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We make suns every summer, right around the Summer Solstice. I love the sun, so this is an activity I enjoy as much as (and sometimes more than) the children. This is a super easy, fun, and magical craft to celebrate the summer sun, simply. Painting suns started one year when I realized we could paint the wrappers in between these tortillas, and we had ready-made suns. You can also use coffee filters. This year, we used white paper and traced circles. I'll share the extended version of that activity below. If it's helpful to follow my directions step-by-step, wonderful. But often the best art magic happens with the spontaneous material and creative ideas from your own home. And if you aren't a crafter, have no fear--- this is very straight-forward. Have fun making simple summer suns. And with all crafting with children, it is usually best to go over any instructions (like paint stays on the paper) before you begin and many times during the activity. Also, it's summer so craft outside as much as you can, if that makes clean-up easier. As a final reminder: let go of the outcome. The best art is about the process, not the product.  How to Make Simple Summer Suns 1) Gather white paper, pencil, and scissors. (Optional addition: Talk about the sun: what you love about it or what you're thankful for about the sun. If age appropriate, ask what shape the sun is. Optional addition: Go on a hunt around the house or yard for all the circles you can spot. Locate a bowl or other round object you can trace for the sun.) 2) Work with your child to trace and cut out your suns--- or cut them out ahead of time, if that's easier. At this point, you could pause and return to the activity at a different point in time, or even another day. I personally like to extend our art projects out over time- total personal preference. 3) Paint your suns! If you only want your child to use sun colors, only place those colors out as an option. Water colors are the least messy paints to use, and my favorite for the white paper. (If you're using the tortilla wrappers or the coffee filters, try tempera. ) Listen for your child's creative observations about the way the colors combine or what they remind her/him of. Let your suns dry in the sun. Sweet huh?      Optional: This year we took our suns, and strung them in a sun mobile along with our suns from last year (group photo above is last year's sun making).
Have fun making simple, summer suns- and in your family's creativity, inspiration, and simple summer magic.
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 Growing up, I always wanted a block party on our street. Because the grown-ups seemed as happy as the kids. I loved that! Happy parents shouldn't be a rare thing. Get your happy parent on this summer with Summer Magic 2016. We begin this Monday! Daily tools, activities + awesome community so you glow like the sun this summer. To get the Summer Magic emails, sign up here. (You will not automatically get the emails if you're just on this list). And be sure you're in the Parenting for the Next Generation FB Group. Here's to less stress + more fun. Our Block Party begins Monday! Have a wonderful weekend, ~Megan p.s. Please invite your friends and family so this is a super fun, diverse event! How? 1) You can forward them this email. 2) Or send them this link: http://www.meganbarella.com/summer-magic-2016.html 3) Or add them to the FB Group. Here's to Summer Magic 2016!!  Do you recognize this cycle? You say no. Your child whines, cries, or protests in some way. After some tears or a tantrum, you give in and end up saying yes anyhow. These instances can be a red-flag to "just say yes" from the get-go.  Keep an eye out this week, when are you likely to say no, but then give in. See if it's something you could "just say yes" to from the beginning. Liberate yourself with a big old yes! This will conserve your energy and hopefully help increase cooperation for when parenting follow-through is truly needed. And this week, if you feel like you're giving in too much, we'll talk about some of the most effective ways to engage cooperation and follow through in next week's tool. This week, wishing you clarity in your mind and heart to avoid the cycle of Saying "no," ------> your children protesting -----> then you give in." If it feels right, liberate yourself with a big ol' YES from the get-go! Questions? Let us know over in the FB community. Have a wonderful week, Megan p.s. Looking for more simple tools to make life easier--- and to have more summer fun with your family? Join Summer Magic 2016! The FREE online event begins June 27th. Sign up here to join us!  Photo of Madeline Roosevelt of Up Close with Madi and Single Moms Planet- Portland by Linzy Slusher Photography.
Summer has always been my favorite time of year. Ever since I was a kid. I love being warm and outside all the time. Hot days Warm mornings + nights are my thing. As well as summer crafts, salads and get-togethers. Freedom rings for me in the summer. Summer is my magic time. While I love sharing the magic of summer with family and friends, and my positive parenting community ---summer definitely poses its unique challenges (and gifts) as a parent. Whether you're psyched for summer, dreading it, or you're somewhere in the middle....
Let's make this summer
the best one you've had since you were a kid. 
Summer Magic 2016 We begin Monday, June 27th. Stress less. Stay sane. Have more fun. Create memories to last a lifetime. Access your vacation state of mind every day from your own home. See you there! Summer Magic 2016 Do you know what my #1 goal is in positive parenting? To help you feel more like you. So you feel even stronger in the essence of you. Parenting is not about saying or doing "the right thing" -- or waiting (or hoping) for life to be perfect. This is about you in your power. So you have the strength to work with your challenges. And the strength to fully embrace your unique gifts + blessings. My wish for you this week is that you feel a strong connection to your strength, love, compassion, & wisdom. And that this connection with the highest part of you, your best self, grows and grows within you til it glows like the sun. Wishing you a golden week of you, as we kick off the summer season! With love, Megan  |
Mama Megan
Hi friends, I write from the heart to tell my life story, and the story of those in my neighborhood called life. Research shows that our children's emotional & mental health is contingent upon us parents being able to tell our life story, or "coherent narrative." This is my coherent narrative, my life story in the making, with some of what I love in life too. My goal is to share my life in a way that is real, uplifting & positive- sometimes serious, sometimes fun. In my practice, I inspire parents to empowerment through reclaiming our life stories and learning respectful discipline. My work is my offering to our children- our future. Wishing you all a happy family! 
Photo by J Jean Portraits
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