There can be a lot of hurt feelings when a child is separated from his or her parents, and a lot of conflicting emotions. They might not be sure what they are feeling. On one hand, they miss home - they love their parents, and home was familiar, it made sense to them. On the other hand, they might realize that their foster home is, in some way, nicer.
This is a craft that doesn't make kids choose between foster parents, and birth parents, and is especially good if the goal is reunification. It can open up discussion between foster-parent and child, about how, it's okay to love and miss your parents, even though things at home might not have been ideal. You can like where you are, and still love your parents. It will show the birth parents that the foster parents are not an opposing force, but rather a team trying to help the kid.
Children will make hand-prints on paper, and then cut them out. Then, measure the length of the child's arm, and cut a ribbon to the same length. Glue the hand prints to the ribbon and that's it. Let the child "prime" the hug, but, well, hugging it of course! Let the child give it to their parent (or other family member. Why not make a bunch of them?) and explain that this is for when they are apart, so that Mom, or Dad, or Whoever can still get hugs from their child. It's cute, it's simple, and it sends a really wonderful message.
With all the talk now of what's good on tv these days and especially what is okay for little kids to see, let me share one of my favorite shows aimed for young children.
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic.
This is the fourth generation of the My Little Pony line of shows and toys. In my personal opinion it trumps all of the others. Mostly for its pure reliability, and ability to be enjoyed at all ages.
Yes I put that it was for little kids because this show is geared towards five year old girls. However, it has fans at all ages boy and girls.
For those that don't want their little girl trapped in the 'think pink gender-norm' have no fear. This is actually a very feminist cartoon. The country is run by Princess Celistia who raises the sun and moon. There are mostly mares everywhere, running the town, running their stores, running the weather. Everything.
Now for the mane six:
Twilight Sparkel: Twilight is the purple unicorn in the middle. She's a bookworm who lives, literally, in the library. She is very organized and has her checklists to keep everything running smoothly. She's also the new girl in town, arriving in Pony Vill for the first time in her life in episode one. So she has the aquward meeting people moments, as she is not very social.
Flutter Shy: Flutter Shy is the yellow pegasus in the front. She is very quiet and shy. She lives in a cottage at the edge of town where she cares for all of the animals that ever need her. She is an amazing vet. By far the most introverted of the group, but still a very strong role model.
Rarity: Rarity is the white unicorn on the left. She's a fashoinista who owns and runs her own shop and makes all the clothes. I would say that she is the most 'glitzy girly' of all of them and a bit of a drama queen at times but she is hardly overbearing about it. Even at her worst moments she is concerned with being a proper lady, just like those at Canterlot. She's very creative and is always creating something or another.
Appel Jack: AJ is the orange earth pony on the right with the hat. She works on the family farm Sweet Appel Acres with her brother Big Mac, little sister Apple Bloom, and Grandma Granny Smith. She's a hard worker, always there for her friends when they need them and shown to be the most physically strong (Its all her apple bucking). She is also stubborn and doesn't always ask for help when she needs it. AJ is out going but a very rational and level headed pony.
Rainbow Dash: Rainbow is the blue Pegasus. She is "The best flyer in all of Equestria" and dreams of joining the Wonder Bolts, their version of the Blue Angels. She's boastful and proud but always there when her friends need her. She directs the wether in Pony Vill, clearing the skies, moving clouds, making it rain. She is extroverted and athletic.
Pinkie Pie: Pinkie is the pink earth pony. She is a pastry chef at Sugar Cube Corner, and loves throwing parties. No really. Any excuse there is a party. She knows the names and lives of everypony in town and is always there to make them smile. She is by far the most extroverted of the mane six.
The show its self is very well done. There is an over arching plot and development that carries from episode to episode. It is all artfully rendered and there is something there for everyone. Adults watch this of their own free will and kids love it.
The first two to four episodes are very cheesy but it evens out after that.
Enjoy it with your little one or older one, at any time.
Do you have picky eaters? Never fear the Sneaky Chef has the answer to your problems. I personally would recommend these cook book to anyone, but especially to those with picker eaters.
These recipes are absolutely delicious and range from smoothies to sloppy joes to even chocolate cake. The catch is that it's all actually good for you. Some recipes have twelve or more little fruits and veggies hidden in them and not of it tastes like "rabbit food".
It all tastes like good kid food.
If you have a not picky eater or a eater that loves their greens then they can have fun knowing that this yummy meal is full of their favorite veggies.
If they would refuse to eat it on principle then they never have to know that the cake has blueberries in it. Just let them be amazed at your culinary brilliance.
Are there any other cook books the fairies should take a look at?
