"Music is Our Language"

Thus sayeth, Aimee. One example she used are the playlists they make for each other to support or console or encourage or commemorate their lives's events.

Rachel said almost the same thing while searching though our latest promotion. This one opens dialog between parents and students through (and about) music. Families choose playlists to help accomplish after-school goals: "Focus" "Create" etc. The music library includes tunes for both generations. Squeaky clean but crazy cool http://www.quakeroats.com/about-quaker-oats/content/after-school-rocks/verve-life.aspx

OjoChristmas

Little Hugo, from Madrid, fastens his huge eyes on an shiny ornament. He's learning about Christmas before he learns to walk--and he'll be at the Christmas market pictured below within three years.

Perhaps he'll choose an ornament instead of, or in addition to, the nativity scene figurine that Spanish children traditional brought home.

(Sweet Hugo is the son of Elena at Grupo SM Edgar & Ellen's publisher in Spain)

scene

On Nov. 29th this staid convention center in Ohio became a tween hot spot for one night. The parents evidently hadn't read the news saying they'd spend less on tweens this season.

A Bar Mitzvah took over a ballroom and conference rooms as Guitar Hero, a "tattoo parlor," video karaoke, a DJ and a full sit-down dinner rolled out. I suspect that this child didn't just get the predicted books and board games as gifts, either.

I was there for the other end of the age spectrum. My 83-year-old widowed father was getting married. Some of our younger guests (under 35) went next door to get tattooed.

Little Kids and Candidates

On the heels of Brarak Obama's recent sweep, I'd like to share a finding reported by parents. Their kids love to run around the house saying, "Obama, Obama, Obama!" It's fun in their mouths.

A word to the wise: remember to look for this syllabic bounce when you're naming a kid's brand.

Kids books and early learning

Hallway chat at an O'Hare forum hosted by the "Ready to Learn Parternship" yielded this gem--you can predict parents' engagment in children's learning via the 6-BOOK RULE:

Every 6 books in the house equates to 1 day a week that contains learning conversation. 12 books mean two days, 42 books mean 7 days.

The number of adult's books in the household often equals the number of kid's books.

Pirate in the Phils

I'm going to stop talking about pirates, I promise! But Pepi's father sent me this photo from Manila where three-year-old Pepi is out on the town dressed as Captain Hook.


Judging by his costume, adults have been heavily involved--a clue as to why the trend is so wide-spread. Parents like pirates, too!

See entry from October 15th...