproductive anatomy.

You may want to bring up good and bad touching. A frightening subject, one that must be battled with knowledge. Children who are comfortable about their bodies will be more likely to identify if someone is doing something wrong and are less likely to be intimidated from fighting or telling. If you yourself have are a survivor of such an ordeal, you may want to wait until your child is mature enough to handle such information, if you wish to share it.

 I of course encourage people to seek help if needed, whether because of abuse or simply trying to find a healthy way to explain this difficult subject to your child. This may be the right time to sign your child up for self defense lessons. Predators rely on children's trust, fears and ignorance, the first line of defense is knowledge.

Now as parents, it is completely up to you to decide when your child should be to have the full reproductive talking and the physical changes of puberty. I suggest, before the onset of puberty. Little girls don't need to fear death because they found blood in their undies. No boy should feel ashamed about his wet dreams. Don't let your children's bodies developed before you explain to them what is naturally happening to them.

If you find you are having trouble with this subject, look to nature. Nature is unapologetic about sex. Pointing out to your younger child baby animals or your child might point out one dog trying to jump over another, that might make the subject easier to begin with. Depending on your own personal issues on the subject, you may want to even take this time to help break away some of your own inhibitions. See article here.

When it comes to teenagers or preteens, summer is coming and they will have much more free time. To avoid trouble, you may want to talk about protection, birth control or just a reminder they aren't ready to be parents. If you need help in convincing a young person they aren't ready to become a parent, have a friend or family member bring their toddler over to reek havoc.

Supervise the teen, but make them care for the toddler. Younger siblings work the best btw, because they don't leave. If you child surprises you and thrives caring for children,  work out a deal where they can be parent helpers or baby sitters. Even if they don't get paid, it's experience, a future reference, educational, time consuming and will likely give your teen their baby fix, without the grandchildren. 

Remember, as pagans we should not hold any ill regards toward a healthy sex lives for ourselves and we shouldn't guide our children down a negative direction on the subject. Beltane is a time to embrace your wild side, responsibly. Make sure your children grow up with the knowledge, the inner strength and the ability to be responsible as well. 

May your Beltane fires burn bright!

The Spoiled Brat

 During a holiday season, a package arrived from family out of town for my child. It was filled with clothes, toys, treats galore. My little one immediately put on one of the dresses and began playing with the toys. I told my daughter, she had to call theses thoughtful givers to thank them. Yet at that moment, it wasn't what she wanted to do. I reminded her they love her very much and would love to hear from her. That didn't convince her. I then explained, they didn't have to buy her any of this and that they work hard to be so generous. Yet the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and I saw my own stubbornness in her face. So I took the box and all the toys minus the dress she was wearing, away. She threw a fit. I was adamant, she call and at very least say thank you. She finally agreed. We called out of state and when I handed my daughter the phone, all she said was thank you and ran off to play with the toys, dropping the phone to the floor. I was then told I shouldn't have forced the gratitude. Yet, if I don't instill a sense of reasonable gratitude, the consequence will lead to sense of self entitlement. 

As a parent who supports free thinking, it's hard for me to make my child do things against her will.Telling her no she can't have junk food, insisting she hold my hand in the parking lot or occasionally a time out, can be stressful for all of those involved. My daughter is fighting for her boundaries and I'm trying to enforce mine. I have no desire to mold my child into an imagine. I won't choose my children personal beliefs, who they marry, what career path they choose, their taste in fashion, political standing, etc...

I'm trying to let her be who she wants to be,

however I there is one mentality I will not tolerate, 

the self-entitled spoiled brat.

"Oh I don't want to have children, until I can afford to spoil them!

 They will be soo spoiled!" 

Said a gleeful former coworker.

 

I literally cringe when someone tells me they intend to spoil their children. They envision designer clothes, mountain of toys and anything their child's heart desire.

The parents mind set often ranges, but a reoccurring mentality has risen its ugly head enough, the belief materialism will somehow instill work ethic and cause the spoiled brat to become a financially independent adult.


 However raising in luxury, without an understanding how that luxury came to be, leads to the image as the parent as a Santa Claus. A Santa who have given into naughty behavior. Even if your child becomes successful and powerful, what kind of person will they be to others?

Another example is the parent reenacting their childhood, vicariously through their children.

They wanted a pony, so Damn it, their children shall have ponies! Have you ever wondered that maybe the reason you are successful is because you had less growing up?  By denying your child the experience of want, you deny them ambition and ethics towards those who do struggle. Including the parents.

Spoil brats are often the worst example of children and often become even worst adults. They usually lack empathy, hold little respect for others and will either be a bully or be shunned. In the end, everyone suffers. The child suffers an inability to appreciate life, leading to boredom. The boredom could result to a disgruntled personality to violence. Those who do not over come their self entitled mentality often associate emotions of pleasure with getting their way.

Remember when they are little, 

you are strong.  

However they don't remain little  

&   

you won't remain strong.

This also harms the parent/s later in life. Having worked nearly fifteen years caring for seniors, I've seen the result of adult children feeling entitled to their parents estates. Hiding DNRs (Do Not Resutate order,) setting patience up to appear to have serious memory issues, mental and even some cases of physical abuse are common enough. Many parents of these adult spoil children feel neglected and often ignored by their children. For many parents, they were a never ending wallet to their children, in old age, the parent now needs both time and money. Depending on the conditions of the free ride, parents are either worth more alive or dead. Neither results are pretty.

You are not the only who will suffer as a consequence of spoiled adult child. Your child will interact with others. A college roommate in a dorm room, co-workers, employees, children, spouses and labor's who have the ill fortune of working for them, will suffer from the destructive behavior of the self-entitled mentality of the spoiled adult child.

Tip avoid the Spoiled Brat

1. Don't over indulge your child. Over indulgence nullifies the pleasure, whatever it may be. Giving gifts, expensive trips, money, etc... are always nice, but shouldn't be taken for granted. Put away your wallet and put some of that time earning money, with your family. 
2. Don't over indulge yourself. Lead by example. If you are working double time on a regular bases, just pay off the two cars, the mortgage, the utilities, your kids pony, maybe it's time to down size. Ask yourself, you really need a new car? How many dresses just like the one you're about to buy are hanging in your closet right now? Does your kid really deserve that new toy? If all these things are consuming your life, try to take away. Sometimes less is more. Like more time in your smaller house with your family, than at work. 
3. Don't go the opposite extreme, with extreme measures, like hitting or running your home like a prison. Going in this direction leads two ways, you'll raise a bully or a victim. This idea back fires and remember as you age, you will be at their mercy. 
4. Give your children chores and responsibilities, early on. Make it a part if every daily life. Show them appreciation, for their role in the family system. You don't always have give money. A roof over their head is worth doing dishes. However, try to give them means to earn some extra cash. Or if you can't, when you can spare, throw them some pocket chain. Also take school work into consideration and make sure you kid has some personal time.  If it's finals time, maybe you can give them a break and wash the dinner dishes. Just as if you're doing double shifts, they can vacuum the living room. Help each other!
5. Requiring a level of gratitude for special gifts. I'm not saying, have your kids drop to ground and kiss your feet. However, let your child understand hard work you do for them. When they receive a gift, reward, treat, whatever, make sure they say thank you. 
6. A job early on. Summer time and weekend are great time for kids to take on a little responsibility and capable. I'm not suggesting children support their family, but some time out in the sun mowing lawns or babysitting the neighbors kids will give children appreciation for money and maybe you.
7. Volunteering. Sometimes we are all guilty of not appreciating what we have. You and your kids can both be guilty of this, at the same time. Try volunteering together and make it hands on. Remind yourselves, no matter how little you have, there is always something of yourself to give. With that, you will always be rich where it counts, humanity.
8. Making birthdays about their birth and the person they are becoming. Make holidays about family. Give gifts and by all means have parties. Just don't lose the significance of the celebration to materialism.

Most importantly, your children may not live up to your expectations. 

Remember it is better to raise a good person over a rich one. 

Sex and the Spring Equinox

Just when you thought this time of year was about chocolate rabbits and hiding eggs, along comes an idea that changes your preconception. Right now you have felt urge to bring out the softer colors of spring and store up the dark colors of the cold. Talks of spring activities, be they gardening or baseball start spreading throughout the house. Along with these new ideas comes the passion of spring. The desire to start anew.

To most pagans this is not a time of year of repentance, of guilt and forgiveness. No human sacrifice for sins. This is not a time we celebrate survival of near extinction either. This is a time of life. A time to appreciate what you have, but to seek pleasure and joy for the year.

The Spring Equinox is on a new moon.this year. The timing perfect to bring a new life. Sex being as natural as spring itself, it's deeply tired to the rituals this time of year. It's a time to renew life, which sex symbolizes. As trees bud their leaves, birds build nest, all signs that baby animals will appear.

Baby Fever!!!

You may be feeling the urge to have a child, you maybe trying, this may be the right time to try. If you go to full term, your baby will be born around the Winter Solstice. Even if your cycle isn't ready, make love on the Spring equinox and again when you are fertile. Nothing is guaranteed.



If you have fertility issues and are seeking treatment or adoption, a sexual ritual to symbolize the love that will help raise and create the person the children you adopt shall be.

This applies to all couples, including same sex couples seeking to adopt, a surrogate or sperm donar. Those who can not or even choose not to produce naturally have to endure a great deal to have their children. It is much to overcome, but when you do, you have truly earned it.

Sex

Now don't panic, this may be a good time for fertility, but it doesn't mean you are obligated to have a child (just use birth control). This ritual can be renewal of anything in life. Your relationship, in celebration of what you have overcome during the autumn and winter rituals. It can be a renewal of your relationship, whether new or old. You could be in the honeymoon phase or celebrating your first year of the kids out of the house. It's a time to rediscover the lover in you and if you have one, your partner.

Dating

If you are single or not in a serious relationship, but seek a new love, this may be a good time to look for someone. The depressing darkness of Christmas and Valentine's day are over. You may find yourself and potential partners to be in better spirits as the daylight grows longer.

Relationship Sex

If you are in a relationship and you are both seeking to spice things up, ritual sex may enhance your inmate experience as well as draw each other closer. If you have been together for while, you may want to add some play that can spicen things up together. Of course brush up on Tantra and the Kama Sutra for some help. Though don't underestimate the more obvious items, like sex toys, pornographic videos, alcohol, chocolate, etc...

                

Swinging

If you aren't in a relationship or you are polyamorus, you may want to explore orgies or bring an extra person or more into the bedroom. You may find another partner can lead you to appreciating your current partner. You also might discover you like to watch. If you are bisexual, this may give you play with a partner of another sex, if you so desire. Make sure this is something your partner equally wants. Don't try this if your relationship is having serious issues of course and most importantly, practice safe sex!!!

Masturbation

Of course sex with partners is always fun, but self love is important too. Regardless if you are in a relationship or not, this also a good time for self love, i.e. masturbation. Don't let monotheistic hang ups on this subject stop you from enjoying your own body. This can even lead to a spiritual sexual encounter with an entity you choose to embrace. The gods are very much in tune with sex and can increase the energy levels in the ritual area.

The Spring Equinox is a time of passion and joy. It brings new hopes of what's to come. Life is forever changing and what we have today, we may not have tomorrow. This Ostara, welcome the new, by trying something new in the bedroom.

Blessings to you all!

Happy Spring Equinox!

 

Altars

Altars can come in many forms and fashions, especially today. A personal altar is a space which is both personal and sacred. This space can be an area you preserve or an item/s you use for spiritual enhancement. Altars can be communal or individual, to reflect your entire family or just yourself. An altar should be as unique as the person or persons it represents.

Often when altars are brought up, it's often for a ritual or meditation. When in reality, altars can posses practical purposes in daily life. Many people use them to set the mood for each month, based off of the season, holidays and personal days that pertain month, such as birthdays. They don't just provide for your spiritual needs, but will help you with your organizational skills, especially for children. Taking the time to set up and maintain an alter will you focus on your goals, while giving you the discipline of its up keep. 

 Altars

The Traditional Altar: it is often what a we envision when we think of altars. A table or shelf of some kind, that we set up for group or individual spiritual and or ritual needs. Most people have some kind of traditional altar in their home.

Some are even unintended. It could be a small table in a corner somewhere with your candles, crystals and whatever you use for your intended purposes. It can also be that table in you living room with a pictures of your family and a few items that hold significants.

The Home as an Altar: It helps set the energy of the home. One very religious Christian women I know personally keeps her windowpaine has her altar. Every month she goes all out and decorated this section reflecting each month. She unaware the depth of her actions, but through her domestics she has mad several little alters throughout her home. In doing this the house too turns with wheel of the year. This enhance the holidays and the energy flow of the house.

Nature's Altar: can be out doors if you have a safe and private location or you could bring nature into your home. For those blessed with green thumbs, are able to produce garden altars that are a testament of time and patience. Gardening truly allow you to tap into energy from its source. The soil, the water, the creepy crawlers and animals that come, are your tools and insight.

The Portable Altar: are a part of our daily lives. There is no avoiding them. Whether it is a silk bag you carry your tarot cards in, a shoe box with your ritual items, a brief case you take to work, a back pack for school, gym bag for your work out, even your car. Each of these items server a duty to you and your families life. They If things seem overwhelming, look to these alters, for they may be neglected, making your life difficult.

The Electronic Altar: these are modern times and by all means, our modern instruments such as computers, cell phones, game consoles, tablets, etc... are very much an alter. Whether you are embodying a warrior in a game of call of duty, zoning out to your favorite song from your phone or simply looking up anything on the world wide web. These devices, like any altar, is simply a tool, for both practical and spiritual purposes. 

Pagan's and Evolution

One misconception which as spread throughout Christian and sometimes atheist/agnostic/nonreligious groups, is the idea that accepting science, means you are in a nonreligious category. This idea is as extreme as Pascal Wager, you must either be religious or you reject religion completely. Even for Christians, it suggest your either a modern puritan or you're an atheist.

Pagans often being lovers of nature are free to understand the science behind a sunset to the physical development of species of life surrounding them. Any reasonable, spiritual and or religion person can.

The fact is, the majority of theist including Christians accept the evidence of evolution. Though a vocal minority will make it appear otherwise. Those who believe in a creator, may accredited this being or beings in the direction of evolution over every single species. I personally don't believe in creators and accept the scientific findings in subjects such as biology and astronomy. I understand the current limit's in science and I don't try to fill in the blanks. I accept there are questions we may not live to see the answer and humanity may never find such answers.  

Confused about how am I a theist?

That's okay! For unanswered questions leads to new studies and findings. 

We shouldn't assert belief as fact or religion as law. For belief is subjective and law is suppose to be objective.

In high school, evolution wasn't covered, though occasionally mentioned. I graduated, with very little knowledge on the subject. I thought we evolved from monkeys, I had the idea that evolution had some direction it was intentionally leading too and many other very common misconceptions. 

In my adulthood, with the help of YouTube, I was able to educate myself about evolution. One of the reasons I'm choosing to home school my daughter is because I want her to be given the most up dated and informed knowledge in these ever changing arts. 

Teaching your children about updated and honest science will give them both the power to survive and appreciate the world around them. Whether they fill in the blanks with magic or leave them open, one must be humble to change when evidence replaces a beloved story. There is no shame in changing your mind when evidence presents itself contradicting a current belief.

I always felt it was arrogant to assume that the world view of ancient people out weight the physical findings of science. If such a creator existed, as commonly asserted, would the physical findings of science not be the remains of what your god left behind. To assume these ancient people understood the world around them or the concept of god, to the point we reject actual physical evidence is also a dangerous pattern. This direction of misinformation, is more manipulative than factual. It stunts our our social growth and can even plummet a society into a darkage. 

Fun ways to introduce children to science!

Natural History Museums: are always fun to take children too. There is always much to see and do for children in natural history museums.

Children love seeing skeletons, models and other displays of ancient artifacts. Along side with biology, historical and cultural education await for and your family behind those doors. Go as often as you can, depending where you live, some are admissions free. 

Aquariums and Zoo's: are great place to observe the many of the diverse animal species.Oftentimes these places have tours, where they talk about related species. For younger children you may want to find a more hands on place, such as petting zoo's or even just a trip to a pet store that is hands with children. 

Archeological and Paleontology locations: these can be out doors in a park or accompanied with a museum. This of course better for older children, age depending on their interest level and in some cases physical ability. Climbing could be involved in some the out door locations. 


Have your children take notes, either on paper or device. Give age appropriate task and projects during these outings. These are good places to learn to observe.

Dinosaurs Train: the Jim Henson company has done it again, finding new and creative ways to reach out to educate children in fun and entertaining way. Dinosaurs Train is a wonder programs, geared to teach young children science, mostly biology. They teach children scientific terminology with correct definitions, critical thinking, observations, as well as touching social issues. For example, the stories centers around a little T-rex and his adopted family of Pteranodons, who deals with issues similar to adopted children experience. Dinosaurs Train is a true delight and I suggest you watch it together. You will likely learn something new. 

Science Projects through Crafts and Hobbies: Science in my opinion should be as hands on as possible, especially with young children. Try to find hands on activities that allows artist expression to some degree. It could be making fossils out of clay or model of the solar system, expression is key to interest.

Science is the study the world around us, not the spiritual one. Science gives the physical prospective of life, what we do with the knowledge it provides is up the individual, not science itself. With the gift of knowledge, give your children the ethics to use their knowledge responsibly.

Handfasting, today's Pagan Weddings

In honor of Imbolc and Bridget the ancient bride, 

I humbly present

 Handfasting,

 for today's Pagan Weddings!

 "You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. The great acts of love are done by those who are habitually performing small acts of kindness. We pardon to the extent that we love. Love is knowing that even when you are alone, you will never be lonely again. And great happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved. Loved for ourselves. And even loved in spite of ourselves.”

Love reflects love in return

The Divine Comedy

by Dante 

Weddings are a part of our lives, even if you aren't married. Friends will be getting married and even one day your children may choose to tie the knot.

Handfasting is a time honored tradition of literally tying the hands of the wedded couple until the next morning. Handfasting has changed over the years and we must adept. How do we know how to honor a pagan couple who chooses to be married under the pagan tradition?  Well I hope this will help clarify the different kinds of Handfasting out there and how you can act accordingly if you are ever invited to one.

Thoughts on Marriage

By Mark Twain

A marriage…makes of two fractional

lives a whole;

it gives to two purposeless lives

a work, and doubles the strength

of each to perform it;

it gives to two

questioning natures

a reason for living,

and something to live for;

it will give a new gladness

to the sunshine,

a new fragrance to the flowers,

a new beauty to the earth,

and a new mystery to life.

Handfasting

Wedding: This is a full legal marriage in which the couple has incorporated the hand bonding tradition, or pagan/spiritual rituals. The Unity candle carries the concept of handfasting, with the two flames joining as one.

 In invited a wedding, traditional wedding gifts are appropriate. Pagans tend to be colorful in their weddings, so you may be asked to wear clothing fitting a certain theme.

A Year & a Day Ceremony: This is a tradition, done a year and a day before the legal wedding takes place.Its a type of mock marriage or engagement ceremony. In this case, there ceremony is small, done with only a small group of people, if any. If this is included in an engagement party, engagement gifts are acceptable gifts. If not, small spiritual gifts are usually appropriate.

Nonlegal Handfasting Ceremony: There are many reasons one may want to profess their eternal love, but not be willing or able to legally be bound together. In many cases the couple may be very young, such as teenagers, expressing their love and future plans. Other cases they may be older and a marriage would effect their income. In some cases, they may be legally marriage to a separated spouse, or live in a state that discriminates against same sex marriage. The reasons can vary. Often this is done a small affair and good wishes and support are all you asked to bring.

Anniversary Handfasting: A couple may choose to renew their vows yearly after their handfasting. Often it will be a private affair for the couple, who is simply celebrating their anniversary.

If you are invited to this type of handfasting, an anniversary gift is all that is appropriate. Though be thoughtful for special occasions like 50th anniversaries, something for us all to celebrate.

Mock Weddings: sometimes in love, it is a light heart affair, sometimes leads two a ceremony. Nothing is binding. It can be a moment of lust and fun, a theatrical performances, a promise, or just two kids pretending to get married.

Pagan weddings can vary from many ways, from greatly traditional to extremely eccentric. You never know what to expect. Our marriages symbolize our love for each other and retelling of how we met. You can play along or sit back and enjoy the show.

Celtic Blessing

You are the star of each night, 

You are the brightness of every morning, 

You are the story of each guest, 

You are the report of every land.

No evil shall befall you, on hill nor bank, 

In field or valley, on mountain or in glen. 

Neither above, nor below, neither in sea, 

Nor on shore, in skies above,

Nor in the depths. 

You are the kernel of my heart, 

You are the face of my sun, 

You are the harp of my music, 

You are the crown of my company

In loving Memory of

the late

Isaac Bonewits

and in Honor his partner

Phaedra,

who together joined

my husband and I

nearly nine years ago.

Imbolc

The wheel of the year has turned towards the first signs of spring! To our ancestors this as a great time of rejoice, for the long winter days were finely heading towards their end and the fertility of spring awaited. To us of the modern day, we can still relate to the change in the season, which is a great time to start planning things out for this year.

Traditionally in our resolutions are suppose to start January 1st, but let's be honest, no one isn't going to throw all that extra food from the holidays. Your resolution could be to exercise, however you may visualize yourself running in the park before work, but in the current state of the weather may put this plan on hold. Even if you're dreaming about exercising out doors or at gym, there no reason not to begin doing warm up exercise to prepare you for your goals.
Our ancestors understood this period of rest after rest and when restlessness sets in. Now that the holidays of the years past are over, it's time to put away all the holiday decor. Before you store the winter holiday items, maybe clean out that attic, closet, shed, garage, basement, extra room, etc... Empty out all the old food in the refrigerator, clean out the shelves and restock with healthier food. This is a time to put the dreams into reality. Farmers would often order seeds for their crops this time of year, now we try to make plans for our dreams and future. This is a time of renewal, so this is a good time for spiritual cleansing and nurturing. This is a time understanding that what is good for us is not the same as what we want. This is a time of embracing self control, self restraint and firmer form of self love.

While adults, struggling with worries of weight, money matters, relationships, and all that exist in our world, our children are not without potential of growing and learning.

Suggestions for young children

1. Cleaning and cleansing their room: if they are young, help them sort out items and teach your children how and where to put their stuff away.

You may want to use this this time to repaint walls, repair items, redecorate, rearrange furniture, rid yourself of old items, while collecting new. Teach your children how to cleanse their space to make it their own. Let the room symbolizes tranquility.

2. Eating Better: there are several ways to achieve this goal. One of the best ways is not to buy the wrong foods at the store anymore. I also strongly suggest cooking at home, as a family affair. Rather than make the same old items, dare to be different and try to learn another cultures recipe. Make sure to have lots of tasty and healthy snacks available.

3. Becoming better students: whether you have concerns or you simply feel this is something that deserves more attention, your child's education is very important and this is a great time to focus on issues, as well as praise accomplishments.

You may want to start reading with your child more, make plans for educational trips, look up a tutor, find other means to help your child learn. Simply being involved helps their odds. Look into online learning programs, as well as hand on activity groups as options in helping your child learn.

4. Achieve Milestones: it was around this time last year, I said "no more diapers"  and struggled with potty training for months.

A year later, my daughter is very much potty trained and all that dirty laundry was worth it. This is a good time to learn for your little one to tie shoe laces, dress themselves, go on a first sleep over or simply spending more time with peers than with their parents.

5. Chores: should be a part of your child's life as early as three. Cleaning habits are most effective when taught young. Approach the subject as a life lesson to ensure a cleaner and healthier life. You might want to make a chore list. Be fair!

Don't be sexist in the chores. Make sure both genders can cook, shop, clean, do basic car maintenance, mow a lawn, shovel snow, vacuum, do laundry, etc... these are important skills that will greatly benefit anyone.

6. Exercise: being stuffed up inside during the cold months can be rough on children. Best to find healthy ways to help expel all that pent up energy. This a good time to start exercising as a family. Maybe take up some yoga, learn to dance, help your kids get ready for a spring time sport and other physical activities to help your children stay healthy and fit.

7. Craft or Hobby to do together as a family or for the child to by his or herself. Life isn't all about being clean, healthy or smart, it should be fun. Keeping your child active with new crafts and hobbies will expand their interest and help them grow.

This Imbolc 

give you 

and your family 

a brighter New Year!